The idea that women are destined to experience pain simply because they have a menstrual cycle is not okay with me. It’s true our bodies go through changes throughout the month that indicate hormone shifts, and sometimes this can cause discomfort, but that doesn’t mean you should have to rely on painkillers to get through your cycle. Ovulation pain, aka …
Perimenopause, the time in life when a woman or person with ovaries begins to transition away from reproductive years to menopause, is not talked about enough. So many women come to me confused about their changing bodies—periods are suddenly irregular, the weight creeps up, and their mood is all over the place. They are entirely unaware that these are typical …
Chances are, you’ve experienced itching “down there” at one time or another in your life and may have some questions: Why does my vagina itch? What causes vaginal itching? How do I get rid of vaginal itching and prevent it in the future? And is vaginal itching normal? These are important questions and ones that I address fully in my …
You might be surprised to learn that your ovarian hormones, including estrogen, have more to offer beyond the menstrual cycle and reproduction. These hormones affect all tissues and systems in the body and are integral to the health of your brain, heart, bones, and more. That’s why there are real health risks that come with low hormone levels in women. …
AMH, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone, can be a useful marker in evaluating those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. While it does have utility, it also has limitations. But what is AMH and why might your doctor order it? The quick and simple answer is, AMH can give you information about the number of eggs you have. Low levels can …
When you engage in consensual sex, you expect it to be a positive emotional experience leaving you feeling happy and relaxed. But when you feel sad after sex, you may wonder what is going on and if this is a normal or a common experience for women. While most research on female sexual dysfunction focuses on what happens before or …
The feeling of love and relaxation you experience when cuddling with your kids or having sex results from releasing oxytocin. The hormone oxytocin is the “love hormone” that promotes trust, connection, attachment, and relaxation. It plays a critical role in social behavior and female reproduction. In fact, women have more oxytocin than men. Oxytocin has many health benefits, and most …
Nettle root is an herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine, and it’s one of my favorite potent botanicals for hormone balance. Let’s dig into how nettle root can help with PCOS symptoms by managing androgens (and a few other supplements to try that only add to its effectiveness). Public awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) continues …
Selenium is a trace mineral essential for fertility, thyroid health, and pregnancy. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your heart and mental health. While it’s found in food, not everyone gets enough selenium from diet alone. It’s incredibly important for women’s health, but not everyone knows about it. Here’s what to know about selenium and why it’s vital …