Arthritis Research Updates Blog
2007-11-05 20:30:00
Hello everyone,My other blog site is an arthritis research updates blog:http://arthritisresearchupdates.blogspot.com/
Read more: Arthritis
, Research
Menstrual Migraines... Causes, symptoms, treatment...
2007-11-05 08:14:00
Many women report an increase in the frequency of migraine headaches in occurrence with the perimenstrual period. Many patients that I have seen used to call any severe headache they had a ‘migraine headache’. However, migraine headaches have some unique qualities which distinguish them from other headaches such as tension headaches.What are some of the symptoms
of migraine headaches?1. Migraine headaches are most commonly on one side of your head vs tension headaches which are bilateral.2. Migraine headaches often have a throbbing quality.3. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by either sensitivity to noise, light, smell or various combinations of these.4. Migraine headaches are often preceded by a prodrome which can include change in mood or fatigue.6. Many patients who have migraine headaches often notice that it is preceded by an aura which can include blind spots in their vision called scotomas, or they may see flashing colorful lights.7. Migraine headaches are often incl
Read more: Menstrual
Glucosamine use in pregnancy: an evaluation of pregnancy outcome.
2007-10-29 10:05:00
"CONCLUSIONS: These limited data suggest no increased risk for major malformations or other adverse fetal effects following the use of GLS during pregnancy."Sivojelezova A, Koren G, Einarson A. Glucosamine use in pregnancy: an evaluation of pregnancy outcome
. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2007 Apr
Vtiamin B6 May Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Women
2007-10-29 09:57:00
For women who are concerned about their familial risk of colorectal cancer, taking a daily supplement of Vitamin B6 may be helpful."CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that vitamin B6 may be inversely associated with risk of colorectal neoplasia" ( Wei et al, 2005).Wei EK, Giovannucci E, Selhub J, Fuchs CS, Hankinson SE, Ma J. Plasma vitamin B6 and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma in women. J Natl Cancer
Inst. 2005 May 4;97(9):684-92.
Read more: Colorectal
, Women
Vitex Agnus Castus for PMS
2007-10-26 09:55:00
"CONCLUSIONS: Dry extract of agnus castus fruit is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome" ( Schellenberg et al, 2001).Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001 Jan 20;322(7279):134-7.
Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual breast tenderness
2007-10-26 09:52:00
"Hence, it is concluded that dopaminergic compounds present in Vitex agnus castus are clinically the important compounds which improve premenstrual mastodynia and possibly also other symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome" (Wuttke et al, 2003).Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová-Wuttke D. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003 May;10(4):348-57.The patent pending Zenstral PMS(TM) formulation includes Vitex agnus castus extract. For a free trial box, click: http://www.zenstralpms.com/ today!
Read more: tenderness
Recent clinical trial on Vitamin B6 for Premenstrual Syndrome
2007-10-25 12:19:00
A recent clinical
trial was published in Internation Journal of Gynaecology & Obstetrics which involved 160 university students from the same dormitory who had premenstrual syndrome. The outcomes on PMS symptoms were studied for two groups--those who received vitamin B6 and those received a placebo. The study authors concluded:"Finally, there was a significant reduction in PMS severity following both forms of treatment and a comparison between the 2 groups also showed a significantly greater reduction in the pyridoxine group than in the placebo group."-Kashanian M. Mazinani R. Jalalmanesh S. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) therapy for premenstrual syndrome. [Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial] International Journal of Gynaecology & Obstetrics. 96(1):43-4, 2007 Jan.-Vitamin
B6 is found in the patent-pending Zenstral PMS(TM) formulation. For a free sample of Zenstral PMS, click: http://www.zenstralpms.com/
Read more: Recent
, Syndrome
Vitex Agnus Castus for PMS
2007-10-20 16:17:00
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a very common and potentially debilitating condition. My company makes a dietary supplment for the treatment of PMS. One of the key ingredients in our Zenstral PMS(TM) formulation is Vitex Agnus Castus. Here are the conclusions of a recent study on this ingredient:"These results suggested for the first time that VAC acted as an agonist at the mu-opiate receptor, supporting its beneficial action in PMS" (Webster et al, 2006).Webster DE, Lu J, Chen SN, Farnsworth NR, Wang ZJ. Activation of the mu-opiate receptor by Vitex agnus-castus methanol extracts: implication for its use in PMS. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jun 30;106(2):216-21. Epub 2006 Jan 24.Vitex Agnus Castus is part of the patent-pending Zenstral PMS(TM) formulation.For a free sample of Zenstral PMS, visit http://www.zenstralpms.com/ today!
Zenstral PMS available at Apple Health Store
2007-10-16 15:13:00
Buy 2, get 1 Free at Apple
Health
Store
:http://www.applehealthstore.com/shop/index.cfm?frm=details&piid=463&CFID=754965&CFTOKEN=74010547
Read more: available
Birth control pills with low dose estrogen and PMS
2007-10-16 14:47:00
A recent study compared two oral contraceptives with the same quantity of progestin, but differing amounts of estrogen on the effect on premenstrual mood symptoms (Greco et al, 2007). For women who suffer from PMS releted mood symptoms, the low estrogen BCP seems to be a better option."This study compared two oral contraceptives (OCs) with the same triphasic regimen of progestin (norgestimate 0.18, 0.215 and 0.25 mg) but differing doses of ethinyl estradiol (EE) - 25 and 35 microg EE - in their effects on androgens, mood and sexual interest in women starting on OCs" (Greco et al, 2007)."The lower EE pill reduced FT less and was associated with greater improvement in premenstrual mood. A causal relation between these two effects is uncertain" (Greco et al, 2007).Greco T, Graham CA, Bancroft J, Tanner A, Doll HA. The effects of oral contraceptives on androgen levels and their relevance to premenstrual mood and sexual interest: a comparison of two triphasic formulations containing norgest
Read more: pills
Other Products from University Health Industries
2007-10-16 13:53:00
Arthroleve ULT(TM) is also available from University
Health
Industries
for promoting joint health.http://www.arthroleve.com/
Read more: Products
PMS Information Links
2007-10-16 13:35:00
PMS information links:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome/DS00134http://www.medicinenet.com/premenstrual_syndrome/article.htm
University Health Industries, Inc. and University Lab Technologies, Inc. Announce Share Exchange
2007-10-16 13:33:00
"University
Health
Industries
, Inc., formerly Virtual Innovations, Inc. (Company) (OTC:VRTN) announced today that the Company has completed a share exchange with the shareholders comprised of management owning a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of University Lab Technologies, Inc. (ULT), a Florida corporation engaged in the development, marketing and sale of proprietary, patent-pending nutraceutical products.Following such share exchange, the Company's executive offices are now located at ULT's corporate offices, 950 Peninsula Circle, Suite 3022, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.The Company's website address is http://www.universityhealthindustries.com/."For the Full Story, click:http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=22848332
Read more: Share
, Exchange
GnRH anaologs for treating PMS
2007-10-16 13:25:00
What is the effectiveness of using gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) to treat PMS?GnRH analogues work to stop menstrual periods by decreasing estrogen production. A recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that GnRHa treatment appears to be an effective option in the management of PMS.4 Unfortunately, patients who take these analogues can experience several serious side effects, including menopausal type symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and increased LDL cholesterol and bone loss.
SSRI's for PMS
2007-10-16 13:24:00
How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) for the treatment of PMS?SSRI’s are a class of drugs used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Patients can experience many side effects from the use of these medications including weight changes, increase in anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction. A study published in the Cochrane Database concluded that there is very good evidence to support the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the management of severe PMS. However, withdrawals due to side effects were 2.5 times more likely to occur in the treatment group than in the placebo group.3
What medical treatments are available for PMS and PMDD?
2007-10-16 13:23:00
there are four types of prescription drugs used for PMS/PMDD:Antidepressants that act on serotonin, including fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine.The FDA has recently ordered makers of several antidepressants to issue black box warnings that patients on these medications should be closely monitored for “clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.” Agents that suppress ovulation, such as danazol, transdermal estradiol patches, and some oral contraceptives. These medications carry risks for serious side effects and can be very expensive.Other psychotropics to reduce anxiety, such as alprazolam and other anxiolytic benzodiazepines. Since alprazolam has a very short half-life, there is a risk of addiction for patients who are started on this medication.Spironolactone, a diuretic that is only available
by prescription. It has proven effective in reducing premenstrual fluid retention, but doesn’t address the other symptoms of PMS.
Read more: medical
How can I tell if I have PMS?
2007-10-16 13:22:00
According the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you may have PMS ifYour PMS symptoms occur only during the last two weeks of your cycle.the symptoms are sufficiently uncomfortable to impair your quality of life.other disorders that may be mistaken for PMS have been excluded.If you suspect you have PMS, ACOG recommends keeping a daily log of your symptoms for two or three consecutive months to help in diagnosis. It’s important to talk with your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as depression, migraine headaches, seizure disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or allergies.
What are the risks of PMD and PMDD?
2007-10-16 13:22:00
PMS and PMDD are not mere inconveniences. These conditions can adversely impact a woman’s personal, professional, and financial success. Women suffering from PMS are at increased risk of depression, absenteeism from work, strained relationships, reduced productivity, and worsening of medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or migraine headache during specific phases of their menstrual cycles.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
2007-10-16 13:21:00
Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can't cope at home or at work. Common symptoms
of PMS include:Physical SymptomsBreast tenderness (mastodynia)CrampingSwollen hands or feetHeadachesWeight gainBloated abdomenConstipationJoint painFatigueAcnePsychological SymptomsIrritabilityAngry outburstsLow self-esteemAnxietyConfusionDifficulty concentratingMood swingsCrying spellsDecreased libidoDepressionSymptoms usually stop or taper off soon after your period begins, and you may be symptom free until about two weeks before your next period.
What causes PMS?
2007-10-16 13:20:00
Though the exact cause of PMS is not completely understood, it appears that the hormones progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are involved, along with changes in the level of the brain chemical serotonin. Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium or vitamin B6, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter activity, diet, and stress have all been implicated in the etiology of PMS.1,2
Read more: causes
What are PMS and PMDD?
2007-10-16 13:19:00
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS, are both very common and potentially debilitating conditions from which many women suffer. Hormonal changes following ovulation trigger a group of disruptive symptoms that appear approximately 14 days before your period. PMS and PMDD affect an estimated 40 million women in the United States, with more than 5 million requiring medical treatment.
New smoking cessation treatment from Pfizer
2007-10-16 13:11:00
Two recent studies were published in the Journal of American Medical Association about a new drug for smoking cessation (Gonzales et al, 2006; Jorenby et al 2006). Unlike other approved treatments for smoking cessation including nictotine replacement therapy, or selectively inhibit the reuptake of dopamine (Bubrorpion), Chantix is a partial agonist of the alpha 4 Beata 2 nictotinic acetylcholine receptor.In the study both of these studies, Chantix's efficacy exceeded buproprion SR and placebo (Jorenby et al, 2007). During the last four weeks of treatment, 43.9% of participants in the varenicline group were abstinent from smoking compared with 17.6% and 29% in the placebo and buprioprion SR groups respectively.Gonzales D, Rennard SI, Nides M, Oncken C, Azoulay S, Billing CB, Watsky EJ, Gong J, Williams KE, Reeves KR; Varenicline Phase 3 Study Group. Varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, vs sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking cessa
Read more: Pfizer
Is bright light therapy effective for treating the depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
2007-10-16 13:04:00
Is bright light
therapy effective
for treating the depression
associated
with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
?Light therapy consists of exposure to full-spectrum light for a prescribed amount of time. A recent meta-analysis of bright light therapy published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that “the current evidence justifies neither enthusiastic dissemination nor confident rejection of this therapeutic modality.”5Essentially, this suggests that more research is required to study the potential benefit of this treatment for PMS.Krasnik C, Montori VM, Guyatt GH, Heels-Ansdell D, Brusse JW; Medically Unexplained Syndromes Study Group. The effect of bright light therapy on depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Am J Gynecol. 2005 Sep;193(3 Pt 1):658-61."
Using the daily record of severity of problems as a screening instrument for premenstrual syndrome.
2007-10-16 13:02:00
Current guidelines for the diagnosis of premenstrual disorders require prospective daily symptom charting for two cycles. This can be quite laborious and is rarely done in clinical practice. A new screening tool has recently been studied which would allow women who are likely to have PMS to be further evaluated. "A cohort of 697 women kept daily symptom ratings using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). The DRSP includes 21 symptom items grouped within 11 domains. DRSP scores on the first day of menses were calculated using the sum of all 21 items (standard method), the sum of the highest rated items within each domain (alternative method), and the sum of seven items derived from modeling" (Borenstein et al, 2007)."The DRSP administered on the first day of menses is an acceptable screening instrument to identify women who may have PMS" (Borenstein et al, 2007)."In conclusion, a screening procedure for PMS based on either 21-item or seven-item DRSP symptom ratings on the fir
Read more: problems
What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms?
2007-10-16 13:00:00
What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms
?Women can often manage the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by making changes in the way they eat, exercise, and approach their daily lives. To reduce your discomfort, try implementing as many of the suggestions below as you can.Dietary Tips for Controlling PMSEat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloating and the sensation of fullness.Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pasta, and cereals.Cut back on sugar and fat in your diet.Avoid salt for the last days before your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.Avoid caffeine intake to feel less tense and irritable.Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consuming alcohol before your period can make you feel more depressed.Choose foods rich in calcium.Increase consumption of dietary fiber.Lifestyle Tips for Controlling PMSGet aerobic exercise. Regular daily exercise will help improve your overall health and can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and a depressed mood.Ensure adequate s
New research links oral contraceptives to artery clogging plaque
2007-11-07 13:01:00
As noted elsewhere on my site, birth control pills are one treatment option for women who suffer from the symptoms of PMS. Data from a recent study was presented recently at the Amercian Heart Association. It's already well established that oral contraceptives or 'birth control pills' confer several risks including an increased risk of blod clots which can result in heart attacks or strokes--particularly in women who also smoke cigarettes. Now, new data suggests that BCP's may also increase the risk of artery clogging plaque
s, even in women who no longer use the pill. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-11-06-birth-control-heart_N.htm
Read more: links
Comparison of estradiol levels of oral contracepts on mood
2007-11-14 12:58:00
The results of a study comparing two different forms of triphasic oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on both mood and sexual interest were compared in a recent study which was published in the journal Contraception. Both pills had the same amount of progestin, but differing amounts of estradiol. The OCP with the lower amount of estradiol reducted free testosterone less and also resulted in a greater improvement in mood in a popluation of 60 university students."The lower EE (Ethinyl estradiol) pill reduced FT (free testosterone) less and was associated with greater improvement in premenstrual mood. A causal relation between these two effects is uncertain" (Greco et al, 2007).References:1. Greco T, Graham CA, Bancroft J, Tanner A, Doll HA. The effects of oral contraceptives on androgen levels
and their relevance to premenstrual mood and sexual interest: a comparison of two triphasic formulations containing norgestimate and either 35 or 25 microg of ethinyl estradiol. Contraception. 2007 Jul
Natural Remedies for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy?
2007-11-26 12:18:00
Nausea and vomiting
are common complaints for many women during their pregnancy. A recent clinical involving over 126 pregnant women compared the efficacy of Ginger and Vitamin B6 (separately) to placebo. The pregnant women were randomly allocated to receive either 650 mg of ginger or 25 mg of vitamin B6 which were both administered three times per day for 4 days.The study authors concluded that both Vitamin B6 as well as Ginger were effective in relieving the symptoms of naseau and vomiting in pregnant women. However, the study authors also concluded that ginger was more effective than Vitamin B6 in relieving theses symptoms in pregnant women. Side effects from ginger were reported to be minor and did not require any treatment.Reference:Chittumma P, Kaewkiattikun K, Wiriyasiriwach B. Comparison of the effectiveness of ginger and vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea
and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007 Jan;90(1):15-20.L
Read more: Natural
, Remedies
Could your dry eyes be related to your menstrual cycle?
2007-11-26 09:47:00
Dry eyes are a very common symptom among many women today. New research suggests that dry eyes may be related
to to women's monthly cyclical changes in hormone levels, in particular, related to their estrogen levels. This research suggests that the estrogen peak (seen above) which occurs during the follicular phase is associated with impairment of tear production resulting in ocular dryness and inflammation. References:Versura P, Fresina M, Campos EC. Ocular surface changes over the menstrual cycle in women with and without dry eye. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2007 Jul;23(7):385-90.
CLA may be a cure-all for the rodent population, but does it actually work for humans?
2007-12-05 15:08:00
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a mixture of isomers of linoleic acid which is found naturally in animal products of ruminant (any of the hoofed animals) sources including meat and diary products. Though CLA is a trans fat, many researchers claim that unlike other trans fatty acids, it is not actually harmful. Further, recent interest in CLA stems from several well-document properties which have been researched in rodents including: antiobesity, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, and anticarcinogenic properties. If you’re a rodent with diabetes, clogged arteries, cancer, or obesity, then CLA supplementation seems like a pretty good idea. However, though CLA exhibits these properties in rodent models, what effect does it actually have on humans
?Of the various purported reasons for people consuming supplements containing CLA isomers, perhaps the most common reason is for weight loss. In mice, CLA supplementation has resulted in dramatic decreases in adipose mass, with as much as 5
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