Addison’s disease is a rare autoimmune condition that causes damage to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands play a critical role in hormones like cortisol and aldosterone necessary for everyday functions. Addison’s is also called adrenal insufficiency or adrenal failure, but it’s important not to confuse this diagnosis with HPA axis dysregulation, or what some people call adrenal fatigue. HPA …
Everyone has heard of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the constellation of physical and mental symptoms that happens when you are about to get your period. But have you ever heard of period flu? While not technically a medical term and less well-understood than PMS, period flu is real to many women. As the name indicates, period flu symptoms mimic the real …
Some women get their period like clockwork, following the same pattern each month. For others, the menstrual cycle can vary by a few days each month. And for most women, cycle length gradually decreases with age. All of these patterns are completely normal. However, if you notice your menstrual cycle is consistently getting shorter, or your typical 28-day cycle suddenly …
Intermittent fasting (IF) for women is complicated. There is a lot of positive research behind intermittent fasting, so it’s hard not to feel tempted to jump right in after hearing so many fasting success stories. But is it safe and effective for everyone? My goal with this article is to present the facts behind intermittent fasting— the good and the …
If you’ve been following me (and if you are new, welcome), you know I embrace a root-cause approach to women’s wellness versus a band aid that may help short-term but doesn’t go deep enough to make a long-term difference. So when I get so many questions about low carb diets and PCOS, I know it’s time to address it, especially …
Ovulation, or when an egg is released from your ovary, is the midpoint of your menstrual cycle. Without ovulation, you can’t get pregnant. But aside from the importance of ovulation for fertility, it’s also important for your overall reproductive health. Learning about your body and tracking ovulation signs can give clues about your fertility, menstrual cycle, and hormones. Many people …
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient critical for whole-body health. From your eyes to the immune system, vitamin A is a must-have. So, what does vitamin A do, and why do we need it? Here are seven reasons vitamin A should be part of your daily routine and what you can do to ensure you are getting enough. What is …
Fibrocystic breast changes are widespread, with up to to 80%1 of women experiencing symptoms at some point in their reproductive years. While common, fibrocystic breast disease is not dangerous and non-cancerous. If you’ve got breasts and they have ever felt painful, heavy, lumpy, or uncomfortable leading up to your period, you may have been experiencing the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts. …
Most people know melatonin as a supplement to help you sleep with bonus antioxidant benefits. It has a reputation for being safe and effective. But is it bad to take melatonin every night? In this article, we’ll look at naturally occurring melatonin, the safety of melatonin supplements, and alternative non-drug sleep enhancing options. What Is Melatonin? Melatonin is a naturally occurring …