Balance Your Hormones Before They Go Astray!

Women and hormonal changes are inseparable. You go through all the highs and lows every month according to changes in your hormones. When the equilibrium between the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone is disturbed, it is capable of inducing such extremes of emotions like bliss, aggression, helplessness or even complete despair. Some women are even prone to suicidal ideation when hormonal changes are combined with other life events.

Most hormonal changes occur during the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle, also termed as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menopause and also during and after pregnancy. Hormonal changes affect women physically too. The physical changes are manifested in the form of weight changes, energy levels, hair loss, skin changes, alterations in libido and others.

There are other factors too which cause hormonal imbalance such as inadequate or improper nutrition, stress, extreme exercises, obesity or PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease).

How to tackle hormonal imbalances:

• Consuming more of whole grain products rather than refined helps maintain optimum insulin levels. This in turn regulates hormonal levels. Foods that cause a strain on the adrenal glands should be avoided. Excess activity of the adrenal glands causes stress due to release of the hormone adrenaline. Foods like refined carbohydrates, excess of sugary treats, artificial sweeteners and trans-fats are examples of such foods. As a woman ages, she should avoid having wheat and dairy products as the body does not easily process these foods, causing adrenal stress. Caffeinated drinks should be consumed in moderation as they cause stress hormones like cortisol to rise.
• Consume more of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts. Phytoestrogen-containing compounds like soy products and Mexican yam are good hormone balancers.
• Products containing essential fatty acids like the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are good hormone stabilizers. Linseed oil, evening primrose oil and cod liver oil are good sources. These are very good in normalizing hormonal irregularities.
• Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid (omega-6-fatty acid) which is necessary by the body to produce prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances that help regulate body functions.
• Cod liver oil contains vitamins and omega-3-fatty acids which keep a check on the activity of omega-6-fatty acids, so as to avoid overproduction of hormones. A healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important for optimal hormonal balance. Apart from restoring hormonal balance, these oils help maintain a healthy metabolism and good skin.
• Alcohol consumption should be kept to a minimum as it causes major disruptions in the female hormonal cycles. More of organic foods should be consumed. Certain pesticides can mimic the action of estrogen, leading to weight gain and even cancer. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is commonly added in Chinese food for flavoring, should be completely eliminated from food as it is a potential carcinogen. It is capable of disturbing the hormonal balance.
• Diseases like PCOD should be given timely medical treatment and should not be ignored. PCOD can also lead to high blood pressure, infertility and breast cancer. Hormonal disorders are highly capable of causing impotency. Diabetes, PCOD, Thyroid problems are also linked to hormone problems and are capable of inducing impotency in women.
• Cutting down on excess fat helps a lot in regulating the hormones. Excess weight causes hormonal imbalance which can cause problems in embryo implantation and development among women with PCOD.
• Drink clean water regularly to flush out the excess hormones. Excess of hormones can disrupt the body functions. Keep your digestive system intact and smooth-functioning. An ill digestive system also wrecks your hormonal balance. Foods like gluten, dairy products and soy products are highly likely to causes digestive discomfort and allergies. So, see to it that they suit your system.
• Eat a balanced meal consisting of adequate carbs, proteins and fats. Eliminating either of these macronutrients can cause hormone disturbances. However, choose healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olives.

Bio: Roger Jennings is a Female Health Expert and believes that Evening Primrose Oil and cod liver oil are the best for maintaining Hormonal balance, given the health-giving nutrient dense composition they have. Also he feels that it is very important that Women take care of themselves along with their family.

By Roger Jennings

Impotent at 24 years old?

Please read the following article to see if any of the items listed apply to you. If they do - then a lifestyle change for you is imminent. It shows how smoking, alcohol, drugs, prescription medicines, etc can affect a guy's penis and reproductive system. Stress, anxiety, depression, diet, lack of exercise all play an important role in your sexual health also.

Definite DON'Ts

Smoking - Nicotine reduces arterial pressure and as a result, prevents blood circulation to the penis. In addition, toxic substances from smoking are detrimental for sperm maturation.

Alcohol - Alcohol kills reproductive cells and decreases sperm viability. It also disrupts the link between the brain and the penis. Excessive use of alcohol inhibits the creation of the male sex hormone, androgen.

Marijuana - Sharply reduces the level of male sexual hormones, disrupts chromosomes and promotes undesired genetic changes.

Overweight - Being overweight can disrupt your hormone balance and, as a result, the production of hormones necessary for achieving erection can become insufficient.

Anabolic Steroids - Anabolic steroids bear a close resemblance to testosterone and as a result, the body stops its natural production causing impotence to occur.

High Cholesterol - Too much cholesterol blocks the vessels providing blood to the penis and thereby reduces the blood flow necessary to maintain an erection.

Chemical drugs - Studies show that out of two hundred most used medicines; as many as sixteen are likely to cause impotence. Among the most risky are drugs used for the treatment of high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, ulcers, tumors, plus a couple of medications used to combat allergy.

Treat Cellulite With Essential Oils

Cellulite is a serious problem. That dimpled and loose skin can have serious consequences on self esteem and self image. Luckily, there are some ways of dealing with the issue. Through some specific treatments with essential oils, you can eliminate and lessen the appearance of cellulite.

First, it is important to understand what cellulite is and why you may have it in the first place. The dimpled skin is a result of fat, fluids, and toxins that did not drain properly from the body. Usually these substances would drain through the lymphatic system. However, things like a poor diet, lack of circulation, or hormonal fluctuations can lead to cellulite. It is also difficult to treat, because the toxins are bound by fibrous collagen. Making some lifestyle changes, like exercise and a more natural diet can help. Also, lying on an old or outdated mattress can make it difficult for your body to circulate properly. Consider finding a new mattress on intellibed.com to make sure your body can drain those toxins more easily.

There are some essential oils that promote circulation, lymphatic health, and detoxification. You can usually find pre-mixed oils from health stores that are specifically made for the treatment of cellulite. You can also mix your own, which tends to be less expensive. When applying these oils, firmly massage them into your skin. Start at the lowest point and work towards the heart. Use a kneading motion first, then finish off with some broader strokes using the palm of your hands. This helps break up the fibers holding the cellulite in place.

The best oils for cellulite treatment are juniper, rosemary, and geranium. Juniper is a proven diuretic that can reduce fluid retention. It is also used for detoxification, and can expel those toxins causing the cellulite. Rosemary is another diuretic that also promotes lymphatic circulation. This makes it perfect for treating cellulite. Geranium also helps with the detoxification of the lymphatic system. In addition, it is excellent for the balancing the skin. When used together, these oils can get those toxins out of your body and get the lymphatic system working again.

To treat cellulite, first make some lifestyle changes including a natural diet and a comfortable bed. Use the right essential oils with a cellulite massage. You can make your own oil treatments or purchase a pre-mixed solution. It will take a few weeks of regular treatments before you see any changes.

By Iris Pulga

Why Does a Gynecologist Ask About Your Last Period?

Knowing when your last period was can give your gynecologist (or nurse practitioner) a lot of information. For example, it can help pinpoint where you are in your menstrual cycle, which can affect your vaginal discharge, your breast exam, and things like bloating and cramps.

Knowing when your last period was also can let your gyn know about the timing of your menstrual cycle. If it's been a while since a girl's period, the doctor might want to test for things like hormonal imbalances or pregnancy. If a girl is pregnant, the date of her last period helps doctors and nurse practitioners figure out the baby's due date.

Since knowing the date of your last period can be so helpful, it's a good idea to make a note of it on your phone or calendar so you have the information handy when asked.

Your gyn or nurse practitioner might ask lots of questions about your periods. How you answer them can help you get the best care for your specific needs.

Don't leave all the questions to your doctors and nurses, though. Asking your own like why your gyn is doing a pelvic exam or ordering certain tests lets you take charge of your own health.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD