July 11, 2011

Reducing PMS Symptoms

Filed under: acne,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,mood swings,pms — Janine @ 4:20 pm

Girl experiencing PMS symptoms A study led by the University of Massachusetts followed more than 3,000 women in the discovery of reducing symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). The study showed that women who ate diets rich in thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) had reduced their risk of PMS.

PMS is a combination of physical, emotional, psychological, and mood disturbances which occurs after a woman ovulates. About 80% of women experience PMS with average symptoms. Symptoms of PMS include mood swings, crying, irritability, depression, and over sensitivity. Physical changes are bloating, acne, fatigue, and a shift in food cravings.

The study indicated that the vitamin B supplement should come from a food source and not just vitamin pills in order to reduce risk of PMS. Women who had the greatest intake of vitamin B had reduced their risk of PMS by 35% compared to women with the least intake of vitamin B. Thiamine and riboflavin may link to the brains neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin which are connected to PMS.

Thiamine can be found in fortified cereals, beans, whole grains, and nuts. A source of riboflavin is available in milk, meat, eggs, and green vegetables. 2-3 servings of each should be taken each day, starting a week before a menstrual cycle.

Other treatments for PMS include exercise, drinking plenty of water, emotional support, and reduction of intake of salt, caffeine, and sodium. Avoid fast foods and processed foods and try to consume more fruits and vegetables. Birth controls such as Yaz may also reduce symptoms of PMS. Also, intake of calcium or magnesium supplements can naturally reduce water weight. Consult your doctor first before trying any vitamin supplements.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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February 1, 2010

When You Should Switch Your Birth Control Pill

Filed under: Alesse birth control,Birth Control Side Effects,birth control types,contraceptive,Menstrual Cramps,switching pils,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 3:45 pm

The pill is a common contraception option among women. It is an easy way to prevent pregnancy if taken properly and can be up to 99% effective. However some specific types of birth control pills may not be the best option for you. Your body may react differently to the medicine, and many women choose to switch to a different pill if the side effects are unbearable.

Side effects – There are usually side effects with most birth control pills. If you experience minor side effects its not a sign to switch pills. Side effects are common in most people, and the side effects are listed in the booklet that comes with a pack of pills. Common side effects can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, and changes in blood pressure. If you notice any unusual symptoms mention them to your doctor on your next visit – they may suggest switching pills.

Menstruation Changes – If there has been any change in your regular menstrual cycle after going on the pill, consider the changes. While on the pill your periods should be lighter and shorter, not heavier and longer. If you experience increased menstrual bleeding after going on the pill, tell your doctor and see if they recommend the use of a different pill. If you feel increased discomfort during your period (painful cramps or other symptoms starting a week before your period) inform your doctor. The pill should not make period symptoms worse. If birth control improves the comfort of your menstrual period, it is not necessary to switch pills.

Weight Gain – Before you assume that the pill is causing you to gain wait, think about any lifestyle changes that you’ve made after going on the pill. People often blame weight gain on birth control, but there is very little evidence that the pill causes weight gain. Pills that are higher in estrogen levels can lead to an increased appetite and water retention, making you bloated. Tell your doctor if you feel that your pill caused you to gain weight. They may switch you to a pill with lower hormone levels such as Yasmin or Alesse.

Mood Swings – You may experience mood swings that started with taking the pill. The hormone levels in birth control pills cause mood swings in most women. If you notice that you are starting to feel depressed or moody for no apparent reason, it could be because of the birth control pill that you are on. You may want to talk to your doctor about your options, but in most cases switching pills will not solve this problem.

Cost- The birth control you are on may be too expensive for your lifestyle. If you are having trouble paying for your birth control every month, try switching to a generic brand. These pills are more affordable than the brand name pills you pay for.

Usually, different types of birth control pills can improve your symptoms and side effects. However, if you feel that birth control pills aren’t right for you, there are many other contraceptive options available such as patches, rings, and IUDs.

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January 13, 2010

Is It Best For You To Get Rid Of Your Period?

Filed under: birth control methods,birth control options,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,periods,Uncategorized — Candace @ 4:48 pm

Menstrual cycles are annoying and painful for most women. They cause mood swings, cramps, headaches, and are uncomfortable. Taking a birth control pill on a daily basis has halted woman’s menstrual cycles in many cases. For women to hear that with a simple pill they can stop their period is glorious! But is this pill safe? Is it as effective as we have been told? There are various pros and cons to be considered.

Pros –
Women don’t need a period – The only reason known for a menstrual cycle, is for a woman to get pregnant. A period occurs to rid the body of the uterine lining which has been built up monthly to prepare the egg to be fertilized. When you are on a hormonal birth control pill the lining no longer builds up, thus there is nothing to expel and no reason for a period. A traditional 28 day pack of birth control pills have 7 placebo (sugar, no-hormone) pills. The lack of hormones is what causes the flow.

It is convenient – With monthly menstrual cycles many women undergo severe pain. The symptoms include headaches, cramps, mood swings, and various other painful and undesired feelings. When taking birth control pills and not having a period, there are no symptoms and no pain!

Skipping periods is another reproductive choice for women; the more choices we have, the better.

If you decide to use/continue using birth control pills as a way to stop your period, check with your insurance if they are covered in your plan. You will need a doctor’s written approval to prescribe you with BCP’s for excessive pain before your insurance will cover the pills.

Cons –

It’s not philosophically right – Periods are not diseases. The pill is not an antibiotic. Doctors have prescribed continuous-hormone birth control pills for women who experience extreme pains, mood swings, and discomforts. Getting rid of one’s period would be just a matter of convenience. By expelling menstrual cycles it gives the image that women’s periods are something to be ashamed of.

Lybrel doesn’t work – A new release, the no-bleeding pill, Lybrel, might not work for all women. After a year of using Lybrel, a study showed that 40 percent of women on Lybrel still had spotting, and 20 percent bled enough to need tampons or pads.

May be unsafe – Although most professionals say BCP’s are safe for stopping your period, we have yet to know the long term effects of taking hormones nonstop might be.

How will you tell you are pregnant – Skipped periods are the most common way women discover they are pregnant. If you are not expecting your period, how will you know you are pregnant?

We do not know enough about using BCP’s to stop periods to consider it completely safe.

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October 5, 2009

Oral Contraceptives: 21/7, 24/4 or Continuous use?

Filed under: Alesse birth control,birth control methods,birth control pills,birth control statistics,birth control types,estrogen,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,oral contraceptive,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:43 pm

18% of women ages 15-49 use a combined oral contraceptive (COC). Of all Canadian women who use a form of birth control, 32% chose COCs as their primary form of contraception. Birth control pills were first made to be taken for 21 days before a seven day hormone-free period. Today, this 21/7 regimen is the standard dosing regimen for oral contraceptives, however there is also a newer 24/4 regimen that may have even more benefits than the standard dose of 21/7.

Many of the Canadian women taking COCs today still follow the 21/7 dose, however it is not necessary. There are many women who choose to forgo their menstrual period all together by using contraceptives continuously without a hormone free interval. All available contraceptives (oral, trans-dermal, vaginal) can be used in a continuous regimen therefore eliminating a bleeding period. This contraceptive method is becoming popular among Canadian women who are comfortable with eliminating their menstrual period.

90% of all menstruating women have reported some form of premenstrual symptoms. 30% of these women have been diagnosed with PMS, and 8% have been diagnosed with an extreme form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Women taking COCs that contain progestin drospirenone, have noticed relief in minor PMS symptoms including physical and emotional PMS symptoms. COCS have even been successful in alleviating symptoms of severe PMS and PMDD in some women.

There are a number of benefits that the continuous/extended COC use has shown. Some of these benefits include the lessening of menstrual pain, headaches, bloating and swelling, acne, breast tenderness, and shorter periods. Continuous use, however, may cause spotting or unscheduled bleeding.

The benefits of the new 24/4 regimen include a more efficient suppressing of ovarian activity, that those who take a 21/7 hormone break increase their endogenous hormone levels which making ovulation more likely, therefore giving them a higher risk of becoming pregnant and developing ovarian cysts than women who use the 24/4 regimen. The 24/4 regimen prevents hormonal fluctuations helping to improve the quality of life for its users.Types of birth control pills and their dosage:

21/7 Regimen: Alesse, Yasmin, Cyclen

24/4 Regimen: Yaz, Loestrin 24 Fe

Extended Regimen: Seasonique

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July 27, 2009

Benefits of Taking the Pill

Filed under: Birth Control Pill,Cramps,endometrial cancer,estrogen,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,ovarian cancer,ovarian cysts,pelvic inflammatory disease,periods,pms,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 11:43 am

There are more benefits to Birth Control Pill use than you may think. The pill can provide medicinal benefits besides acting as a contraceptive and improve various issues you may be dealing with. There are many girls who take the pill just for its health benefits!

Clear Skin

Birth control pills improve acne in many women. Women with moderate or severe acne that cannot be cured by over the counter medicine usually turn to the pill to solve the problem. The hormones in the pill prevent acne from forming after several months of use.

Regular Periods

The pill will help regulate menstrual periods in women who experience periods that come too soon or too late. Birth control pills can also regulate the amount of bleeding and the length of menstrual bleeding. Many women notice that after taking the pill for 3 months, their bleeding period is lighter and only three or four days long.

No More Menstrual Cramps

The pill will help relieve most forms of cramps including severe menstrual cramps. Those who are not relieved by over the counter medicine like Midol usually take the pill to relieve the pain. Birth control pills prevent ovulation, so they can also help with any pains that come in the middle of the month.

Protection against Cancer and Ailment

Birth control pills prevent Anemia in women because they have less bleeding during periods. Chances of developing Ovarian Cysts, breast lumps, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease are lower in women on the pill. Women who use the pill also have a lower risk of getting Endometrial (lining of the uterus) Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer later in life.

Increased Breast Size

Although the pill does not cause weight gain, it may increase breast size. Estrogen is a natural female hormone which is responsible for changes during puberty. The estrogen in birth control pills has the ability to stimulate breast growth- especially in women who are still developing.

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January 30, 2009

Birth control relieves menstrual pains

Filed under: Birth Control Pill,Cramps,Menstrual Cramps,Uncategorized — Janine @ 5:11 pm

Menstrual cramps can vary from women to women. It can be from a little uncomfortable to having excruciating pain right before or at the start of your period. You may experience pain mainly in your lower abdomen. Other menstrual cramps include menstrual migraines, backaches, bloating, and sore breasts.

Why does this happen?
Menstrual pain occurs during a menstrual cycle and when you ovulate During menstruation your uterus contracts causing cramps in your lower abdomen.

Can birth control help?
Birth control can help reduce the amount of menstrual pain you are experiencing. It also regulates your menstrual cycle if it is irregular, decreases the amount of bleeding during your period, and of course, prevents pregnancy. There are different forms of birth control: the pill, patch, or ring. Speak with your doctor to find out which method and brand best suits you and what the side effects are for the birth control being recommended.

What else can help relieve the pain?

Over-the-Counter

Over-the-counter drugs containing ibuprofen or naproxen can help with menstrual pain. There are also other over-the-counter brands that are made to specifically help relieve menstrual pains.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet of zinc, calcium and B vitamins can help relieve menstrual cramps. Try to lower your daily salt, caffeine, and sugar intake in the week before your period.

Heat Pad/Ice Packs

Heat pads or hot water bottles can help relieve menstrual pains in the stomach and back. Cramps can also be caused by a build-up of blood in your pelvis. In this case, use ice packs to relieve your pain. Try both methods to see which one works best.

Bath

A long soothing warm bath is known to help relieve menstrual cramps. Add on aromatherapy bath salts to make your bathing experience relaxing.

Lying Down

Try to lie down in a fetal position. Many women have said it helps decrease your menstrual pains

Working Out

Work out with less aggressive activities such as swimming and yoga can reduce menstrual cramps.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas such as Chamomile, Raspberry, Cinnamon, and Cramp bark tea are said to help relieve menstrual cramps.

Fresh Pineapple Juice

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps relax muscles. Try drinking or eating pineapple products to reduce menstrual cramps.

Massages

Massages, reflexology and acupressure can also help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit https://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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