Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Tag: PMS

Oestrogen: a hormone for women and men

January 5th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

What separates the girls from the boys? From a physical perspective, it all boils down to hormones. The glands all over your body secrete substances which have an effect on how your organ system behaves; either in a positive or negative way.

Although oestrogen is a female hormone, a man’s body also makes oestrogen; but at a lower level.

Oestrogen is a group of sex hormones that help with the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the human body. So, your hormones act like messengers, that tell specific tissues in your body to behave a certain way. Amazing, right? Oestrogen is one of the most important hormones for women, along with progesterone which maintains pregnancies and implants an egg in the uterus (womb).

How does this hormone work?

Oestrogen is responsible for the development of breasts, pubic and arm pit hairs, endometrium (mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus) and the regulation of a menstrual cycle. It’s an important hormone for the reproductive function and cycle of a woman.

In women, oestrogen circulates in the bloodstream and binds to oestrogen receptors on cells in targeted tissues. This doesn’t just affect your breasts and uterus, but the brain, heart, liver, bones and other tissues too.

The hormone controls the growth of the uterine lining during the first part of your menstrual cycle. It effects changes in the breasts during puberty and pregnancy; and regulates metabolic processes like bone growth and cholesterol levels too.

What about in men?

In their teenage years, men have high levels of testosterone and low levels of oestrogen. As men age, oestrogen increases and testosterone decreases. This is due to aromatase: an enzyme that converts testosterone into oestrogen. Aromatase is most commonly found in fat cells, so the more body fat a man has, especially in the midsection, the more aromatase, which leads to an increase in oestrogen.

What happens if there’s a dysfunction?

For women
Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
  • Swelling and tenderness in the breasts
  • Low libido
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Hair loss
  • Weight gain
  • Lack of energy and exhaustion
  • Memory difficulties

For men

If a man’s oestrogen levels increase significantly he may begin to experience unusual symptoms. High oestrogen in men results in:

  • Infertility: Sperm levels in semen may decrease. This can lead to fertility issues. Oestrogen is partly responsible for creating healthy sperm.
  • Breasts: Men with too much oestrogen may start to develop larger breasts.
  • Erectile dysfunction: Sexual function may be disturbed when testosterone and oestrogen levels are not balanced. This will cause difficulties in getting or maintaining an erection.

Balance your hormones

  • Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a recommended form of treatment to treat a hormonal imbalance. Your doctor will do blood tests to determine hormone levels. If there’s a deficiency or imbalance, BHRT is recommended to safely balance the levels.
  • Exercise is also important for your overall health and mental state. It helps keep cortisol (stress hormone) levels low and counter the effects of stress.
  • Eat clean! Junk, greasy and fast foods can increase hormone imbalances because of excess storage of fat in the body.

References:

Beating the bloat at that time of the month

October 31st, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

In theory, the menstrual cycle is awesome. Each month a gland in the brain sends a message to your ovaries saying it’s time to release an egg. If you’re “normal” (we mean this in the best way!), this happens around 450 times in your lifetime. The reality is that having to experience this every month feels anything but awesome. Menstruating can make you feel like a completely different person, both physically and emotionally. Besides the mood swings, feeling bloated can be one of the more unpleasant side effects of menstruation. Fortunately, it isn’t something you have to suffer through. There are a few lifestyle tweaks you can make to beat it.

Where does the bloating come from?

The exact causes for bloating, and other PMS symptoms, is unclear, but hormonal changes seem to play a major role. The most likely culprits seem to be progesterone and oestrogen. Bloating generally happens about a week before your periods, and this is when these hormones fluctuate. Lower levels of progesterone (which happens when an egg isn’t fertilized) cause the uterus to shed its lining and your period to begin. In addition to menstrual bleeding, changes in these hormones also cause the body to retain more water and salt. The body’s cells become swollen with water, causing the feeling of bloating. The good news is that 2-3 days after your period starts, your ovaries start producing dependable levels of hormones again!

In addition to hormones, other factors that could contribute to bloating include:

  • Genetics: some women may be more prone to hormonal changes, and bloating, than others
  • Diet: certain foods (e.g. those high in salt) increase fluid retention
  • Caffeine and alcohol – both interfere with fluid regulation and could cause retention

 

How to beat the bloat

  1. Replace salty snacks with potassium produce

Sodium (salt) increases the amount of fluid that your body retains, increasing bloating and making you feel puffy and swollen, whereas potassium (found in fresh vegetables) does the opposite. Processed foods and snacks are very high in salt, so replacing these with fresh produce can make a big difference. Your best sources of potassium are dark, leafy greens, avocado and sweet potatoes.

  1. Avoid sugary foods

Sugar and refined carbohydrates (e.g. white flour, cakes, biscuits) cause changes in the level of the hormone insulin, which in turn cause the kidneys to hold on to more sodium. The sugar rush doesn’t do much for the mood swings either! For a healthier sweet option, stick to fresh fruit.

  1. Swap out caffeine and alcohol for water

Both caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics which makes your body think it needs to get rid of extra fluid. This “dehydrates” you and can put extra pressure on your kidneys, slowing their function. Aim to make water your first drink of choice. This eases pressure on your kidneys as well as keeping your digestive system in working order, reducing bloating and feelings of discomfort. If you have a hard time skipping your morning coffee, try replacing it with a drink that has less caffeine, like tea, or substitute it with decaf.

  1. Exercise

When isn’t exercise the answer for everything? It’s not always what you feel like, but walking, swimming, or doing another type of light exercise like yoga will improve circulation to help with painful cramps and ease digestive distress. What’s more, the hormones released while you exercise relieve not only your PMS symptoms, but also your mood!

When to see a doctor

For most women, bloating is uncomfortable but doesn’t stop them from getting on with things. If, however, you find that your bloating either does not subside after your period, or starts to interfere with your daily life, then it’s time to see a doctor. Ongoing bloating can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. If you’re unsure whether to visit your doctor, why not speak to one of ours? 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2849969/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319579.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-bloating#timing3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3748549/

Ladies, here’s how to light the fire in the bedroom

October 24th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

It’s normal to feel a dip in your sex drive as you get older. As life and work takes its toll, the occasional drop in your hormones is perfectly common. Before beating yourself up about it, let’s get a better understanding for why this happens:

  • Stress & sleep. Stressful events can take over your everyday life, and can drain the sexual energy right out of you – more so if you’re not getting enough sleep. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that a good night’s rest greatly enhances a woman’s sex drive. So, the more you sleep, the better your sex life.
  • Sickness & PMS. You won’t be feeling too sexy when your nose is running and the pile of tissues next to your bed grows exponentially. Likewise, PMS may leave you temporarily uninterested in sex. But more serious illnesses like hypothyroidism, diabetes, cancer, heart and lung disorders, and STIs could also be responsible for the drop in your sex drive. If you suspect something more serious, make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Medication. Before you pop that headache tablet, consider it might be reason for your disinterest in sex. Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can decrease your sexual appetite. These include antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood pressure medications. Ask your doctor about any side-effects of medication.
  • Life-events. If you’ve recently married, ended a relationship, changed jobs or moved, you may be mentally and physically out of sorts. Lifestyle changes are yet another form of stress, and even if they’re positive ones, they can sometimes adversely affect your sex life.
  • Ageing. While some studies have revealed that sexual responsiveness may get better with age, hormonal imbalances in perimenopausal and menopausal women lead to a diminished sex drive. Some women may have an aversion to touch, and intercourse can be painful from vaginal dryness caused by a drop in oestrogen.

Light up your libido

Learning to love your body is probably one of the best ways of developing a strong sense of sexuality. If you feel uncomfortable with your physical self, you may hide your body from your partner, which can lead to a slow-down in sexual activity. Explore ways of building your body confidence; maybe take a dance class or splash out on some sexy lingerie.

Allowing yourself to explore a new erotic desire or fantasy can also spark newfound interest in sex. Be bold, think out loud with your partner: what is your absolute sexual fantasy? Now’s the time to try things out!

Food can play a role in getting your libido revved up again. Some research shows that red meat, particularly grass-fed beef, is a prime source of zinc which is said to up testosterone levels, while minimising prolactin (a hormone that affects sexual function). Other sexy foods include:

  • Salmon: Boosts blood flow to the genitals.
  • Chocolate: One of the most famous aphrodisiacs! Go for dark chocolate for an extra feelgood boost.
  • (A little) wine: A Journal of Sexual Medicine study found that a glass of red wine can heighten sexual desire in women. Wine has antioxidants that trigger nitric oxide production in the blood, which relaxes artery walls.

Talking about your sexual discontent with a trusted friend, your partner, an online support group or a good therapist can help you sort out some of the emotional or psychological issues that might be causing you grief. Sexual disinterest that stems from a physical problem, like a hormone imbalance, or depression, may need to be treated with medication. Don’t be shy about speaking to one of our doctors: we’re here to support you with trusted advice!

References:

Still going through puberty in your 20s?

July 29th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Going through puberty and getting older is a completely natural process, but your hormones can do some weird things when you least expect it!

Your hormones are your body’s special chemical messengers that control most of your major bodily functions. They can affect reproduction, emotions, mood, and even your skin.

1. Skin issues

Your start a new job, move, get married, and have kids. Each of these milestones comes with its own levels of stress. These changes affect your mental health and wellbeing, and your skin. Here’s how:

  • Stress levels influence your hormone levels, which may induce acne and trigger psoriasis.
  • Lack of sleep leads to premature ageing of the skin.
  • Bad eating habits mean you miss out on essential fats and vitamins that are needed for your skin to function at its optimal level.
  • Excessive drinking causes dehydration, draining all the fluids out of the skin. As a result, premature wrinkles begin to emerge.

When to see your doctor:

  • If your face becomes red after eating spicy foods or sipping hot drinks, you may have the first stages of acne rosacea; a chronic inflammation.
  • If your skin becomes inflamed or unusual acne shows up after eating, you may be allergic to something in your diet.
  • If you have red, itchy and scaly skin, you may have psoriasis or eczema.

2. Mood swings

Hormones are responsible for keeping your emotions and moods in check. When you add work and social life pressures into an already busy life, your hormones can go into overdrive!

When to see your doctor:

  • If you have severely unstable mood swings, your doctor could recommend hormone replacement therapy.
  • If you have severe period pains, and it affects your mood, your doctor could prescribe an oral contraceptive.
  • If you can’t explain or control your moods and hormone replacement therapy doesn’t work, tell your doctor.

3. Period pandemonium

For the most part, getting your period every month can take a toll on your emotional and physical strength, not to mention the stress that comes with an unpredictable cycle! In your teens, your cycle was probably all over the place. As you get older and reach adult life – your 20s – your period becomes more consistent.

However, the symptoms that you experience around your periods, including PMS may become worse as you get older. Often the cramps are more intense, and your breasts are sorer. This has a lot to do with your choice of birth control at this stage of your life, which may bring on its own side-effects.

When to see your doctor:

  • If you’ve skipped a period and are sexually active, you could be pregnant.
  • If you’ve skipped three periods in a row and pregnancy tests are negative.
  • If your period cramps affect your daily functioning; this could be a sign of fibroids or endometriosis.

Foods to combat hormone imbalance:

  • Coconut oil: contains lauric acid, a substance that helps the skin heal.
  • Avocados: contains lauric acid which is beneficial when it comes to hormone production.
  • Oatmeal and bran: swap out gluten products for products high in fibre to assist in your hormone imbalance.
  • Raw carrots: has a unique fibre that will detox excess oestrogen from your body.
  • Raw vegetables: better than cooked vegetables to get the most nutrients from them.

References:

Foods that fight PMS

August 24th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

PMS, or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, is incredibly common and almost every woman has experienced it at some point in their lives. Symptoms can be mild one month and terrible the next and include mood swings, acne, food cravings, tender breasts and fatigue. PMS occurs due to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle – and importantly stress, lack of exercise and poor diet can aggravate the symptoms.

Continue reading “Foods that fight PMS”

Hello Doctor Services Terms & Conditions

Hello Doctor is part of Momentum Health Solutions (Pty) Limited, a subsidiary of Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited.

Legal and Compliance Security and Fraud Terms and Conditions Access to information Privacy Policy