Day 15 .:: Yours Hormonally ::.

Have you ever wondered why women have to be concerned about the colour of drapes, shoe,pillows, accessories, and lipsticks? Where men see grey, women tend to actually notice 50 shades of grey. The reason for this sensitivity to shades of any colour is partly neuronal and partly hormonal. Women are sensitive, period! Physically, psychologically and emotionally, women tend to have better acuity. This acuity fluctuates between sensitive and hypersensitive, with cyclical menstrual hormones. Mother Nature pushed it too far with associated blood loss. The monthly blood loss makes most women lose iron, calcium, & magnesium, as well as from numerous other minerals. The lack of availability of these minerals in regular meals makes it almost impossible for recovery in most women.

Loss of minerals during menstruation is one of the most common causes of irregular bleeding in young women. Calcium and iron supplementation results in correction of numerous menstrual-related complaints like painful cramps during cycles, irregular bleeding, and excessive loss or increased bleeding. It is advisable to correct these mineral deficiencies before going into hormonal therapy.

Hormones are sometimes responsible for irregular bleeding cycles. Thyroid hormones, testosterone, progesterone and estrogen are the commonly encountered hormones as the cause of an irregular menstrual cycle.

Mrs. A was diagnosed with PCOD/PCOS and visited my OPD about 15 months ago for menstrual cramps. History revealed that she was married for 7 years and had painful menstrual cramps with an irregular cycle for 10 years. Mrs. A had tried one attempt of insemination with hormonal therapy. Due to a spontaneous abortion during her 4th month of pregnancy on account of subsequent financial reasons, she could not avail herself of the benefits of medical advances. I asked her to stop all milk and milk products. I wanted her to avoid excessive oxytocin levels of dairy products. I prescribed supplements of iron, folic acid and calcium. I suggested an increase in her raw fruits and raw vegetable intake by one bowl with every meal. I also taught her to relax with an abdomen breathing technique, which I asked her to perform every morning and evening for 10 minutes. Mrs. A reported that her cramps had reduced in 4 months. Mrs. A conceived naturally about 7 months ago, and is due in 8 weeks as I write this.

Most cases of PCOD/ PCOS are treatable. Stress, lack of calcium, and excessive oxytocin are major factors responsible for this condition. Like Mrs. A, most cases of stress-related PCOS/D are fixed by deep abdominal breathing. Stress related to the lack of sleep, excessive use of mobile phones, laptops, and TV’s, need intervention accordingly. Emotional stress needs therapeutic support. Lack of exercise can also manifest as PCOD/S.

Proper Nutritional correction, exercise, regular sleep cycles, and relaxation methods can help numerous women with mood swings and hormone related panic attacks. The increased sensitivity to colour, smells, and sounds can be a true blessing in our mothers, daughters, wivesand girlfriends. This sensitivity is the reason why men can afford to be boys, why boys canremain babies, and why babies are nurtured and protected.

It's NOT all hormonal. It is a blessing of love and care.

Dr. A