Recent TikTok shorts have generated anxiety over something called “cortisol face,” i.e. puffy, bloated facial features caused by excess amounts of the stress hormone cortisol.
In this piece on verywellmind.com, Dr. Brynna Connor helps readers identify if their symptoms are “cortisol face” or something more serious, and offers stress-reduction techniques for treating these symptoms.
There are several types of medications and lifestyle changes that can help strengthen bones or slow down bone loss. In particular, the things you eat have a major impact on the health of your skeleton. Good or poor diet choices may help determine whether you experience pain or falls due to bone loss.
Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to fragile bones and an increased risk of experiencing a bone fracture (broken bone). You may have this condition if you lose too much bone mineral density (the amount of minerals found in your bones). You may also be diagnosed with this condition if you have broken bones in the past, and your doctor thinks you are at risk for breaking another one.
Osteoporosis is often considered to be a “silent” disease — it doesn’t often cause symptoms. In some cases, people with osteoporosis may notice certain changes. Their height may shrink, they may not be able to stand up straight, or their spine may curve until it forms a rounded hump at the base of the neck.
Your doctor can measure your bone mineral density with a special X-ray scan that measures the thickness of your bones. Your bone density is compared to the density of an average healthy, young adult. The more different your bones are from a young adult’s, the lower your bone density and the higher your chances of breaking a bone.
You should start undergoing regular screening tests to measure your bone density starting at age 65. However, it may be a good idea to start undergoing testing at age 50 if you have certain risk factors, such as a parent who has previously broken their hip. Ask your doctor if bone mineral density testing might be helpful for you.
Some people have a higher chance of developing this disease. Some risk factors include:
Diet also plays a large role in the health of your bones. Not getting enough of certain nutrients can cause bone loss. Additionally, the foods and drinks you consume can have an impact on other osteoporosis risk factors, such as hormone levels and inflammatory diseases.
When you want to strengthen and protect your bones, it is a good idea to make changes to your diet. Several vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining the normal processes that help your body build up bone. Making sure that you are eating enough foods that contain these nutrients is an important part of maximizing your bone health.
In order to find out how much of each nutrient you are getting from your diet, check the Nutrition Facts labels on your foods and drinks.
Calcium is a mineral that supports healthy nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Without this substance, your cells and tissues wouldn’t be able to properly function. The body needs to keep calcium levels within a certain range in order to stay healthy.
The body can’t make its own calcium, and relies on the things you eat and drink in order to get the calcium it needs. As the body absorbs calcium from the diet, it stores extra calcium in the bones.
Calcium is part of a delicate balancing act called bone remodeling that helps the body maintain bone tissue. During this process, osteoclast cells break apart the old bone and the body reabsorbs and recycles any nutrients, such as calcium, that are released. Next, osteoblast cells will add new bone using collagen and various minerals. If you don’t eat enough calcium, the body will take it from the bones but won’t be able to replace it with new, strong bone tissue.
In order to keep up with the body’s calcium needs, experts recommend that adults get at least 1,000 mg of calcium each day. Older adults who have an increased risk of bone loss should get even more — women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 70 should aim for 1,200 mg daily.
Find calcium in foods and drinks like:
Calcium is also available in supplement form or as part of a multivitamin. Some supplements, including antacid tablets, contain calcium carbonate, which should be taken along with food for optimal absorption. Other supplements that have calcium citrate can be taken with or without food and may be more easily absorbed, especially by older adults.
Although the body relies on the diet for its calcium needs, the digestive system doesn’t absorb this mineral very efficiently. Only about 15 to 20% of the calcium in your foods and drinks is taken up by the body. However, vitamin D helps the body absorb more calcium.
Within the body, vitamin D becomes activated to form calcitriol, a hormone. Calcitriol interacts with cells in the intestines and kidneys to stimulate these organs to absorb more calcium for the body to use. When you don’t get enough vitamin D, your body doesn’t absorb as much calcium and your bones may weaken.
Your skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. However, sun can also speed up aging of the skin, leading to wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and spider veins. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are also the main cause of skin cancer. Therefore, it’s best for your overall health to protect your skin from the sun and to rely on getting vitamin D from your diet instead.
Adults should aim to get 15 micrograms (mcg) or 600 international units (IU). Those who are in their 70’s or older should be getting 20 mcg or 800 IU in order to protect their bones and help prevent osteoporosis.
Vitamin D can be found in foods like:
Vitamin D supplements can also help increase your intake of this nutrient. Your body can better absorb vitamin D supplements when it’s eaten along with foods that contain some fat.
Although calcium and vitamin D likely have the biggest impact on bone health, recent research has also started identifying other nutrients that can play a role in osteoporosis and bone loss.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that help neutralize molecules that cause damage within cells. They are important for keeping the eyes healthy and for protecting against conditions like cancer.
These molecules help encourage osteoblasts to create more bone, and prevent osteoclasts from removing bone. Studies show that people who eat high amounts of carotenoids are 46% less likely to experience a fracture.
There are a few different types of carotenoids that can help keep bones strong. Lycopene is a carotenoid found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricot, and guava. It can also be found in other non-red foods such as parsley and asparagus. The carotenoid beta-carotene comes from yellow, orange, and green produce, including carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, and broccoli. Green vegetables, pistachios, and eggs also contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, additional carotenoids that help prevent bone loss.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It supports immune system health and helps the digestive system absorb iron. The body also uses this nutrient in order to help form new osteoblasts and osteoclasts and to produce collagen, a protein that provides structure for the skin, cartilage, and bones, and helps these tissues work properly.
Studies have found that vitamin C could help protect against osteoporosis. In particular, the more vitamin C men consume, the less bone loss they experience. Men who took vitamin C supplements were 69% less likely to break their hip in one study. Some studies have also found that this vitamin can help women maintain bone density as they get older.
You can get more vitamin C through supplements. It is also found in most multivitamins. Foods that contain higher levels of vitamin C include:
One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables each day. Experts recommend eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day in order to support health, reduce risk of chronic health conditions, and live longer.
When older adults don’t get enough vitamin B12, they are more likely to have high homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a molecule that helps control bone remodeling. Too much homocysteine can increase risk of osteoporosis, so eating more vitamin B12 may be good for the bones. People who have low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood tend to have less bone density.
Adults need at least 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 each day for optimal health. You can find this nutrient in animal products, such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs. If you don’t eat much meat, you can also get vitamin B12 in foods like tempeh and cereal that has had this vitamin added in during the manufacturing process.
Some research has found that women who drink red wine may be more likely to have better bone health. Experts think that this effect might be because red wine has resveratrol, a substance that helps protect tissues from damage. Additionally, men who take resveratrol supplements are more likely to have greater bone density in the spine.
It is important to note that drinking too much alcohol can be bad for the bones, so you should drink wine in moderation. In addition to red wine, resveratrol can also be found in grapes and nuts.
There are several nutrients that can help contribute to bone health, and many different food choices that can provide these vitamins and minerals. In general, eating a variety of different foods from all of the different food groups will be enough to give you all of the nutrients you need.
However, if you are worried about your bone health, talk to your doctor. You may be able to undergo blood tests that can identify any nutritional deficiencies and pinpoint any vitamins or minerals that you need more of. Additionally, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether you should undergo screening to measure your bone density, or make any other lifestyle changes that can help support the health of your bones. It is important to visit your doctor to discuss a plan for healthy bones. Make an appointment with Dr. Connor to find out what approaches are best for you.
Adding superfoods to your diet may be a good way to increase the health of your sperm and boost your fertility. While there’s no scientific definition of what makes up a “superfood,” this label is often given to foods and drinks that contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that boost health. While superfoods generally can’t cure conditions like fertility, they can be an important part of optimizing your sexual health to be the best it can be.
In order to naturally conceive a child, you need to have enough healthy sperm. Sperm are cells made by the testicles in the male reproductive system. They combine with egg cells made by the ovaries in the female reproductive system to result in an embryo. Multiple types of hormones, including testosterone, help control the production of sperm.
There are a few components to sperm health, including:
If your body doesn’t make enough sperm, or if your sperm cells are abnormal, you may have a hard time getting your partner pregnant. When a couple is unable to conceive after at least one year of regular sex, they are said to be infertile. Infertility has multiple causes that can affect men and women, and there are several possible medications, surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes that can help treat this condition.
Men who eat certain superfoods may produce healthier sperm cells and be less likely to experience medical conditions that impact fertility. The more health-boosting superfoods you can add to your diet, the more you can optimize your sexual health.
Oysters are a fantastic source of zinc. One serving of this seafood provides 673% of the recommended daily intake of this mineral. You can also find zinc in superfoods like pumpkin seeds, yogurt, chickpeas, and oatmeal.
Zinc is a very important nutrient for fertility in men. Tissue in the prostate gland as well as the fluid portion of semen contains high amounts of zinc. When zinc levels drop too low, your body may make less sperm, or the sperm may be shaped abnormally, die more quickly, or not work properly in order to fertilize an egg cell. Zinc also helps the body make hormones like testosterone. Some cases of male fertility problems have been linked to low levels of zinc within sperm cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your health in other ways, too, making them a popular choice among people looking to eat more superfoods. For example, these molecules can help boost heart and eye health, reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and may protect against conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, oily fish contain coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also called ubiquinone. This molecule is an antioxidant, helping neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) — chemicals that can cause damage within cells and tissues. CoQ10 can help prevent ROS from building up in the semen, which helps sperm live longer and stay healthier. CoQ10 may also help the body make additional antioxidants that protect sperm health.
Cod is a type of whitefish. It’s not an oily or fatty fish that has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it does contain a lot of carnitine, an amino acid-like molecule that helps cells process fat to be used as fuel.
Sperm cells need a lot of energy in order to be able to swim around more effectively. Carnitine helps supply sperm with the fuel they need for proper movement. It also supports the growth and development of new sperm cells.
Carnitine is also present within animal products such as beef, but too much red meat can be detrimental to your sexual health. Supplements containing carnitine are also available.
Brazil nuts contain a lot of a nutrient called selenium. When your body doesn’t have enough selenium, you may be more likely to have problems with infertility. Like CoQ10, selenium is an antioxidant that gets rid of damaging ROS chemicals that can kill sperm.
Eating more Brazil nuts may help boost your sperm health. Just a one-ounce serving (about 6 to 8 nuts) provides nearly 1000% of your recommended daily intake of selenium! This nutrient can also be found in fish and seafood like tuna, halibut, sardines, and shrimp.
A couple of clinical trials have tested how nuts can impact male fertility. These studies found that men who eat more nuts produce more sperm and have sperm cells that move around better, are shaped more normally, and live longer.
Oatmeal is a whole grain that provides a large helping of fiber — a type of carbohydrate that provides many beneficial effects for the body. Eating a lot of fiber may reduce levels of estrogen, a hormone that could prevent the body from producing enough sperm. Oats and other grains can lead to healthier sperm and increase the chances that an egg will implant in the uterus after being fertilized by sperm.
Your digestive system contains about 100 trillion microorganisms, including bacteria that help you stay healthy and digest your food. Eating high-fat foods can feed the “bad” bacteria, leading to chronic inflammation, a higher risk of several health conditions, and problems producing healthy sperm.
On the other hand, you may be able to increase the number of “good” bacteria in your gut by eating foods that contain probiotics (live microorganisms), such as yogurt. These foods can help improve your digestive health, which in turn has wide-ranging impacts throughout the body. You can also find probiotics in foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.
Foods that are certified organic have to meet certain standards as they are grown and harvested. In particular, organic fruits and vegetables come from plants that have been grown without the use of certain synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Avoiding these chemicals may lead to higher-quality sperm. Look for the label “USDA Organic” while grocery shopping.
Fruits and vegetables also contain a lot of prebiotics — substances like fiber that can help feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. Produce like leafy greens, onions, artichokes, and bananas may have particularly high levels of prebiotics.
Furthermore, produce generally contains a lot of antioxidants such as vitamin C, tocopherol, and lycopene that help prevent the early death of sperm cells. Overall, fruits and vegetables work on multiple fronts to help boost sexual health and sperm quality, especially if they are organic.
Adding more individual superfoods to your diet may help improve your fertility. However, studies have also found that men who more closely stick to an overall pattern of healthy eating produce more sperm.
Men who follow the Mediterranean diet are more likely to have higher sperm counts and to produce sperm that can move more quickly. The Mediterranean diet is also well-known to provide other health benefits, including lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. This diet emphasizes:
Another diet plan that has been studied in relation to sperm health is the Prudent diet. Following this diet can boost sperm counts and help the body produce higher-quality sperm. The Prudent diet is a modified version of the Mediterranean diet in which you eat more fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, beans, and whole grains.
Studies show that some foods can lead to poor semen quality. In particular, a western diet can be detrimental to sexual health. Men who struggle with infertility are more likely to eat diets that are high in fat or calories.
In particular, you may want to limit or avoid:
Alcohol can lead to hormone imbalances, including reduced testosterone levels, that lead to lower sperm levels. Men who drink heavily may be especially more likely to experience fertility problems. Infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) also tend to be less successful when men drink in the week leading up to giving a sperm sample.Some people believe that soybeans and soy products such as tofu can negatively impact male fertility. This is because soy contains molecules called phytoestrogens that are similar to the estrogen hormone made by the body. High levels of estrogen can lead to lower sperm counts. However, studies have found that men who eat moderate amounts of soy aren’t more likely to have unhealthy sperm, low testosterone levels, or other infertility problems. In fact, at least one study has found that eating some soy can actually lead to higher-quality sperm, so there is no reason for men to avoid soy-based foods.
Some studies have found that physical activity can help boost sperm counts and sperm health. Likewise, men who spend more time watching television and those who lead sedentary lifestyles are more likely to produce less sperm.
Smoking cigarettes can also reduce sperm health, so quitting tobacco products may help improve infertility problems. Additionally, marijuana and other recreational drugs can prevent the body from making healthy sperm and can impact sexual health.
Changing your daily routine by eating more superfoods or creating other health-building habits can increase your sperm health. However, if you continue to struggle with infertility, your doctor can help you learn more about potential causes and recommend treatments that may increase your chances of conceiving.
If you are planning a family and would like to consult with Dr. Connor, please make an appointment.
In an article in Giddy, Dr. Connor explains that although menopause is a natural part of life, the symptoms often cause women to seek treatment. Read this entire article to find out how CBD oil works in the body and if it can be beneficial toward eleviating menopausal symptoms. If you are being impacted by menopausal symptoms and would like to discuss this further with Dr. Connor, please make an appointment.
In an article in Giddy, Dr. Connor explains that although its primary function is reproductive system development and maintenance, estrogen also plays a key role in bone, breast and brain health, Connor said. Estrogen bolsters bone strength, and the lack of it can contribute to weak, brittle bones and osteoporosis. Read the entire article in Giddy. If you are concerned with bone strength and want to discuss it further, make an appointment with Dr. Connor.
Many women struggle with reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These diseases often cause symptoms of pain and discomfort that can last long term. At this time, we know of no definitive cure for PCOS, however, research continues and has revealed some treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of this condition. A range of drugs and alternative medicine treatments may help women with endometriosis or PCOS have a better quality of life.
Endometriosis is a disease that affects the endometrium – the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Normally, the endometrium only grows in the uterus. In people with endometriosis, it grows in other places throughout the body, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines. Endometrial tissue may even grow in places outside of the abdomen, such as the lungs, but this is rare. Patches of endometrial tissue may be called implants or lesions.
About 11% of American women have endometriosis. It is especially common among women in their 30s and 40s.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain. About 3 out of 4 women with endometriosis experience pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or lower back. Endometriosis may bring about different types of pain:
Endometriosis can also lead to infertility, heavy or irregular periods, digestive problems, and feelings of tiredness or weakness.
PCOS is a disease that affects hormones. Hormones are molecules that act as messengers. They help tissues in different parts of the body communicate with each other.
In women with PCOS, the hormones that help control the reproductive system are not correctly balanced. PCOS causes the ovaries and adrenal glands to make too much of the male sex hormones. Hormone imbalances can create problems with ovulation – the process during the monthly cycle where the ovary releases an egg. The egg may not form correctly, or it may not be released when it’s supposed to be. When ovulation doesn’t occur as it should, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that contain the eggs can grow bigger, forming a cyst.
PCOS affects about 10% of all women. This disease can affect women at any age, but most women discover they have this condition when they are in their 20s and 30s.
People with PCOS may develop many different symptoms. These can include:
Many women with PCOS also struggle with infertility. Sometimes, PCOS can increase a woman’s chances of miscarriage.
Many women with PCOS are resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates the body’s metabolism. Insulin resistance often leads to type 2 diabetes. In fact, over 50% of women living with PCOS are diagnosed with diabetes by the time they turn 40.
PCOS can also increase the risk of developing other diseases related to metabolism or heart health:
Many people with PCOS also develop sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety. A woman’s risk of cancer of the uterus may also be increased if she has PCOS.
Although you can’t cure your endometriosis or PCOS, you can find ways to manage symptoms. Work with your health care team in order to come up with a treatment plan that works well for you. When recommending a particular therapy, your doctor may consider factors like your age, how severe your symptoms are, and whether you hope to have children.
Your treatment plan may change over time if your condition improves or progresses. It’s a good idea to have follow-up appointments with your doctor every 6 to 12 months. This helps your doctor keep an eye on your disease, detect any serious health concerns, and get a better idea of when new treatments may be needed.
Pain is a major symptom of both endometriosis and PCOS. Some women manage this symptom by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Opioids may be an option for women who experience severe pain. However, opioid drugs come with many risks, including addiction and overdose, so your doctor may recommend that you try other pain relievers first.
The FDA has approved a medication for treating pain from endometriosis. It is called Orilissa (elagolix). It is a new medication in pill form that is a GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) medication that stops the release of hormones that cause the growth of endometriosis. This drug is a form of hormone treatment.
Hormone levels affect how severe endometriosis is. Estrogen, a female sex hormone, can spur endometrial lesions to grow and spread. Sometimes, taking medications that contain hormones can even out estrogen levels. Options include:
PCOS may also be treated with hormone medications. For example, taking birth control pills can treat PCOS symptoms like irregular periods and acne. Hormonal birth control may also decrease your chances of developing endometrial cancer.
PCOS is sometimes also treated with anti-androgen medicines, which block male sex hormones and reduce their levels. Taking androgens may help reduce body hair, clear acne, and improve hair growth on the scalp. However, anti-androgen medications may not be a good choice for women who may become pregnant.
Hormone treatments generally come with many side effects. Make sure to ask your doctor what to expect from these treatments, both positive and negative, so that you can decide whether the benefits are worth the risks.
Some doctors prescribe Metformin, a diabetes drug, to women with PCOS. Metformin may make periods more regular, help women lose weight, and treat fertility problems. This drug may also treat PCOS symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
PCOS often leads to excess hair growth if the patient’s testosterone level is elevated and this can make you feel self-conscious. Hair removal creams may be an inexpensive way to manage this symptom. Additionally, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication that can make hair grow back more slowly. Procedures like electrolysis or laser hair removal can prevent hair from growing back long-term. However, these procedures may be expensive and need to be performed in a doctor’s office.
Some women with endometriosis choose to get a hysterectomy. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes. After having a hysterectomy, you will not be able to get pregnant.
Surgery may be an option for women with PCOS who struggle with infertility. If other PCOS treatments don’t work, a surgery called ovarian drilling may help. During this procedure, your doctor makes a few small holes in the ovary in order to remove the tough outer layer. This can help some women get pregnant.
Before prescribing medication for reproductive health problems, your doctor may first recommend that you make some lifestyle changes, such as eating fewer calories or getting more exercise. These changes can improve symptoms for some women, and they don’t come with the side effects that you may experience when you use medications.
Other alternative health strategies may also help make endometriosis or PCOS easier to deal with. However, it is important to know that many popular supplements, diets, or alternative treatments aren’t actually effective. Sticking with treatments that have been proven in clinical trials helps you have the best chance at reducing symptoms.
The things you eat can impact your endometriosis or PCOS symptoms. Some women with endometriosis have reported eating less dairy, carbohydrates, and gluten, and eating more fish, fruits, and vegetables. These women had fewer endometriosis symptoms and felt better overall.
Some of these same changes may help people with PCOS. In one study, women with PCOS followed a low-dairy, low-carbohydrate diet. The participants lost weight, had a healthier balance of hormones, and could use insulin more effectively.
Some women with reproductive health problems turn to supplements to help manage symptoms. Certain vitamins and minerals may be effective at reducing period cramps:
Additionally, one clinical trial showed that antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may help endometriosis patients. Women who took these vitamins had reduced levels of inflammation in their bodies and experienced less pain.
When treating PCOS, other supplements may help. Early research has found that certain nutrients may reduce some PCOS symptoms, especially if one is found to be low in these vitamins and minerals:
Medical science is still collecting data on these supplements so it is not fully understood or clear how effective they might be. Additionally, supplements can have side effects and can interact with other medications, so it is always a good idea to check with you physician before taking any of those listed here. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements you are taking.
Getting exercise may help with weight loss, which can make your periods more regular and treat infertility for people with PCOS. Additionally, physical activity can help reduce your chances of developing conditions related to PCOS. Women who exercise more have better heart health and may reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders. Exercise may also help with endometriosis pain.
Mindfulness meditation can be effective for managing pain, including lower back pain. Many women with endometriosis say that meditation and breathing exercises can be effective pain relievers. Studies have also found that mindfulness can reduce stress and lower blood sugar levels for women with PCOS.
Yoga is a form of physical activity that also incorporates elements of relaxation and mindfulness. Yoga can encourage the body to release pain-fighting endorphins and reduce inflammation. In particular, three different yoga poses have been found to help control pain that comes with periods:
Studies have found that yoga can help women with endometriosis have a better quality of life and live with less pain. Additionally, PCOS studies have shown that yoga can help balance hormone levels and improve mental health.
Chronic illnesses and ongoing pain often come with worse mental health. Many people with endometriosis and PCOS experience depression, anxiety, and stress. Seeing a counselor or therapist may help you discover new ways to deal with your illness. For example, endometriosis patients who use positive coping mechanisms have lower levels of stress, depression, and pain.
Both endometriosis and PCOS can lead to infertility, or an inability to get pregnant. About 1 in 2 women with endometriosis struggle with infertility. Surgical endometriosis treatments that remove patches of endometrial tissue may help treat infertility. Some women also use in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, egg and sperm samples are mixed together outside of the body, and resulting embryos are transferred to the womb.
For women, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility. People with PCOS can also try treatments like IVF. Often, however, infertility is a result of the ovaries not ovulating when they should. Certain treatments can spur your body into ovulating again. These treatments may include:
Women with PCOS also have a three times greater chance of having a miscarriage. Metformin, a diabetes drug, may possibly help reduce this risk, but additional research needs to be done in order to confirm this.
When dealing with a chronic illness, it can be very helpful to find others who are in the same boat. While doctors can help you better understand how different diseases and treatments work, they don’t always know what day-to-day life is like when living with a chronic health condition. Support groups and forums can help you connect with people who share advice, answer questions, and offer emotional support.
Ask your doctor or local healthcare center about any local in-person support groups. Alternatively, search for online forums, or support groups within social media sites like Facebook or Reddit.
Endometriosis and PCOS have no definitive cure at this time, short of surgery. However, many women have found safe and effective ways to manage these conditions. It may take trying several different medications or lifestyle changes before you find something that works for you. Regular communication with your healthcare team and connecting with other people who have the same health issues can help you find a treatment plan that fits your needs.
If you would like to discuss further, please make an appointment with Dr. Connor.
There are definitely differences in how the two sexes handle stress. To find out the reason, and how the sexes differ in this area, read the article in Up Journey and find out what Dr. Connor adds to the discussion.
To further discuss, make an appointment with Dr. Connor.
One diet that has been popular in recent years is the hormone diet. There are a few different versions of this eating plan floating around, although they all promise to help you rebalance hormones in order to lose weight and achieve better health. The people who sell these diets claim they work. But what does science say?
Hormones are chemicals that are made by organs called glands. Their job is to act as a messenger between different organs or different body parts. For example, the gland in one part of the body may send out signals that affect how cells in a different area behave. Hormones affect many processes, such as metabolism, mood, and reproduction.
Growth hormone: This hormone is made by the pituitary gland, found in the brain. Growth hormone helps children grow and develop. It also necessary in people of all ages for functions like breaking down and storing fats, making proteins, and keeping brains and bones working properly.
Cortisol: The adrenal glands make cortisol when you’re feeling stressed out. It helps control inflammation, blood pressure, sleep, mood, and metabolism.
Insulin: Insulin, made by the pancreas, is also linked to metabolism. It helps cells absorb sugar from the blood to use for energy.
Thyroid hormones: The thyroid, located in the front of the neck, makes hormones called T3 and T4. These control metabolism and help the bones and heart work properly.
Reproductive hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone help the reproductive system develop and work properly and are important for healthy sexual function.
These and many other hormones affect the way the body breaks down food, stores it, and uses it as fuel. When hormone levels are too high or too low, they can cause someone to lose or gain pounds. This has led many people to study the connection between hormones and weight loss.
The original hormone diet lists three separate phases: Phase 1: The first part of the diet is detox. People avoid certain foods for two weeks, including gluten (found in certain grains and bread products), cow’s milk and dairy products, peanuts, alcohol, caffeine, corn, sugar, and certain citrus fruits such as grapefruit. Additionally, processed, man-made foods are off-limits. According to the diet, these foods can cause inflammation and make it hard for your digestive system to absorb the nutrients it needs. Instead, people are told to eat foods such as rice, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, poultry, fish, and eggs. Dieters are also instructed to take supplements such as probiotics and fish oil. The hormone diet is supposed to help people lose 12 pounds during this first phase, in addition to lowering levels of hormones like estrogen and cortisol. Phase 2: After two weeks of detox, a person starts slowly adding some foods back into the diet. However, they are told to pay attention to how their bodies respond to these foods. For example, a person may notice that eating dairy products tends to give them a stomachache. People following the hormone diet are still told to stay away from processed foods and foods with preservatives during this time. Phase 3: At this point in the hormone diet, people continue the same eating plan but begin to exercise. They also add other healthy habits into their routines, such as getting good sleep and reducing stress, as these habits play a role in the levels of certain hormones.
The bottom line: for the most part, we don’t yet know enough to be able to say which specific foods can raise or lower the levels of specific hormones. However, we do know that losing weight using a variety of strategies can help keep hormones at normal levels.
These tools may or may not change your hormone levels in a predictable way, but they can help you lose weight. Following these parts of the hormone diet can help you lose pounds and reduce your risk of disease, even if you don’t follow the exact plan that the book recommends.
Overall, trying to control the levels of your many hormones through food might not be realistic, and could lead to further problems. If your body is healthy overall, then your hormone levels will be where they need to be. Abnormal hormone levels are often a sign of other health concerns.
The body tightly controls how much of each hormone is made. Sometimes, health problems cause certain glands to make too much or too little of a hormone. This can lead to a hormone disorder, which may also be called an endocrine disorder. The most common disease in this category is diabetes, which occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, causing blood sugar levels to get too high. Another example is hypothyroidism. In this disorder, the thyroid doesn’t make enough T3 and T4 hormones, leading different body processes to slow down.
If you think that you may actually have a problem with certain hormones, the first step is talking to your doctor. Your primary care provider can help you test your hormone levels by drawing your blood. If you are female, you may also be able to have your gynecologist measure levels of your reproductive hormones. Your doctor can then help you understand whether there are any problems and what steps you can take.
Some companies also sell kits that allow you to test your hormone levels at home. This often involves collecting a sample of saliva, blood, or urine and mailing it in to a company. The company will then send you results that say what your levels of different hormones are and whether they are in a normal range. Again, it is important to take this information to your physician to review with you.
If you are diagnosed with a hormone imbalance, there may be several different treatment options depending on what exactly the problem is. For example, if your thyroid produces too many hormones, you may be able to fix this through medication, radioactive treatment, or surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid.
Low hormone levels may be able to be fixed by taking man-made hormones in order to replace the ones that your body isn’t making. One example of this is someone with diabetes taking insulin in order to help control blood sugar levels. Another example is a woman taking hormone replacement therapy while going through menopause. True hormone imbalances can usually be solved through medical means, rather than by going on a diet.
Overall, there is much we have yet to learn about hormones and the link with our food to our hormones and weight loss. Following the hormone diet could help you shed pounds, but any weight loss you see may be simply due to the fact that you’re eating healthier foods and exercising more. Regardless of whether or not you’re resetting your hormones, the hormone diet does contain many great ideas that can help people become healthier and weigh less.
For more information on what type of diet would benefit your body, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Connor.
Hormone replacement therapy is a common way to treat symptoms of menopause. Hormones are complicated and come with great benefit as well as risk if not dosed appropriately. Follow-up with regard to clinical symptoms and lab testing is imperative for all patients who decide to initiate and take hormone therapy, so it is important for patients to discuss options with someone who is very experienced in this realm of hormone supplementation therapy. Women should talk to their doctors about which menopause treatment plans may be best based on their own personal symptoms.
Hormones are chemicals made by the body. They act as signals, allowing one part of the body to communicate with another part. Hormones are important for many functions in the body, such as growth, metabolism, mood, and sexual reproduction.
Different hormones are responsible for the development and health of male and female reproductive organs. In women, the reproductive hormones are estrogen and progesterone. They are made in the ovaries, and then released throughout the body, where they play important roles in:
As women get older, their bodies gradually stop producing hormones. Their menstrual cycles become more irregular, and eventually stop altogether. Once periods stop, women can no longer get pregnant. This process is known as menopause.
When people go through menopause, they often experience many symptoms that frequently last for seven years or more. One of the most common symptoms is a “hot flash,” in which someone suddenly feels hot, starts sweating, and develops redness or flushing on the chest, neck, or arms. (Most often this is at the level of the neck and above.) Other frequent symptoms include:
Women generally start transitioning into menopause in their mid- to late 40s. This transition generally lasts around four years. The period before menopause is termed “peri-menopause” and often starts to occur in a woman’s 30s and can last for more than a decade until menopause occurs. Women is said to have reached menopause when they haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. Menopause occurs on average, at the age of 52, although it may happen several years earlier or later in many women.
Some women go through menopause at an earlier-than-normal age. It’s not always clear why women go through early menopause, although some possible reasons include smoking, genetics, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, autoimmune diseases, and surgical removal of the ovaries. Typically, women who go through early menopause have the same sorts of symptoms, but the symptoms are more likely to be severe.
Menopause symptoms will usually go away eventually on their own, without treatment. However, taking extra hormones as the body stops producing them can help reduce symptoms. Using medications that contain hormones is known as hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.
Women are often at higher risk of having other health problems after they go through menopause, and HRT can also help prevent some of these conditions. For example, a drop in estrogen levels typically leads to bone loss. Women often develop osteoporosis and have a higher risk of breaking bones once they go through menopause. HRT can help women maintain bone strength as they age and stop producing estrogen. HRT can also help post-menopausal women maintain healthy muscle function and improve skin health. Additionally, women younger than 60 who utilize HRT tend to live a little longer.
Using HRT can also help with cognition, or the dreaded “memory fog,” a common symptom experienced by women going through menopause.
People may also go through HRT when they transition away from the biological sex they are assigned at birth. Transgender women may take estrogen and/or progesterone along with testosterone blockers (aka: androgen blockers) as a way to develop more feminine features. HRT can have physical and psychological benefits and lead to greater quality of life for people who are transgender.
Another form of HRT raises hormone levels only in the vagina. These products usually give off a lower dose of estrogen, and are effective at treating vaginal symptoms like dryness. However, they won’t work on symptoms that affect other parts of the body, such as hot flashes. Vaginal HRT medications may come in the form of a cream, ring, or vaginal tablet.
Each form has different pros and cons, and specific side effects may be more or less likely with each type of HRT. Please talk to your doctor about which form might work best for you and your specific needs and lifestyle.
Different HRT medications have different side effects. Some common side effects include headaches, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, tender breasts, hair loss, muscle spasms, dizziness, and throat or neck pain. If you are experiencing severe side effects from HRT, talk to your doctor about trying a different medication or stopping your use of the medication.
Taking hormones can lead to certain more serious side effects. Depending on a person’s health and family history, HRT may increase the chance of developing:
For this reason, HRT is often not recommended for people with a history of bleeding problems, heart attacks, stroke, or liver disease. However, not every person is at high risk of developing these conditions. Talk to your doctor to determine whether these disorders are a concern for you.
Taking estrogen can also lead to an increased risk of getting cancer of the uterus. If a woman still has her uterus and has not gotten a hysterectomy, taking progesterone in addition to estrogen can reduce this risk. Additionally, taking progesterone helps protect the uterus and also reduces the risk for abnormal endometrial cell growth or proliferation which can cause the lining of the uterus to become thickened and cause vaginal bleeding.
In the early 2000’s, two large clinical trials that included tens of thousands of women analyzed the long-term effects of HRT. These trials were the first to find that there may be a link between HRT and breast cancer. After following the women in the trial for more than a decade, researchers found that women who took a combination of estrogen and progestin (not progesterone) were more likely to develop breast cancer but I note that these studies were done on subjects that were not taking bio-identical hormones, which are the only type I recommend in my practice. However, women who took estrogen alone had a decreased cancer risk. Since these trials, many more studies have been published, and they have often come to conflicting conclusions, Cancer risk needs to be assessed on an individual basis with any patient who is considering taking HRT and this may be especially important for women with a personal or family history of the disease. Work with your healthcare provider to determine whether the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
In order to decrease health risks, some experts recommend taking hormones for the shortest amount of time needed, using the lowest dose that works. HRT carries less risk for younger women and for women who went into menopause within the last few years. However, now we have ample data to support taking HRT for many years and that doing so can help protect the brain, breast, and bones.
If you do decide to take hormones, there are things you can do to take them more safely. I always recommend that patients take an HRT that is the bio-identical form. Make sure to have regular doctor’s appointments where you can discuss both your menopause symptoms as well as any possible side effects from HRT. In particular, tell your healthcare provider if you experience any new bleeding problems. You can also ask your doctor about whether you need to be screened for certain health conditions, as people who take hormones may need to get mammograms or bone density tests more often than others. Finally, do not smoke while taking hormones, as this can lead to potentially dangerous blood clots.
Research has found that practices that lead to less stress and anxiety can help improve menopause symptoms. For example, mindfulness meditation can help women have fewer, less severe hot flashes, and help with symptoms related to sleep, mood, and muscle and joint pain. A clinical trial also found that hypnosis could make hot flashes occur 74% less often and be 80% less severe, although scientists don’t know exactly how this works.
Additionally, researchers have studied whether certain types of relaxing physical activities can help with menopause. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise that involves meditation and relaxation. Studies have found that Tai Chi can help menopausal women have fewer hot flashes, stronger bones, and higher levels of antioxidants in their bodies. Additionally, yoga may help reduce hot flashes. Exercises that engage both the body and the mind might be a way to help treat menopause symptoms.
Many herbal or natural supplements are often taken for menopause symptoms. However, many herbs don’t seem to actually work when they’re studied in clinical trials, or they have not been studied at all.
For example, women undergoing menopause commonly use evening primrose oil. One study found that this supplement could make hot flash symptoms slightly better, while another found that it had no effect. The use of red clover in menopause has also led to mixed results. However, there is some evidence that black cohosh can help treat menopause, especially when combined with St. John’s wort. More clinical trials need to be conducted in order to better determine which herbs are most helpful for treating menopause.
If you do decide to use herbal supplements, make sure your doctor knows. Just because a treatment is natural and comes from a plant doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Evening primrose oil can lead to bleeding problems when combined with ginseng, and black cohosh may cause liver damage. Some herbal supplements can also have interactions with other drugs, leading to increased side effects.
Try tracking your hot flashes and keeping a food diary to see if you notice that certain food or drink makes your hot flashes worse. Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may all act as triggers for hot flashes. Avoiding food and drinks in these categories may help your symptoms improve. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and having meals at regular times throughout the day can also help you manage your symptoms. Additionally, some women find that eating soy products such as tofu or edamame may help treat menopause.
Even if you can’t make your hot flashes disappear, you can make them more manageable. Wear light, breathable clothing, and dress in layers so that you can take off a jacket or sweater if you feel a hot flash coming on. Keep cold water and a fan close by at all times, in order to help cool yourself off if you start sweating. It may also be helpful to sleep with a fan by your bed. Finally, taking slow, deep breaths as a hot flash starts can help them go away more quickly.
Using a vaginal moisturizer can help relieve dryness. Additionally, you may want to try a water-based lubricant in order to make sex more comfortable. Kegel exercises may also help work out muscles in the vagina and lead to less urine leakage.
Because bone density decreases after menopause, and bone breaks become more common, it’s important for women to think about bone health. Exercise and physical activity can keep bones strong as you age. Taking extra calcium or vitamin D can help, too. Calcium comes from foods containing dairy, such as milk and cheese, as well as from leafy green vegetables, salmon, and tofu. Vitamin D comes from getting sunlight. Both calcium and vitamin D can also be taken as supplements. Talk with your physician about making sure that your vitamin D levels are optimal.
Many women going through menopause have sleeping problems. Try getting better sleep through:
Hormone replacement therapy may be right for some but unnecessary or risky for others. Your physician can help you figure out whether the benefits outweigh the risks based on your health and family medical history and can help guide you in the right direction regarding the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Contact Dr. Brynna Connor to learn more.
Are you a sick college student away from your family doctor? Show your college ID and contact us to schedule a $50 acute care visit.
