Delayed Period

Your last period was delayed? If you’re  a sexually active person what is the first thing you think of? You’re pregnant. It is possible, but there are other reasons that may explain the absence of menstruation. Find out what are they! Absence of menstrual cycle or period is also called, in medical terms amenorrhea.

You should note that there are two kinds of amenorrhea: primary – in which case up to age 16 there was no menstrual cycle (period) and secondary – no menstrual cycles for 3-6 months situation that precedes normal cycles.

Menstruation Cycle

There are many factors that may cause menstrual or period disturbances, but in most cases delays of menstruation are caused by:

1. Pregnancy. If after unprotected intercourse your menstruation is delayed, there are chances you are pregnant. Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of amenorrhea.
2. Birth Control. If you stopped taking the pill is likely for you to face with an absence of menstruation for the following 3 to 6 months.
3. Breastfeeding. There are cases in which ovulation is present, however, menstruation may be delayed, depending on each person body.
4. Some drugs. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, drugs used in chemotherapy and oral corticosteroids can influence the menstrual cycle.
5. Premature Menopause. It is the case in which menopause occurs before the age of 40 years.
6. Excessive weight loss. Interrupts many hormonal functions in the body causing absence of menstruation.
7. Ovarian tumors. Some ovarian tumors lead to amenorrhea.
8. Eating disorders. Anorexia or bulimia  can create hormone levels problems that can disturb the menstrual cycle
9. Hormonal Disorders. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome can affect menstruation. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as Stein Leventhal syndrome, is widespread among women, being seen in 6% of women of childbearing age.
10. Strenuous exercise or sports. Women who do ballet, or gymnastics, long distance running can often face periods without menstruation.
11. Stress. Stress can affect the hypothalamus that controls the activity of hormones involved in regulating menstruation. The result is the absence of menstruation.

Do not ignore these menstruation disturbances !

It is recommended you consult a gynecologist who after a detailed history and pelvic exam can advise you, and can recommend a correct treatment after a correct diagnosis of the problem you face.

Overcome your fear and embarrassment of going to the gynecologist! There are problems that any woman can encounter which require a gynecologist opinion, so it is advisable to go at least once a year and make a routine appointment.

Giardiasis

Many children and adults infected with Giardia lamblia have no symptoms of giardiasis, even if they came into contact with the parasite which is also present in their  faeces. These individuals can transmit the disease to others.

When giardiasis symptoms are present, they are most common represented by:

• Diarrhea that usually lasts 7-10 days. It may take longer but also can improve even more quickly in 2-4 days. First is present watery diarrhea, followed by steatorrhea (fat presents), foul-smelling stools that may float. This is a sign that fat is not digested properly and are transferred from the body in the stool
• Abdominal cramps and tenderness
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Flatulence (gas) or bloating
• Fatigue.

Giardiasis

In many cases, infected people do not seek treatment for these symptoms and giardiasis symptoms often improve by themselves. But if giardiasis is not treated after the first symptoms, the disease can last a long time and can become chronic. People with chronic giardiasis present diarrheal attacks which appear and disappear accompanied by the symptoms described above. These episodes alternate with periods of constipation or normal bowel movements and last only a few days when they occur. For these reasons, they do not seek medical treatment. Symptoms of chronic giardiasis include:

• Loose stools, fat, unbound (not always liquid or aqueous), sometimes foul-smelling stools and sparkling and often in small amounts
• Abdominal discomfort or gastric irritation are common after meals
• Abdominal cramps, bloating or pain
• Flatulence
• Fetid halitosis (bad breath odor) persistent smell of sulfur sometimes
• Occasional headaches
• Weight loss
• General malaise, asthenia, fatigue, general feeling of discomfort.

Giardiasis Symptoms In Children

Children with giardiasis may show no symptoms other than impaired growth and weight loss. If gardiasis symptoms are present:

• Foamy diarrhea, yellow, foul-smelling
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
• Nutritional deficiencies caused by failure of absorption of nutrients.

Breastfeeding protects infants from giardiasis. Breast milk contains nutrients that kill parasites. These are common symptoms of giardiasis and other intestinal infections. Duration of symptoms and parasite identification test may be the only ones that sustain the differential diagnosis of these diseases.

Symptoms of giardiasis usually appear 7-10 days after infection, although it can sometimes take 35 days or more. Once emerged, the symptoms last at least 7 weeks:

• In children or adults with no other diseases, the symptoms may disappear without treatment
• Long-term diarrhea can cause weight loss, dehydration or nutritional problems because foods are not absorbed properly in the body.

Sometimes these problems get better without treatment. If this happens, can be treated properly.
Many people who are infected with Giardia intestinalis have no symptoms, infection although they can infect other people even if no symptoms of gardiasis are present due to the fact that the parasite is still present in the stool (faeces). Among people who have symptoms of giardia, 20% to 40% develop a temporary intolerance to milk or other milk-based products (lactase deficiency or lactose intolerance). This problem may take up to one month after the end of treatment for giardia. This means that treatment was not effective or reinfection occurred.

Newborns and infants with giardiasis may refuse food and may stop growing until the disease is cured. Normal growth and body development do not occur immediately but may resume in weeks or months. Studies have shown that it is possible that a person who infected with giardiasis to develop short-term immunity to the parasite.

LDL Cholesterol

It is very important to keep cholesterol at an optimal level to benefit from a healthy life. In case of high cholesterol levels after a medical exam translates into hyperchloesterolemia, that will require a total lifestyle change, introduction of certain dietaty measures in order to reduce the elevated cholesterol levels for a healthy heart.

Good and bad cholesterol – the human body needs only a small quantity of cholesterol to function properly, but can accumulate too much saturated fat and cholesterol from unhealthy diets of, thus increasing bad cholesterol (LDL). Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can lead to the formation of atheromatous plaques in arteries, which in turn lead to heart disease. To reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), good (HDL) cholesterol is necessary and that helps eliminate bad cholesterol (LDL), but mainly lifestyle must be changed and a proper diet adopted.

Cholesterol

Portion control – it’s hard to imagine  what does a serving of meat or fish means, which will not affect cholesterol. We can achieve this by measuring using our own hand, meaning a healthy serving of meat is not larger than a palm. Also serving fresh fruit or a serving of steamed vegetables, rice and pasta should not exceed the size of a fist.

Fruits and vegetables for a healthy heart – antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that are consumed help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and foods fortified with plant sterols lowers blood pressure which also helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Healthy fatty acids. Fish is low in saturated fat but rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain a healthy heart. Omega 3 fatty acids help lower triglycerides, a type of fat found in blood, but fatty acids can help lower cholesterol and slow down plaque development in arteries.

Whole grains – oatmeal and whole grains provide a necessary caloric intake for the whole day, they also cam help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and weight loss.

Nuts – a handful of nuts is a delicious dessert, which help lower LDL cholesterol. Walnuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) while leaving HDL (good) intact.

Unsaturated fats protect the heart – unsaturated fats like those found in olive oil, help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol and help increase the good (HDL).

More beans, less potatoes – we need energy from carbohydrates and whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and beans, increase sugar levels less and have more fiber, lowering bad cholesterol.

Physical activity – even 30 minutes of physical activity per day for five days can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). It also helps maintain a healthy ideal weight, reducing the chances of developing clogged arteries. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise such as walking decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Eliminate stress – chronic stress can increase blood pressure, adding the risk of atherosclerosis that occurs when cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries. So stress should be reduced as much as possible through various methods of relaxation.

Weight loss – weight loss is one of the best things you can do in the fight against cardiovascular disorders. Obesity increases the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, which affects the arteries making them more likely to collect atheromatous plaques.

Keep in mind that managing cholesterol is a lifelong process, so it is very important to communicate with your doctor and follow his advice.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis  is a disease caused by the infestation with the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia (also called Giardia intestinalis). Symptoms of giardiasis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence and overall intestinal symptoms. Giardiasis symptoms in children are represented by growth and weight gain failure. Symptoms of giardiasis may occur only once for a short period of time or may come and go for a longer period of time. Even if the symptoms are not present the parasitic infestation may still exist.

Giardiosis

 Areas endemic for Giardia

Giardia occurs in all parts of the world, but is a very important problem in areas where access to water is limited or where the rules of hygiene are poor. In the U.S. G. intestinalis is found in water such as rivers, streams or lakes (surface water sources).    Giardia outbreaks are present where there is no adequate treatment of urban water systems or in areas where water was contaminated with sewage discharges. Swimming pools, fountains and lakes in parks that are not treated properly and maintained to that standard or do not have a suitable filtration system may also be constant sources of infection.

Cases of infection are frequent in kindergartens and care centers, mainly due to poor hygiene such as washing hands. In some care centers more than 35% of children had Giardia in the stool (feces). Most cases of infection occur in mountainous areas, because people do not realize that the parasite can survive at low temperatures like those of mountain lakes and rivers, so untreated water is commonly consumed. The disease is more common in communities that use water from rivers and lakes that supply drinking water and do not use water purification processes.

Giardiasis Risk Factors

Children are infected more frequently than adults, especially those in orphanages, where children are not taught to use the toilet properly. It is also most common infection in care homes for the elderly, especially those with urinary incontinence (loss of urine).  Chlorination of drinking water is not a reliable method of destroying the parasite. Those who go camping and hikers who travel in areas where water may be contaminated with the parasite, have a higher risk of contracting the disease, given that they do not purify their water by boiling or filtering.

Giardiasis Causes

Giardiasis (also called giardia) is produced by a single-celled parasite called Giardia lamblia, Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis. The parasite lives and multiplies in the human or animal intestine. Once in the intestine, it attaches to the intestinal mucosa, changes its normal function and competes for important nutrients.

Giardia

This causes the following symptoms:

• Discontinuities in intestinal mucosa may make the intestine to be less able to absorb nutrients from food that is passing through the gut. If not absorbed, nutrients remain in the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea, cramps and flatulence (very often associated with giardiasis)
• Parasite can accelerate the passage of food through the intestine, causing diarrhea. The stool of infected animals or humans contain parasites. Giardia lamblia infestation occurs in two ways:

1. Hand-mouth contact which transfer the parasite from the stool of infected persons. This happens due to poor hygiene, such as lack of hand washing. The parasite can be transferred through direct contact and oro-anal or oral-genital contact with an infected person
2. Indirect transmission of the parasite by consuming water or food that came into contact with contaminated faeces.

The incubation period lasts 7-10 days but can range from 3 to 25 days or even more in some cases. Giardiasis is contagious as long as the parasite is present in faeces, which can take several months. Not all infected individuals have symptoms, but a person who has no symptoms can still spread the disease .

Giardiasis Transmission

A person can become infected with this parasite when eating contaminated products or drinking contaminated water. For example if you change the diapers of a child with Giardia and not Wash hands after any or anyone that is reached will be infected.  Once giardia enters the body, it multiplies in the small intestine and spread in the large intestine. Some parasites form cysts, inactive forms that can survive for a longer period of time outside the body in harsh conditions. Cysts and parasites leave the body through the stool and contaminate water or food, continuing the parasitic life cycle.

Foods That Boost The Immune System

The only way to pass through stressful periods in life more easily is to have a good working immune system that can protect us from unwanted health problems. The foods we eat can be a real help in achieving this aim.

Apples are the most important source of pectin, a natural fiber that has many health benefits. Apples lowers cholesterol levels, prevents lung cancer and heart disease, protects the body from the flu virus. They also regulate blood sugar (indicated in diabetes), have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and contain a significant amount of antioxidants that help detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.

Immunity

Cucumbers are rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, PP, provitamin A. Cucumbers are beneficial for good blood circulation, are indicated in the fight against aging cells, cleanse the body and reduce hypertension .

Mushrooms may seem trivial, but they are super-foods: mushrooms contain zero fat, zero sugar and zero salt and are a valuable source of fiber and B vitamins – vitamin B1, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6) and folacin (folic acid) and are also rich in minerals, including potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus and selenium.

Tomatoes are a real source of health, being rich in nutrients that protect us against serious diseases like cancer. Tomatoes contain large amounts of vitamin C, 100g of tomatoes providing 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Also, 100g of tomatoes contain 15% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin A, 8% of the amount of potassium and 10% of the recommended daily dose of iron.

Sweet potatoes contain glutathione, an antioxidant with coenzyme role that boosts the immune system. Sweet potato consumption is recommended against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease against heart disease, cystic fibrosis.

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that prevents blood from clotting and bacterial proliferation. It is perfect for stabilizing blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. Cinnamon can be used for muscle cramps, pain caused by cold or flu, for rheumatic pain and indigestion.

Chili stimulates the metabolism, and thins blood and contribute to the release of endorphins (substances that make you feel good). It is also rich in beta carotene. Chilli is the number one “weapon” in infection, and inhibits the  immune system neuropeptide that triggers the inflammation.

Ginger contains gingerols, a compound with anticancer properties. By stimulating metabolism, it helps eliminate toxins and increases fat burning, takes us out of lethargy, making us rediscover our tone, energy and optimism.

Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits. This is because are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which prevent free radicals to act on the cell matrix of collagen, preventing tissue damage that can cause cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, heart disease and cancer.

Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Hashimoto thyroiditis is a disease that affects the thyroid, a small gland located at the base of the neck below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system that produces hormones that coordinate many activities of the body. In Hashimoto thyroiditis, also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, the lymphocytic immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease (the body produces antibodies against its own tissues, not recognizing them as it own), but may have a hereditary component (familial component).

Hashimoto thyroiditis is characterized by production of autoantibodies by the immune cells and immune system, which can damage the thyroid cells and compromise their ability to produce thyroid hormones. Resulting in inflammation often leads to a decrease in thyroid activity (hypothyroidism).

The result of Hashimoto thyroiditis is often hypothyroidism. Hashimoto thyroiditis is about 5-10 times more common in women than in men and most often has its onset in adulthood. The incidence increases in patients with chromosomal disorders, including those with Down syndrome, Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome.

Thyroiditis

Hashimoto Thyroiditis Causes

Hashimoto thyroiditis is a condition caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland due to the autoimmune process but the main cause of the autoimmune process is still unknown. Direct cause of the condition can be any process that affects the integrity of the thyroid gland and contributes to the transition of thyroglobulin in the blood stream: post-operative trauma, destruction of thyroid tissue with radioactive iodine, inflammatory processes or prolonged and irrational treatment with iodine (sporadic goiter). Hashimoto thyroiditis often occurs in the same familly (it has a genetic component) and can be present in a patiant along with a group of other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 and celiac disease. Blood tests in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis reveals high levels of antibodies against an enzyme that is found within the thyroid called thyroid peroxidase.

The interaction of antibodies with thyroid peroxidase causes  inflammation of the thyroid gland thus thyroid gland tissue is destroyed, leading to hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency). Hashimoto thyroiditis is sometimes associated with other autoimmune diseases: Addison disease (adrenal insufficiency), diabetes mellitus type 1, hypoparathyroidism, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, connective tissue diseases (eg rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome) and Schmidt syndrome (Addison’s disease, diabetes and  hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto thyroiditis).

Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Autoimmune Thyroiditis Symptoms

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis often not accompanied by any symptoms and the discovery is made after laboratory tests. Sometimes there is a growing in volume of the thyroid, due to the chronic inflammatory process, any increase in volume of the thyroid gland is called goiter. If the thyroid can no longer form thyroid hormones after the inflammatory process , and a lack of thyroid hormones occurs, known as hypothyroidism, the advanced form of hypothyroidism is called myxedema. Clinical signs of hypothyroidism are frequently ignored for a long time:

• Slowness in thinking and drowsiness
• Lack of concentration and decrease attention
• Swelling of eyelids, hands and feet
• Slow growth of hair and nails
• Dry skin
• Thickened voice, hoarse
• Weight gain
• Poor appetite and constipation
• Decreased concentration, attention, memory and thinking slow
• Depression and irritability
• Muscle cramps
• Sensitivity to cold
• Irregular menstruation cycles

To these symptoms bradycardia (pulse rare) and goiter may be associated in varying proportions.

Menstruation Cycle

Woman face menstruation every month which is part of normal and natural life but somehow some menstruation facts are not fully known. Here are some facts you should know about menstruation. Discover how your body actually works during the menstrual cycle that not only varies according to each woman but also from month to month. The average cycle is 28 days but can vary between 21 and 35 days. When you calculate the date of the next cycle you should know that the first day of menstruation is day one and the last one is the day before restarting the next menstruation cycle. And time varies from woman to woman. During the first day of menstruation up to ovulation 1 and 3 weeks can pass and the second phase, after ovulation, lasts about 14 days for each woman. Of course the monthly menstrual cycle can change, the causes are numerous, be it stress, diet or possible genital disorders.

Mensturation

1. Some women may even feel the ovulation process. Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle when the ovaries releases an egg for fertilization and may last between one and two days. Women may feel some subtle changes before and after ovulation, such as breast tenderness, increased temperature or increased cervical mucus. Changes are designed to stimulate the process of fertilization and while some women experience these changes, others may even experience abdominal pain. That is because, just before ovulation in ovary tissue follicles develop that are broken when the egg is released, leading to bleeding.
2. Cramps may be felt in other areas not only in the abdomen. Back pain is one of that most  common complaints of women in this period and are determined by the pelvic nerve connections. So if you feel a hard belly, it can be felt in the back with ease. Menstrual cramps different from those manifested outside the period. This is because the uterus is a smooth muscle and pain is felt more intensely.
3. Intercourse does not relieve cramps. Surely you’ve heard that intercourse is an effective remedy to improve the pain of menstrual cramps. But frankly it’s more a myth. Vagina orgasm involves muscle contraction and may be uncomfortable for some women. And reaching the cervix, which often happens during intercourse, increases cramping. Also, semen contains prostaglandins that stimulate uterine contractions resulting in labor, which would again lead to cramps.
4. Men are attracted to women at ovulation. This is explained by the men biological need to reproduce, men are attracted to females in this fertile period. Moreover, during this time women at ovulation have an increased libido and tend to flirt more.
5. Adjusting your period after quitting birth control pills may take up to 1 year. The birth control pills have a dose of artificial hormones like those produced naturally by the body. These pills prevent ovulation stopping a pregnancy that can easily upset the body’s natural rhythm. Once you gave up the pills your menstruation will get back to normal but it takes time. An immediate pregnancy may be possible but it is recommended to wait at least 6 months for the ovulation process to be adjusted.
6. The risk of vaginal infection is reduced during menstruation. If you deal with common vaginal infection then you probably have not noticed any symptoms during menstruation. That’s because menstrual blood increases the pH level in the vagina and makes it difficult for an infection to develop
7. Calorie-rich foods give you a good feeling. Before menstruation all woman feel a need to eat certain foods, especially those high in calories. High levels of carbohydrates stimulates the secretion of serotonin, which gives a good emotional state and reduces, irritability and mild depression before menstruation.
8. The emotional state is better. Just days before menstruation a woman feels some varied emotional changes. Anxiety and depression are present but there is a good side, a felling of wellness is also present. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone regulate serotonin levels and improve your moods.
9. Some conditions may worsen. As if it was not enough, besides bloating, headaches and fatigue before, health can suffer seriously. A week before menstruation certain conditions such as endometriosis or asthma may worsen due to hormones produced by the ovaries that interact with the nervous system.

Mensturation

It’s that time of month and you deal with pain, cramps, bloating and irritable states. Menstruation causes may be related to physiological processes that occur during menstruation (intense uterine contractions that give those pain sensation like cramps, release of biological chemicals that cause pain, decreased blood flow due to uterine contractions in which uterine vessels are compressed, local irradiation of pain, etc.).. These  are the underlying physiological causes of primary dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual cramps and less severe pain (causes of primary dysmenorrhea) can be reduced by drug treatment with ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, taking one of these pills a day before the cycle can help you get rid of cramps and pain. In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment consists of stronger medication or even surgery, depending on the condition that triggered it.

Menstrual Pain

What can worsen pain and menstrual cramps?

• Caffeine and alcohol exacerbate cramps and reduce the absorption of magnesium, the most important mineral that occurs in control muscle contractility;
• Smoking;
• Stress;
• Sleep deprivation;
• A diet high in fat;
• Salty food.

Fortunately here are natural and effective methods by which you can improve your mood and relieve menstruation pain.

1. Bloated? During menstruation several hormonal changes occur, the body retains water, digestion is slowed and you suddenly feel bloated. A little help would be to drink 2 liters of water – the liquid flows through the intestines and speeds digestion. In addition, it is good to eat 30 grams of ballast substances each day (a full slice of black bread is 4 grams, a March 3 g.
2. Eat vegetables and fruits .Fruits and vegetables should be your best friend during this period, that quenches your sugar carving. Substitute sweets with fruits. A square of dark chocolate leads to stimulation of secretion of serotonin, which gives you a good feeling. Include in your diet oranges, pears, cucumbers and carrots.
3. Reduce caffeine intake. Perhaps in your daily diet  is recommended to reduce consumption but do not miss coffee once a month. Caffeine makes your cramps worse and increases discomfort. Avoid soda and foods that can irritate the stomach by increasing the gastrointestinal acidity.
4. Opt for foods rich in calcium. Women need at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily. An effective way to ensure rich calcium intake eat broccoli, yogurt, cabbage and milk.
5. Reduce salt intake. High consumption of salt can affect your health, leading to bloating and water retention. Make sure your daily intake of salt does not exceed 2000-3000 mg . The best way to remove salt from the diet is to avoid processed and fast food preparations, which have a high salt composition.
6. Stay hydrated. It is generally important, but during menstruation can be truly effective. Eat fruits and vegetables that can give you the equivalent of three glasses of water. It helps eliminate water retention and improves bloating.

Make sure your intake of vitamins is sufficient. Foods that are rich in vitamins you may be very helpful when you are menstruating. Vitamin B6 for example is effective in eliminating bloating and gives you a good emotional state. You can ensure intake by eating potatoes, bananas and oatmeal. Vitamin C and zinc are essential for proper functioning of the reproductive system. You can avoid deficiencies by eating grapefruits and lemons for vitamin C and pumpkin seeds and nectar for zinc.

Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain is referring to localized pain in the lower abdomen. Dysmenorrhoea affects nearly 50% of women capable of reproducing and occurs more frequently among those aged between 15 and 25 years, approximately 10% of these being actually in a state of physical disability for a few days.  Dysmenorrhoea associated signs are headaches, back pain, dizziness, breast pain and digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting).
Associated risk factors of developing dysmenorrhea are: age younger than 20 years, precocious puberty (under 11 years), menstrual flow over the normal limits (menorrhagia), excessive smoking, emotional stress and sedentary lifestyle

Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea

Some women experience light or no menstrual pain, while others bear the drudgery of severe pain that prevents them to conduct their daily activities a few days each month. Any woman, young or older, must know that a gynecological examination is recommended in order to distinguish between a primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common form and is not considered the result of  a condition, disease or physical abnormality while secondary dysmenorrhea can have a determined cause. Primary dysmenorrhea usually occurs in the first year of menstruation. Statistics show that during their first year of menstruation, 37% of woman experience dysmenorrhea, while 22% of experience pain in the second or third year of menstruation. In 80% of the cases, the pain begins in the first three years of menstruation. It is good to know that the pain decreases in intensity as the woman ages and can even disappear entirely after the first birth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea most often has a known cause and in most cases due to genital or extragenital pathology, which means that the problem can be caused by specific issues of the reproductive system such as problems after using an intrauterine device or due to anatomic abnormalities. Among the causes of secondary dysmenorrhea endometriosis, uterine fibroids and hormonal disorders can be mentioned.

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to endometrium (uterine lining) elsewhere than normal, usually in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or pelvic tissues. The solution is correct medication, specialized treatment and sometimes surgery.

How to relieve menstrual pain

Studies have shown that there are no foods can help win the battle with dysmenorrhea, but a balanced diet with 1000 mg of calcium daily and over 1.5 liters of fluid per day can be very helpful. B6 and B11 vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and preparations containing Omega 3 can be of great aid. Consumption of fish oil, seafood, watermelon, oranges, grapefruit, pears and nuts is also recommended. Avoid spicy foods, spices, as they increase local congestion and the inflammatory phenomena. Alcohol, however, in moderation, can also be helpful, as alcohol is known for its  vasodilatation properties (process of widening blood vessels)

Treatment

Patients suffering from primary dysmenorrhea can take some measures to relieve pain and reduce discomfort. Lifestyle changes are the first steps along with a balanced diet which is mandatory and essential. After the age of 20 years 8 hours of sleep each night are recommended. Also, regular exercise can reduce the negative symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Other therapeutic options that do not use drugs include acupressure, acupuncture, behavioral therapy (as dysmenorrhea may be caused by environmental and psychosocial factors) and muscle relaxation exercises.

Your diet should necessarily contain fruits, vegetables and grains. Coffee consumption should be reduced, and hot baths, hot water bottles with warm compresses can do wonders.

The methods described above for dysmenorrhea do not require a prescription. The medical prescription implies combined oral contraceptives, medication to reduce uterine muscle spasm such as No-Spa, to to wich bed rest is added and rarely, hospitalization for exclusion or inclusion of microsurgical emergencies and a more accurate diagnosis.

Nutrition And Hepatitis C

Take your time to eat properly, slowly and chew your food well. For many reasons these exercises may make you feel better. They can increase your appetite and also it is not required to repeat them constantly. If you feel tired then rest. If you exaggerate with alcohol and drugs, they can affect your food habits, which could have a negative impact on your health.

How to eat healthy

Having a healthy diet involves choosing a variety of nutritious foods. If you include foods in such a manner that your menu is created  keeping in mind balance, you will ensure enaugh energy the body need fors growth and recovery. To ensure your daily dose of vitamins and minerals you should consume foods from all groups, alternating them daily. Here are some examples: vegetables cooked by steaming, vegetable juice, whole grains, vegetables, soups, fish, chicken, organic turkey. It is essential to hydrate your body, you achieve this by drinking water or lemonade.
Eat fresh fruits during their season. Depending on the season and climate, add to the menu every day, about three fruits.

Hepatitis Diet

As you probably know, besides a healthy diet and you should take supplements. Antioxidants are highly recommended. Antioxidants are found in milk or supplements based on vitamin E (400-800IU/pe day), C (1-3 grams per day), grape seed extract (150-200 mg / day). Be sure to include to your menu enough essential fatty acids, (you can find them in fatty ocean fish). Other vitamins that are beneficial for liver health are part of the B vitamins complex.

Dairy products are an excellent source of nutrients beneficial to health. It may be the rather difficult to ensure your body’s calcium needs if you exclude milk-based products from your diet. Some dairy products contain high quantities of saturated fat. If you want to reduce the amount of saturated fat from your diet (fat from animals) then opt for low-fat dairy products or soy milk with calcium.

Foods that you should avoid

It is best to avoid alcohol, spicy foods (chili, onions) that could upset your stomach. You can use garlic in food but with moderation. Ginger is considered the best flavor and this is due to the protective effect that it has on the liver. Avoid the bad habit of taking drugs without medical approval, especially aspirin, as they act as toxins and the liver will suffer. Also on the list of drugs that you should avoid antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs are also present.