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.
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
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.
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