Monday, August 10, 2009

INTRODUCTION


Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Without enough thyroid hormone, many of the body’s functions slow down.

Women are much more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism.

The thyroid is a 2-inch-long, butterfly-shaped gland weighing less than an ounce It is located in the front of the neck below the larynx, or voice box, and comprises two lobes, one on either side of the windpipe.

The thyroid is one of a group of glands that are part of the endocrine system.The endocrine glands produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream that travel through the body and direct the activity of the body’s cells.

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, which is the way the body uses energy, and affect nearly every organ in the body.
The thyroid gland makes two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones affect metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, and cholesterol levels.

A third hormone produced by specialized cells in the thyroid gland, calcitonin, affects calcium levels in the blood and the buildup of calcium in the bones. Calcitonin is not considered a thyroid hormone.
Thyroid hormone production is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland. Located in the brain, the pituitary gland is the “master gland” of the endocrine system.

Friday, August 7, 2009

PAIN IN PERIODS


Painful menstrual periods are periods in which a woman experiences crampy lower abdominal pain, sharp pain that comes and goes, aching pain, or possibly back pain.

Painful menstruation affects many women. For a small number of women, the discomfort makes it difficult to perform normal household, job, or school-related activities for a few days during each menstrual cycle. Painful menstruation is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women in their teens and 20s.
The pain may begin several days before, or just at the start of your period. It generally subsides as menstrual bleeding tapers off.
Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not. The medical term for excessively painful periods is dysmenorrhea.
There are two general types of dysmenorrhea:
Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs in otherwise healthy women. This type of pain is not related to any specific problems with the uterus or other pelvic organs.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that is attributed to some underlying disease or structural abnormality, either within or outside of the uterus.
Activity of the hormone prostaglandin, produced in the uterus, is thought to be a factor in primary dysmenorrhea. This hormone causes contraction of the uterus and levels tend to be much higher in women with severe menstrual pain than in women who experience mild or no menstrual pain.


Causes


Endometriosis
Fibroids
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Sexually transmitted diseases
Stress and anxiety


Home Care


The following steps may allow you to avoid prescription medications:
Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen (below your belly button). Be careful NOT to fall asleep with the heating pad on.
Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower abdomen.
Drink warm beverages.
Eat light but frequent meals.
Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
Keep your legs elevated while lying down, or lie on your side with your knees bent.
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen.
Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS.
Take warm showers or baths.
Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.

HOW TO GET FIT AND SMART AFTER DELIVERY

Life becomes a roller coaster ride after child birth. Thee mother’s weight shoot up and there is no physical exercise to control it. Nonetheless, following these rituals will help you get back into shape;


WALKING


Walking briskly for an hour every day will help you shed that flab fast and keep you healthy.


EXERCISE


Exercise tones your body and helps you retain your original shape. Tummy and butt exercise are the best bet


FOOD


A Whole some diet full of green vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, milk will keep you hale and hearty with adding pounds. Instead of eating two big meals a day, opt for 3-4 short bites. Avoid ghee rich diet.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pregnancy Back Pain Remedies


Want some pregnancy back pain remedies? Apply these useful tips to avoid any painful and uncomfortable states during pregnancy.
Besides other unfortunate and often painful issues, pregnant women might also struggle with back pains. This problem doesn't spare them from aches and burns generated by hormonal changes and extra pounds. There are several methods to alleviate this problem however the most efficient ones proved to be mild physical exercises, massaging and other natural methods rather than medication. Here are some of the most popular remedies for pregnancy back pain.

Professionals already demonstrated that prenatal Yoga offers huge benefits for all kind of problems during pregnancy. Indeed it is widely known that these soothing exercises combined with breathing keep in shape and healthy the body and soul of mommies.

Those who would like to engage into a similar activity, should look for special courses and sessions designed for pregnant women. The yoga teacher will help you in finding the best activities that can help you in coping with severe back pains and other health problems. Moreover this workout will ease the natural delivery radically.

Posture has an essential role when it comes of dealing with back pain. Always take good care of adopting a good posture. It is vital to sit straight and use a stool for your feet, this way alleviating the actual pains.

Pull your shoulders slightly backwards and keep your head straight without bending forward. These are only simple instructions that can save your from serious pains. Follow them with attention and make yourself a good day reducing the chance for any back pains.

Resting is essential, your back might feel the pressure and start to ache if you avoid sleeping enough. Relaxation is highly recommended not only because of back pain but in general all throughout pregnancy. It is the perfect time to use your spare hours for some rest.

Massaging has great benefits especially when your back, neck and feet muscles are tired and exhausted. Ask either your partner or contact a professional masseur to pamper your body with some simple techniques. Prenatal massage is pretty popular nowadays, used as a remedy for all kinds of health issues without using any artificial help as medications. Learn more about the most simple massaging tricks that can relieve the daily pains.

Later you won't be able to enjoy the same freedom as before. The back pain can be best alleviated with tiny naps during the day. Let your muscles relax, this will do miracles both for your body and the baby.

Exercising in general is a great method to fight back pains. Water aerobic, swimming,walking and other stretching exercises might not only alleviate but also prevent the occurrence of different aches. Your doctor will help you in selecting the proper activities that are still beneficial both for your child and your body.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

How to Prevent Cellulite While Pregnant


Pregnancy is often joined by the appearance of cellulite on thighs, tummy and legs. However there are some simple tips on how to prevent cellulite while pregnant.
Pregnancy is often joined by the appearance of little fat bags under the skin. Some attribute it to hereditary factors and genes, some to unhealthy lifestyle. It is a well-known fact that in the majority of cases this issue appears during this period and not after the birth of the baby. However there are some simple tips on how to prevent cellulite while pregnant.

Healthy Diet
Future mommies make no exception when it comes of body care. The best way to do it is to change our nutritional habits. Indeed the right foods can balance out the weight fluctuation.That's why ditch out from your fridge processed foods and those that are rich in sugar. Weight loss during pregnancy is not indicated, however a healthy diet doesn't presupposes losing weight dramatically.
Indeed some of you might crave, however the right meal plan must be followed within certain limits.
Control these crises with substituting the unhealthy ingredients with delicious and nutritive stuff.

Massage
It is a well-known fact that massages are the greatest enemies of cellulite. Besides its beauty effect it can also help the mother relax and releases the pains in the back.Metabolism works properly only with the right amount of oxygen and a healthy blood circulation. That's why pamper your body with a nice massage session applying soothing massage oils and creams.

Eliminate Toxins
Cellulite appears due to the toxin accumulation under the skin. The best way to prevent its appearance is to follow a detox regime, that will do good to the mother still won't harm the baby.
Caffeine and alcohol are no-no ingredients of a healthy meal plan, substitute the additives and chemical with fresh fruits, vegetables and above all water.

Pure water is the simplest tool to prevent the formation of toxin bags. The elimination of harmful factors is the basis of a healthy body care during pregnancy.


Anti-Cellulite Treatments
Anti-cellulite creams and lotions do a great favor to our skin.
The retinol and other non-chemical ingredients found in these products can reduce the unaesthetic aspect of cellulite with improving the elasticity and health of our skin.Since this problem roots in our metabolism the anti-cellulite products can only reduce the visible effect rather than preventing the appearance of cellulite. The best way to stay healthy is to start the cleansing from the inside.

Stay Active
It's not about doing exhausting and high-cardio exercise, rather about staying active all throughout these months. The most simple way to keep our soul and body in a good shape is walking. Try to do it at least for 30 minutes per day to see how you'll feel.
The easy and pregnancy-friendly workouts as prenatal Yoga and walking, save you from the burden of struggling with cellulite. Pair this activities with healthy breathing techniques to improve your physical and mental condition.




Saturday, August 1, 2009

PCOS AND Pregnancy


If you have PCOS and you're pregnant - congratulations! It's likely that you've had to make lifestyle changes and even undergo medical or fertility treatment to conceive, and you should be proud of your efforts and success. Now that the stress of achieving conception is behind you, you may already be concerned about the next stage, the pregnancy itself. Even PCOS sufferers who get pregnant relatively easily, or by accident, should know that a PCOS pregnancy does not always progress without complications. There are several factors which should be monitored by your doctor and/or gynecologist.

Your chances of carrying a baby to full term depend on the severity of your PCOS, your own state of health and the treatment you receive during pregnancy, but it is very possible for a woman with PCOS to have a successful pregnancy and many have done so.


RISKS

Medical experts say women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing gestational

diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), preeclampsia and blood clotting disorders during pregnancy. Pregnant PCOS sufferers are also more likely to experience miscarriage, pre-term

birth or have over-size babies. Studies have placed the miscarriage rate among pregnant women with PCOS at between 45 and 50 %, compared to 15 to 25 % among the normal female population. While this figure may seem scary and intimidating, it's important to remember that steps can be taken to prevent and treat these disorders.


what should do?


The first thing you must do, if you haven't done it already, is inform your doctor or whoever normally treats your PCOS that you're pregnant. If you have been getting treatment for PCOS or to help you conceive, you need to be aware that some medications for PCOS are not suitable for use during pregnancy. You must discuss this with your doctor. Certain fertility drugs used by women with PCOS also increase the chance of multiple pregnancies. One clear advantage, if you've been having treatment, is that you are probably already doing a lot of the things that will help you to complete a healthy pregnancy. These include, weight loss (through good diet and exercise), reducing your stress levels and medical care to protect you and your baby.


Over weight

If you are overweight (and a lot of women with PCOS are), shedding some pounds will help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, miscarriage, and the chances of having a very large baby. It will also help to rectify the hormonal imbalances that hinder normal embryo implantation and development in PCOS women. In particular, weight loss reduces the amount of insulin (the hormone which regulates blood sugar) that your body needs to function. High levels of insulin in

PCOS sufferers are linked to gestational diabetes. This disorder can cause the baby to grow too big, which in turn can bring on pre-term birth and necessitate a C-section. Having too much insulin can also cause blood clots in the placenta. This deprives the baby of vital nutrients and can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Remember that you must consult a medical professional familiar with your condition before beginning any new exercise or eating regime during your pregnancy. This is especially important if you are very overweight.


Medical Care
Most treatment for PCOS is aimed at stabilizing your hormones to increase your chances of achieving and maintaining pregnancy. Your doctor should also monitor your blood pressure at regular intervals and look for early-warning signs of diabetes and (later in the pregnancy) pre-eclampisa. Certain drugs may also be used to prevent blood clotting.


Think Positive
Being anxious about a PCOS pregnancy is very understandable, but by staying calm you could be increasing the chances of a successful outcome for you and your baby. Remember that high stress levels are associated with hypertension. Do what you can to be well-informed, communicate with your doctor frequently and follow his or her instructions. Apart from that, the most important thing you can do is try not to worry. Some gentle and relaxing activity to get you out and about, like swimming or yoga, could be what you need to take your mind off things. Ask your doctor.