Low Progesterone

Read on to know more about the effects, causes and modes of treatment available for low progesterone levels in your body…

Progesterone, a steroid hormone is recognized as an important female hormone. The word progesterone is related to the Latin word ‘Gestare’ which means ‘to bear or carry’. This by itself suggests the importance of this hormone in providing a fertile environment for conception and the continuous development of the embryo. Progesterone is made by the ovary during ovulation. It is also produced by the adrenal glands in small amounts. It is manufactured in the body with the help of the steroid hormone pregnenolone and it in turn helps in the production of most of the other steroid hormones like cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. In the female body, the most important role of the progesterone hormone is to counter the effects of estrogen and help provide an environment for a successful pregnancy and a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone and Fertility

Progesterone helps in reproduction by stimulating changes in the uterus and also supports pregnancy by increasing blood vessel and tissue development in the layer where the embryo attaches itself. The egg attaches itself to the uterus after been released from the ovary. On conception, the egg along with the sperm forms the embryo. Progesterone is the hormone that delays the shedding of the endometrium layer where the embryo implantation occurs. If there is a significant drop in the progesterone levels during the first few weeks of pregnancy, then it may lead to a miscarriage. However, in the cases of women who want to delay pregnancy, high doses of progesterone injections are prescribed which helps in preventing ovulation. It also makes the mucus present in the lower reproductive track thicker thereby making it difficult for the sperm to reach the fallopian tube via the cervix and the uterus.

Causes of Low Progesterone

There could be many possibilities that could cause the progesterone levels to fall. Some prominent factors are:

• Dominance of Estrogen. This condition could occur if the individual is exposed to any environmental hormone that behaves like estrogen or in cases of liver dysfunction.
• Resistance to insulin present in the body
• Chronic stress
• Diet that is rich in sugar or does not contain sufficient nutrients
• Insufficient exercise
• Medications

Symptoms of Low Progesterone

There are far too many symptoms of low progesterone to count. The following are some of the most prominent symptoms:

• Infertility
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Depression
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Weight gain
• Gallbladder disease
• Low Blood Sugar
• Panic attacks
• Water retention
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Blood clots during menstruation
• Magnesium deficiency
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness

Tests for Low Progesterone

To detect low progesterone in the body, the following 3 methods can be used:

• By charting the fertility cycle.
• A blood test after ovulation has taken place.
• A short luteal phase (is the period that starts at ovulation and ends on the day before the next period) that lasts less than 10 days also indicates low levels of progesterone.

When to Get Tested for Low Progesterone?

You may be advised to have your progesterone level measured for the following conditions:

• Progesterone level is tested to monitor the placenta and fetal health during a high risk pregnancy.
• To detect ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriages.
• It is used to determine if ovulation has occurred after a drug therapy has been carried out to detect pregnancy.
• To measure the effectiveness of progesterone injections given to a woman to maintain her pregnancy.
• These levels are used to understand as to why a woman who is not pregnant is experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding.
• To determine as to why a woman is not able to conceive, that is these tests help understand if the woman is ovulating normally

Progesterone Treatment

If you have low progesterone, then you can supplements like progesterone capsules, injections and vaginal suppositories. A number of over the counter progesterone creams and ‘natural products; are available. It has been observed that these products have been more or less ineffective in treating hot flashes, increasing sexual desire and preventing osteoporosis. The American Menopause Society, the American College of Obstetricians and almost all gynecologists have cautioned against the use of these compounds as there have been no proven benefits so far and the risks have not been analyzed. If you need to take progesterone externally, then it is always advisable that you do so under the careful monitoring of a trained physician.

I hope that this article has helped all women understand their body better. I for one attribute all my mood swings during the menstruation cycle to low levels of progesterone and have a husband who understands the same. If you too have similar issues or have any of the symptoms described above, then visit a doctor along with your immediate family. Above everything else, it is very important to live a stress free and a happy life with your loved ones.

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Chewable Prenatal Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for the growth and development of the fetus. Sometimes, healthy diets are unable to meet the vitamin requirements of the pregnant woman’s body. Consuming chewable prenatal vitamins can help maintain the level of required vitamins.

Pregnant women require a higher concentration of vitamins in their body, as compared to other women, since the developing foetus need the nutrients for the growth of their bones, teeth, healthy heart and nervous system. Consuming well balanced meals with the right proportion of fruits, vegetables and proteins is thus vital for the health of pregnant women. Prenatal vitamins are an important part of prenatal care, which compensate for the vitamin deficiency in the expectant mother.

Facts about Chewable Prenatal Vitamins

Sometimes, mere consumption of a healthy diet is not enough to provide the necessary vitamins, resulting into vitamin deficiency. Taking supplements in the form of prenatal vitamins is a wonderful means of staying healthy during the pregnancy. The greatest advantage about these prenatal vitamins is that they, unlike normal vitamin supplements contain a higher percentage of folic acid, iron and calcium, which is very essential for pregnant women.

Various prenatal vitamins of different compositions are available in tablet, powder as well as tonic form for women who cannot swallow pills. Today, chewable prenatal pills are also available in the market, which have no special advantage over the normal prenatal vitamins. Since morning sickness makes swallowing pills difficult, pregnant women can opt for these chewable form of vitamins. The regular prenatal vitamins are sometimes too large to handle.

Several women begin taking their prenatal vitamins during the conception process itself. Women planning to have a baby should start taking prenatal vitamins, as being in good health increases the chances of conceiving. Several studies have revealed that women receiving 0.4 milligrams of folic acid daily, prior to conception and during the early pregnancy period, have reduced risk of babies being born with serious defects.

Nutrients like folic acid are important for the development of the growing baby. Vitamin B9 or folic acid, is mostly found in green leafy vegetables, enriched grains and orange juice. Folic acid facilitates protection of the fetus’ spinal column. It also helps the fetus in making DNA building blocks, and triggers faster red blood cell production in the mother. Chewable prenatal vitamins comprise one milligram of folic acid, and ensure proper growth of the fetus. For women with iron deficiency anemia, prenatal vitamins act as iron supplements, as well. This is because of the extra percentage of folic acid, which aids in masking anemia in the mother’s body. It also reduces the risk of contracting diseases, occurring due to Vitamin B12 deficiency. However, for women with a family history of pernicious anemia, it is advisable to take less than 0.4 milligram of supplement folate.

Neural tube defects, which are birth defects involving incomplete development of brain and spinal cord is a serious defect, and can be reduced by 70% with the intake of right amount of vitamins. Various neural tube defects such as spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocele, etc are some of the grave neural tube defects which can occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy, even before a woman comes to know she is pregnant. Thus, it is very important for even women planning for babies to take vitamin supplements.

Chewable prenatal vitamins are beneficial and essential for the growth and development of the baby, however, one must check with the doctor regarding the brand of prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins are not created alike, and differ in their compositions, possessing different ingredients. The brand chosen must contain the correct amount of nutrients essential for the baby. The dosage of vitamins will vary from one woman to another, depending on their physical condition. One should stick to the doctors prescription and should not stop intake of pills midway, once the course has started. Some of the best prenatal vitamins are NataChew, Natafort, Prenate Advance, Nestabs FA, Prenate Elite and Obegyn.

Doctors say that vitamins have a crucial role in the development of DNA, although they are not completely clear about why folic acid has such a great effect on prevention of neural tube defects. However, it is important to note that chewable prenatal vitamins will not compensate for a bad, unhealthy diet. Even with prenatal vitamin supplements, one needs to maintain a healthy diet.

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Women’s Gynecological Health Issues

The female body has been made to bear the burden of reproduction, and the process is not very simple. Most health issues that women face are gynecological health issues, that is, to do with their reproductive organs. Here are a few insights on some of the major gynecological issues that women may face.

The reproductive age in a female’s life starts with menstruation, which indicates that her reproductive system has started functioning and she can now bear a child. However, this process is so complicated and dependent on so many smaller processes that it can give rise to a number of gynecological health issues. Here we shall have a look at the few most prevalent issues that women in their reproductive age have to worry about.

The most common Gynecological Issue for females right from puberty till menopause is that of painful menstruation, and in some cases, PMS. Together they can create havoc for the better part of a woman’s monthly ovulation cycle. PMS or pre-menstrual syndrome, is the pain and discomfort that starts about a week before the actual bleeding begins. This also manifests itself in stress, irritability, water retention and sometimes, acne or just zits. About the time bleeding starts, this syndrome is replaced by abdominal discomfort, or in some cases, outright pain. This is a condition commonly known as dysmenorrhea. Studies indicate that almost 60% women suffer from this condition, and in all good faith, it is not a disease, However, this is an issue that creates trouble for a few days every month in the woman’s life. The only way out then is to take painkillers or more homegrown methods like a hot water bottle.

Women’s gynecological issues –Endometriosis

Endometrial tissue is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, making it ready to carry a baby. In some cases this tissue starts growing outside of the uterus and disrupts the functioning of other organs. It usually develops in the pelvis area, and growth is usually in the tissues on the lower abdomen, the ovaries, even on the fallopian tubes and on the bladder. Sometimes in rare cases, it reaches till the wall of the rectum and even the intestines. In fact is affects all the organs in the lower abdomen. The tissue that grows outside behaves similarly to tissue that grows within the uterus, and sometimes even oozes blood during the menstrual cycle. It can cover the ovaries and block the fallopian tube, and often forms large cysts called chocolate cysts that contain thick blood mixed with some tissue. The most logical reason for this condition is that sometimes a bit of menstrual fluid finds its way upwards into the fallopian tubes instead of running out downwards into the vagina. Technically endometriosis happens because of a failure in the immune system that fails to identify foreign tissue growing outside of an organ and destroy it.

In most cases the high risk woman is one who has abnormal bleeding, abnormal cycle or a genetic history of the disorder.

The most important symptoms of this disorder are pelvic pain, painful menstruation, spotting before the actual menstruation starts, in some cases, blood in the stool or urine, backache and sometimes even miscarriages. Without treatment, endometriosis could last up to menopause, when the falling hormone levels automatically take care of the islands of growth. Or else, if diagnosed, there may be treatments on various levels. For pain management only, painkillers can be used, sometime combined with hormones for limiting or totally eliminating extra tissue. Sometimes the doctor may suggest surgery specially if the extra growth are interfering with the functioning of other organs.

Fibroids

Almost a third of the women above 35 across the world suffer from fibroids. Fibroids are pinkish lumps inside the uterus, ranging from a few cms to a few inches in diameter. These are not malignant but can interfere with the fertility of a woman. No one knows why they happen; it could be due to some hormones at play.

Most women cannot find out they have fibroids because there are not really any typical symptoms. However some women do complain of painful and heavy menstruation with some spotting between periods too. Sometimes a woman complains of lower back pain or abdominal swelling and in most cases repeated miscarriages motivate the doctor to check for fibroids. Then it can be detected using pelvic ultrasound examination or by physical means of seeing inside the uterus, like a hysterosalpingogram.

Fibroids can be surgically removed but can also grow back, since hormones will support their growth right up to menopause. For women who would like to have babies, laproscopy is a non-invasive surgery to get rid of the growths, because a surgery can weaken the uterus wall. There are other options that can weaken and kill the fibroids by cutting off blood or hormones supply to them. In the past the uterus had to be removed but women today have the option of not doing so.

(PID) Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This is an infection in the female reproductive organs, the uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries. The infection, which usually affects sexually active women, is widely believed to spread through sexual contact. The scarring that results in the fallopian tube and even the uterus may lead to infertility in some women, and that is sad because PID is completely curable.

The infections start with the mouth of the uterus and travel up to the other organs, fallopian tubes or ovaries. In many cases the same bacteria that cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases like gonorrhea can cause PID also. The most common symptom of PID is pelvic pain, fever and nausea. However, these could be symptoms of many other problems too, so one may need a laboratory swab for testing. Sometimes the organ affected can be identified by a physical examination, to see which ones are tender and swollen. Sometimes an ultrasound is needed to identify the location of infection, abscess or infected fluid.

The only way to prevent PID is to stay in a one-partner sexual relationship, and use condoms. The treatment, as in most infections, is with antibiotics. It is not advisable to have sexual intercourse till the infection is finished, and also to get the partner also treated.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This is one of the most complicated disorders in women’s gynecological issues. Poly cysts mean multiple cysts, only in this case these are eggs that are still in their follicle, and the ovaries are unable to shed them. This is due to hormonal activity. The result is that a woman cannot conceive and the uterine lining that prepares for pregnancy is weak, raising the risk of disease like cancer. The androgen hormones in a woman’s body are responsible for this condition. These very hormones can also cause cosmetic problems in a woman’s body – increased facial hair, or acne. This disorder also encourages high levels of insulin in the body, exposing the woman to a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol problems.

The most common symptom of polycystic ovaries is irregular or even absent menstrual periods. Persistent obesity and difficulty in conceiving accompanied by thick hair growth, darkened pubic skin and a high blood sugar or cholesterol levels, could all be symptoms of this disease.

Since this disease lasts till the ovaries stop producing eggs, i.e. till menopause, the way out is to have a healthy lifestyle, to avoid the complications of blood pressure and high cholesterol. Doctors also prefer to restore a regular menstrual cycle to fight the risk of malignancy in layers of unshed uterine lining. In case the patient wants to conceive, medication can help. One way to control the hormonal melee is to take birth control pills, so the production of eggs stops, reducing the cysts.

Gynecological Symptoms that require attention

Most of the symptoms that are given below can indicate some disorder or disease. However, many are hereditary in nature and don’t really need to set the alarm bells ringing.

1. Vaginal bleeding or discharge between periods.
2. Sores or pain in the vaginal area
3. Pelvic pain or abdominal swelling
4. Discomfort during intercourse
5. Persistent lower back ache
6. Unexplained absence or irregularity of the menstrual cycle

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Yoga is claimed to be a good exercise for everyone. Yoga is also a good exercise for pregnant women and provides them with many benefits. So whether you are pregnant or know someone who is, read on to learn the many positive benefits of yoga for pregnant women.

Yoga is a wonderful exercise for pregnant women and can be safely performed throughout the entire pregnancy. Some poses may need to be modified during pregnancy and poses where the woman is lying on her back or stomach should be avoided. The pregnant woman should also avoid any position or pose that does not feel right to her.

Yoga provides many benefits to pregnant women. Among those benefits of yoga are increased flexibility, more energy and stress relief. Yoga also helps the woman prepare for childbirth. This is done by the regular use and stretching of the muscles that are used in childbirth. In addition, the relaxation and breathing skills learned in yoga will help a woman throughout the labor and delivery of her child and may also lessen some of the woman’s pains and anxieties.

As previously mentioned, yoga can play an important part in a woman having a relaxed, comfortable pregnancy and childbirth experience. However, the benefits of yoga do not end there. Yoga can also help the woman to get back into shape after pregnancy and will help to ease the transition into more physical exercise. And the benefits of yoga do not only encompass the pregnant woman; yoga can assist in the mental and physical development of the growing fetus.

Yoga exercises are not the only elements to focus on when performing a yoga routine. A complete, rounded yoga routine for a pregnant woman should include not only the yoga exercises, but also proper breathing techniques, meditation, deep relaxation techniques and mudras, which are yogic gestures. All of these elements of yoga will provide the pregnant woman with many benefits to aid in childbirth.

For the benefit of the pregnant woman, yoga exercises stretch the pelvis and reproductive organs to ensure a smooth pregnancy and childbirth experience. For the benefit of the fetus, yoga exercises provide the best possible blood and nutrient supply. The proper breathing techniques, or pranayama, will aid in the pregnant woman’s overall fitness during pregnancy and will supply a rich amount of oxygen for the pregnant woman and fetus.

The benefits of yogic meditation to a pregnant woman are almost self-explanatory. It helps to calm and soothe the pregnant woman, dissolving away any fears and conflicts, whether pregnancy-related or not. It is also claimed to provide the pregnant woman with an unbelievable sense of awareness that helps her connect with her unborn child.

The benefits of deep relaxation techniques are also pretty much easy to understand. Deep relaxation, or yogic sleep, relaxes the pregnant woman both mentally and physically. It also better prepares her for the childbirth experience. The last element of a yoga routine, mudras and bandhas, is yogic gestures. These gestures are believed to have influential effects on the pregnant woman’s reproductive organs, as well as any pains and ailments.

By combining all of the above elements of yoga, a pregnant woman can achieve and reap the benefits of a successful yoga routine. There are many books and websites available that provide acceptable yoga poses and positions for pregnant women. But as is the case with any other exercise, a pregnant woman should consult with her doctor before undertaking a yoga routine.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Yoga

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Author: Michael Russell

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Exercising While Pregnant

A stronger, more energetic women is more likely to have an easier labor than a woman who did not exercise during those nine months.

When a woman becomes pregnant, it is sometimes her husband’s natural desire to keep her off her feet as much as possible. Let her just relax while their child slowly gestates.

While this desire comes from a nice place, in reality it isn’t a very good idea. As any pregnant or formerly pregnant woman can attest, a pregnant body goes through a whole host of uncomfortable ailments, such as back pain, swelling, insomnia, nausea, fatigue, low energy, and shortness of breath.

A smart exercise regimen can help reduce or eliminate many of these problems, along with enhancing mood.

But exercise can make a pregnant woman’s life easier in a number of ways. It can make her stronger, thus making it easier to move around in the later stages of pregnancy. It can even make the birth easier.

While it is important to exercise, there are certain exercise and exercise conditions that pregnant women should avoid, such as exercising in an environment that is too hot, exercising to the point of dehydration, engaging in any sport or activity that might cause a fall, or exercising while lying on one’s back. These situations may cause injury or harm the fetus.

All women should engage in moderate aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, or rowing. Swimming in particular is great exercise for pregnant women because the water supports their whole body, making them more comfortable. Weight lifting can also be done in moderation. Pregnant women shouldn’t try to do anything too intense, but regular weight lifting can help them be more flexible and have better muscle tone.

Women who spent much of their pre-pregnancy time doing very little in the way of exercise should avoid starting any new, strenuous activity such as running. But even reformed couch potatoes can start exercising once they become pregnant if they keep their exercise time under thirty minutes a day. Women who were previously active can usually maintain most of their physical activity when they become pregnant. But it’s a good idea to keep their heart rate at about 65% of their maximum heart rate (this being about 130- 140 beats per minute, depending on age.)

Yoga is another great option for pregnant women. While no one expects you to bend yourself around like a yoga master, simple stretches that improve your flexibility and strength can be very beneficial. Fortunately, many gyms offer prenatal yoga classes that can help you find the yoga stretches that are most comfortable for you.

While going through your pregnancy fitness plan, don’t forget the importance of nutrition and getting plenty to drink. Especially when you are pregnant, eating right and staying hydrated are vital.

Don’t be afraid to stay active while you are pregnant. It will give you more energy and lead to healthier you and a healthier baby. Consult with personal trainer if you have any questions about the best exercises for you during your particular stage of pregnancy.

Chris McCombs is the
http://www.socalworkout.com”>Best Orange County personal trainer with specialty in fat loss and muscle toning. He owns a successful company called Positively Fit Personal Training. His website
http://www.socalworkout.com”>www.socalworkout.com contains valuable tips on fitness and “how to” style exercise videos.

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Wholesome food and wholesome eating habits are really crucial for the wellness of the coming child and its mom. However it will take more than wholesome eating habits to be positive that you experience a calm delivery and a healthy child. We are living in a advanced world where technology has become part and parcel of our life.

There are diverse techniques to abide by through your pregnancy time period which are obtainable in the form of books, e-books, CDs and DVDs. Although these techniques are really usable, numerous people believe they are not enough for the overall safety and development of both child and mother. The longtime tradition of yoga can assist pregnant women through their pregnancy, childbirth and even afterwards. A prenatal yoga DVD can help guide you through each stage of your pregnancy.

You can check out the practical actions of pregnant women at various months of pregnancy. The teacher on the DVD clarifies what the routine functions women should follow are in clear terminology and these functions are presented practically by actual pregnant women. The teacher underscores the importance of the mental well being of the mother and teaches the way to do meditation to keep up mental well being.

It is really a big treat to view a prenatal yoga DVD in which pregnant women are cautiously doing yoga and breathing practices with consuming care and devotion. You can view love and concern in their eyes for their baby. Yoga for pregnancy is an old concept of preserving the well being through pregnancy, which was effectively used for thousands of years. Today, we possess the advantage of taking those time verified methods in a video format and having them obtainable to all women.

The pregnancy yoga DVD has turned really popular and as a testimony to its usefulness and popularity even doctors are proposing their patients to make use of it. If you are thinking about making a child in the close future or are already pregnant then it is better to know about yoga for pregnancy for a bright conclusion both for you and the coming child.

Enjoy your pregnancy with a prenatal yoga DVD that can help you all throughout your pregnancy, during childbirth and as a new mother. Having a child is the most magical, wonderful experience that you can have in life. You can enjoy it even more and deepen your connection with your baby even more by doing yoga. Get more prenatal yoga tips at http://www.PrenatalYogaDVD.net

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Author: Jill Borash

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What will you do if you were in a Yoga Session, suddenly a woman in front of you fart loudly and it's not 1 time BUT many times….!!!~~

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These classes are offered at a number of places. Expectant mothers can usually sign up for classes at gyms and birthing facilities. Women can also hire private yoga instructors to come to their home to offer these classes.

Women who have taken these classes claim that they help them bond with their unborn children. They also feel that the techniques learned in these classes help them to prepare for childbirth.

If a woman desires to take one of these classes, she should do the following:

• Talk to the doctor – Not all expectant mothers are eligible to take a prenatal yoga class. There sometimes are health issues that preclude a woman from having this kind of physical activity. However, in most cases doctors have no problem allowing their patients to take these classes. In fact, many recommend it as long as the woman who wants to take the class has been in good health.
• Find one – Usually the best way to find one of these classes is to ask people who work at the hospital or OB/GYN office about which classes are offered in the area. Often doctors or nurses will know of a few good instructors that they can recommend to their patients.

  If trying to find prenatal yoga classes through a care facility does not yield good results, local gyms also can be contacted. If a person is not able to find a class that focuses specifically on prenatal yoga, many women can still take a regular class. However, if this is the path a person decides to take, she should always let her yoga instructor know she is pregnant. Women who are pregnant and take these classes also should be careful to not over-exert themselves.

• Be ready – A pregnant woman must be even more sure that she comes prepared to her yoga class. In addition to dressing in comfortable clothing, bring plenty of water as well as a yoga mat to the class. Water is especially important to make sure that the woman doing the yoga does not become dehydrated.
• Get loose – It never hurts to do a little bit of stretching at home before going to the gym or birthing facility to participate in a yoga class. A woman should be ready to move in and out of many different poses during her class. In prenatal yoga, some of the common poses include pelvic tilts, lying on the side, sitting cross-legged and squatting.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on yoga and Pilates, please visit Yoga Supplies, home to many useful articles about health and fitness.

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Author: Anne Clarke

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