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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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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August 10, 2009

Get Rid of Acne with Birth Control Pills

Filed under: acne,Birth Control Pill,Birth Control Side Effects,birth control types,breakouts,clear skin,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,oily skin,pimple,skin,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 9:09 am

For women who tend to break out around their menstrual period, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down the skins oil gland activity. Androgen is a male hormone that stimulates the skins oil glands, therefore causes acne. Low-dose birth control pills decrease the excess androgens in the body. This means that breakouts will be prevented! Consult your doctor about birth control, and ask about these brands:

Yasmin

Yasmin is a low-dose birth control pill that has been known to reduce acne breakouts in its users. It is affordable and does not cause severe side effects. Yasmin birth control is the most popular among young adults.

Yaz

Yaz birth control pills will clear acne after about 2 or 3 months of use. Some women on Yaz have also reported to having “baby smooth skin” while using it. Yaz users find that they continue to have acne for several months before their body gets used to the new hormones. This side effect is common in many birth control pills. After the first 3 months, the benefits start to kick in. When trying a pill it is good to take it for at least 3 months in order to experience its potential.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is not for everyone; however those who try it and like it experience very satisfying results. Have a consultation with your doctor when choosing a brand of birth control pill – they will know if Ortho Tri-Cyclen is right for you.

Other pills that help clear acne: Mircette, Alesse, Trivora, Cyclessa

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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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July 10, 2007

How The Foods You Eat Affect Your PMS

Filed under: birth control pills,menstrual periods,pms,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 8:44 am

There are some in the medical community who believe that PMS is actually a social phenomenon caused by social constructs. But there are many naturopathy and nutrition changes which may be able to alleviate PMS.

Commonly, doctors suggest to their patients that ibuprofen and oral contraceptives can reduce pain associated with PMS. And it is true that women taking birth control pills have reported less menstrual pain. Typically ibuprofen needs to be taken three to four times a day. These medications are known to block the adverse effects of prostaglandin hormones.

Prozac, an anti-depressant also known as fluoxetine, is an SSRI (serotonin based) which can be prescribed by your physician. Prozac dosages usually are between 20 to 60 mg per day. Other drugs which are often used include paroxetine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine, and nedadozone.

Hormone treatments include oral contraceptives, progesterone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones, although these should only be used to treat severe symptoms as they have side effects as well.

But not all women want to take birth control pills, prescription drugs or ibuprofen to reduce their PMS pain and symptoms, due to the many side effects of these drugs. So for those that are interested in alternative options, there are nutritional therapies, lifestyle changes and herbal treatments. Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that some swear by.

On the nutrition side, some nutrients often can reduce or eliminate the negative symptoms thought to be associated with PMS. Here are some nutritional suggestions for changing your diet during your peak PMS times to reduce the PMS symptoms: Avoid smoked cheese, meats (such as bacon), and fish. These can increase fluid retention; Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages; Avoid alcohol; Avoid smoking; Reduce sugar intake; Reduce sodium in your diet; Increase fiber in your diet; and Eat fresh food.

A noted gynecologist who has suffered PMS herself suggests that taking nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin E may have beneficial effects on PMS. In a 1998 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Susan Thys-Jacobs found that calcium supplements of 1,200 milligrams per day (equivalent to four glasses of milk) reduced PMS symptoms dramatically. Results from using calcium supplements do not become apparent immediately. Calcium increases generally take about two months to take full effect.

Increasing Vitamin A intake has been shown to sometimes be effective. Other nutritional supplements available that may prove effective are Vitamin B6, manganese, and tryptophan. Tryptophan specifically is a good option when your PMS symptoms include crying, mood changes and depression. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in your brain to elevate your mood. Be cautious though, because taking too much may make you sleepy. It is commonly found in online supplement stores. Try some dietary changes and taking some vitamins and supplements before taking drugs, because these are usually safer alternatives.

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

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March 30, 2007

Birth control pill side effects

Filed under: birth control,birth control pills,birth control prices,birth control types,breast cancer,menstrual periods,period,pregnancy,side effects,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 8:54 am

Aside from its almost l00% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, taking the Pill may also lead to less menstrual flow and cramping, a lower risk of infection of the uterus and ovaries, a decreased chance of developing ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast cysts and tumors, less ovarian cancer and uterine cancer, less rheumatoid arthritis, and it may improve acne.

During the first three months of use about 40% of women who take birth control pills will have side effects of one kind or another. The vast majority of women have only minor, transient side effects. Some of these side effects are: light bleeding between menstrual periods, skipped periods, nausea, weight change, bloating, increase in vaginal infections. Although it is difficult to predict whether a woman will develop one of these minor problems, a problem can often be eliminated by changing your birth control pill.

Blood clots, stroke and heart attacks are the most serious side effects associated with birth control pills. These problems occur in only a small number of women who take the pill. Women who smoke, are over 35, have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or vascular disease or blood cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities have the most risk of developing these problems. Other serious side effects are worsening of migraine headaches, gall bladder disease, increase in blood pressure and an extremely rare liver tumor. Some birth control pills may cause changes in the levels of fatty substances in the blood. The long-term consequences of these changes are not known. Regular visits to your doctor are important for early detection of these health risks.

Certain drugs for epilepsy and tuberculosis, as well as certain antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pill. St. John’s Wort has also been known to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. You should always ask your doctor about any possible effect on birth control effectiveness when another drug is prescribed.

For more information on birth control pills call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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