 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH OCTOBER 2006 The focus of this month’s newsletter is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Premenstrual syndrome affects most women at some point in their lives. Symptoms of PMS include mood, swings, food cravings, headaches, depression and cramps. The good news is that science can explain many of the symptoms of PMS. The Center for Optimal Health offers an integrative approach to alleviating the tiresome symptoms of PMS. This year’s conference—Optimal Health 2006: Seeking Mind-Body Balance—was a great success. On behalf of the entire staff at The Center for Optimal Health, we would like to thank everyone who attended our conference. It is our hope that our passion for promoting mind-body medicine is passed on to all our patients in their journey to improved health. If you were unable to attend the conference you may purchase the CD-Rom syllabus for only $5. Please feel free to email us if you have any suggestions for next year’s conference.
MEDICAL NEWS
The cluster of symptoms called "premenstrual syndrome" got its official name in 1931. Up to 85% of women are affected by PMS to varying degrees. Over 150 symptoms associated with PMS have been catalogued. The most common are irritability, agitation, headache, depression, breast tenderness, fluid retention, and weight gain. These symptoms typically show up in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Read on to get the scoop on which pharmacologic and hormonal agents are effective for PMS relief.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEWS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complicated medical issue, as well as a source of decreased quality of life for millions of women. The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome vary not only in degree of intensity, but also in the range of symptoms. The intensity of PMS can vary from light to severe. The symptoms can range from mild irritability to severe depression. These symptoms can be adjunctive to cravings for chocolate and salty foods. So are you at the mercy of these symptoms, or is there something you can do to reduce the symptoms and intensity?
ENDOCRINE NEWS For many women, premenstrual headaches are a fact of life. These headaches herald the start of their monthly cycle month after month, year after year. Symptoms may begin as much as 14 days before the menstrual period begins, but most commonly occur 2 to 10 days before. The exact cause of PMS and premenstrual headaches are unknown, as well as why some women have severe symptoms, some mild ones, while others have none. It is generally believed that PMS and premenstrual migraines stem from neurochemical changes within the brain, as well as hormonal factors, such as estrogen levels dropping prior to menstruation, and causing more constriction in the blood vessels in the brain and the coronary arteries.
EXERCISE NEWS
Most of you probably know or have heard that exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can improve your overall health. But did you know that exercise can also relieve and help you cope with premenstrual symptoms? Exercise can help decrease depression and sadness, relieve tension and stress as well as help control the mood swings and anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome. As for the benefits of exercise for your overall health, there are many. For example regular exercise can lower blood pressure and your “bad cholesterol” while increasing the “good cholesterol.” Exercise lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even breast & colon cancer just to name a few. Don’t forget the added benefit of weight control, increased strength, endurance and overall fitness!
NUTRITIONAL NEWS
PMS or premenstrual syndrome is associated with the group of symptoms during the few days preceding the start of a woman’s period. Common symptoms of PMS include irritability, mood swings, depression, headaches, water retention and food cravings. As it turns out, just about all of my pre-menopausal clients have questions about how to decrease the symptoms of PMS with nutrition.
SUPPLEMENT CABINET Good old simple Calcium can combat PMS? You bet! Calcium is the best documented supplement used to treat PMS. For a review on pharmacologic and hormonal agents used to treat PMS, please refer to the article "Is there a Magic Pill for PMS?" Here we will review the effectiveness of nutriceutical supplements for PMS relief. Read more...
OTHER NEWS With mixed feelings, the Center is bidding farewell to Dr. Stephanie Buehler. Dr. Buehler is going back into private practice to start The Buehler Institute where she will specialize in working with men, women, and couples on their sexual and relationship concerns. Her assistant, Christine Seeberger, M.A. will also be leaving the Center to join the Institute. Be assured that Drs. Huang and Buehler will still be working in close collaboration with Center patients and other educational projects. Please join us in wishing Dr. Buehler good luck as she moves forward into this new venture.
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||
