What is Acne Vulgaris? This is a medical term used to describe most cases of acne. It really isn't as bad as it sounds! Vulgaris doesn't mean that the acne is vulgar, only that it means that it is common.
Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.
Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn't sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.
The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.
All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.
Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.
Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.
Acne: The 8 Stages:
Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn't usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem...like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.
Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself....eventually. And, it usually does but not always.
Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.
Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren't a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn't a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.
Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:
Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.
Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.
Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.
Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it's time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.
Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.
Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.
Acne Skin Care:
As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.
When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.
Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.
The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don't try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse...not better.
However, there are things that you can do that really will help.
The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don't ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.
Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.
If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.
Adult Acne:
Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don't have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well....not exactly.
The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne...hormonal changes.
A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.
Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don't normally have to deal with. Adults don't want pimples; but, they don't want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.
There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.
A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.
Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.
Acne Scar Removal Options:
Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it...sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.
You're right, life doesn't seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn't free or cheap!
There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.
Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.
The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.
The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.
Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don't be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.
Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, consult a qualified medical professional before deciding on a course of action.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Homemade Pizza
Want to learn to make great tasting homemade pizza? You have come to the right place...
The perfect Crust! Great Tasting Sauce! Fresh Ingredients! You'll learn all of this and more including the tips and tricks the pro's use to create the best tasting pizza's in the world.
If your family is anything like mine, pizza plays a significant role at the dinner table. It is convenient, great tasting; flexible enough to meet the needs of different taste preferences, can feed a large group of unexpected guests, and is relatively economical. Making homemade pizza adds the additional elements of fun and creativity.
My daughter likes pepperoni, my son likes sausage and onions…and I’ll eat both :) How else can you satisfy everyone’s like and dislikes so easily? We are an active family much like yours I am sure, and the convenience of making a phone call and having dinner arrive in 30 minutes…piping hot and made to order, after soccer or basketball practice is wonderful.
But like many things in life, we give up one thing to get another.
In this case we are giving up taste for convenience. Making a phone call and having dinner arrive on your doorstep is very convenient, but slow roasting peppers and garlic…or adding a bit extra oregano to your sauce, or using fresh local ingredients for your toppings is taste.
We have also found that making homemade pizza is a great way to get the family together, and to get the kids active in the kitchen.
The shrieks of “when is dinner ready” are eliminated when my daughter is up to her elbows in dough, or my son is busy shredding cheese, or we taste the sauce. Instead the shrieks are about who gets to roll out the dough, or how much salt the sauce needs…
Secrets to Great Homemade Pizza
A pizza is the sum of its parts; namely, the pizza crust, the pizza toppings and the pizza sauce. Make each one as wonderful as you can make it and you'll be assured of turning out the best homemade pizza possible. Try out the following secrets when you make your homemade pizza.
Pizza Crust Secrets
Bake your pizza crust separately: It would be best if you can bake your pizza crust first before you add on the toppings and sauce. There's one good reason for doing this. If you bake the lot at one and the same time, you may end up with a pizza that has overcooked toppings, burnt cheese and an undercooked, flat crust. Of course, you should not bake your crust fully the first time so that you won't end up with a pizza that has a burnt crust after your final baking stage.
Mixing pizza dough ingredients: Begin by putting in a bowl at least one-tenth of the warm water specified in your homemade pizza recipe. Add yeast gradually to the water, stir and let it stand for a few minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, put the remaining warm water, stir in the sugar and salt (if your recipe calls for these ingredients) and the other dry ingredients except the flour, add the water and yeast mixture, stir the lot then immediately add the rest of the ingredients.
Kneading the pizza mixture: Kneading will let air mix with your pizza dough mixture. You should knead the pizza dough only until it reaches the proper consistency: the dough doesn't stick to the container and individual portions can be stretched without breaking. Over-kneading will result in brittle pizza dough. While kneading the dough, use flour to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and the bowl, but use as little flour as possible.
Let your pizza dough rise before using it: After kneading your pizza dough, you must give it enough time to rise to your desired thickness. Generally, the longer the fermentation time you allow your pizza, the better the taste of the pizza crust. However, be careful not to use too much yeast if you are going to let the dough rise for hours (say you prepared the dough in the morning and let it relax for the rest of the day in preparation for baking by day end).
If speed is of the essence: If you need the pizza dough as quickly as possible, you can let it rise faster by adding more yeast to the mixture or by increasing the temperature of the dough. To do the latter, you can heat your oven for a few minutes, turn it off, cool the oven off a bit by leaving the oven door open for a few seconds, put the dough in a covered bowl, put the bowl in the oven and close the door. Let the mixture stay in the warm oven for at least 30 minutes, take it out, softly press the dough down then repeat the "rising" exercise for another 30 minutes. Another technique that you can apply for a faster fermentation period is to use warm water. The higher the water temperature, the faster yeast action will be. Just a note of caution, however, the pizza dough which has been allowed to ferment longer using minimum amount of yeast generally results into a better-tasting pizza crust so it's best that you mix and knead your dough hours before you actually need it.
Frozen homemade pizza dough preparation: If you have prepared pizza dough the night before and left it in the refrigerator for next day's baking, take it out in the morning and let it rise for at least several hours before you use it. Again, the less the yeast used, the longer the rising period required.
To make a thin pizza crust: If you are aiming for a thin crust pizza, you will want to use less dough per pan. You can also just stretch your pizza dough more on the pan. Doing this will naturally reduce the crust thickness.
To get a thick pizza crust: For a thicker crust, you need to use a pizza pan with a smaller circumference, use more pizza dough per pan or stretch out the dough less. The result would be increased crust thickness.
To get a crispy pizza crust: For a crispy pizza crust, it would be best if you reduce the amount of water. Drier pizza dough usually means a crispier pizza crust. Stiffer pizza dough also means crispier crust so it would be best to use flour with high gluten content if you want a crispy crust.
For a soft and gooey crust: To get a soft and chewy crust, you need to add more water to your dough mixture or use less flour. More moist pizza dough means softer pizza crust. To achieve better results, use flour with low gluten content. You may make gluten-free pizza dough by using gluten-free flour
If you live in a high-altitude location: Be mindful of the effect of high altitude on pizza dough. A higher altitude means less air pressure so the dough will rise faster, and it means a faster rate of evaporation so the dough will dry out faster. Thus, if you are in a high-altitude location, it is generally advisable to use more water and less yeast in your pizza dough mixture than you would normally use if you were in a low-altitude location.
Pizza Toppings
Simply speaking, the pizza toppings you should use depend on the type of pizza that you want. Fresh mozzarella cheese is necessary if you want to make a New York pizza. New York style pizza is typically minimalist; that is to say, they use as few toppings as possible. On the other hand, a Chicago deep dish pizza is usually loaded with meaty toppings: pepperoni, beef sausage, pork sausage, ground beef, bacon, ham, etc. You will also see bell peppers, mushrooms, and different kinds of cheese on a typical Chicago pizza. Tomatoes, cheese, anchovies, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano, on the other hand, are typical of Italian pizza. California pizza, on the other hand, is characterized by seasonal vegetable toppings, fruit toppings, chicken pizza toppings, smoked salmon toppings, and other unusual toppings.
For great economy: Use pizza toppings that you already have on hand. Bacon, ham and sausages left over from breakfast, for instance, will make great toppings. Innovate depending on what ingredients you have. Naturally, cooked toppings will require less time in the oven so be sure to take this into account when baking your pizza.
Fresh toppings: It is recommended that you use fresh ingredients for your pizza toppings. Use fresh mozzarella cheese, if possible.
Finger crush herbs: To release the flavor of dried herbs, it is best to finger crush them before you add them to your pizza.
Drain and dry toppings: To avoid getting a soggy pizza, especially if you are using lots of canned and moist ingredients, you should drain your toppings of excess moisture before you arrange them on your pizza base.
Pizza Sauce
Your pizza sauce will give your pizza its distinctive flavor. In the web, you can find a lot of easy pizza sauce recipes to follow. You can even try making your own trademark pizza sauce.
Easy pizza sauce recipe: There should be canned, pre-mixed pizza sauces available in your local supermarket. On the other hand, you can use spaghetti sauce as your pizza sauce. Another easy alternative would be to sauté some onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil, add tomato sauce (chunky tomato sauce is fine or tomato paste/puree diluted with some water), add salt (and crushed pepper if preferred), let the sauce simmer then add basil and oregano. You can even add some balsamic vinegar if you wish. You can also add some cooked ground meat to your sauce if you prefer.
Thicker sauce is better: Use thick pizza sauce on your pizza. Too watery pizza sauce means a soggy pizza. If you are using canned pizza sauce, evaluate the thickness. If too thin, let the sauce simmer before using it on your pizza.
Pizza sauce on top: When cooking your pizza, it is advisable to put the sauce on top. This will prevent your cheese and other ingredients from burning.
Pizza Crust Secrets
Bake your pizza crust separately: It would be best if you can bake your pizza crust first before you add on the toppings and sauce. There's one good reason for doing this. If you bake the lot at one and the same time, you may end up with a pizza that has overcooked toppings, burnt cheese and an undercooked, flat crust. Of course, you should not bake your crust fully the first time so that you won't end up with a pizza that has a burnt crust after your final baking stage.
Mixing pizza dough ingredients: Begin by putting in a bowl at least one-tenth of the warm water specified in your homemade pizza recipe. Add yeast gradually to the water, stir and let it stand for a few minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, put the remaining warm water, stir in the sugar and salt (if your recipe calls for these ingredients) and the other dry ingredients except the flour, add the water and yeast mixture, stir the lot then immediately add the rest of the ingredients.
Kneading the pizza mixture: Kneading will let air mix with your pizza dough mixture. You should knead the pizza dough only until it reaches the proper consistency: the dough doesn't stick to the container and individual portions can be stretched without breaking. Over-kneading will result in brittle pizza dough. While kneading the dough, use flour to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and the bowl, but use as little flour as possible.
Let your pizza dough rise before using it: After kneading your pizza dough, you must give it enough time to rise to your desired thickness. Generally, the longer the fermentation time you allow your pizza, the better the taste of the pizza crust. However, be careful not to use too much yeast if you are going to let the dough rise for hours (say you prepared the dough in the morning and let it relax for the rest of the day in preparation for baking by day end).
If speed is of the essence: If you need the pizza dough as quickly as possible, you can let it rise faster by adding more yeast to the mixture or by increasing the temperature of the dough. To do the latter, you can heat your oven for a few minutes, turn it off, cool the oven off a bit by leaving the oven door open for a few seconds, put the dough in a covered bowl, put the bowl in the oven and close the door. Let the mixture stay in the warm oven for at least 30 minutes, take it out, softly press the dough down then repeat the "rising" exercise for another 30 minutes. Another technique that you can apply for a faster fermentation period is to use warm water. The higher the water temperature, the faster yeast action will be. Just a note of caution, however, the pizza dough which has been allowed to ferment longer using minimum amount of yeast generally results into a better-tasting pizza crust so it's best that you mix and knead your dough hours before you actually need it.
Frozen homemade pizza dough preparation: If you have prepared pizza dough the night before and left it in the refrigerator for next day's baking, take it out in the morning and let it rise for at least several hours before you use it. Again, the less the yeast used, the longer the rising period required.
To make a thin pizza crust: If you are aiming for a thin crust pizza, you will want to use less dough per pan. You can also just stretch your pizza dough more on the pan. Doing this will naturally reduce the crust thickness.
To get a thick pizza crust: For a thicker crust, you need to use a pizza pan with a smaller circumference, use more pizza dough per pan or stretch out the dough less. The result would be increased crust thickness.
To get a crispy pizza crust: For a crispy pizza crust, it would be best if you reduce the amount of water. Drier pizza dough usually means a crispier pizza crust. Stiffer pizza dough also means crispier crust so it would be best to use flour with high gluten content if you want a crispy crust.
For a soft and gooey crust: To get a soft and chewy crust, you need to add more water to your dough mixture or use less flour. More moist pizza dough means softer pizza crust. To achieve better results, use flour with low gluten content. You may make gluten-free pizza dough by using gluten-free flour
If you live in a high-altitude location: Be mindful of the effect of high altitude on pizza dough. A higher altitude means less air pressure so the dough will rise faster, and it means a faster rate of evaporation so the dough will dry out faster. Thus, if you are in a high-altitude location, it is generally advisable to use more water and less yeast in your pizza dough mixture than you would normally use if you were in a low-altitude location.
Pizza Toppings
Simply speaking, the pizza toppings you should use depend on the type of pizza that you want. Fresh mozzarella cheese is necessary if you want to make a New York pizza. New York style pizza is typically minimalist; that is to say, they use as few toppings as possible. On the other hand, a Chicago deep dish pizza is usually loaded with meaty toppings: pepperoni, beef sausage, pork sausage, ground beef, bacon, ham, etc. You will also see bell peppers, mushrooms, and different kinds of cheese on a typical Chicago pizza. Tomatoes, cheese, anchovies, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano, on the other hand, are typical of Italian pizza. California pizza, on the other hand, is characterized by seasonal vegetable toppings, fruit toppings, chicken pizza toppings, smoked salmon toppings, and other unusual toppings.
For great economy: Use pizza toppings that you already have on hand. Bacon, ham and sausages left over from breakfast, for instance, will make great toppings. Innovate depending on what ingredients you have. Naturally, cooked toppings will require less time in the oven so be sure to take this into account when baking your pizza.
Fresh toppings: It is recommended that you use fresh ingredients for your pizza toppings. Use fresh mozzarella cheese, if possible.
Finger crush herbs: To release the flavor of dried herbs, it is best to finger crush them before you add them to your pizza.
Drain and dry toppings: To avoid getting a soggy pizza, especially if you are using lots of canned and moist ingredients, you should drain your toppings of excess moisture before you arrange them on your pizza base.
Pizza Sauce
Your pizza sauce will give your pizza its distinctive flavor. In the web, you can find a lot of easy pizza sauce recipes to follow. You can even try making your own trademark pizza sauce.
Easy pizza sauce recipe: There should be canned, pre-mixed pizza sauces available in your local supermarket. On the other hand, you can use spaghetti sauce as your pizza sauce. Another easy alternative would be to sauté some onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil, add tomato sauce (chunky tomato sauce is fine or tomato paste/puree diluted with some water), add salt (and crushed pepper if preferred), let the sauce simmer then add basil and oregano. You can even add some balsamic vinegar if you wish. You can also add some cooked ground meat to your sauce if you prefer.
Thicker sauce is better: Use thick pizza sauce on your pizza. Too watery pizza sauce means a soggy pizza. If you are using canned pizza sauce, evaluate the thickness. If too thin, let the sauce simmer before using it on your pizza.
Pizza sauce on top: When cooking your pizza, it is advisable to put the sauce on top. This will prevent your cheese and other ingredients from burning.
Birthday Party Ideas
This papers is all about the topic that you have been looking for, take your time to read.
As we recall parties, how can we forget the funky birthday parties we enjoyed so much as kids! Kids really love play with their friends, eat their favorite foods and obtain presents at their birthday parties. Here are some tips and ideas that you could use for simple birthday party events given below, to make your child’s birthday wishes come true.
It is advisable that if you are preparing a birthday party, you would better of to make plans preparation in advance. Decide whether you want to keep the bash simple or do you want to devise a real exciting event. If you decide to throw a theme based birthday party, then decorations, food, entertainment, activities as well as party dress up code are just a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, you have to decide what kind of theme of the party you will have. Here are some of the coolest birthday party ideas for themes are as follows:
* Pirate Party-Ahoy Matey! Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. Be warned, these pirate child birthday party ideas are sure to blow your guests out of the water! This is a great theme if you want to throw a poolside birthday party.
* Princess Party-You can arrange for a lovely mask ball for your little princess and use lovely colours like pink, lavender or soft peaches for decoration.
* Tinkerbell Party-Just behind this idea, sits a small little fairy , with her soft smile face, just ready and waiting to wave her wand and spread her charming fairy dust on your daughter's next tinker bell birthday party!
* Superhero Party-“POW”, “KABLAM”, “BAM”! Call for all the little super heroes to help the birthday boy/girl keep our planet (and your backyard...) safe, with these highly exciting birthday party ideas.
* Safari Party-With these safari birthday party ideas, your guests are in for a ROARING time! So, get your pith helmet on, and be prepared for a crew of stampeding kids looking to have a wild time at your child's safari party.
* Bratz Party-Girls RULE!! So join Cloe, Megan, Jade and Yasmin for a styling a birthday party idea. Your trendy little guests will go mad as they show their passion for fashion.
* Luau Party-These luau party ideas will help you create a beautiful tropical island retreat (in your backyard..) so, say “Aloha” and get ready to entertain a bunch of little hula dancers and hang-ten surfers.
* Circus Party-Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages, be prepared to witness the biggest show ever. There will clowns, stunts, and even animals along with many more activities in this exciting circus party.
* Spongebob Party-If a sponge bob birthday party is what you want , then plop like a fish.... Sponge bob, Patrick and Squid ward expect to help turn these birthday party ideas into Krabby Patty Bait!
* Dinosaur Party-These dino-mite dinosaur party ideas are precisely what you need to help you throw a prehistoric birthday celebration for life in your “childosaurus” and his/her “friendosauruses”.
Tips for a Perfect Party Giver:
* Try to allow more time for yourself, especially on significant occasions when you have to front the whole show. You will be more effective if you feel at your best, and more probable to delight yourself.* For example make an appointment at the hairdresser's to have your hair cut or trimmed a week or so in advance. If it is a special party style than make an appointment on the day.* Decide in advance what you are going to wear with plenty of time in your hand and make sure it is dry cleansed or pressed if necessary and ready to put on.* If you decide to plan for a facial, book it for a few days in advance or it can leave your skin looking blotchy on the day. Think having a restful massage the day before, when plans are virtually complete.* Always allow deal of time for your personal preparations, including that necessity soak in the bathroom or long, refreshing shower.* Plan to be dressed comfortable and at ease and sipping a cool, non-alcoholic drink Thirty minutes before you expect the first guests to arrive. You need to be well organised about getting the whole show up and running. And once the guests chill outArticle Search, merrily they will entertain themselves.
As we recall parties, how can we forget the funky birthday parties we enjoyed so much as kids! Kids really love play with their friends, eat their favorite foods and obtain presents at their birthday parties. Here are some tips and ideas that you could use for simple birthday party events given below, to make your child’s birthday wishes come true.
It is advisable that if you are preparing a birthday party, you would better of to make plans preparation in advance. Decide whether you want to keep the bash simple or do you want to devise a real exciting event. If you decide to throw a theme based birthday party, then decorations, food, entertainment, activities as well as party dress up code are just a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, you have to decide what kind of theme of the party you will have. Here are some of the coolest birthday party ideas for themes are as follows:
* Pirate Party-Ahoy Matey! Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. Be warned, these pirate child birthday party ideas are sure to blow your guests out of the water! This is a great theme if you want to throw a poolside birthday party.
* Princess Party-You can arrange for a lovely mask ball for your little princess and use lovely colours like pink, lavender or soft peaches for decoration.
* Tinkerbell Party-Just behind this idea, sits a small little fairy , with her soft smile face, just ready and waiting to wave her wand and spread her charming fairy dust on your daughter's next tinker bell birthday party!
* Superhero Party-“POW”, “KABLAM”, “BAM”! Call for all the little super heroes to help the birthday boy/girl keep our planet (and your backyard...) safe, with these highly exciting birthday party ideas.
* Safari Party-With these safari birthday party ideas, your guests are in for a ROARING time! So, get your pith helmet on, and be prepared for a crew of stampeding kids looking to have a wild time at your child's safari party.
* Bratz Party-Girls RULE!! So join Cloe, Megan, Jade and Yasmin for a styling a birthday party idea. Your trendy little guests will go mad as they show their passion for fashion.
* Luau Party-These luau party ideas will help you create a beautiful tropical island retreat (in your backyard..) so, say “Aloha” and get ready to entertain a bunch of little hula dancers and hang-ten surfers.
* Circus Party-Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages, be prepared to witness the biggest show ever. There will clowns, stunts, and even animals along with many more activities in this exciting circus party.
* Spongebob Party-If a sponge bob birthday party is what you want , then plop like a fish.... Sponge bob, Patrick and Squid ward expect to help turn these birthday party ideas into Krabby Patty Bait!
* Dinosaur Party-These dino-mite dinosaur party ideas are precisely what you need to help you throw a prehistoric birthday celebration for life in your “childosaurus” and his/her “friendosauruses”.
Tips for a Perfect Party Giver:
* Try to allow more time for yourself, especially on significant occasions when you have to front the whole show. You will be more effective if you feel at your best, and more probable to delight yourself.* For example make an appointment at the hairdresser's to have your hair cut or trimmed a week or so in advance. If it is a special party style than make an appointment on the day.* Decide in advance what you are going to wear with plenty of time in your hand and make sure it is dry cleansed or pressed if necessary and ready to put on.* If you decide to plan for a facial, book it for a few days in advance or it can leave your skin looking blotchy on the day. Think having a restful massage the day before, when plans are virtually complete.* Always allow deal of time for your personal preparations, including that necessity soak in the bathroom or long, refreshing shower.* Plan to be dressed comfortable and at ease and sipping a cool, non-alcoholic drink Thirty minutes before you expect the first guests to arrive. You need to be well organised about getting the whole show up and running. And once the guests chill outArticle Search, merrily they will entertain themselves.
Ten Facts about Madonna
1. Born in Bay City, Michigan on August 16th, 1958, Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone is the third of eight children in a devout Italian Catholic family.
2. According to Guinness Book of World Records, Madonna is the world's most successful female recording artist of all time. Also she is the top-earning female singer with an estimated net worth of more than $400 million, having sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
3. In the year1984, Madonna signed a record deal and made her first two big hits "Like a Virgin" and "Holiday".
4. Besides music, Madonna featured in “Desperately Seeking Susan” which gave her additional recognition in Hollywood as a fine actress.
5. Madonna also featured in “Evita” which gave her a Golden Globe Award and made her an international star.
6. In 1985 she married Hollywood Academy award winning actor, Sean Penn. They divorced in 1989. At present, Madonna is married to British film director, Guy Ritchie
7. In the year 1989, Madonna was condemned by the Vatican because her video “Like A Prayer” was interlinked with religion and eroticism, thus causing Pepsi-Cola to cancel a sponsorship deal with her. This controversial video turned out to be a global best-seller.
8. In the year 1990 at the "Blonde Ambition" tour, Madonna famously wore a Jean Paul Gaultier conical bra, which became the talk of the town.
9. In the year 1992, Madonna posed nude in a series of provocative poses in her erotic and controversial book “SEX”.
10. At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, while they were performing her classic song “Like A VirginFind Article, Madonna french-kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
2. According to Guinness Book of World Records, Madonna is the world's most successful female recording artist of all time. Also she is the top-earning female singer with an estimated net worth of more than $400 million, having sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
3. In the year1984, Madonna signed a record deal and made her first two big hits "Like a Virgin" and "Holiday".
4. Besides music, Madonna featured in “Desperately Seeking Susan” which gave her additional recognition in Hollywood as a fine actress.
5. Madonna also featured in “Evita” which gave her a Golden Globe Award and made her an international star.
6. In 1985 she married Hollywood Academy award winning actor, Sean Penn. They divorced in 1989. At present, Madonna is married to British film director, Guy Ritchie
7. In the year 1989, Madonna was condemned by the Vatican because her video “Like A Prayer” was interlinked with religion and eroticism, thus causing Pepsi-Cola to cancel a sponsorship deal with her. This controversial video turned out to be a global best-seller.
8. In the year 1990 at the "Blonde Ambition" tour, Madonna famously wore a Jean Paul Gaultier conical bra, which became the talk of the town.
9. In the year 1992, Madonna posed nude in a series of provocative poses in her erotic and controversial book “SEX”.
10. At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, while they were performing her classic song “Like A VirginFind Article, Madonna french-kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Nature Photography: Capturing Landscape Images With Character.
Nature photography is not as easy as some people imagine. Yes, it can be greatly rewarding, but the quest for a unique image can also be very challenging.
It sounds so easy; visit a beautiful location, shoot a few snapshots, and come home with a work of art in your camera. After dealing with the public for over 20 years, I swear most people think it really is that simple.
But really good landscape photography is much more challenging. Anyone can recognize the potential of a good subject, but turning that potential into a memorable image is another story. The task is even greater if it is a popular location. When you photograph a place that is photographed a thousand times a day, you have to find a way to create something different from the everyday snapshot.
Here are just a few tips for capturing the character of a landscape.
Tip#1. You Don't Have To Fit Everything In. Some panoramic views are so huge that the only way to fit everything into your photo is to use a very wide-angle lens. The trouble is, this reduces everything in size, so that the grandeur of your subject is diminished.
It can be more effective to concentrate your composition around one feature of the landscape; a feature other people will recognize. With this approach, you can use a larger lens to add size and prominence to the the subject. You may also capture details that could be lost with a wide-angle lens.
Tip #2. Look For A New Angle. Why is it that so many photos of the great landmarks look the same? Because they are taken from the same lookouts that everybody else uses. It is easy to get a good shot from a major lookout; in fact, that is probably why the lookout was built in the first place. The trouble is, it is almost impossible to get a unique shot if your photo is taken from the same angle as all the others.
If possible, search beyond the established lookouts to see if there is a more interesting angle to take your photo. This may take a little more effort, and you may have to do some bushwalking to find the best spot. I don't suggest risking your neck or trespassing, but in most cases there are alternatives to the established lookouts.
Tip #3. Use The Surroundings To Your Advantage. Anyone can take a snaphsot of a mountain range. But what about a mountain range framed through the branches of a tree in the foreground, or with a river winding away into the distance, drawing with it the eye of the viewer?
Every landscape can be photographed from a number of angles; the most obvious one is not always the best. By scouting around and looking for interesting foregrounds, you can add real character to your image and create something truly unique.
Always try to remember that you are not the first person to photograph this subject. To produce a memorable photo, you need to put in some effort to create something a little different.
Tip #4. Consider The Conditions. Getting the best light for your subject can be a delicate balancing act. First you need to consider the time of day. Usually the ideal light is early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and more colourful. The trouble is, any photographer with experience already knows that. So how do you take your photo to the next level?
Keep a constant eye on the weather. You may be able to see something special, like a storm front, a good cloud formation, or even a good chance of a rainbow, starting to develop. If you choose your moment just right, you can be on location in time for something really special.
This is a measure of the commitment of a landscape photographer. The more effort you put in, the greater the rewards. You will spend a lot of time waiting for the right moment, but once you get that perfect image, you will see it was not time wasted. You will know you have done a good job when people start to say "I have been there - but my photos are nowhere near as good as yours!"
It sounds so easy; visit a beautiful location, shoot a few snapshots, and come home with a work of art in your camera. After dealing with the public for over 20 years, I swear most people think it really is that simple.
But really good landscape photography is much more challenging. Anyone can recognize the potential of a good subject, but turning that potential into a memorable image is another story. The task is even greater if it is a popular location. When you photograph a place that is photographed a thousand times a day, you have to find a way to create something different from the everyday snapshot.
Here are just a few tips for capturing the character of a landscape.
Tip#1. You Don't Have To Fit Everything In. Some panoramic views are so huge that the only way to fit everything into your photo is to use a very wide-angle lens. The trouble is, this reduces everything in size, so that the grandeur of your subject is diminished.
It can be more effective to concentrate your composition around one feature of the landscape; a feature other people will recognize. With this approach, you can use a larger lens to add size and prominence to the the subject. You may also capture details that could be lost with a wide-angle lens.
Tip #2. Look For A New Angle. Why is it that so many photos of the great landmarks look the same? Because they are taken from the same lookouts that everybody else uses. It is easy to get a good shot from a major lookout; in fact, that is probably why the lookout was built in the first place. The trouble is, it is almost impossible to get a unique shot if your photo is taken from the same angle as all the others.
If possible, search beyond the established lookouts to see if there is a more interesting angle to take your photo. This may take a little more effort, and you may have to do some bushwalking to find the best spot. I don't suggest risking your neck or trespassing, but in most cases there are alternatives to the established lookouts.
Tip #3. Use The Surroundings To Your Advantage. Anyone can take a snaphsot of a mountain range. But what about a mountain range framed through the branches of a tree in the foreground, or with a river winding away into the distance, drawing with it the eye of the viewer?
Every landscape can be photographed from a number of angles; the most obvious one is not always the best. By scouting around and looking for interesting foregrounds, you can add real character to your image and create something truly unique.
Always try to remember that you are not the first person to photograph this subject. To produce a memorable photo, you need to put in some effort to create something a little different.
Tip #4. Consider The Conditions. Getting the best light for your subject can be a delicate balancing act. First you need to consider the time of day. Usually the ideal light is early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and more colourful. The trouble is, any photographer with experience already knows that. So how do you take your photo to the next level?
Keep a constant eye on the weather. You may be able to see something special, like a storm front, a good cloud formation, or even a good chance of a rainbow, starting to develop. If you choose your moment just right, you can be on location in time for something really special.
This is a measure of the commitment of a landscape photographer. The more effort you put in, the greater the rewards. You will spend a lot of time waiting for the right moment, but once you get that perfect image, you will see it was not time wasted. You will know you have done a good job when people start to say "I have been there - but my photos are nowhere near as good as yours!"
How to confirm if you have a Yeast Infection
If you need to confirm your suspicions that you may have a yeast infection, the best way is to have your doctor diagnose the problem or take one of the many over the counter tests which are available. Your physician will physically examine you and analyze your vaginal discharge. Over the counter tests instead work by testing your pH balance to determine whether you have a yeasty infection.
Before beginning a course of treatment with over the counter medications, it is wise to make sure that you really have a yeast infection; you can end up doing more harm than good if you try to treat a condition that you do not in fact have. While a yeast infection is certainly a troublesome problem to have, treating a yeast infection which you do not have can upset the natural pH balance of your vagina, causing a real infection!
The problem with the proliferation of over the counter yeast infection treatments is the number of women trying to treat themselves for infections they don't really have. A woman may have a symptom and assume that she has a yeast infection; then rush off to the drugstore for one of the over the counter remedies. However, there are many other infections which have symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection – bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
The symptom which is noticed first in most women is the discomfort in the infected region; this usually presents as an itching or burning; this can be intense. Pain while urinating is also common due to inflammation in the vaginal region. In especially severe cases, the infected woman may even have trouble walking due to extreme irritation. In most women, sexual intercourse is also painful during an infection.
The appearance of the area is another good way to determine if you have a yeast infection. There is sometimes a vaginal discharge, resembling cottage cheese in consistency. Redness is also usually evident. Keep in mind that only about one fifth of women with yeast infections report a vaginal discharge; this discharge can also be thin in consistency and may vary in color anywhere between clear to yellowish.
Another good indicator of the presence of a yeast infection is odor. A yeast infection is often detectable by a distinct odor; this is a "yeasty" odor, resembling the smell of baking bread or the beer making process. Since yeast is used in both baking and brewing, this stands to reason. A yeast infection is just that – an infection caused by the organism Candida Albicans, a type of yeast.
Before beginning a course of treatment with over the counter medications, it is wise to make sure that you really have a yeast infection; you can end up doing more harm than good if you try to treat a condition that you do not in fact have. While a yeast infection is certainly a troublesome problem to have, treating a yeast infection which you do not have can upset the natural pH balance of your vagina, causing a real infection!
The problem with the proliferation of over the counter yeast infection treatments is the number of women trying to treat themselves for infections they don't really have. A woman may have a symptom and assume that she has a yeast infection; then rush off to the drugstore for one of the over the counter remedies. However, there are many other infections which have symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection – bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
The symptom which is noticed first in most women is the discomfort in the infected region; this usually presents as an itching or burning; this can be intense. Pain while urinating is also common due to inflammation in the vaginal region. In especially severe cases, the infected woman may even have trouble walking due to extreme irritation. In most women, sexual intercourse is also painful during an infection.
The appearance of the area is another good way to determine if you have a yeast infection. There is sometimes a vaginal discharge, resembling cottage cheese in consistency. Redness is also usually evident. Keep in mind that only about one fifth of women with yeast infections report a vaginal discharge; this discharge can also be thin in consistency and may vary in color anywhere between clear to yellowish.
Another good indicator of the presence of a yeast infection is odor. A yeast infection is often detectable by a distinct odor; this is a "yeasty" odor, resembling the smell of baking bread or the beer making process. Since yeast is used in both baking and brewing, this stands to reason. A yeast infection is just that – an infection caused by the organism Candida Albicans, a type of yeast.
Is There An Easy Way To Lose Weight?
Is there an easy way to lose weight? Is there a magic pill that you can just take and the pounds will drop while you are drinking soda's and eating french fries? No, there is no pill that can do that. Can you just skip a meal and lose a pound or two a day? No, because it is proven that fasting burns muscle and muscle helps burn fat and calories. Also you are more likely to binge eat at your next meal.
This may surprise you but there actually is an easy way to lose weight. I had better clarify this I guess before you start calling me crazy or get too exited. There is an easy way to lose weight but it takes a little time for that to happen. In a matter of a few weeks time you can easily lose weight without a whole lot of effort. I don't know if your definition of easy is the same as mine, so I will explain and you can decide if you think it is easy or not.
In order to lose weight and be healthy you need to know a lot about nutrition. You also need to know a little about how your body functions. Once you know these things then the pounds will fall off as long as you follow the rules. The rules are not difficult rules to follow or live by. They are easy rules once you learn them. The hard part is learning the rules of weight loss and good health practices. That is not really that hard either if you have a little time each day and a computer. You also must be able to sift through the different sets of rules and figure out which rules you want to believe or follow. You know there are hundreds of different sets of rules for weight loss. So many different diets and weight loss plans to chose from. I am a slow learner I guess because it took me over 20 years to figure out which rules I liked and believe in and the ones that work. That is so sad I know. I feel like an idiot at times. I did at one time have the right plan, but just did not know how to use it. I did not understand nutrition at the time like I do now and fell off of that plan and gained back more than I had lost. I also did not have the same kind of mindset that I have now.
Weight loss is complicated. I guess that is an understatement. It is very complicated. You not only have to know about nutrition, and how your metabolism works, and your body functions, but you also have to have the right mindset. Once you know all of this it becomes easy. Only then is it easy. Of coarse not all of us are the same. We are all put together differently. We all have different ways of life too. That even complicates it a little more. Not all of us are as active as others. That makes it a little more difficult.
What you need to learn is what is causing you to not lose weight and pledge to fix that. Change that. This means that you first have to get in the right mindset. List down why you want to lose weight. Think hard about the reasons you have written down. Are those reasons good enough reasons for you to be on a mission to accomplish this weight loss goal. Will your desire for food win out over your desire to lose weight and be healthy? I hope not. You can still eat many great foods and still lose weight. Then you will be both happy and healthy.
You need to start looking hard at what you consume each day. Then you need to analyze those foods and see how many calories, fats, sugars etc are in those foods. If you are not losing weight, there is a reason. Once you know the reason, then all you need to do is fix that. If you can't live without drinking a 12 pack of coke a day, but want to lose weight, then you have to decide what is more important. Good health and being thinner or drinking coke. That is the part of the mindset thing. You will have to make up your mind that being healthy and thin is much more important that a couple of minutes of drinking or eating something. Mindset is an important part of being able to loose weight and making it easy to do so.
How your bodies metabolism works is also important. Once you get it running full steam ahead and it is working hard for you, it does half the work. It burns off fat and calories during the day and while you sleep. You want it working hard for you. No weight loss is easy if your metabolism is not working for you. You can eat all the right foods, but if your body wants to hold on to all the calories and fats, then you are fighting a losing battle. You need to somehow tone your muscles because they can help you burn around 15% of the calories. Aerobic exercise is great for burning calories, but strength training is a must for burning calories while you sleep or are not active. You also don't want your body full of toxins. Toxins are in a lot of our foods and in the air we breath and water we drink. We have to work very hard to not consume them. It is practically impossible unless you live in a bubble and sterilize everything twice before you consume it. Detox is an important part of losing weight easily. Your metabolism will run in slow and high cycles if you don't keep it fed and fueled too. If your stomach is making noises and is barking or talking to you, your metabolism is starting to run down. You need to eat a healthy snack or eat a meal to keep it running at full speed.
Then knowing how many calories your body burns each day is important. Once you know that, then it is just a matter of eating less calories then your body burns. Your body will start using your fat as energy to keep running. Counting calories is such a pain in the you know what for most people. I have a couple of things I want to say about that. How bad do you want to lose weight and be healthy and thinner? You need to be in the right mindset and learn about why you aren't losing weight and want to fix that. You need to get educated in order to do that. The only way to do that is to analyze what you are eating, drinking, snacking on, and tasting. Now I know that is not easy, and I said it would be easy. Well it gets a little harder, you need to write down everything you eat and drink as you are doing so. Then find out the fat content, sugar content, number of calories and how many carbohydrates. Add all of that up at the end of the day and compare it to how many you should be consuming. Now for the good news. I believe that after a few days you will know exactly all of those numbers in half of the food and drinks you consume. In a couple of weeks you will know around ¾ of the numbers of the foods and drinks. In a month you will get to be quite a pro at knowing those numbers. It will be very easy for you to do a daily calorie, fat, and carbohydrate count.
So there you have it. It is so easy to lose weight. You can eat all different kinds of food and once you know what it takes to keep you metabolism working for you and know when to eat and not to eat, what to eat and what not to eat, and how much to eat and have the mindset that nothing is more important that being healthy and thinner you will have a easy time losing weight. It really is easy after a whileComputer Technology Articles, believe me. It is only a matter of time before that happens.
This may surprise you but there actually is an easy way to lose weight. I had better clarify this I guess before you start calling me crazy or get too exited. There is an easy way to lose weight but it takes a little time for that to happen. In a matter of a few weeks time you can easily lose weight without a whole lot of effort. I don't know if your definition of easy is the same as mine, so I will explain and you can decide if you think it is easy or not.
In order to lose weight and be healthy you need to know a lot about nutrition. You also need to know a little about how your body functions. Once you know these things then the pounds will fall off as long as you follow the rules. The rules are not difficult rules to follow or live by. They are easy rules once you learn them. The hard part is learning the rules of weight loss and good health practices. That is not really that hard either if you have a little time each day and a computer. You also must be able to sift through the different sets of rules and figure out which rules you want to believe or follow. You know there are hundreds of different sets of rules for weight loss. So many different diets and weight loss plans to chose from. I am a slow learner I guess because it took me over 20 years to figure out which rules I liked and believe in and the ones that work. That is so sad I know. I feel like an idiot at times. I did at one time have the right plan, but just did not know how to use it. I did not understand nutrition at the time like I do now and fell off of that plan and gained back more than I had lost. I also did not have the same kind of mindset that I have now.
Weight loss is complicated. I guess that is an understatement. It is very complicated. You not only have to know about nutrition, and how your metabolism works, and your body functions, but you also have to have the right mindset. Once you know all of this it becomes easy. Only then is it easy. Of coarse not all of us are the same. We are all put together differently. We all have different ways of life too. That even complicates it a little more. Not all of us are as active as others. That makes it a little more difficult.
What you need to learn is what is causing you to not lose weight and pledge to fix that. Change that. This means that you first have to get in the right mindset. List down why you want to lose weight. Think hard about the reasons you have written down. Are those reasons good enough reasons for you to be on a mission to accomplish this weight loss goal. Will your desire for food win out over your desire to lose weight and be healthy? I hope not. You can still eat many great foods and still lose weight. Then you will be both happy and healthy.
You need to start looking hard at what you consume each day. Then you need to analyze those foods and see how many calories, fats, sugars etc are in those foods. If you are not losing weight, there is a reason. Once you know the reason, then all you need to do is fix that. If you can't live without drinking a 12 pack of coke a day, but want to lose weight, then you have to decide what is more important. Good health and being thinner or drinking coke. That is the part of the mindset thing. You will have to make up your mind that being healthy and thin is much more important that a couple of minutes of drinking or eating something. Mindset is an important part of being able to loose weight and making it easy to do so.
How your bodies metabolism works is also important. Once you get it running full steam ahead and it is working hard for you, it does half the work. It burns off fat and calories during the day and while you sleep. You want it working hard for you. No weight loss is easy if your metabolism is not working for you. You can eat all the right foods, but if your body wants to hold on to all the calories and fats, then you are fighting a losing battle. You need to somehow tone your muscles because they can help you burn around 15% of the calories. Aerobic exercise is great for burning calories, but strength training is a must for burning calories while you sleep or are not active. You also don't want your body full of toxins. Toxins are in a lot of our foods and in the air we breath and water we drink. We have to work very hard to not consume them. It is practically impossible unless you live in a bubble and sterilize everything twice before you consume it. Detox is an important part of losing weight easily. Your metabolism will run in slow and high cycles if you don't keep it fed and fueled too. If your stomach is making noises and is barking or talking to you, your metabolism is starting to run down. You need to eat a healthy snack or eat a meal to keep it running at full speed.
Then knowing how many calories your body burns each day is important. Once you know that, then it is just a matter of eating less calories then your body burns. Your body will start using your fat as energy to keep running. Counting calories is such a pain in the you know what for most people. I have a couple of things I want to say about that. How bad do you want to lose weight and be healthy and thinner? You need to be in the right mindset and learn about why you aren't losing weight and want to fix that. You need to get educated in order to do that. The only way to do that is to analyze what you are eating, drinking, snacking on, and tasting. Now I know that is not easy, and I said it would be easy. Well it gets a little harder, you need to write down everything you eat and drink as you are doing so. Then find out the fat content, sugar content, number of calories and how many carbohydrates. Add all of that up at the end of the day and compare it to how many you should be consuming. Now for the good news. I believe that after a few days you will know exactly all of those numbers in half of the food and drinks you consume. In a couple of weeks you will know around ¾ of the numbers of the foods and drinks. In a month you will get to be quite a pro at knowing those numbers. It will be very easy for you to do a daily calorie, fat, and carbohydrate count.
So there you have it. It is so easy to lose weight. You can eat all different kinds of food and once you know what it takes to keep you metabolism working for you and know when to eat and not to eat, what to eat and what not to eat, and how much to eat and have the mindset that nothing is more important that being healthy and thinner you will have a easy time losing weight. It really is easy after a whileComputer Technology Articles, believe me. It is only a matter of time before that happens.
Simple and Helpful Homemade Acne Treatments that Normally Improve Your Appearance
You might feel like you need to spend a fortune to keep your skin clear and looking great, but the truth is many homemade acne treatments are just as effective and contain the same ingredients found in many store-bought, organic or natural brands.
So, keep reading for some great acne remedies and skin care solutions that you can find right at home.
Drop of Lemon
Lemon is an antiseptic, cleanser and astringent. That means a drop or two will dry out a pimple overnight, leaving little more than a small spot of red that will diminish as the day wears on.
To use this treatment, simply squeeze a few drops either directly on your pimple or to a cotton ball and apply. Because lemon juice can really dry out your skin, try to use it only on the affected area and on isolated pimples.
Working with Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is probably the world's first toner - it's a natural ingredient that is distilled from the witch hazel shrub. Some witch hazel products contain alcohol, but should be avoided as they can dry out the skin. Instead, look for a product that is diluted with water. Witch hazel should be applied like toner.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a fantastic scrub that's great for refreshing the skin, ridding it of blackheads and encouraging new skin cell growth. Simply make a thick paste out of oatmeal and water and scrub gently with it. Use this scrub two to three times a week and avoid pressing too hard as it can result in skin irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Great for oily skin, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic skin toner that improves skin color, evens out tone, cuts down on blackheads and even tightens pores. Before you use it, try diluting it with 50% water.
Toothpaste Pimple Remedy
Like lemon juice, a spot of toothpaste is a great way to dramatically reduce the appearance of a single pimple. While it's not the perfect solution for a widespread acne problem, it can work wonders on that single zit that popped up on your chin the day before a big date or meeting. Simply apply a very small dab of paste right on the pimple before bed. In the morning, you'll find it significantly smaller or completely gone.
Mask from Egg White
Take the white of one egg and mix it with a few drops of lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey and add a few broken capsules of vitamin E. Once it's mixed, apply the mixture over your entire face, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes and then peel off and rinse. Your face will feel tighter, fresher and more toned.
FinallyFree Articles, probably the best and least expensive of all the homemade acne treatments is drinking water. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for great looking skin.
So, keep reading for some great acne remedies and skin care solutions that you can find right at home.
Drop of Lemon
Lemon is an antiseptic, cleanser and astringent. That means a drop or two will dry out a pimple overnight, leaving little more than a small spot of red that will diminish as the day wears on.
To use this treatment, simply squeeze a few drops either directly on your pimple or to a cotton ball and apply. Because lemon juice can really dry out your skin, try to use it only on the affected area and on isolated pimples.
Working with Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is probably the world's first toner - it's a natural ingredient that is distilled from the witch hazel shrub. Some witch hazel products contain alcohol, but should be avoided as they can dry out the skin. Instead, look for a product that is diluted with water. Witch hazel should be applied like toner.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a fantastic scrub that's great for refreshing the skin, ridding it of blackheads and encouraging new skin cell growth. Simply make a thick paste out of oatmeal and water and scrub gently with it. Use this scrub two to three times a week and avoid pressing too hard as it can result in skin irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Great for oily skin, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic skin toner that improves skin color, evens out tone, cuts down on blackheads and even tightens pores. Before you use it, try diluting it with 50% water.
Toothpaste Pimple Remedy
Like lemon juice, a spot of toothpaste is a great way to dramatically reduce the appearance of a single pimple. While it's not the perfect solution for a widespread acne problem, it can work wonders on that single zit that popped up on your chin the day before a big date or meeting. Simply apply a very small dab of paste right on the pimple before bed. In the morning, you'll find it significantly smaller or completely gone.
Mask from Egg White
Take the white of one egg and mix it with a few drops of lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey and add a few broken capsules of vitamin E. Once it's mixed, apply the mixture over your entire face, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes and then peel off and rinse. Your face will feel tighter, fresher and more toned.
FinallyFree Articles, probably the best and least expensive of all the homemade acne treatments is drinking water. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for great looking skin.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Helping You Conceive Naturally When All Else Has Failed
Written by PW Editorial Team
For those who want to have a baby, but are having trouble conceiving, it can be very devastating. Many couples give up on the idea of conceiving a baby naturally after they have seen the doctor and exhausted all efforts. However, there are ways to conceive a baby naturally even when everything else has failed.
Chinese herbal medicine has been known to promote healing and fertility for centuries. The process of acupuncture can increase your chances of conceiving a baby naturally. Acupuncture is considered to be a type of alternative medicine. It involves inserting thin needles under the skin to relieve stress and pain.
If the male has a low sperm count, taking male enhancement supplements may be a good alternative. Make sure you only use the brands that contain all natural ingredients as other types of male enhancement supplements can lead to side effects. These supplements can help increase the amount of sperm made as well as the strength of it. Healthy sperm have to swim fast and swiftly to successfully fertilize an egg.
Getting plenty of rest, plenty of exercise, and eating properly can affect your body’s metabolism and well being. Making improvements in these areas can help you conceive a baby naturally when other options have failed. Reduce the amount of caffeine and fat you consume. You should be eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. If you are on a fad diet that restricts the intake of certain foods that your body needs, it can affect your ability to conceive.
Women need to be able to predict their cycle of ovulation. For some women, this is very simple. Others aren’t regular enough to do this accurately. There are various instruments you can purchase to help you monitor when you are ovulating. Make sure you research the particular options available and purchase one that is known for high quality results.
Conceiving a baby naturally isn’t easy for everyone. It can be very stressful and even lead to anxiety and depression. It is very important that you try to alleviate these feelings as much as possible. Such feelings can further hinder your chances of conception. Talk to a trusted friend or counselor about your feelings to help you overcome them.
For those who want to have a baby, but are having trouble conceiving, it can be very devastating. Many couples give up on the idea of conceiving a baby naturally after they have seen the doctor and exhausted all efforts. However, there are ways to conceive a baby naturally even when everything else has failed.
Chinese herbal medicine has been known to promote healing and fertility for centuries. The process of acupuncture can increase your chances of conceiving a baby naturally. Acupuncture is considered to be a type of alternative medicine. It involves inserting thin needles under the skin to relieve stress and pain.
If the male has a low sperm count, taking male enhancement supplements may be a good alternative. Make sure you only use the brands that contain all natural ingredients as other types of male enhancement supplements can lead to side effects. These supplements can help increase the amount of sperm made as well as the strength of it. Healthy sperm have to swim fast and swiftly to successfully fertilize an egg.
Getting plenty of rest, plenty of exercise, and eating properly can affect your body’s metabolism and well being. Making improvements in these areas can help you conceive a baby naturally when other options have failed. Reduce the amount of caffeine and fat you consume. You should be eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. If you are on a fad diet that restricts the intake of certain foods that your body needs, it can affect your ability to conceive.
Women need to be able to predict their cycle of ovulation. For some women, this is very simple. Others aren’t regular enough to do this accurately. There are various instruments you can purchase to help you monitor when you are ovulating. Make sure you research the particular options available and purchase one that is known for high quality results.
Conceiving a baby naturally isn’t easy for everyone. It can be very stressful and even lead to anxiety and depression. It is very important that you try to alleviate these feelings as much as possible. Such feelings can further hinder your chances of conception. Talk to a trusted friend or counselor about your feelings to help you overcome them.
Fertility hints & tips
Fertility hints & tips
Vitaline is proud to announce that in the last six years, we have helped over 100 women to conceive, naturally. This was achieved by helping them to lose weight on healthy eating plans and to make lifestyle changes that reduced their symptoms. Their Consultants now recommend our course. You can read their testimonials on our website www.pcos-vitaline.com.
As a PCOS sufferer, you may be experiencing fertility problems. From our research with Hospital Consultants and PCOS volunteers, we have found the following advice proved to be very successful. If you are trying for a baby, why not try these tips, they have worked for others and they could help you.
First of all, it is a good idea to work out a pre-conception plan. Most couples don’t have sex at the right time and frequency to achieve a pregnancy. Here are some tips. If your periods are regular (28 days from the start of one to the start of another), you should try to have regular intercourse, every other day, if possible, from Day 11 to Day 17. This is timed from the start of the first day of your last period. One week before this time of the month, both partners should get plenty of sleep and avoid intercourse altogether, until your reach Day 11...
Do's
Have more sex, but at the correct time of the month, as stated above.
Try to relax more, take up yoga or have a relaxing bath before bed.
Lavender essence under the pillow helps some PCOS sufferers to relax more. You can experiment with your own personal fragrance. Avoid strong fragrances.
Try to have proper nutrition. Lose weight if you are overweight, but avoid strict diets that can result in poor health. As a PCOS sufferer it is important that you have your metabolic rate assessed and your diet should be prepared to suit you personally, by professionals. It is an established fact that women with PCOS have a slower metabolism than non-sufferers, so a personal diet is essential. Vitaline can do this. Log on to www.pcos-vitaline.com.
Eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables everyday, for maximum health.
Eat organic food whenever possible.
Ensure your partner follows a good, nutritionally balanced diet.
Take a multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement, if you have not been eating correctly.
Keep calm, stress is a huge factor.
Take regular exercise. A good walk everyday or a nice swim. It all helps.
Drink nettle tea to build up your blood.
Do practice deep-breathing exercises. Your Vitaline Adviser will explain how to do these.
Drink a glass of boiled, cooled water, with a thin slice of lemon each morning, to detox your system.
Do drink plenty of fresh water, in small, regular amounts.
Don'ts
Don’t drink coffee or drinks containing caffeine.
Don’t take alcohol, avoid smoking, drugs and very strenuous exercises.
Don’t become obsessed. It can take some time, please be patient.
Don’t drink diet drinks, they contain artificial sweeteners called aspartame which is a broken down product of formaldehyde or embalming fluid and can affect sperm production in men and menstrual cycle in women.
Don’t stint on the right food. It is important to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. A good percentage of protein foods and a balance of the right carbohydrates is also required. Pcos sufferers should avoid certain carbohydrates, so it is important to discuss what is the best for you with your Vitaline Adviser.
Vitaline is proud to announce that in the last six years, we have helped over 100 women to conceive, naturally. This was achieved by helping them to lose weight on healthy eating plans and to make lifestyle changes that reduced their symptoms. Their Consultants now recommend our course. You can read their testimonials on our website www.pcos-vitaline.com.
As a PCOS sufferer, you may be experiencing fertility problems. From our research with Hospital Consultants and PCOS volunteers, we have found the following advice proved to be very successful. If you are trying for a baby, why not try these tips, they have worked for others and they could help you.
First of all, it is a good idea to work out a pre-conception plan. Most couples don’t have sex at the right time and frequency to achieve a pregnancy. Here are some tips. If your periods are regular (28 days from the start of one to the start of another), you should try to have regular intercourse, every other day, if possible, from Day 11 to Day 17. This is timed from the start of the first day of your last period. One week before this time of the month, both partners should get plenty of sleep and avoid intercourse altogether, until your reach Day 11...
Do's
Have more sex, but at the correct time of the month, as stated above.
Try to relax more, take up yoga or have a relaxing bath before bed.
Lavender essence under the pillow helps some PCOS sufferers to relax more. You can experiment with your own personal fragrance. Avoid strong fragrances.
Try to have proper nutrition. Lose weight if you are overweight, but avoid strict diets that can result in poor health. As a PCOS sufferer it is important that you have your metabolic rate assessed and your diet should be prepared to suit you personally, by professionals. It is an established fact that women with PCOS have a slower metabolism than non-sufferers, so a personal diet is essential. Vitaline can do this. Log on to www.pcos-vitaline.com.
Eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables everyday, for maximum health.
Eat organic food whenever possible.
Ensure your partner follows a good, nutritionally balanced diet.
Take a multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement, if you have not been eating correctly.
Keep calm, stress is a huge factor.
Take regular exercise. A good walk everyday or a nice swim. It all helps.
Drink nettle tea to build up your blood.
Do practice deep-breathing exercises. Your Vitaline Adviser will explain how to do these.
Drink a glass of boiled, cooled water, with a thin slice of lemon each morning, to detox your system.
Do drink plenty of fresh water, in small, regular amounts.
Don'ts
Don’t drink coffee or drinks containing caffeine.
Don’t take alcohol, avoid smoking, drugs and very strenuous exercises.
Don’t become obsessed. It can take some time, please be patient.
Don’t drink diet drinks, they contain artificial sweeteners called aspartame which is a broken down product of formaldehyde or embalming fluid and can affect sperm production in men and menstrual cycle in women.
Don’t stint on the right food. It is important to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. A good percentage of protein foods and a balance of the right carbohydrates is also required. Pcos sufferers should avoid certain carbohydrates, so it is important to discuss what is the best for you with your Vitaline Adviser.
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
How To Get Pregnant
These are questions that come up a lot with those of you who have been trying to figure out just how to get pregnant for several months now and have not yet had any success.
At first there is not much doubt, you stop using contraception and imagine that within a few months you will become pregnant and that's it. After three or four months of trying you will be faced with the reality of the situation that you are not pregnant yet and your mind will begin to ask if everything is ok with you and your partner.
To put your mind at rest, when you are trying for a baby it is quite normal to have to wait up to and beyond 12 months before finally becoming pregnant.
To be able to become pregnant there are certain facts that you should be aware of that when applied to your lifestyle and your lovemaking will dramatically increase your ability to become pregnant:
* You should be aware of how your body works and exactly what your body is doing at every step of your monthly cycle. Get to know the tell tale signs that you are about to ovulate. With a little practice you should be making love just as you ovulate.
* Know when to make love. You need to know about male ejaculation and about how sperm can become more or less active. Plan it so that you make love just as you ovulate with the highest quality sperm. Also you need to learn about how female orgasms can help in conception if timed right.
* Preparing your body with the correct minerals and vitamins is very important. Not only for trying to conceive but once conception has occurred then you will need to have prepared yourself to be able to nourish the unborn in the first few weeks. There is a lot to be said ion this subject.
* You should also be asking yourself if you are really prepared to bring a child into this world, do you have the means to support it and nurture it?... I personally believe that whatever our situation, as a survival instinct most of us will somehow be able to find all that we will need to bring up a healthy and happy baby but if you personally are not really that sure then this thinking will bear a direct influence on your physical body and will play tricks with your ovulation and menstrual cycle which will make it that much more difficult to become pregnant.
At first there is not much doubt, you stop using contraception and imagine that within a few months you will become pregnant and that's it. After three or four months of trying you will be faced with the reality of the situation that you are not pregnant yet and your mind will begin to ask if everything is ok with you and your partner.
To put your mind at rest, when you are trying for a baby it is quite normal to have to wait up to and beyond 12 months before finally becoming pregnant.
To be able to become pregnant there are certain facts that you should be aware of that when applied to your lifestyle and your lovemaking will dramatically increase your ability to become pregnant:
* You should be aware of how your body works and exactly what your body is doing at every step of your monthly cycle. Get to know the tell tale signs that you are about to ovulate. With a little practice you should be making love just as you ovulate.
* Know when to make love. You need to know about male ejaculation and about how sperm can become more or less active. Plan it so that you make love just as you ovulate with the highest quality sperm. Also you need to learn about how female orgasms can help in conception if timed right.
* Preparing your body with the correct minerals and vitamins is very important. Not only for trying to conceive but once conception has occurred then you will need to have prepared yourself to be able to nourish the unborn in the first few weeks. There is a lot to be said ion this subject.
* You should also be asking yourself if you are really prepared to bring a child into this world, do you have the means to support it and nurture it?... I personally believe that whatever our situation, as a survival instinct most of us will somehow be able to find all that we will need to bring up a healthy and happy baby but if you personally are not really that sure then this thinking will bear a direct influence on your physical body and will play tricks with your ovulation and menstrual cycle which will make it that much more difficult to become pregnant.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Treatment of Oligomenorrhea
The Response of Modern Medicine
While oligomenorrhea in teenagers and women near menopause may require no treatment whatsoever, those cases due to extreme eating disorders receive a combination of medical treatment such as anti-depressants, plus psychotherapy. If, on the other hand, the symptoms are caused by a tumor, surgical removal is usually effective. However, most other women with the condition that involve low weight, vigorous athletics or similar factors are typically treated with estrogen, usually in the form of estradiol, to improve and/or restore their hormonal balance.
The problem with the modern medical treatment option of estrogen supplementation is that it does nothing to address the underlying cause of the oligomenorrhea. Furthermore, the use of estradiol has been implicated as a factor in female cancers and other female-related conditions, as reported by a major study of the Women’s Health Initiative study and elsewhere. For example, according to the American Cancer Society Textbook of Clinical Oncology, "Oral contraceptives and steroidal estrogens are chemicals and mixtures judged to be carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and estradiol is in a class of carcinogenic chemicals." What most people do not realize about estradiol is that it is at least partly responsible for many of the conditions that plague women, such as dysmenorrhea, PMS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, migraine headaches, and chronic pelvic pain, not to mention conditions such as breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer. Fortunately, other treatment options for oligomenorrhea are available.
The Natural Medicine Approach to Oligomenorrhea
The natural medicine approach is to focus on the underlying problem of the oligomenorrhea. For cases of the condition not caused by a specific disease or a tumor, the underlying problem usually involves abnormally low body fat, which puts the individual’s body into a pre-pubescent state. Treatment starts with hormonal testing to establish the female patient’s precise hormonal profile, with the typical result of a prescription for a natural form of progesterone. In addition, a healthy diet including good proteins and fats, as well as natural supplements such as flax seed oil, Menstrual Support and Premenselator cream are also prescribed to restore a proper nutritional and hormonal balance and encourage the restoration of a menstrual cycle normal for that particular female patient.
While oligomenorrhea in teenagers and women near menopause may require no treatment whatsoever, those cases due to extreme eating disorders receive a combination of medical treatment such as anti-depressants, plus psychotherapy. If, on the other hand, the symptoms are caused by a tumor, surgical removal is usually effective. However, most other women with the condition that involve low weight, vigorous athletics or similar factors are typically treated with estrogen, usually in the form of estradiol, to improve and/or restore their hormonal balance.
The problem with the modern medical treatment option of estrogen supplementation is that it does nothing to address the underlying cause of the oligomenorrhea. Furthermore, the use of estradiol has been implicated as a factor in female cancers and other female-related conditions, as reported by a major study of the Women’s Health Initiative study and elsewhere. For example, according to the American Cancer Society Textbook of Clinical Oncology, "Oral contraceptives and steroidal estrogens are chemicals and mixtures judged to be carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and estradiol is in a class of carcinogenic chemicals." What most people do not realize about estradiol is that it is at least partly responsible for many of the conditions that plague women, such as dysmenorrhea, PMS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, migraine headaches, and chronic pelvic pain, not to mention conditions such as breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer. Fortunately, other treatment options for oligomenorrhea are available.
The Natural Medicine Approach to Oligomenorrhea
The natural medicine approach is to focus on the underlying problem of the oligomenorrhea. For cases of the condition not caused by a specific disease or a tumor, the underlying problem usually involves abnormally low body fat, which puts the individual’s body into a pre-pubescent state. Treatment starts with hormonal testing to establish the female patient’s precise hormonal profile, with the typical result of a prescription for a natural form of progesterone. In addition, a healthy diet including good proteins and fats, as well as natural supplements such as flax seed oil, Menstrual Support and Premenselator cream are also prescribed to restore a proper nutritional and hormonal balance and encourage the restoration of a menstrual cycle normal for that particular female patient.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Getting Pregnant and Improving Fertility: Exercise
Exercise and fertility are very closely linked and exercise can be a determining factor in an individual’s chances of getting pregnant. In fact, getting either too little or too much exercise can hinder female fertility. This is because exercise affects the amount of body fat that a woman has; having a body fat level that is between 10 and 15 percent above or below normal levels (between 20 and 27 percent) can lead to infertility. Therefore, it is important to consider the effects of exercise on your fertility, as exercise can either improve your chances of getting pregnant or decrease them.
Exercise and Infertility
Exercise-induced infertility is a major cause of difficulty for women in the process of getting pregnant. This is because too little body fat can result in irregular ovulation, as body fat helps to regulate the body’s production of estrogen. Women who have too little body fat as a result of excessive exercise often experience oligomenorrhea (infrequent or light menstruation) and in some cases even amenorrhea (in which menstruation does not occur at all). Both of these conditions can have adverse effects on female fertility and thereby negatively influence a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Exercise and Weight Maintenance
Alternatively, obesity can also have a negative impact on a woman’s ability to get pregnant. In fact, 12% of infertility cases are due to being overweight or obese. This is because fat increases the amount of estrogen produced by the body. Since 30% of estrogen comes from fat cells, having higher levels of fat leads to an increased production of estrogen, which can affect ovulation, menstruation and fertility. Obesity also increases the risk of being resistant to insulin, which results in the body’s overproduction of insulin, a process that in turn prevents ovulation.
Exercise can be used to establish a healthy weight so as to improve a woman’s odds of getting pregnant. A moderate exercise program should be formulated with the supervision of a physician so as to minimize health complications associated with obesity. Exercises can include walking, swimming, cycling and yoga. An exercise regimen should be developed slowly, until the individual is working out for up to 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week.
Exercise and Stress
Developing a healthy exercise routine is an excellent way to increase fertility as well as to improve overall healthy. Exercise reduces high stress levels, which are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and depression, which can in turn negatively affect ovulation and menstruation. Exercise can also be used to help counteract the stress associated with fertility treatment procedures such as IVF.
Exercise, such as Pilates and yoga, releases endorphins which condition the body to respond in a more healthy manner to stress and also improves overall mental health, thereby improving a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Exercise and Infertility
Exercise-induced infertility is a major cause of difficulty for women in the process of getting pregnant. This is because too little body fat can result in irregular ovulation, as body fat helps to regulate the body’s production of estrogen. Women who have too little body fat as a result of excessive exercise often experience oligomenorrhea (infrequent or light menstruation) and in some cases even amenorrhea (in which menstruation does not occur at all). Both of these conditions can have adverse effects on female fertility and thereby negatively influence a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Exercise and Weight Maintenance
Alternatively, obesity can also have a negative impact on a woman’s ability to get pregnant. In fact, 12% of infertility cases are due to being overweight or obese. This is because fat increases the amount of estrogen produced by the body. Since 30% of estrogen comes from fat cells, having higher levels of fat leads to an increased production of estrogen, which can affect ovulation, menstruation and fertility. Obesity also increases the risk of being resistant to insulin, which results in the body’s overproduction of insulin, a process that in turn prevents ovulation.
Exercise can be used to establish a healthy weight so as to improve a woman’s odds of getting pregnant. A moderate exercise program should be formulated with the supervision of a physician so as to minimize health complications associated with obesity. Exercises can include walking, swimming, cycling and yoga. An exercise regimen should be developed slowly, until the individual is working out for up to 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week.
Exercise and Stress
Developing a healthy exercise routine is an excellent way to increase fertility as well as to improve overall healthy. Exercise reduces high stress levels, which are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and depression, which can in turn negatively affect ovulation and menstruation. Exercise can also be used to help counteract the stress associated with fertility treatment procedures such as IVF.
Exercise, such as Pilates and yoga, releases endorphins which condition the body to respond in a more healthy manner to stress and also improves overall mental health, thereby improving a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea
In most women, menstrual bleeding occurs every 28 days, plus or minus 4 days. Although some variation is normal, menstrual bleeding at intervals of greater than 36 days may indicate oligomenorrhea — abnormally infrequent menstrual bleeding characterized by three to six menstrual cycles per year. When menstrual bleeding does occur, it’s usually profuse, prolonged (up to 10 days), and laden with clots and tissue. Occasionally, scant bleeding or spotting occurs between these heavy menses.
Oligomenorrhea may develop suddenly or it may follow a period of gradually lengthening cycles. Although oligomenorrhea may alternate with normal menstrual bleeding, it can progress to secondary amenorrhea.
Because oligomenorrhea is commonly associated with anovulation, it’s common in infertile, early postmenarchal, and perimenopausal women. This sign usually reflects abnormalities of the hormones that govern normal endometrial function. It may result from ovarian, hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, and other metabolic disorders and from the effects of certain drugs. It may also result from emotional or physical stress, such as sudden weight change, a debilitating illness, or rigorous physical training.
Top History and physical examination
After asking the patient’s age, find out when menarche occurred. Has the patient ever experienced normal menstrual cycles? When did she begin having abnormal cycles? Ask her to describe the pattern of bleeding. How many days does the bleeding last, and how frequently does it occur? Are there clots and tissue fragments in her menstrual flow? Note when she last had menstrual bleeding.
Next, determine if she’s having symptoms of ovulatory bleeding. Does she experience mild, cramping abdominal pain 14 days before she bleeds? Is the bleeding accompanied by premenstrual symptoms, such as breast tenderness, irritability, bloating, weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea? Does she have cramping or pain with bleeding? Also, check for a history of infertility. Does the patient have children? Is she trying to conceive? Ask if she’s currently using hormonal contraceptives or if she has ever used them in the past. If she has, find out when she stopped taking them.
Then ask about previous gynecologic disorders such as ovarian cysts. If the patient is breast-feeding, has she experienced problems with milk production? If she hasn’t been breast-feeding recently, has she noticed milk leaking from her breasts? Ask about recent weight gain or loss. Is the patient less than 80% of her ideal weight? If so, does she claim that she’s overweight? Ask if she’s exercising more vigorously than usual.
Screen for metabolic disorders by asking about excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue. Has the patient been jittery or had palpitations? Ask about headaches, dizziness, and impaired peripheral vision. Complete the history by finding out what drugs the patient is taking.
Begin the physical examination by taking the patient’s vital signs and weighing her. Inspect for increased facial hair growth, sparse body hair, male distribution of fat and muscle, acne, and clitoral enlargement. Note if the skin is abnormally dry or moist, and check hair texture. Also, be alert for signs of psychological or physical stress. Rule out pregnancy by a blood or urine pregnancy test.
Top Medical causes
TopAdrenal hyperplasia
In adrenal hyperplasia, oligomenorrhea may occur with signs of androgen excess, such as clitoral enlargement and male distribution of hair, fat, and muscle mass.
TopAnorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa may cause sporadic oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. Its cardinal symptom, however, is a morbid fear of being fat associated with weight loss of more than 20% of ideal body weight. Typically, the patient displays dramatic skeletal muscle atrophy and loss of fatty tissue; dry or sparse scalp hair; lanugo on the face and body; and blotchy or sallow, dry skin. Other symptoms include constipation, a decreased libido, and sleep disturbances.
TopDiabetes mellitus
Oligomenorrhea may be an early sign in diabetes mellitus. In insulin-dependent diabetes, the patient may have never had normal menses. Associated findings include excessive hunger, polydipsia, polyuria, weakness, fatigue, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, irritability and emotional lability, and weight loss.
TopHypothyroidism
Besides oligomenorrhea, hypothyroidism may result in fatigue; forgetfulness; cold intolerance; unexplained weight gain; constipation; bradycardia; decreased mental acuity; dry, flaky, inelastic skin; puffy face, hands, and feet; hoarseness; periorbital edema; ptosis; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails.
TopProlactin-secreting pituitary tumor
Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea may be the first sign of a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor. Accompanying findings include unilateral or bilateral galactorrhea, infertility, loss of libido, and sparse pubic hair. A headache and visual field disturbances — such as diminished peripheral vision, blurred vision, diplopia, and hemianopia — signal tumor expansion.
TopThyrotoxicosis
Thyrotoxicosis may produce oligomenorrhea along with reduced fertility. Cardinal findings include irritability, weight loss despite increased appetite, dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, diarrhea, tremors, diaphoresis, heat intolerance, an enlarged thyroid and, possibly, exophthalmos.
Top Other causes
TopDrugs
Drugs that increase androgen levels — such as corticosteroids, corticotropin, anabolic steroids, danocrine, and injectable and implanted hormonal contraceptives — may cause oligomenorrhea. Hormonal contraceptives may be associated with delayed resumption of normal menses when their use is discontinued; however, 95% of women resume normal menses within 3 months. Other drugs that may cause oligomenorrhea include phenothiazine derivatives and amphetamines, and antihypertensive drugs, which increase prolactin levels.
In most women, menstrual bleeding occurs every 28 days, plus or minus 4 days. Although some variation is normal, menstrual bleeding at intervals of greater than 36 days may indicate oligomenorrhea — abnormally infrequent menstrual bleeding characterized by three to six menstrual cycles per year. When menstrual bleeding does occur, it’s usually profuse, prolonged (up to 10 days), and laden with clots and tissue. Occasionally, scant bleeding or spotting occurs between these heavy menses.
Oligomenorrhea may develop suddenly or it may follow a period of gradually lengthening cycles. Although oligomenorrhea may alternate with normal menstrual bleeding, it can progress to secondary amenorrhea.
Because oligomenorrhea is commonly associated with anovulation, it’s common in infertile, early postmenarchal, and perimenopausal women. This sign usually reflects abnormalities of the hormones that govern normal endometrial function. It may result from ovarian, hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, and other metabolic disorders and from the effects of certain drugs. It may also result from emotional or physical stress, such as sudden weight change, a debilitating illness, or rigorous physical training.
Top History and physical examination
After asking the patient’s age, find out when menarche occurred. Has the patient ever experienced normal menstrual cycles? When did she begin having abnormal cycles? Ask her to describe the pattern of bleeding. How many days does the bleeding last, and how frequently does it occur? Are there clots and tissue fragments in her menstrual flow? Note when she last had menstrual bleeding.
Next, determine if she’s having symptoms of ovulatory bleeding. Does she experience mild, cramping abdominal pain 14 days before she bleeds? Is the bleeding accompanied by premenstrual symptoms, such as breast tenderness, irritability, bloating, weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea? Does she have cramping or pain with bleeding? Also, check for a history of infertility. Does the patient have children? Is she trying to conceive? Ask if she’s currently using hormonal contraceptives or if she has ever used them in the past. If she has, find out when she stopped taking them.
Then ask about previous gynecologic disorders such as ovarian cysts. If the patient is breast-feeding, has she experienced problems with milk production? If she hasn’t been breast-feeding recently, has she noticed milk leaking from her breasts? Ask about recent weight gain or loss. Is the patient less than 80% of her ideal weight? If so, does she claim that she’s overweight? Ask if she’s exercising more vigorously than usual.
Screen for metabolic disorders by asking about excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue. Has the patient been jittery or had palpitations? Ask about headaches, dizziness, and impaired peripheral vision. Complete the history by finding out what drugs the patient is taking.
Begin the physical examination by taking the patient’s vital signs and weighing her. Inspect for increased facial hair growth, sparse body hair, male distribution of fat and muscle, acne, and clitoral enlargement. Note if the skin is abnormally dry or moist, and check hair texture. Also, be alert for signs of psychological or physical stress. Rule out pregnancy by a blood or urine pregnancy test.
Top Medical causes
TopAdrenal hyperplasia
In adrenal hyperplasia, oligomenorrhea may occur with signs of androgen excess, such as clitoral enlargement and male distribution of hair, fat, and muscle mass.
TopAnorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa may cause sporadic oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. Its cardinal symptom, however, is a morbid fear of being fat associated with weight loss of more than 20% of ideal body weight. Typically, the patient displays dramatic skeletal muscle atrophy and loss of fatty tissue; dry or sparse scalp hair; lanugo on the face and body; and blotchy or sallow, dry skin. Other symptoms include constipation, a decreased libido, and sleep disturbances.
TopDiabetes mellitus
Oligomenorrhea may be an early sign in diabetes mellitus. In insulin-dependent diabetes, the patient may have never had normal menses. Associated findings include excessive hunger, polydipsia, polyuria, weakness, fatigue, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, irritability and emotional lability, and weight loss.
TopHypothyroidism
Besides oligomenorrhea, hypothyroidism may result in fatigue; forgetfulness; cold intolerance; unexplained weight gain; constipation; bradycardia; decreased mental acuity; dry, flaky, inelastic skin; puffy face, hands, and feet; hoarseness; periorbital edema; ptosis; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails.
TopProlactin-secreting pituitary tumor
Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea may be the first sign of a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor. Accompanying findings include unilateral or bilateral galactorrhea, infertility, loss of libido, and sparse pubic hair. A headache and visual field disturbances — such as diminished peripheral vision, blurred vision, diplopia, and hemianopia — signal tumor expansion.
TopThyrotoxicosis
Thyrotoxicosis may produce oligomenorrhea along with reduced fertility. Cardinal findings include irritability, weight loss despite increased appetite, dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, diarrhea, tremors, diaphoresis, heat intolerance, an enlarged thyroid and, possibly, exophthalmos.
Top Other causes
TopDrugs
Drugs that increase androgen levels — such as corticosteroids, corticotropin, anabolic steroids, danocrine, and injectable and implanted hormonal contraceptives — may cause oligomenorrhea. Hormonal contraceptives may be associated with delayed resumption of normal menses when their use is discontinued; however, 95% of women resume normal menses within 3 months. Other drugs that may cause oligomenorrhea include phenothiazine derivatives and amphetamines, and antihypertensive drugs, which increase prolactin levels.
Oligomenorrhea
Definition
Medical dictionaries define oligomenorrhea as infrequent or very light menstruation. But physicians typically apply a narrower definition, restricting the diagnosis of oligomenorrhea to women whose periods were regularly established before they developed problems with infrequent flow. With oligomenorrhea, menstrual periods occur at intervals of greater than 35 days, with only four to nine periods in a year.
Description
True oligomenorrhea can not occur until menstrual periods have been established. In the United States, 97.5% of women have begun normal menstrual cycles by age 16. The complete absence of menstruation, whether menstrual periods never start or whether they stop after having been established, is called amenorrhea. Oligomenorrhea can become amenorrhea if menstruation stops for six months or more.
It is quite common for women at the beginning and end of their reproductive lives to miss or have irregular periods. This is normal and is usually the result of imperfect coordination between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the ovaries. For no apparent reason, a few women menstruate (with ovulation occurring) on a regular schedule as infrequently as once every two months. For them that schedule is normal and not a cause for concern.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also likely to suffer from oligomenorrhea. PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries become filled with small cysts. Women with PCOS show menstrual irregularities that range from oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea on the one hand to very heavy, irregular periods on the other. The condition affects about 6% of premenopausal women and is related to excess androgen production.
Other physical and emotional factors also cause a woman to miss periods. These include:
* emotional stress
* chronic illness
* poor nutrition
* eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa
* excessive exercise
* estrogen-secreting tumors
* illicit use of anabolic steriod drugs to enhance athletic performance
Professional ballet dancers, gymnasts, and ice skaters are especially at risk for oligomenorrhea because they combine strenuous physical activity with a diet intended to keep their weight down. Menstrual irregularities are now known to be one of the three disorders comprising the so-called "female athlete triad," the other disorders being disordered eating and osteoporosis. The triad was first formally named at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in 1993, but doctors were aware of the combination of bone mineral loss, stress fractures, eating disorders, and participation in women's sports for several decades before the triad was named. Women's coaches have become increasingly aware of the problem since the early 1990s, and are encouraging female athletes to seek medical advice.
Causes and symptoms
Symptoms of oligomenorrhea include:
* menstrual periods at intervals of more than 35 days
* irregular menstrual periods with unpredictable flow
* some women with oligomenorrhea may have difficulty conceiving.
Oligomenorrhea that occurs in adolescents is often caused by immaturity or lack of synchronization between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. The hypothalamus is part of the brain that controls body temperature, cellular metabolism, and basic functions such as eating, sleeping, and reproduction. It secretes hormones that regulate the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is then stimulated to produce hormones that affect growth and reproduction. At the beginning and end of a woman's reproductive life, some of these hormone messages may not be synchronized, causing menstrual irregularities.
In PCOS, oligomenorrhea is probably caused by inappropriate levels of both female and male hormones. Male hormones are produced in small quantities by all women, but in women with PCOS, levels of male hormone (androgens) are slightly higher than in other women. More recently, however, some researchers are hypothesizing that the ovaries of women with PCOS are abnormal in other respects. In 2003, a group of researchers in London reported that there are fundamental differences between the development of egg follicles in normal ovaries and follicle development in the ovaries of women with PCOS.
In athletes, models, actresses, dancers, and women with anorexia nervosa, oligomenorrhea occurs because the ratio of body fat to weight drops too low.
Diagnosis
History and physical examination
Diagnosis of oligomenorrhea begins with the patient informing the doctor about infrequent periods. The doctor will ask for a detailed description of the problem and take a history of how long it has existed and any patterns the patient has observed. A woman can assist the doctor in diagnosing the cause of oligomenorrhea by keeping a record of the time, frequency, length, and quantity of bleeding. She should also tell the doctor about any recent illnesses, including longstanding conditions like diabetes mellitus. The doctor may also inquire about the patient's diet, exercise patterns, sexual activity, contraceptive use, current medications, or past surgical procedures.
The doctor will then perform a physical examination to evaluate the patient's weight in proportion to her height, to check for signs of normal sexual development, to make sure the heart rhythm and other vital signs are normal, and to palpate (feel) the thyroid gland for evidence of swelling.
In the case of female athletes, the doctor may need to establish a relationship of trust with the patient before asking about such matters as diet, practice and workout schedules, and the use of such drugs as steroids or ephedrine. The presence of stress fractures in young women should be investigated. In some cases, the doctor may give the patients the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) or a similar screening questionnaire to help determine whether the patient is at risk for developing anorexia or bulimia.
Laboratory tests
After taking the woman's history, the gynecologist or family practitioner does a pelvic examination and Pap test. To rule out specific causes of oligomenorrhea, the doctor may also do a pregnancy test and blood tests to check the level of thyroid hormone. Based on the initial test results, the doctor may want to do tests to determine the level of other hormones that play a role in reproduction.
As of 2003, more sensitive monoclonal assays have been developed for measuring hormone levels in the blood serum of women with PCOS, thus allowing earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Imaging studies
In some cases the doctor may order an ultrasound study of the pelvic region to check for anatomical abnormalities, or x rays or a bone scan to check for bone fractures. In a few cases the doctor may order an MRI to rule out tumors affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Treatment
Treatment of oligomenorrhea depends on the cause. In adolescents and women near menopause, oligomenorrhea usually needs no treatment. For some athletes, changes in training routines and eating habits may be enough to return the woman to a regular menstrual cycle.
Most patients suffering from oligomenorrhea are treated with birth control pills. Other women, including those with PCOS, are treated with hormones. Prescribed hormones depend on which particular hormones are deficient or out of balance. When oligomenorrhea is associated with an eating disorder or the female athlete triad, the underlying condition must be treated. Consultation with a psychiatrist and nutritionist is usually necessary to manage an eating disorder. Female athletes may require physical therapy or rehabilitation as well.
Alternative treatment
As with conventional medicial treatments, alternative treatments are based on the cause of the condition. If a hormonal imbalance is revealed by laboratory testing, hormone replacements that are more "natural" for the body (including tri-estrogen and natural progesterone) are recommended. Glandular therapy can assist in bringing about a balance in the glands involved in the reproductive cycle, including the hypothalmus, pituitary, thyroid, ovarian, and adrenal glands. Since homeopathy and acupuncture work on deep, energetic levels to rebalance the body, these two modalities may be helpful in treating oligomenorrhea. Western and Chinese herbal medicines also can be very effective. Herbs used to treat oligomenorrhea include dong quai (Angelica sinensis), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), and chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus). Herbal preparations used to bring on the menstrual period are known as emmenagogues. For some women, meditation, guided imagery, and visualization can play a key role in the treatment of oligomenorrhea by relieving emotional stress.
Diet and adequate nutrition, including adequate protein, essential fatty acids, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables, are important for every woman, especially if deficiencies are present or if she regularly exercises very strenuously. Female athletes at the high school or college level should consult a nutritionist to make sure that they are eating a well-balanced diet that is adequate to maintain a healthy weight for their height. Girls participating in dance or in sports that emphasize weight control or a slender body type (gymnastics, track and field, swimming, and cheerleading) are at higher risk of developing eating disorders than those that are involved in such sports as softball, weight lifting, or basketball. In some cases the athlete may be given calcium or vitamin D supplements to lower the risk of osteoporosis.
Many women, including those with PCOS, are successfully treated with hormones for oligomenorrhea. They have more frequent periods and begin ovulating during their menstrual cycle, restoring their fertility.
For women who do not respond to hormones or who continue to have an underlying condition that causes oligomenorrhea, the outlook is less positive. Women who have oligomenorrhea may have difficulty conceiving children and may receive fertility drugs. The absence of adequate estrogen increases risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) and cardiovascular disease. Women who do not have regular periods also are more likely to develop uterine cancer. Oligomenorrhea can become amenorrhea at any time, increasing the chance of having these complications.
Prevention
Oligomenorrhea is preventable only in women whose low body fat to weight ratio is keeping them from maintaining a regular menstrual cycle. Adequate nutrition and a less vigorous training schedules will normally prevent oligomenorrhea. When oligomenorrhea is caused by hormonal factors, it is not preventable, but it is often treatable.
Key Terms
Anorexia nervosa
A disorder of the mind and body in which people starve themselves in a desire to be thin, despite being of normal or below normal body weight for their size and age.
Cyst
An abnormal sac containing fluid or semi-solid material.
Emmenagogue
A medication or herbal preparation given to bring on a woman's menstrual period.
Female athlete triad
A combination of disorders frequently found in female athletes that includes disordered eating, osteoporosis, and oligo- or amenorrhea. The triad was first officially named in 1993.
Osteoporosis
The excessive loss of calcium from the bones, causing the bones to become fragile and break easily. Women who are not menstruating are especially vulnerable to this condition because estrogen, a hormone that protects bones against calcium loss, decreases drastically after menopause.
For Your Information
Resources
Books
* American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed., revised. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
* Beers, Mark H., MD, and Robert Berkow, MD, editors. "Menstrual Abnormalities and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding." Section 18, Chapter 235 In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 2004.
* Pelletier, Kenneth R., MD. The Best Alternative Medicine, Part II, "CAM Therapies for Specific Conditions: Menstrual Symptoms, Menopause, and PMS." New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002.
Periodicals
* Barrow, Boone, MD. "Female Athlete Triad." eMedicine June 17, 2004.
* Chandran, Latha, MBBS, MPH. "Menstruation Disorders." eMedicine August 9, 2004.
* Hopkinson, R. A., and J. Lock. "Athletics, Perfectionism, and Disordered Eating." Eating and Weight Disorders 9 (June 2004): 99-106.
* Klentrou, P., and M. Plyley. "Onset of Puberty, Menstrual Frequency, and Body Fat in Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts Compared with Normal Controls." British Journal of Sports Medicine 37 (December 2003): 490-494.
* Milsom, S. R., M. C. Sowter, M. A. Carter, et al. "LH Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Have Modern Assays Made Them Irrelevant?" BJOG 110 (August 2003): 760-764.
* Nelson, Lawrence M., MD, Vladimir Bakalov, MD, and Carmen Pastor, MD. "Amenorrhea." eMedicine August 9, 2004.
* Suliman, A. M., T. P. Smith, J. Gibney, and T. J. McKenna. "Frequent Misdiagnosis and Mismanagement of Hyperprolactinemic Patients Before the Introduction of Macroprolactin Screening: Application of a New Strict Laboratory Definition of Macroprolactinemia." Clinical Chemistry 49 (September 2003): 1504-1509.
* Webber, L. J., S. Stubbs, J. Stark, et al. "Formation and Early Development of Follicles in the Polycystic Ovary." Lancet 362 (September 27, 2003): 1017-1021.
Organizations
* American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-3007. (202) 966-7300. Fax: (202) 966-2891.
* American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). 401 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3233. (317) 637-9200. Fax: (317) 634-7817.
* Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. P.O. Box 80517, Portland, OR 7280. (877) 775-7267.
Other
* Clinical Research Bulletin. vol. 1, no. 14.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the Gale Group The Essay Author is Tish Davidson, A.M..
Medical dictionaries define oligomenorrhea as infrequent or very light menstruation. But physicians typically apply a narrower definition, restricting the diagnosis of oligomenorrhea to women whose periods were regularly established before they developed problems with infrequent flow. With oligomenorrhea, menstrual periods occur at intervals of greater than 35 days, with only four to nine periods in a year.
Description
True oligomenorrhea can not occur until menstrual periods have been established. In the United States, 97.5% of women have begun normal menstrual cycles by age 16. The complete absence of menstruation, whether menstrual periods never start or whether they stop after having been established, is called amenorrhea. Oligomenorrhea can become amenorrhea if menstruation stops for six months or more.
It is quite common for women at the beginning and end of their reproductive lives to miss or have irregular periods. This is normal and is usually the result of imperfect coordination between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the ovaries. For no apparent reason, a few women menstruate (with ovulation occurring) on a regular schedule as infrequently as once every two months. For them that schedule is normal and not a cause for concern.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also likely to suffer from oligomenorrhea. PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries become filled with small cysts. Women with PCOS show menstrual irregularities that range from oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea on the one hand to very heavy, irregular periods on the other. The condition affects about 6% of premenopausal women and is related to excess androgen production.
Other physical and emotional factors also cause a woman to miss periods. These include:
* emotional stress
* chronic illness
* poor nutrition
* eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa
* excessive exercise
* estrogen-secreting tumors
* illicit use of anabolic steriod drugs to enhance athletic performance
Professional ballet dancers, gymnasts, and ice skaters are especially at risk for oligomenorrhea because they combine strenuous physical activity with a diet intended to keep their weight down. Menstrual irregularities are now known to be one of the three disorders comprising the so-called "female athlete triad," the other disorders being disordered eating and osteoporosis. The triad was first formally named at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in 1993, but doctors were aware of the combination of bone mineral loss, stress fractures, eating disorders, and participation in women's sports for several decades before the triad was named. Women's coaches have become increasingly aware of the problem since the early 1990s, and are encouraging female athletes to seek medical advice.
Causes and symptoms
Symptoms of oligomenorrhea include:
* menstrual periods at intervals of more than 35 days
* irregular menstrual periods with unpredictable flow
* some women with oligomenorrhea may have difficulty conceiving.
Oligomenorrhea that occurs in adolescents is often caused by immaturity or lack of synchronization between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. The hypothalamus is part of the brain that controls body temperature, cellular metabolism, and basic functions such as eating, sleeping, and reproduction. It secretes hormones that regulate the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is then stimulated to produce hormones that affect growth and reproduction. At the beginning and end of a woman's reproductive life, some of these hormone messages may not be synchronized, causing menstrual irregularities.
In PCOS, oligomenorrhea is probably caused by inappropriate levels of both female and male hormones. Male hormones are produced in small quantities by all women, but in women with PCOS, levels of male hormone (androgens) are slightly higher than in other women. More recently, however, some researchers are hypothesizing that the ovaries of women with PCOS are abnormal in other respects. In 2003, a group of researchers in London reported that there are fundamental differences between the development of egg follicles in normal ovaries and follicle development in the ovaries of women with PCOS.
In athletes, models, actresses, dancers, and women with anorexia nervosa, oligomenorrhea occurs because the ratio of body fat to weight drops too low.
Diagnosis
History and physical examination
Diagnosis of oligomenorrhea begins with the patient informing the doctor about infrequent periods. The doctor will ask for a detailed description of the problem and take a history of how long it has existed and any patterns the patient has observed. A woman can assist the doctor in diagnosing the cause of oligomenorrhea by keeping a record of the time, frequency, length, and quantity of bleeding. She should also tell the doctor about any recent illnesses, including longstanding conditions like diabetes mellitus. The doctor may also inquire about the patient's diet, exercise patterns, sexual activity, contraceptive use, current medications, or past surgical procedures.
The doctor will then perform a physical examination to evaluate the patient's weight in proportion to her height, to check for signs of normal sexual development, to make sure the heart rhythm and other vital signs are normal, and to palpate (feel) the thyroid gland for evidence of swelling.
In the case of female athletes, the doctor may need to establish a relationship of trust with the patient before asking about such matters as diet, practice and workout schedules, and the use of such drugs as steroids or ephedrine. The presence of stress fractures in young women should be investigated. In some cases, the doctor may give the patients the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) or a similar screening questionnaire to help determine whether the patient is at risk for developing anorexia or bulimia.
Laboratory tests
After taking the woman's history, the gynecologist or family practitioner does a pelvic examination and Pap test. To rule out specific causes of oligomenorrhea, the doctor may also do a pregnancy test and blood tests to check the level of thyroid hormone. Based on the initial test results, the doctor may want to do tests to determine the level of other hormones that play a role in reproduction.
As of 2003, more sensitive monoclonal assays have been developed for measuring hormone levels in the blood serum of women with PCOS, thus allowing earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Imaging studies
In some cases the doctor may order an ultrasound study of the pelvic region to check for anatomical abnormalities, or x rays or a bone scan to check for bone fractures. In a few cases the doctor may order an MRI to rule out tumors affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Treatment
Treatment of oligomenorrhea depends on the cause. In adolescents and women near menopause, oligomenorrhea usually needs no treatment. For some athletes, changes in training routines and eating habits may be enough to return the woman to a regular menstrual cycle.
Most patients suffering from oligomenorrhea are treated with birth control pills. Other women, including those with PCOS, are treated with hormones. Prescribed hormones depend on which particular hormones are deficient or out of balance. When oligomenorrhea is associated with an eating disorder or the female athlete triad, the underlying condition must be treated. Consultation with a psychiatrist and nutritionist is usually necessary to manage an eating disorder. Female athletes may require physical therapy or rehabilitation as well.
Alternative treatment
As with conventional medicial treatments, alternative treatments are based on the cause of the condition. If a hormonal imbalance is revealed by laboratory testing, hormone replacements that are more "natural" for the body (including tri-estrogen and natural progesterone) are recommended. Glandular therapy can assist in bringing about a balance in the glands involved in the reproductive cycle, including the hypothalmus, pituitary, thyroid, ovarian, and adrenal glands. Since homeopathy and acupuncture work on deep, energetic levels to rebalance the body, these two modalities may be helpful in treating oligomenorrhea. Western and Chinese herbal medicines also can be very effective. Herbs used to treat oligomenorrhea include dong quai (Angelica sinensis), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), and chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus). Herbal preparations used to bring on the menstrual period are known as emmenagogues. For some women, meditation, guided imagery, and visualization can play a key role in the treatment of oligomenorrhea by relieving emotional stress.
Diet and adequate nutrition, including adequate protein, essential fatty acids, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables, are important for every woman, especially if deficiencies are present or if she regularly exercises very strenuously. Female athletes at the high school or college level should consult a nutritionist to make sure that they are eating a well-balanced diet that is adequate to maintain a healthy weight for their height. Girls participating in dance or in sports that emphasize weight control or a slender body type (gymnastics, track and field, swimming, and cheerleading) are at higher risk of developing eating disorders than those that are involved in such sports as softball, weight lifting, or basketball. In some cases the athlete may be given calcium or vitamin D supplements to lower the risk of osteoporosis.
Many women, including those with PCOS, are successfully treated with hormones for oligomenorrhea. They have more frequent periods and begin ovulating during their menstrual cycle, restoring their fertility.
For women who do not respond to hormones or who continue to have an underlying condition that causes oligomenorrhea, the outlook is less positive. Women who have oligomenorrhea may have difficulty conceiving children and may receive fertility drugs. The absence of adequate estrogen increases risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) and cardiovascular disease. Women who do not have regular periods also are more likely to develop uterine cancer. Oligomenorrhea can become amenorrhea at any time, increasing the chance of having these complications.
Prevention
Oligomenorrhea is preventable only in women whose low body fat to weight ratio is keeping them from maintaining a regular menstrual cycle. Adequate nutrition and a less vigorous training schedules will normally prevent oligomenorrhea. When oligomenorrhea is caused by hormonal factors, it is not preventable, but it is often treatable.
Key Terms
Anorexia nervosa
A disorder of the mind and body in which people starve themselves in a desire to be thin, despite being of normal or below normal body weight for their size and age.
Cyst
An abnormal sac containing fluid or semi-solid material.
Emmenagogue
A medication or herbal preparation given to bring on a woman's menstrual period.
Female athlete triad
A combination of disorders frequently found in female athletes that includes disordered eating, osteoporosis, and oligo- or amenorrhea. The triad was first officially named in 1993.
Osteoporosis
The excessive loss of calcium from the bones, causing the bones to become fragile and break easily. Women who are not menstruating are especially vulnerable to this condition because estrogen, a hormone that protects bones against calcium loss, decreases drastically after menopause.
For Your Information
Resources
Books
* American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed., revised. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
* Beers, Mark H., MD, and Robert Berkow, MD, editors. "Menstrual Abnormalities and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding." Section 18, Chapter 235 In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 2004.
* Pelletier, Kenneth R., MD. The Best Alternative Medicine, Part II, "CAM Therapies for Specific Conditions: Menstrual Symptoms, Menopause, and PMS." New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002.
Periodicals
* Barrow, Boone, MD. "Female Athlete Triad." eMedicine June 17, 2004.
* Chandran, Latha, MBBS, MPH. "Menstruation Disorders." eMedicine August 9, 2004.
* Hopkinson, R. A., and J. Lock. "Athletics, Perfectionism, and Disordered Eating." Eating and Weight Disorders 9 (June 2004): 99-106.
* Klentrou, P., and M. Plyley. "Onset of Puberty, Menstrual Frequency, and Body Fat in Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts Compared with Normal Controls." British Journal of Sports Medicine 37 (December 2003): 490-494.
* Milsom, S. R., M. C. Sowter, M. A. Carter, et al. "LH Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Have Modern Assays Made Them Irrelevant?" BJOG 110 (August 2003): 760-764.
* Nelson, Lawrence M., MD, Vladimir Bakalov, MD, and Carmen Pastor, MD. "Amenorrhea." eMedicine August 9, 2004.
* Suliman, A. M., T. P. Smith, J. Gibney, and T. J. McKenna. "Frequent Misdiagnosis and Mismanagement of Hyperprolactinemic Patients Before the Introduction of Macroprolactin Screening: Application of a New Strict Laboratory Definition of Macroprolactinemia." Clinical Chemistry 49 (September 2003): 1504-1509.
* Webber, L. J., S. Stubbs, J. Stark, et al. "Formation and Early Development of Follicles in the Polycystic Ovary." Lancet 362 (September 27, 2003): 1017-1021.
Organizations
* American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-3007. (202) 966-7300. Fax: (202) 966-2891.
* American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). 401 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3233. (317) 637-9200. Fax: (317) 634-7817.
* Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. P.O. Box 80517, Portland, OR 7280. (877) 775-7267.
Other
* Clinical Research Bulletin. vol. 1, no. 14.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the Gale Group The Essay Author is Tish Davidson, A.M..
Monday, 7 April 2008
Herbal Supplements - Evening Primrose
he Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil In Treating Acne
The Native Americans were the first to discover the medicinal use of Evening Primrose. And then, the Europeans eventually brought the plant to their home countries and cultivated it there, where it became a type of food. The whole plant which includes the roots, to the leaves and to the flowers are edible.
The oil of the Evening Primrose flower can be extracted from the seeds, where it is most used as a supplement. Evening Primrose oil has been known for ceasing the discomfort of PMS or symptoms of menopause. Although there is no strong evidence for this, the anecdotal evidence is strong.
GLA, which is a type of fatty acid contained in the oil, contains a lot of beneficial properties. With the essential fatty acid, it is useful for the prevention of heart disease, eczema, hardening of the arteries, and multiple sclerosis. Since it has a positive effect on sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), this may be the reasons why women have traditionally used it for PMS. This type of essential fatty acid also has anti-inflammatory properties and in fact, a mask made from the ground stems of the plant can help to soothe irritated skin.
There are several other benefits of Evening Primrose oil, such as treating acne and rosacea, preventing diabetes-related nerve damage, help easing joint pain in arthritis patients, protect signs of aging, as well as the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
The Evening Primrose oil supplements come in capsule, softgel, or oil form and dosage and drug interactions can be advised by a healthcare professional. It may take up to six months to see signs that Evening Primrose oil is working, so be patient!
The Native Americans were the first to discover the medicinal use of Evening Primrose. And then, the Europeans eventually brought the plant to their home countries and cultivated it there, where it became a type of food. The whole plant which includes the roots, to the leaves and to the flowers are edible.
The oil of the Evening Primrose flower can be extracted from the seeds, where it is most used as a supplement. Evening Primrose oil has been known for ceasing the discomfort of PMS or symptoms of menopause. Although there is no strong evidence for this, the anecdotal evidence is strong.
GLA, which is a type of fatty acid contained in the oil, contains a lot of beneficial properties. With the essential fatty acid, it is useful for the prevention of heart disease, eczema, hardening of the arteries, and multiple sclerosis. Since it has a positive effect on sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), this may be the reasons why women have traditionally used it for PMS. This type of essential fatty acid also has anti-inflammatory properties and in fact, a mask made from the ground stems of the plant can help to soothe irritated skin.
There are several other benefits of Evening Primrose oil, such as treating acne and rosacea, preventing diabetes-related nerve damage, help easing joint pain in arthritis patients, protect signs of aging, as well as the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
The Evening Primrose oil supplements come in capsule, softgel, or oil form and dosage and drug interactions can be advised by a healthcare professional. It may take up to six months to see signs that Evening Primrose oil is working, so be patient!
Evening Primrose Oil Benefits and Side Effects
Evening primrose is a wildflower that grows throughout North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. The seeds of this plant, whose flowers open in the evening, contain oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and is touted among nutritionists for its healing powers.
Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. Cell membranes depend on GLA.
Evening primrose oil is used for a variety of conditions, including skin problems, premenstrual symptoms and inflammation. Many women that suffer from premenstrual syndrome have low levels of GLA, which is why evening primrose oil supplements may help to alleviate symptoms of the condition.
Evening primrose oil is often recommended to reduce breast tenderness and pain caused by fibrocystic breasts, and it can also help to ease menstrual cramps, endometriosis and mood swings related to the menstrual cycle. As an anti-inflammatory agent, evening primrose oil is also effective in treating flare-ups of irritable bowel syndrome, and studies show that it may be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis pain as well.
The GLA in evening primrose oil may also help to prevent and even repair nerve damage caused by diabetes. At least one study has shown that symptoms like tingling, numbness and loss of sensation associated with diabetic neuropathy improved when patients took supplements of evening primrose oil. In addition, inflammation in kidneys, joints and skin associated with lupus may improve with the use of evening primrose oil.
Further, damage caused by inflammation in people multiple sclerosis, as well as other inflammatory processes may be reduced or prevented with evening primrose oil supplements. Evening primrose oil is also thought to be capable of encouraging transmission of nerve impulses, making it of possible use in treating memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help compensate for deficiencies in GLA associated with aging.
One of the most proven benefits of evening primrose oil appears to be its ability to treat dry, scaly, or itchy skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis. It appears that the prostaglandins produced by evening primrose oil contract blood vessels that become inflamed with these skin conditions. Evening primrose oil may also help prevent pores from becoming clogged, and it may reduce reliance on corticosteroids by patients with certain skin conditions as well.
Evening primrose oil is available in capsules and in liquid form. The usual dosage is about three grams per day for most conditions. Side effects are uncommon but may include bloating and abdominal discomfort in a small percentage of people.
To minimize any unpleasant side effects from the use of evening primrose oil capsules, it is best to take them with food. This will also help to ensure adequate absorption of GLA. Other nutrients that are important for the body to utilize the GLA in evening primrose oil are zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium. When evening primrose oil is used to treat skin conditions, it may take several months to notice positive effects.
Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. Cell membranes depend on GLA.
Evening primrose oil is used for a variety of conditions, including skin problems, premenstrual symptoms and inflammation. Many women that suffer from premenstrual syndrome have low levels of GLA, which is why evening primrose oil supplements may help to alleviate symptoms of the condition.
Evening primrose oil is often recommended to reduce breast tenderness and pain caused by fibrocystic breasts, and it can also help to ease menstrual cramps, endometriosis and mood swings related to the menstrual cycle. As an anti-inflammatory agent, evening primrose oil is also effective in treating flare-ups of irritable bowel syndrome, and studies show that it may be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis pain as well.
The GLA in evening primrose oil may also help to prevent and even repair nerve damage caused by diabetes. At least one study has shown that symptoms like tingling, numbness and loss of sensation associated with diabetic neuropathy improved when patients took supplements of evening primrose oil. In addition, inflammation in kidneys, joints and skin associated with lupus may improve with the use of evening primrose oil.
Further, damage caused by inflammation in people multiple sclerosis, as well as other inflammatory processes may be reduced or prevented with evening primrose oil supplements. Evening primrose oil is also thought to be capable of encouraging transmission of nerve impulses, making it of possible use in treating memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help compensate for deficiencies in GLA associated with aging.
One of the most proven benefits of evening primrose oil appears to be its ability to treat dry, scaly, or itchy skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis. It appears that the prostaglandins produced by evening primrose oil contract blood vessels that become inflamed with these skin conditions. Evening primrose oil may also help prevent pores from becoming clogged, and it may reduce reliance on corticosteroids by patients with certain skin conditions as well.
Evening primrose oil is available in capsules and in liquid form. The usual dosage is about three grams per day for most conditions. Side effects are uncommon but may include bloating and abdominal discomfort in a small percentage of people.
To minimize any unpleasant side effects from the use of evening primrose oil capsules, it is best to take them with food. This will also help to ensure adequate absorption of GLA. Other nutrients that are important for the body to utilize the GLA in evening primrose oil are zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium. When evening primrose oil is used to treat skin conditions, it may take several months to notice positive effects.
Monday, 31 March 2008
How to get pregnant
Wondering how to get pregnant? Understand when you're most fertile, how often to have sex — and when to seek help.
Some couples seem to get pregnant simply by talking about it. For others, it takes plenty of patience and a bit of luck. If you're wondering how to get pregnant, start the old-fashioned way. Here's what you need to know — and when to seek help.
Baby-making basics
Conception is based on an intricate series of events.
Every month, hormones from your pituitary gland stimulate your ovaries to release an egg, or ovulate. This often happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary among women or even from month to month.
Once the egg is released, it travels to the fallopian tube. If you want to conceive, now's the time. The egg has about 24 hours to unite with a sperm. Since sperm cells can survive in your reproductive tract for two to three days, it's best to have regular sex during the days leading up to ovulation.
If the egg is fertilized, it'll travel to the uterus two to four days later. There it'll attach to the uterine lining. You're pregnant! Your periods will stop as your body begins to support the embryo.
If the egg isn't fertilized, it'll break down and you'll have your next period as usual.
Understanding when you're most fertile
Learning how ovulation works is one thing. Determining when it's actually happening is something else. For many women, it's like hitting a moving target.
Keep an eye on the calendar
Use your day planner or another simple calendar to mark the day your period begins each month. Also track the number of days each period lasts. If you have a consistent 28-day cycle, ovulation is likely to begin about 14 days after the day your last period began.
If your cycles are somewhat long, subtract 18 from the number of days in your shortest cycle. When your next period begins, count ahead this many days. The next week is a reasonable guess for your most fertile days.
* Pros. Calendar calculations can be done simply on paper. And they're free!
* Cons. Many factors may affect the exact timing of ovulation, including illness, stress and exercise. Counting days is often inaccurate, especially for women who have irregular cycles.
Watch for changes in cervical mucus
Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, slippery vaginal secretions — if you look for it. These secretions typically resemble raw egg whites. After ovulation, when the odds of becoming pregnant are slim, the discharge will become cloudy and sticky or disappear entirely.
* Pros. Changes in vaginal secretions are often an accurate sign of impending fertility. Simple observation is all that's needed, particularly inside the vagina.
* Cons. You have to check your vagina for the secretions. And judging the texture or appearance of vaginal secretions can be somewhat subjective.
Track your basal body temperature
This is your body's temperature when you're fully at rest. Ovulation may cause a gradual rise in temperature or even a sudden jump — typically between 0.5 and 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. You can assume ovulation has occurred when the slightly higher temperature remains steady for three days or more.
Use an oral thermometer to monitor your basal body temperature. Try the digital variety or one specifically designed to measure basal body temperature. Simply take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Plot the readings on graph paper and look for a pattern to emerge.
* Pros. It's simple. The only cost is the thermometer. It's often most helpful to determine when you've ovulated and judge if the timing is consistent from month to month.
* Cons. The temperature change may be subtle, and the increase comes too late — after ovulation has already happened. It can be inconvenient to take your temperature at the same time every day, especially if you have irregular sleeping hours.
Try an ovulation monitoring kit
Over-the-counter ovulation kits test your urine for the surge in hormones that takes place before ovulation. For the most accurate results, follow the instructions on the label to the letter.
* Pros. Ovulation kits can identify the most likely time of ovulation. They can even provide a signal before ovulation actually happens. They're available without a prescription in most pharmacies.
* Cons. Ovulation kits often lead to excessively targeted sex — and timing sex so precisely can invite being too late. The tests can also be expensive, often ranging from $20 to $50 each.
Maximizing fertility
When you're trying to conceive, consider these simple do's and don'ts.
Do:
* Have sex regularly. If you consistently have sex two or three times a week, you're almost certain to hit a fertile period at some point. For healthy couples who want to conceive, there's no such thing as too much sex. For many couples, this may be all it takes.
* Have sex once a day near the time of ovulation. Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation may increase the odds of conception. Although your partner's sperm concentration will drop slightly each time you have sex, the reduction isn't usually an issue for healthy men.
* Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and keep stress under control. The same good habits will serve you and your baby well during pregnancy.
* Consider preconception planning. Your doctor can assess your overall health and help you identify lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception planning is especially helpful if you or your partner have any health issues.
* Take your vitamins. Folic acid (vitamin B-9) plays an essential role in a baby's development. Taking a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement beginning at least one month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects by up to 70 percent.
Don't:
* Smoke. Tobacco changes the cervical mucus, which may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Smoking may also increase the risk of miscarriage and deprive your developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit before conception. For your family's sake, vow to quit for good.
* Drink alcohol. Alcohol is off-limits if you're pregnant — or hope to be.
* Take medication without your doctor's OK. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive. Others may not be safe once you're pregnant.
*Source taken from http://www.mayoclinic.com
Some couples seem to get pregnant simply by talking about it. For others, it takes plenty of patience and a bit of luck. If you're wondering how to get pregnant, start the old-fashioned way. Here's what you need to know — and when to seek help.
Baby-making basics
Conception is based on an intricate series of events.
Every month, hormones from your pituitary gland stimulate your ovaries to release an egg, or ovulate. This often happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary among women or even from month to month.
Once the egg is released, it travels to the fallopian tube. If you want to conceive, now's the time. The egg has about 24 hours to unite with a sperm. Since sperm cells can survive in your reproductive tract for two to three days, it's best to have regular sex during the days leading up to ovulation.
If the egg is fertilized, it'll travel to the uterus two to four days later. There it'll attach to the uterine lining. You're pregnant! Your periods will stop as your body begins to support the embryo.
If the egg isn't fertilized, it'll break down and you'll have your next period as usual.
Understanding when you're most fertile
Learning how ovulation works is one thing. Determining when it's actually happening is something else. For many women, it's like hitting a moving target.
Keep an eye on the calendar
Use your day planner or another simple calendar to mark the day your period begins each month. Also track the number of days each period lasts. If you have a consistent 28-day cycle, ovulation is likely to begin about 14 days after the day your last period began.
If your cycles are somewhat long, subtract 18 from the number of days in your shortest cycle. When your next period begins, count ahead this many days. The next week is a reasonable guess for your most fertile days.
* Pros. Calendar calculations can be done simply on paper. And they're free!
* Cons. Many factors may affect the exact timing of ovulation, including illness, stress and exercise. Counting days is often inaccurate, especially for women who have irregular cycles.
Watch for changes in cervical mucus
Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, slippery vaginal secretions — if you look for it. These secretions typically resemble raw egg whites. After ovulation, when the odds of becoming pregnant are slim, the discharge will become cloudy and sticky or disappear entirely.
* Pros. Changes in vaginal secretions are often an accurate sign of impending fertility. Simple observation is all that's needed, particularly inside the vagina.
* Cons. You have to check your vagina for the secretions. And judging the texture or appearance of vaginal secretions can be somewhat subjective.
Track your basal body temperature
This is your body's temperature when you're fully at rest. Ovulation may cause a gradual rise in temperature or even a sudden jump — typically between 0.5 and 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. You can assume ovulation has occurred when the slightly higher temperature remains steady for three days or more.
Use an oral thermometer to monitor your basal body temperature. Try the digital variety or one specifically designed to measure basal body temperature. Simply take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Plot the readings on graph paper and look for a pattern to emerge.
* Pros. It's simple. The only cost is the thermometer. It's often most helpful to determine when you've ovulated and judge if the timing is consistent from month to month.
* Cons. The temperature change may be subtle, and the increase comes too late — after ovulation has already happened. It can be inconvenient to take your temperature at the same time every day, especially if you have irregular sleeping hours.
Try an ovulation monitoring kit
Over-the-counter ovulation kits test your urine for the surge in hormones that takes place before ovulation. For the most accurate results, follow the instructions on the label to the letter.
* Pros. Ovulation kits can identify the most likely time of ovulation. They can even provide a signal before ovulation actually happens. They're available without a prescription in most pharmacies.
* Cons. Ovulation kits often lead to excessively targeted sex — and timing sex so precisely can invite being too late. The tests can also be expensive, often ranging from $20 to $50 each.
Maximizing fertility
When you're trying to conceive, consider these simple do's and don'ts.
Do:
* Have sex regularly. If you consistently have sex two or three times a week, you're almost certain to hit a fertile period at some point. For healthy couples who want to conceive, there's no such thing as too much sex. For many couples, this may be all it takes.
* Have sex once a day near the time of ovulation. Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation may increase the odds of conception. Although your partner's sperm concentration will drop slightly each time you have sex, the reduction isn't usually an issue for healthy men.
* Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and keep stress under control. The same good habits will serve you and your baby well during pregnancy.
* Consider preconception planning. Your doctor can assess your overall health and help you identify lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception planning is especially helpful if you or your partner have any health issues.
* Take your vitamins. Folic acid (vitamin B-9) plays an essential role in a baby's development. Taking a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement beginning at least one month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects by up to 70 percent.
Don't:
* Smoke. Tobacco changes the cervical mucus, which may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Smoking may also increase the risk of miscarriage and deprive your developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit before conception. For your family's sake, vow to quit for good.
* Drink alcohol. Alcohol is off-limits if you're pregnant — or hope to be.
* Take medication without your doctor's OK. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive. Others may not be safe once you're pregnant.
*Source taken from http://www.mayoclinic.com
Infertility
Women are waiting longer to have children. This naturally decreases the opportunity for spontaneous pregnancy, especially for women in their mid- to late-thirties, but statistics also confirm that more couples are seeking treatment for infertility.
Approximately one in six couples is infertile–defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse. The cause of infertility appears to vary between the sexes but can be related to a number of things including structural abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies.
Fertility statistics in Canada show that about 50 percent of infertile couples decide against medical treatment and of those that go ahead with treatment, about 80 to 90 percent undergo medications or surgery that are not without complications or future risk of side effects. Only about five percent use advanced methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF), which offers a 20 percent success rate.
Fortunately, there are viable, safe, and effective natural options for men and women that have long-lasting, health-promoting effects and prove little to no risk for future health concerns.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM focuses on harmonizing energy flow and achieving a balance of yin and yang energies. It has been used for thousands of years to assist with male and female fertility. Interestingly, TCM philosophies purport that the vitality of the mother and the father at the point of conception helps to form the foundation of the baby’s wellness for life. Acupuncture treatments stimulate the flow of qi (energy), while Chinese herbs work to strengthen and nourish vital body fluids and the function of internal organs.
TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain, and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture has also been proven to be of benefit with IVF treatments. A German study (Highlights in Fertility and Sterility, April 2002) indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential for optimal body function, hormonal balance, sperm and egg production, and the process of reproduction. Hormonal balance for fertility and for stress management can be achieved by eating a balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and low glycemic carbohydrates with each meal and snack. Processed foods, caffeine, trans fatty acids, excess saturated fats, and larger fish that may be high in mercury should be avoided.
Herbal Medicines
Herbs can help regulate the menstrual cycle, increase ovulation, and improve hormonal balance. Men can also use herbal medicines to improve hormone profiles. In some cases, saw palmetto, oats, and tribulus are beneficial. It is always best to consult a professional.
A perfect lunch and dinner plate could have one-third salad with homemade organic olive oil dressing; one-third grilled, steamed, baked, or stir-fried vegetables; and one-third lean protein (or a serving about the size and width of your palm).
TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain, and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture has also been proven to be of benefit with IVF treatments. A German study (Highlights in Fertility and Sterility, April 2002) indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.
The most commonly used herbs to enhance fertility in women:
* donq quai
* wild yam
* black cohosh
* chaste tree
* false unicorn
* licorice
* red raspberry leaf
Natasha Turner, BSc, ND, VP of Natural Medicine at Truestar Health Inc., practises in Toronto, specializing in hormonal issues, preventive health, and digestive complaints, and can be reached at drturner@truestarhealth.com.
*Source taken from www.alive.com
Approximately one in six couples is infertile–defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse. The cause of infertility appears to vary between the sexes but can be related to a number of things including structural abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies.
Fertility statistics in Canada show that about 50 percent of infertile couples decide against medical treatment and of those that go ahead with treatment, about 80 to 90 percent undergo medications or surgery that are not without complications or future risk of side effects. Only about five percent use advanced methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF), which offers a 20 percent success rate.
Fortunately, there are viable, safe, and effective natural options for men and women that have long-lasting, health-promoting effects and prove little to no risk for future health concerns.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM focuses on harmonizing energy flow and achieving a balance of yin and yang energies. It has been used for thousands of years to assist with male and female fertility. Interestingly, TCM philosophies purport that the vitality of the mother and the father at the point of conception helps to form the foundation of the baby’s wellness for life. Acupuncture treatments stimulate the flow of qi (energy), while Chinese herbs work to strengthen and nourish vital body fluids and the function of internal organs.
TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain, and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture has also been proven to be of benefit with IVF treatments. A German study (Highlights in Fertility and Sterility, April 2002) indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential for optimal body function, hormonal balance, sperm and egg production, and the process of reproduction. Hormonal balance for fertility and for stress management can be achieved by eating a balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and low glycemic carbohydrates with each meal and snack. Processed foods, caffeine, trans fatty acids, excess saturated fats, and larger fish that may be high in mercury should be avoided.
Herbal Medicines
Herbs can help regulate the menstrual cycle, increase ovulation, and improve hormonal balance. Men can also use herbal medicines to improve hormone profiles. In some cases, saw palmetto, oats, and tribulus are beneficial. It is always best to consult a professional.
A perfect lunch and dinner plate could have one-third salad with homemade organic olive oil dressing; one-third grilled, steamed, baked, or stir-fried vegetables; and one-third lean protein (or a serving about the size and width of your palm).
TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain, and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture has also been proven to be of benefit with IVF treatments. A German study (Highlights in Fertility and Sterility, April 2002) indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.
The most commonly used herbs to enhance fertility in women:
* donq quai
* wild yam
* black cohosh
* chaste tree
* false unicorn
* licorice
* red raspberry leaf
Natasha Turner, BSc, ND, VP of Natural Medicine at Truestar Health Inc., practises in Toronto, specializing in hormonal issues, preventive health, and digestive complaints, and can be reached at drturner@truestarhealth.com.
*Source taken from www.alive.com
Monday, 24 March 2008
What herbs help boost fertility in women?
Fertility Enhancing Herbs
Naturopathy is gaining a lot of popularity these days. It is no doubt the safest way to manage diseases and symptoms. Here are some useful herbs that help to boost fertility in men and women. Used individually or as a fertility blend, they can help you increase your chances of getting pregnant significantly and with very few side effects. However, it is advised to use caution when combining herbs with prescription or over-the-counter medications, as some react adversely together. Most of the time, if you are taking fertility drugs, it is very advisable to NOT take herbal remedies at the same time. Always seek the advice of your health care provider or naturopathic doctor before taking anything.
The herbs listed below are among the most popular for enhancing female fertility:
Black cohosh - this is an antispasmodic which relieves cramping. You may take this herb in the first half of your cycle from menstruation to ovulation.
Dong Quai - considered a female hormone regulator and an effective toner for the uterus. It should be taken in the first half of the cycle and in others the second half. It is advised to check the label for dosage information and consult with your healthcare provider or physician before taking Dong Quai at all.
Evening Primrose Oil - helps to increase fertile quality cervical fluid and also contains essential fatty acids which are good for the brain. You may take this EPO from menstruation to ovulation and switch to Flax Seed Oil after ovulation. Flax Seed Oil contains the fatty acids needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Evening Primrose Oil causes uterine contractions - which is why you should not take it after ovulation in the event that conception did occur.
False Unicorn- helps with ovarian pain and female infertility. You may take this herb in the first half of cycle from menstruation to ovulation.
Red Raspberry Leaf - You may take this herb during the entire cycle as it strengthens the uterine lining, thus helping to lengthen the luteal phase. But do ask your healthcare provider about continuing red raspberry leaf once pregnancy occurs. Usually, it should only be taken in the last trimester of pregnancy, because it �tones� the uterus.
Vitex (Chaste Berry)- Known as the female herb, it helps to regulate hormones and should be taken either the entire cycle or the first half from menstruation to ovulation.
It is certainly not necessary to take ALL of these herbs at once. Pick and choose which ones you may need and which ones will benefit you the most. Some cover the same areas of fertility enhancement while others offer a more general supplementation. These herbs come in different forms - tablets, capsules, tinctures - and in many different brands. They also come as fertility blends where you can benefit for the synergized effects of all herbs in the right dosage. Choose the formula you prefer and choose a brand that is reputable and pure. Read related articles on how the use of Green tea and Evening Primrose Oil can affect your fertility.
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Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) - Its Role In Trying to Conceive
What is Evening Primrose oil or EPO?
Evening Primrose Oil is the oil derived from a North American wildflower called Evening Primrose. Evening Primrose is not really a primrose, but it gets its name from that flower because the plant looked similar to an English Primrose. The oil is rich in Vitamin E just like olives and nuts are. In addition, evening primrose oil also has gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. People that have difficulty creating in this fatty acid in their own bodies can benefit from its use.
The Europeans were one of the first to make it popular. They brought it back to their native soil and crowned this oil a "King's cure-all" because of its many useful properties that can cure a large number of diseases. In England, the oil is approved for use with eczema and high cholesterol. In women, it can especially be helpful for relieving breast pain, menstrual pains and improving the quality and fertility of cervical mucus.
How does Evening Primrose Oil help you in getting pregnant?
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO lowers cholesterol, helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms and aids in the production of fertile quality cervical fluid. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO does a world of good in treating aliments of all sorts. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO is an essential fatty acid that contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is converted to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. These anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose oil help people suffering from pains, aches and cramps.
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO also has effects on premenstrual syndrome symptoms and cervical mucus. If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, it could be because you are deficient in the fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can help your body to alleviate the premenstrual syndrome symptoms by replacing the gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO helps women to produce more fertile quality cervical fluid also known as "egg white cervical mucus". This type of cervical fluid is fertile, thin, watery, clear and "stretchy" and easily aids the sperm to swim through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, and to the egg. Also, this type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for up to five days inside the fallopian tube, thus enabling conception to happen even if you don't have intercourse again by the time ovulation occurs.
If your cervical fluid is thick, brown or dry, it can obstruct or prevent fertilization. Some women are very dry, and have problems in producing an adequate amount of fertile quality cervical fluid. Drinking a lot of water and taking the Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can certainly help in the production of fertile cervical fluid in these women.
What is the dosage for Evening Primrose Oil or EPO?
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO should only be taken from menstruation to ovulation. This is because Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can cause uterine contractions in pregnancy. The dosage taken should be 1500mg to 3000mg per day. Since essential fatty acids are necessary, you can take flax seed oil in place of Evening Primrose Oil or EPO after ovulation. This may be taken throughout pregnancy as well.
There are many remedies out there to help with fertility, but few are as good as Evening Primrose Oil or EPO. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO is excellent for women because of the help it gives in alleviating premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and even menopausal women can benefit from taking it. There are a large number of women who will vouch for Evening Primrose Oil or EPO as a great agent to increase the fertile type cervical fluid.
Like all herbs, the use of Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can take a month or two to build up, and produce the results you are looking for. It is essential that you chart your fertility symptoms and signs, so you can know when you have ovulated. By knowing this information, you can discontinue the Evening Primrose Oil or EPO after ovulation and start the flax seed oil. Unless you are very regular, charting your fertility signs is the best tool to determine where you are in your cycle.
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