PMS Factor

PMS may be a HUGE pain, but if there is a bright side (other than being pregnant again ) it means that you are generally healthy. Let’s look at this a bit further.

Leading women’s health advocates met today at a scientific forum titled, “The Menstrual Cycle is a Vital Sign,” held at the New York Academy of Sciences. Co-sponsored by Rachel’s Well, Inc. and the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, the discussion was designed to raise awareness about the role of menstruation as a unique indicator of a woman’s overall physical health.

At the center of the discussion was the importance of identifying health issues linked to the menstrual cycle, as well as clarifying any misconceptions. “The menstrual cycle is a window into the general health and well-being of women, and not just a reproductive event,” said Paula Hillard, M.D., professor of obstetrics & gynecology and pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “It can indicate the status of bone health, heart disease, and ovarian failure, as well as long-term fertility. Therefore, if a woman is not having her period, it is the first sign that something else could be going on.”

Source: Medical News Today

Ask any woman: It can be difficult to weather “that time of the month” and “the change.” But managing these episodes when you have diabetes adds a whole set of complications. Here’s what you need to know to make these two experiences smooth sailing.

A new wrinkle to your menstrual cycle

Some women with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) find their blood sugar levels don’t stay steady over the week before and during their period. “Most commonly, we see women having higher blood sugars pre-period, and then these drop down when they begin to menstruate,” says William Petit, MD, medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate at New Britain Hospital in Connecticut. The culprit: those fluctuating hormones that accompany your cycle. But not everyone is the same, and you need to determine how your body is affected. “Each woman needs to recognize her own pattern,” says Dr. Petit, because the effects can be variable.

To see if hormones affect your blood sugar levels, make a note of the days when you have your period in your blood glucose record book. Here, you should already be recording blood sugar levels (at least four times a day if you have type 1 diabetes) as part of your standard diabetes management. You can look for emerging patterns and speak to your endocrinologist or other health-care practitioner about the best plan for managing your diabetes at various times of the month to keep blood glucose levels optimal.

Read the rest at iVillage

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To Read the whole article, go to Acme Juicer

1. Studies have shown that women who exercise regularly do not suffer PMS nearly as often as sedentary women.

2. Women with PMS tend to eat an unhealthy diet. Guy Abraham MD reported that compared to the typical North American diet, PMS patients consume: (2)
62% more refined carbohydrates
275% more refined sugar
79% more dairy products
78% more sodium
53% less iron
77% less manganese
52% less zinc