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Showing posts from May, 2024

A Period Piece on Menstrual History

  Let's face it, periods are a natural part of life for over half the population. Yet, they remain shrouded in secrecy and often carry a negative stigma.  But this wasn't always the case!  Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, we embark on a historical journey to explore periods throughout history. Ancient Beliefs and Practices: ·          Egyptians: Revered menstruation as a time of purification and spiritual connection. Women used absorbent materials like papyrus to manage their flow. ·          Greeks and Romans: Held conflicting views. Some associated periods with mystical powers, while others saw them as unclean. Women might have used cloth or animal skins for absorption. ·          Native American tribes: Many cultures viewed menstruation as a time of power and spiritual connection to the earth. Practices varied, with some tribes isolating me...

Is Your Thyroid Keeping You Up at Night? Toss and Turn No More:

  Ever toss and turn all night, only to find out your thyroid function might be to blame?  You're not alone.  While hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is typically linked to daytime fatigue, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting it can disrupt your sleep too. The Link Between Hypothyroidism and Insomnia The research isn't conclusive yet, but some studies show a connection between low thyroid hormone levels and sleep problems. Here are some possible reasons: ·          Indirect Effects: Hypothyroidism symptoms like muscle aches, feeling cold at night, and anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. ·          Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: The body's natural sleep-wake cycle might be disrupted by imbalances in thyroid hormones. ·          Medication Side Effects: Thyroid replacement medication (thyroxine) can cause insomn...

The Mystery of the Missing Follow-Up: Why They Matter in Homeopathy

  As a homeopathic practitioner, I've often encountered a phrase that used to puzzle me: "Follow up not given."  Why would someone invest time and money in a homeopathic consultation and then vanish? Why wouldn't they return to discuss the results? It turns out, there are reasons on both sides of the equation. Let's explore why patients might skip follow-ups, and why these visits are crucial in homeopathy. From the Patient's Perspective: Feeling No Change: Perhaps the initial remedy hasn't produced an obvious improvement. Remember, our memories of pain can be fleeting. We forget how bad things were! ·          Worsening Symptoms: Sometimes, a remedy can trigger a temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement sets in. This can be alarming, leading patients to avoid follow-up. ·          Feeling Great! In the best-case scenario, the remedy works wonders, and patients feel they no long...

Embracing the Shift: A Guide for Women Nearing Menopause

  Menopause. The word itself can conjure up images of hot flashes, mood swings, and the end of fertility. But for many women, it's a natural transition, a shift into a new chapter filled with potential and self-discovery. If you're nearing menopause, you might be experiencing a range of emotions: excitement, anxiety, maybe even a touch of fear. That's completely normal!  This guide aims to empower you with knowledge and resources to navigate this transition with grace and confidence. Understanding Menopause: Menopause is officially marked by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, the years leading up to this point, known as perimenopause, can bring a variety of changes. You might experience: Irregular periods: This is often the first sign of perimenopause. Hot flashes: These sudden feelings of warmth and sweating can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage them. Vaginal dryness: This can affect intimacy and comfort. Fortunately, there are ...