Women's Health Supplements
By Eddie Tobey

There is a huge variety of health supplements available on the market. Are there health supplements that are specifically formulated and intended for women? Yes, there are. Women have special health needs that must be addressed. Of course, good nutrition and regular exercise are two important pillars of good health. Sadly, many of today?s processed and chemically treated food products lack the necessary vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal women?s health. Also, a hectic and busy lifestyle and pollution can further worsen the nutritional deficiencies.

Health supplements are vital to strengthen a woman?s immune system and fill in the nutritional ?gaps? that are not met by regular food intake. Special attention must be given to various health issues that are more prevalent in women. These include breast cancer, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, menopause, pregnancy and fertility, heart disease, hypertension, and skin care.

Fortunately, there are now health supplements available targeted specifically for women. Most of these health supplements are packed with vitamins and minerals that help boost a woman?s general health as well as fortify her body?s immune system. For instance, health supplements with amino acids and antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) are good for preventing cancer.

Calcium and magnesium are effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Vitamin E is essential in keeping the skin healthy and vibrant as well as improving the body?s defense system. Calcium and vitamin D are vital in preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Folic acid is a good supplement that pregnant women can take to prevent defects in the baby?s neurological system. Needless to say, there is a huge variety of supplements that meet the health needs of women.

Most of these are readily available in drugstores as well as in specialty health supplement stores. Still, it is important to note that these supplements cannot take the place of good diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, these health supplements are vital in providing the necessary vitamins and minerals that women need.

Health Supplements provides detailed information on Health Supplements, Natural Health Supplements, Discount Health Supplements, Alternative Health Supplements and more. Health Supplements is affiliated with Discount Nutritional Supplements.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Womens-Health-Supplements&id=353783

More Stuff on PMDD - The biology behind PMDD.  This is pretty good.

 I had several people asking a bit more about PMDD. While I'm not an expert, I did dig up this article for some more information.  I'll see what else I can find.

PMDD Treatment - Understanding PMDD Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
By Jen K

It seems there is very little information available about PMDD treatment options. For years, many women were simply told that they have more severe cases of PMS and would just have a battle through it. Finally, after years of knowing this was not the case, there is new medical information that can help diagnose PMDD in women.

But, this was just the first step in a long process to find relief. In general, PMDD can be diagnosed if there are multiple severe symptoms of PMS at any given time. Commonly, if you exhibit three or more of the symptoms of PMS at any one time, chances are you have PMDD. Symptoms generally include the following:

• Severe headache (almost migraine or cluster type headaches)
• Overwhelming depression for more than a day
• Uncontrollable mood swings lasting several days
• Excessive tenderness in your breast
• Swelling of your breast
• Loss of appetite or excessive appetite swings
• Crying
• Any other PMS type symptom

PMDD is an actual disease and treatment options are being developed. If you have PMDD, then you know that normal over the counter medications are not working to help with your symptoms. Finding a solution on managing the problem more effectively is a priority.

Not only is the strain of this problem evident on you, but it can certainly affect those close to you. Friends, family, spouses and co workers will all be impacted as you sometimes can not control your feelings or depression. Happening on a monthly basis, this can be a serious problem.

Getting help treating PMDD may seem like an impossible task. Recently, I discovered a new book that talks in detail on the many triggers of PMDD, and how to manage your condition do reduce and eliminate your symptoms. This information is has been extremely helpful. You can get more details here: Treatment for PMDD.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_K
http://EzineArticles.com/?PMDD-Treatment—Understanding-PMDD-Premenstrual-Dysphoric-Disorder&id=2461350

By Anna M. Hartman

Natural treatment for PMDD can be administered by a holistic or medical doctor. The exact cause of PMDD is not known, however, several theories have been proposed. One theory states that women with PMDD react to the normal fluctuations of hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone with a decreased level of serotonin levels in the brain. Evaluating the levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and GABA levels to gain data of what levels are. Doctors taking a medical history try to identify if the following symptoms are present, indicating PMDD:

during a year's time, during most menstrual cycles, five or more of the following symptoms must be present:

- depressed mood
- anger or irritability
- moodiness
- difficulty in concentrating
- increased appetite
- insomnia or hypersomnia
- feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- symptoms that inhibit occupational, social or physical functioning

Natural Treatment for PMDD - Natural Treatments

To successfully achieve relief with natural treatment for PMDD it is necessary to understand some things about the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle begins on Day 14, after ovulation occurs and continues until Day 1 of your next period. A small study done at UCLA (Rasgon et al, 1999) tested L-tryptophan in women who suffered from PMS and found that even at high levels of tryptophan in the blood stream a the uptake of L-tryptophan decreased during the luteal phase. L-tryptophan is the precursor (needed to produce the calming hormone, serotonin). Women who suffer from PMDD seem to have a more difficult time processing certain amino acids (animal proteins) at that time.

This is the reasoning behind limiting animal protein during the highest levels of estrogen and progesterone. Researchers point to the possibility of enzymatic differences between women with PMDD and PMS and those who don't suffer.

The saturated fat and cholesterol in meat and fatty dairy products tend to raise blood levels of all sex hormones, in particular estrogen, adversely affecting symptoms of PMS. These bad fats contribute to the production of the pain hormone prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are known to increase menstrual cramps and pain. Another important reason to avoid saturated and trans-fats. Read all labels of packaged foods, avoid any food that contains hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. There are "good" fats that should be consummed

The good fats:

- Canola Oil
- Olive Oil
- Flaxseed oil and Flaxseed meal
- Fatty Fish and Fish oil

Natural Treatment for PMDD - Medicinal Treatments

PMDD is sometimes treated with bioidentical natural progesterone in suppository or tablet form. You can choose between brand name formulas, such as Prometrium, or custom-compounded USP (bioidentical) progesterone from specialty pharmacies. Women taking progesterone should have their hormone levels checked every three to six months to ensure that the progesterone is not being converted into estrogen. Other women find that they respond well to different birth control pills.

Certain antidepression medication can also alleviate the symptoms of PMDD or at least lessen them. The latest trend in PMDD treatment is prescribed selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's). Research does show relief from many symptoms but if the causes of PMS symptoms are nutritionally related, the nutrient deficiency could be masked. If drug therapy loses effectiveness, nutritional factors could be the reason.

The ebook offered below gives all the facts and information you should know to relieve your PMDD. See the link below to access the book; Womens Health - Pmdd & Pms Treatment/advice Ebook. Pmdd.

Why suffer each month with PMS or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) when natural treatment for PMDD is available. Get all the facts and treatments for PMDD by reading the following ebook, available at the following website,Natural Treatment for PMDD. Your time is too valuable to be out of commission a a week out of every month. This book can solve the problems and symptoms of PMDD.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_M._Hartman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Treatment-For-PMDD&id=2415574

By Sandra Kim Leong

Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time or another. The symptoms are familiar: mood swings, cramping and bloating, trouble sleeping. Fortunately, alternative therapies and dietary changes are now providing many women with relief.

Reducing salt, alcohol and caffeine for a few days before your period should help with the bloating and mood swings. Some women have been helped by limiting sugar during this week as well. Be sure to get plenty of vitamin B-6, which can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, poultry and potatoes. Vitamin E has also been found to have a positive effect on premenstrual symptoms.

Research has shown that the consumption of fat increases estrogen levels, so reducing the amount of fat that you consume will help normalize estrogen levels and ease premenstrual syndrome. Increasing your intake of whole grains and fibers will help your body to eliminate the excess estrogen in your system. Combine the two and you have a powerful weapon against cramps and bloating.

Calcium has also shown significant results when used to treat premenstrual symptoms. Taken with manganese and vitamin D, calcium aided in concentration, reduced cramping, bloating and mood swings. You can get plenty of dietary calcium in green leafy vegetables and legumes.

Evening primrose oil has also been used to treat premenstrual syndrome. It is rich in omega 6 fatty acids that seem to act as an anti-inflammatory in the body, helping relieve cramps. These fatty acids are found in salmon, mackerel and tuna as well as safflower, sunflower and grapeseed oil.

Before turning to prescription or over-the-counter medications for premenstrual syndrome, try making some dietary changes. You may get to feel better quickly, without resorting to popping pills!

Sandra Kim Leong publishes information on food diet and nutrition remedies for common health ailments. For resources and free articles, please visit http://www.food-diet-remedy.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Kim_Leong
http://EzineArticles.com/?Relieve-PMS-with-the-Food-Diet-Changes&id=64315

By Kathy Burns-Millyard

There are some in the medical community who believe that PMS is actually a social phenomenon caused by social constructs. But there are many naturopathy and nutrition changes which may be able to alleviate PMS.

Commonly, doctors suggest to their patients that ibuprofen and oral contraceptives can reduce pain associated with PMS. And it is true that women taking birth control pills have reported less menstrual pain. Typically ibuprofen needs to be taken three to four times a day. These medications are known to block the adverse effects of prostaglandin hormones.

Prozac, an anti-depressant also known as fluoxetine, is an SSRI (serotonin based) which can be prescribed by your physician. Prozac dosages usually are between 20 to 60 mg per day. Other drugs which are often used include paroxetine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine, and nedadozone.

Hormone treatments include oral contraceptives, progesterone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones, although these should only be used to treat severe symptoms as they have side effects as well.

But not all women want to take birth control pills, prescription drugs or ibuprofen to reduce their PMS pain and symptoms, due to the many side effects of these drugs. So for those that are interested in alternative options, there are nutritional therapies, lifestyle changes and herbal treatments. Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that some swear by.

On the nutrition side, some nutrients often can reduce or eliminate the negative symptoms thought to be associated with PMS. Here are some nutritional suggestions for changing your diet during your peak PMS times to reduce the PMS symptoms:
Avoid smoked cheese, meats (such as bacon), and fish. These can increase fluid retention;
Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages;
Avoid alcohol;
Avoid smoking;
Reduce sugar intake;
Reduce sodium in your diet;
Increase fiber in your diet; and
Eat fresh food

A noted gynecologist who has suffered PMS herself suggests that taking nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin E may have beneficial effects on PMS. In a 1998 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Susan Thys-Jacobs found that calcium supplements of 1,200 milligrams per day (equivalent to four glasses of milk) reduced PMS symptoms dramatically. Results from using calcium supplements do not become apparent immediately. Calcium increases generally take about two months to take full effect.

Increasing Vitamin A intake has been shown to sometimes be effective. Other nutritional supplements available that may prove effective are Vitamin B6, manganese, and tryptophan. Tryptophan specifically is a good option when your PMS symptoms include crying, mood changes and depression. It works by increasing the serotonin levels in your brain to elevate your mood. Be cautious though, because taking too much may make you sleepy. It is commonly found in online supplement stores. Try some dietary changes and taking some vitamins and supplements before taking drugs, because these are usually safer alternatives.

Note: Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice.

WARNING: Prescription Medicines are Dangerous and Expensive! Learn how you can save money and keep your family safe from harmful prescription drugs by using Natural Herbal Remedies! Visit the treasure trove of free expert information at AltHealthGazette.com!

©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Kathy has been successfully using natural herbal remedies to treat her family's health needs for almost 20 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-the-Foods-You-Eat-Effect-Your-PMS&id=637880

I'm not sure about this… I'm not big on trying new things… but I thought I would share this.