5 Signs Your Hormones Are Out of Whack-
posted on blog on 20 September 2014
September 19, 2014 | By Chloe Metzger
Photo: Getty Images
Raise your hand if, in the last few weeks, you’ve felt tired, bloated, or cranky. Sound familiar? Then you know the drill: Every month, your hormones—the body’s itty-bitty secret weapon—come out to play, wreaking havoc on your mood, skin, and mind. While levels generally stabilize after your period, various factors, like stress (yup, keep those hands raised) and anxiety can throw them off balance. So how can you tell if your symptoms require an office visit? Alyssa Dweck, MD, an OB-GYN at the Mount Kisco Medical Group in New York shares the five red flags that might merit a doctor’s note.
Fatigue
Exhaustion is one of the most,
well, exhausting symptoms to a doc, since it has so many possible
causes. “If you’re tired after a week of final exams or late nights at
work, then you’re probably fine,” says Dr. Dweck. “But if you constantly
feel worn out and notice weight gain, appetite fluctuations, and a
change in bowel movements, it could be a sign of an underactive
thyroid.” Yes, fatigue happens to everyone, but if yours doesn’t feel
logical, then it’s worth getting it checked out.
Skin changes
You’re breaking out—again. While those sudden zits could be caused by one too many nights of going to bed without washing your face, they may be indicative of something more. “Adult acne or cystic acne around the lower half of your face could suggest a high level of testosterone,” says Dr. Dweck. Although not a life-threatening problem, breakouts can take a toll on your psyche. Luckily, your doc can prescribe you medication to stabilize your hormone levels and clear up skin.Hair growth
We’re talking really fast hair growth. “If you all of a sudden grow a beard within a month or notice coarse, dark hair popping up on your chest, back or arms, that could be indicative of a testosterone-secreting tumor,” explains Dr. Dweck. But don’t freak out: Tumors are rare, she notes, and can often be treated with drugs or surgery.Weird periods
Just like fatigue, a messed-up menstrual cycle can be the result of many factors, like stress, thyroid issues, low estrogen, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). “The hallmark of PCOS is irregular or absent periods, but it could also present with difficulty losing weight or strange hair growth,” says Dr. Dweck. Generally, PCOS is managed through diet, exercise and birth control pills, but your doctor will work with you to develop a multi-faceted plan if she finds this to be the cause of your period problems.Night sweats
Unless it’s unusually warm in your bedroom, waking up feeling overheated and sweaty could be the result of lower estrogen levels and infrequent ovulation—AKA perimenopause. “Perimenopause can occur up to 10 years before you’re even near the age of menopause,” says Dr. Dweck, “so unless you’re having major menstrual issues before age 40, there’s a good chance your phantom sweating could actually be early menopause.” Either way, Dr. Dweck recommends making an appointment with your doc to make sure it’s nothing more serious.reference:
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www.health.com - news, date accessed 20 September 2014
5 Life-Saving Eating Rules For When You're on Your Period
Follow these five rules the next time Aunt Flo is in town.
The good news is that making minor adjustments to your eating habits, even slightly, means you don't have to cheat on your healthy-living regimen for one week each month. Here's how to nosh right, right on through the worst wave of your menstrual cycle.
Focus on Lean Protein and Fiber
Loading up on lean protein and fiber can help your blood sugar remain stable, which will help offset your cravings, says Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., a senior dietician at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. She says this is especially important when cravings hit their peak during the afternoon hours—so try snacking on a pear with a tablespoon of almond butter, or an apple with a slice of cheese as a way to preempt that.
Strategize How You Eat
When you're on your period, London suggests breaking up three square meals into smaller portions more frequently. "This will help reduce cravings—because you're noshing more often—and deal with any nausea or cramps associated with getting your period," she says. "You never want to be too hungry or too full because you'll feel sick. You want to be at a 'happy level' of satiated."
Beat Bloat by Sipping and Snacking Smart
Bloating is a nightmare for many women, and your level of bloat has to do with what you're putting in your body. During your period especially, drink and eat frequently—but be smart. "No sugary fluids throughout the day, no carbonation, which both lead to more bloat," says London. "We're also looking for low-salt foods. Shop the periphery of the grocery store, and stick to whole foods—nuts, fruits, vegetable, whole grains—and no packaged goods, which are high in sodium."
Get Enough Iron
Many women who are menstruating may lack iron, as they lose it through the blood they eliminate. "I'd say, too, from a cravings standpoint, iron cravings are big ones I see around that time of the month," says London. "It's why I hear many women say they're craving meat like hamburgers." To make sure you're taking in enough, fill your diet with these nine great sources of iron.
Opt for Caffeine
Caffeine should help alleviate the extra lethargy you may feel during your period and work to ease cramps—so starting your day with a cup of coffee is a perfect plan, says London. "Caffeine is actually a good idea for symptoms—that's why you find it in Midol," she says, recommending 300 to 400 milligrams in the morning. There's another reason coffee is great: It has a high antioxidant profile. So go ahead and grab another cup. "A little more coffee than usual is fine," says London. "Actually, it might be a good idea."