Cortisol, the primary stress hormone released when your body perceives a threat, is essential for survival. In small doses, cortisol has beneficial effects, like waking you up in the morning, supporting energy, and helping the body deal with stress. The problem is that high cortisol levels over a prolonged period can lead to adverse health consequences, both physically and mentally. …
Insomnia and sleep problems are pervasive in our culture, but did you know that women are more likely to experience poor sleep than men? The changes in female hormones through the menstrual cycle influence sleep patterns and may explain why sleep becomes more challenging for many women before or during their period. Moreover, those with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual …
Are you curious about vaginal steaming? With deep cultural roots, vaginal steaming is an ancient practice that has recently become popular. Proponents of vaginal steaming claim it’s a “cure” for PMS, infertility, hormone imbalances, and more, but are these claims valid? And is it safe? We all know the importance of self-care. This article will dive into vaginal steaming as …
Poor sleep affects all aspects of life and health. You’ve likely noticed how even one night of poor sleep affects your mood, energy, and hunger the following day. When poor sleep becomes chronic, the days can feel impossible to get through. Sleep is critical for learning, memory, metabolic health, healthy aging, hormone balance, and overall health. When you’re snoozing, it …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reason for anovulatory infertility (when an egg isn’t released from the ovaries). But having PCOS doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant. PCOS could make it harder to conceive because lack of ovulation is at the core of this condition. Without any egg for sperm to fertilize, there can be no pregnancy, …