Time with family, holiday lights, special food, and fun drinks are some of the many things we love about the holidays. But let’s be honest: The holidays can be more than stressful. The pressure to make everything “perfect,” plus extra get-togethers, travel, and gift-giving, can all add up. For women, who tend to do it all, the holidays can be …
Nothing is more frustrating than making lifestyle changes to support your health and lose a little weight, only to find that nothing changes despite your efforts. Everywhere you look, a new fad diet or workout regimen seems to bring about dramatic transformations. So why won’t it work for you? It may be related to a hormone imbalance. The dirty little …
Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …
Prolactin is one of the less talked about hormones, but it’s critical for both men and women. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and helps with sexual function, fertility, and lactation. While prolactin levels can fluctuate, they should generally be lower in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Elevated prolactin levels can cause several issues, including problems with …
Why Am I In A Good Mood After My Period Starts? You’re likely well acquainted with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the set of symptoms that can occur in the days leading up to your period. But have you ever noticed that once your period actually starts, the clouds seem to part, and you suddenly feel a whole lot better? It’s not …
Perimenopause and menopause mark a significant shift for your body, one most women have come to associate with frustrating inconveniences. Weight gain, hot flashes, digestive issues, low energy and depression are just a few of the things we’re told are inevitable as our menstrual cycles cease, and progesterone and estrogen levels plummet. Menopausal symptoms can leave many women feeling out …
Inositol is one of my favorite supplements for fertility. It’s a nutrient closely related to the B vitamins, and it’s especially helpful for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it helps regulate insulin levels. Nearly one in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS, and it’s one of the most common causes of fertility problems. PCOS is characterized by insulin resistance, …
Vaginal dryness is a women’s health symptom that often goes overlooked. Women may feel uncomfortable discussing dryness with their partner or provider and suffer in silence. Or they may believe vaginal dryness to be a normal part of being a woman or getting older. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you are not alone. It is widespread, affecting up to …
Every time I speak to patients about nutrition for hormone balance, I remind them how important it is to include a variety of nutrients in their diet for optimal health. So many factors contribute to hormone balance and overall health, and no one food or supplement will be a “magic bullet.” But one nutrient has so many health benefits for …