Progesterone and the gut
Progesterone, often associated with reproductive health, also plays a crucial role in gut health. It modulates immune responses and gastrointestinal function, influencing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fluctuations in progesterone levels, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can exacerbate digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Understanding this connection is vital for managing gut health during hormonal transitions.
HRT & Weight Loss Injections: What You Need to Know
Combining hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with weight loss injections like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is increasingly common. However, recent guidance from the British Menopause Society highlights potential interactions: these medications can slow digestion, possibly reducing the absorption of oral progesterone, a key component of HRT. This may compromise endometrial protection, especially for women with a uterus. Alternative progesterone delivery methods, such as the Mirena coil or combined HRT patches, are recommended. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Brain Fog in Women: What’s Happening During Pregnancy and Menopause?
Experiencing forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fatigue? These are common symptoms of brain fog, particularly during pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations, such as changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can impact brain function, leading to cognitive challenges. While these symptoms are often temporary, they can be managed through lifestyle adjustments, including adequate sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may offer relief. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Feeling Constantly Tired? Let’s Talk About Fatigue
Fatigue is a common yet often overlooked symptom among women, particularly in their 40s and 50s. It's more than just feeling tired—it's a persistent, overwhelming exhaustion that isn't relieved by sleep. This chronic fatigue can significantly impact daily life and may be linked to various factors such as hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, psychological stress, sleep disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective management and treatment. Explore how addressing these factors can help restore your energy and well-being.
The Non-Contraceptive Benefits of Zoely: What Women in the UK Should Know
Zoely isn’t just a reliable contraceptive — it’s a powerful ally for your overall health. From lighter, more manageable periods to clearer skin and relief from PMS symptoms, this unique estradiol and nomegestrol pill offers benefits far beyond pregnancy prevention. Discover how Zoely can support your menstrual health, boost your well-being during perimenopause, and help you feel more in control of your cycle.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone - AMH
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a key indicator of ovarian reserve, reflecting the quantity of a woman's remaining eggs. While AMH levels naturally decline with age, they can provide valuable insights into reproductive health. In perimenopause and menopause, AMH testing can help assess the timing of ovarian decline and inform decisions about fertility preservation or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, AMH levels should be interpreted cautiously, as they do not account for egg quality or guarantee fertility outcomes. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand what AMH levels mean for your individual health journey.
A Women's Health Doctor's Guide to Preventing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis affects 1 in 3 women and is often termed a "silent disease" due to its lack of symptoms until a fracture occurs. This condition, characterised by weakened bones, becomes more prevalent around menopause when estrogen levels decline, impacting bone density. Preventive measures include regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for eligible women, and maintaining good posture to reduce fall risk. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in preserving bone health and preventing fractures.
Nurturing You: An Integrative Approach to Perinatal Mental Health
As an integrative physician, I believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—especially during the transformative journey of pregnancy and motherhood. Today, I want to shed light on a topic that is incredibly important, yet often overlooked: perinatal mental health.
Contraception Choices During Perimenopause
Navigating contraception during perimenopause can be complex, as fertility can persist even with irregular periods. It's essential to continue using reliable contraception until you've been without a period for 12 consecutive months, marking the onset of menopause. Options like hormonal contraceptives—such as combined oral contraceptives, the mini-pill, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)—not only prevent pregnancy but can also alleviate perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes and menstrual irregularities. However, considerations regarding age, health history, and potential risks are crucial. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures the chosen method aligns with your individual health needs and lifestyle.
Supplements for PCOS: Exploring Alternative Approaches
The primary medical treatments for PCOS typically involve metformin for metabolic issues and anti-androgens for hormonal imbalances. However, many women prefer incorporating supplements into their management of PCOS, either because they are more tolerable or align with a more integrative approach to health. While inositol is the only supplement recommended by international guidelines, this blog will explore other supplements that have shown potential in managing PCOS symptoms.
Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus can colonisation the vagina or rectum in up to a quarter of pregnant women and in a small proportion of these it will cause infection in the baby. Only a small number of women can be tested on the NHS but at Sirona Health you can decide to test privately and have a detailed discussion about how to manage the result.
