CANDIDA AND THRUSH

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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.

THE HORMONES AFFECTING ACNE

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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)

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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)

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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.

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?

LOW LIBIDO?

A strong libido is a by-product and benefit of peak health. Your hormone health, and thus your libido, is a reflection of multiple aspects of your health, hence a lacking libido is a sign of an imbalance on either a physical, mental or emotional level.

HISTAMINE AND HORMONES

Histamine is an immune signalling protein, which is released by mast cells – a type of immune cell. Histamine is also a neurotransmitter, and too much of it can cause anxiety and insomnia, and block serotonin (your happy chemical) production. Thus, histamine can have a big impact on your mood. Histamine also stimulates oestrogen production. …

MANAGING MENOPAUSE

As most of us know, menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual periods and can be diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhoea (no menstrual periods). It is the natural state the body enters after the ovaries have stopped ovulating, due to depletion of eggs. Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 55 …

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic condition which impacts the menstrual cycle. It is usually caused or driven by a number of underlying factors. Despite the name, PCOS actually has nothing to do with cysts on the ovaries. Instead, it can be characterised by an excess of male hormones, called androgens, and anovulatory cycles …