About PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome

About PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is experienced by an estimated 85 percent of all women at some point during their lives. PMS is an umbrella term used to describe a number of physical and emotional changes that women undergo in the days between ovulation and the onset of the monthly period. These changes are attributed to changing hormone levels in the body.

Increased levels of certain hormones may result in specific PMS symptoms. The secretion of too much prolactin from the pituitary gland causes breast tenderness. Excessive prolactin secretion can also interfere with ovulation and may result in irregular periods. Another hormone, aldosterone, is secreted by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone levels normally increase after ovulation.

This hormone acts by causing fluid retention, which in turn leads to bloating, headaches and breast swelling in some women. The brain does not utilize the mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter serotonin efficiently in some women, resulting in depression or anxiety. Endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, may be secreted in reduced amounts by the pituitary gland, contributing to depression and to increased pain sensitivity. Increased sensitivity to insulin may result in episodes of low blood sugar, which in turn may increase irritability.

It is not fully understood why some women experience PMS, and others don’t. Women with a close blood relative who also has PMS are more likely to suffer from PMS themselves. The types and severity of symptoms vary from one woman to the next. A more severe form of PMS is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.

In general, PMS tends to become worse the closer a woman gets to menopause. PMS-like symptoms can also be triggered when a woman undergoes major hormonal changes (such as those that occur during pregnancy), when on hormonal contraceptives or after a miscarriage or childbirth.

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Living with Breast Cancer

Living with Breast Cancer

As the name suggests it’s a cancer in the breast of a person. Previously only female species were observed effected by this disease but in the recent years it is found that some of the males are also falling prey to breast cancer. This disease is generally seen among matured women in the age group of 50 years and above. Every year lots of women become victim of breast cancer that ultimately leads to their death.

Medical science has not yet reached to the roots of this disease, however during the recent years The scientists and experts in the related fields are continuously progressing in the fight against breast cancer. Today one can find many options in the treatment of breast cancer and can opt according to the stage and requirements of the disease.

Stages of breast cancer
The disease of breast cancer can be divided into many stages according to the symptoms and the nature of occurrence. The measure of the tumor inside the breast also plays an important role in deciding the stage of the disease. The different stages can be described into three parts as follows:

- Early stage- The early stage of breast cancer can be subdivided into these three different stages:

• Stage 0- in this stage there is no evidence of cancer cells breaking through the normal tissue.
• Stage I- In this stage the cancer cells are seen breaking through or invading the neighboring tissue and in this stage the tumor measure upto 2 cm.
• Stage II- In this stage the tumor measure at least 2cm or upto 5cm and the cancer start spreading in the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side of the cancer.
  

- Lower stage- The lower stage of breast cancer is divided into sub stages described as under:

• Stage III A- In this stage the tumor measures more then 5cm and the cancer spread through the lymph nodes and the nodes are sticking to the surrounding tissues.
• Stage III B- In this stage a tumor of any size start spreading in the breast skin, lymph nodes and includes inflammatory breast cancer.
  

- Advanced Stage- the advanced stage of breast cancer known as the stage IV is the most crucial stage of breast cancer where the tumor spreads beyond the breast, underarm, and internal mammary lymph nodes. The tumor can also spread to lungs, liver, bones or brains ultimately leading to death of the person.

Symptoms and diagnosis of Breast Cancer
There are many symptoms showing the occurrence of breast cancer, listed as under:

• Inverted nipple
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple rash
• Cysts
• Breast pain

The above symptoms if observed the person should immediately consult a doctor and should discuss about the required treatment. The best treatment of breast cancer is the early detection of the disease. However now days one can choose from much diagnosis available namely surgery, radiotherapy, tomoxifen drug, chemotherapy etc and can easily get rid of this disease and can even prevent it from occurrence in the near future.

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What is Cellulite ?

What is Cellulite ?

Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of skin on the thighs of women. It also occurs on the buttocks. As women age, cellulite tends to increase. It looks like orange peel. The skin is not smooth, but has dimples on it. That is because of the uneven fat distribution below the skin layer.

Cellulite is a problem of displacement of fat below the skin. As we age, the dermal layer loses collagen and strength. As the dermal layer loses collagen, a shift takes place in the way the fat is placed below the skin. This uneven fat causes the dimples. If you believe that getting liposuction done will help, please drop the thought. It does not. The fat distribution cannot be reversed. Cellulite is something like wrinkles on the face. As we age, the collagen breaks down and reduces and we get wrinkles. Cellulite is similar. The only difference is that wrinkles can be treated easily while cellulite cannot be treated that easily. The way we get wrinkles on the face, we get Cellulite on thighs and buttocks. Why only women get it and not men is another question that will be answered below.

Cellulite cannot be prevented. There is no difference in the Cellulite fat and other body fat. The difference lies in the way the fat is laid out below the skin. That causes the dimples. Cellulite does not depend upon the weight. Even underweight women can get it. Cellulite depends on genetics, hormones and aging. Men rarely get it.

There are no treatments for cellulite. Some massages can help but only for few days. There is no permanent cure, though supplements, pills and creams are being sold claiming cellulite cure. People talk of different diet that will help treating cellulite. Creams are sold promising cellulite free appearance. Alternative therapies are suggested. Because there is no sure cure for cellulite, innocent customers are made to believe many things. Please don't try anything unless your doctor says- yes. Cellulite cannot be treated that easily.

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Deadly Eating Disorders

Deadly Eating Disorders

Healthy eating is very important for our everyday lives, but unfortunately, many people develop problems with body image with prevent them from this healthy eating lifestyle. Eating disorders vary greatly from person to person, but one thing remains constant—they are very detrimental to a person’s health. If you or someone you know suffers from an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

The first kind of eating disorder that a person may develop is anorexia. Anorexia occurs when someone is overly concerned with weight and simply refuses to eat. Someone suffering from this disease usually tries to hide it by discarding the food without anyone knowing, cutting the food into small pieces to make it look smaller, or lying about skipping entire meals. Anorexia is dangerous because it does not allow a person to lose weight in a healthy way. Cutting fat out of a diet is fine, but not getting enough proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, and other nutrients can make your body lose muscle weight and weaken.

Another major type of eating disorder is bulimia. While you may notice an anorexic person losing lots of weight in a hurry, someone who has bulimia may or may not be losing weight. If a person has bulimia, he or she does not have the will power to give up foods, but instead vomits or uses laxatives after meals to rid the body of these foods. Like anorexia, this can rob the body of key nutrients, and it can also lead to problems in the digestive system, throat, and mouth, which are not made for regular induced vomiting.

The third main type of eating disorder is binge eating. This is a combination of anorexia and bulimia in most cases. A binge eater will, like a bulimic, not deprive his- or herself from food. In fact, someone who is a binge eater will eat enormous amounts of food in a single sitting, and often these foods are not high in nutritional value. Instead of vomiting, a binge eater will then refuse to eat at all and exercise rigorously for a day or two, but then slip into a binge once again. This leads to major problems with weight.

Eating disorders can effect bother males and females, as well as people of any race, ethnicity, or age. Most commonly, victims of eating disorders are teen and young adult girls. Many people die every year due to complications with eating disorders, but if you or someone you know suffers from this problem, help is available.

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