Nutritional and lifestyle factors at the time of conception are known to play a significant role in the pathogenesis and prevention of many reproductive failures, and are important determinants of embryonic and foetal growth. In addition, there is now accumulating evidence which suggests that inadequate levels of maternal nutrients during the critical pre-implantation period and … Read more
How are folates different? Folic Acid is a relatively cheap, synthetic form of folate that has often been the primary choice of folate for many clinical studies over the last century. In conditions where folate is required, the potentially superior benefits of Folinic Acid supplementation as a safe, well tolerated and affordable form of folate, … Read more
When talk turns to hormones, most people think reproduction, monthly cycle, moods or the wife/girlfriend from hell. Truth is that our hormones are involved in a multitude of functions in the body. Most of these go unnoticed, at least until things get out of whack. At the heart of every woman’s health is her hormonal … Read more
Women with Fibromyalgia Have Lower Levels of Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Iron and Manganese in Hair Mineral Analysis Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder suffered by many thousands of people, predominately women, which is still poorly understood. Fundamental symptoms include fatigue and musculoskeletal pain with a heightened tendency to anxiety and depression. Modern life, often high in stress … Read more
The following statistics are also relevant to Australian mothers and are a call to awareness that the health of our children is directly influenced by the mother’s dietary and lifestyle habits. Mums who eat high-fat, high-sugar diets may be putting future generations at risk for metabolic problems, even when their offspring eat healthy diets, a … Read more
Do you know the full extent of the physiological impact of the OCP? I see a lot of women who are on the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) or other form of hormone treatment, including implants or injections. Whether these women are on OCP for contraception, skin or ‘hormonal balancing’, they are often aware that it … Read more
Endometriosis is a slow, insidious condition that can be overlooked. The symptoms are general, progress gradually and are “normalised”. Women often think that excruciating or debilitating period pain is ‘normal’, and consequently, delay seeking help. There are also no specific sign and symptoms, nor diagnostic test that allow for an early diagnosis of the condition. … Read more
With an increase of women being diagnosed with endometriosis and more investigations into the treatment of the disease, the glaringly obvious question has to be asked – is endometriosis an autoimmune disease? Previously, diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis have revolved around surgery and hormone suppression with the oral contraceptive pill or other drugs whereas now … Read more
Due to the concerns with Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) use, it is understandable that the transition into menopause is a time where many women may seek out complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Of course the holistic approach incorporates diet and lifestyle modifications, exercise and mind-body techniques. … Read more
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is known to increase the risk of breast cancer, and is one of the most important modifiable risk factors.1 Many women seek out alternatives to MHT to help support them through this life phase, safely and effectively. Herbal medicine is a powerful modality, and along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications, can … Read more