Heavy menstrual bleeding is a primary cause of iron deficiency and anaemia. So, how much blood is normal to lose with your period?
IS YOUR PERIOD TOO HEAVY?
CANDIDA AND THRUSH
Thrush is a super common women’s health complaint. It’s caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus, which can happen when there is too little other beneficial bacteria (probiotics) such as Lactobacillus to help keep the levels in check. The vaginal ecosystem should be dominant in Lactobacillus, which keeps the vaginal pH acidic, to keep other problem causing microbes at bay.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary tract infections (UTI's) are common and annoying. They are generally caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the urethra/urinary tract - commonly the culprit is E.coli. Usually there should be a relative abundance of good bacteria - Lactobacillus - which keeps the E.coli at bay, however when this bacterial balance becomes imbalanced, E.coli can overgrow and a UTI can rear it's head.
PRETERM PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES (PPROM)
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a complication that can arise in pregnancy. When it happens, the aminonic membrane (the sac) surrounding the baby breaks (ruptures) before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Once the sac breaks, there is an increased risk of infection.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes is diabetes which occurs during pregnancy (gestation). Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between weeks 24-28 by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). It causes elevated levels of blood sugar/glucose levels which can affect the pregnancy, the health of the mother and the health of the baby.
THE HORMONES AFFECTING ACNE
We have all heard of hormonal acne but which hormones exactly are the culprits? Let me introduce you to a class of hormones called androgens.
COMING OFF THE PILL (WITHOUT CAUSING ACNE)
When we cease taking the pill there can be a flare up of androgens, which are male-type hormones such as testosterone. When coming off the pill we want to lower our production of androgens as this is what can cause post-pill acne.
HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the reason women undergo pap smears or smear testing. HPV is a common virus which can reside in the cervix, and if it stays there for long enough, can result in cervical cell changes (CIN) and eventually can result in cervical cancer.
METHYLATION, HORMONES + MOOD
Methylation is a process which you may or may not have heard about. It is the act of donating a methyl group from one compound to another compound, altering the chemical structure and changing it into something else. This process is happening in all of our bodies, all of the time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD TESTS
Have you been to your GP with symptoms of exhaustion, anxiety, depression, irregular or painful periods, or just not quite feeling right… had blood tests taken, think that you are going to finally get some answers, only to have the results come back and be told you’re fine? Even though you feel so far from fine?