This Natural Compound Can Relieve Anxiety and Depression

 Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar in your body that plays an important part in maintaining the structural integrity of cells. It can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits, meat, grains, beans, and legumes. Inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8, though it is not actually a vitamin.

Research suggests that inositol plays a role in vital processes. Apart from its role in cell membrane development, inositol may impact insulin and neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially affecting metabolic and mental health management. This article discusses the potential health benefits and uses of inositol.

1. May reduce anxiety

Inositol affects the processes that lead to the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are vital chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. 

Serotonin is one of these neurotransmitters that is impacted by inositol. Serotonin has many different functions in the body and has a major effect on mood and behavior. This includes anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder. Research suggests that inositol may offer a potential avenue for reducing the frequency of panic attacks in individuals with panic disorders. 

2. Can help with depression
The potential of inositol as a remedy for depression is rooted in its effects on brain neurotransmitters. Studies show that a daily consumption of 12 grams over a four-week period can effectively reduce depression symptoms relative to a placebo, highlighting its promising therapeutic impact. Also, the findings of a small-scale study indicated that the use of 6 grams of inositol per day showed a positive effect on depression, benefiting 9 out of 11 participants.

3. Can improve fertility prospects for women battling PCOS
When a woman's body overproduces certain hormones, it can lead to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Those grappling with PCOS not only have an elevated risk of several diseases but may also encounter difficulties achieving fertility. 

Reduced fertility in women with PCOS may stem from issues with insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that inositol, at doses of two to four grams per day, may have a beneficial effect on ovarian function and fertility in women with PCOS. There have been positive results observed across normal-weight, overweight, and obese women, demonstrating its potential to enhance menstrual cycle regularity, ovulation, and pregnancy rates in this population.

4. Benefits of Metabolic Disorders

Research suggests that inositol has benefits for metabolic diseases that are associated with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. When myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol were taken daily in addition to anti-diabetes medications, people with type 2 diabetes saw significant improvements in their fasting blood glucose levels (from 192.6 mg/dL to 160.9 mg/dL) and A1C levels (from 8.6% to 7.7%) after three months. This was based on a pilot study that was published in the International Journal of Endocrinology in 2016. 

5. May help with blood sugar control
Insulin plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Generally, insulin resistance happens when the body is unable to absorb insulin. It is often associated with conditions such as metabolic syndrome. In addition to improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, inositol helps cells produce molecules that are essential for insulin to function.

The results of a six-month study involving 80 postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome revealed that the daily consumption of 4 grams of inositol led to notable improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels when compared to a placebo. Likewise, research focusing on women with gestational diabetes has also highlighted the favorable impact of inositol on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.  

Possible side effects of inositol
Inositol is considered safe for adults, and any potential side effects are typically mild, consisting of symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. These side effects are more likely to occur with doses exceeding 12 grams per day. 

Consult a physician before taking inositol or any other supplement. As inositol may cause reactions with other medications, substances, or supplements you take, let your doctor know about all of them. When treating a medical or mental health issue, inositol should never be used in place of established therapies. 

Sources and dosages
Found in a diverse array of foods, inositol is most abundant in beans, fruits, nuts, and grains. Depending on the items you eat, the amount typically consumed each day might range from less than 1 gram to a few grams. 

Inositol supplements are available in tablet and capsule forms. They do not come with a prescribed daily intake or a standardized dosing timetable. 

The most popular inositol supplements are D-chiro-inositol, inositol hexaphosphate (commonly abbreviated as "IP6"), and the complex myo-inositol. They are generally deemed safe when consumed as directed.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    

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Short Period Causes: 10 Potential Reasons Your Monthly Flow Was Shorter Than Normal

Most things in life are uncertain, but when it comes to your period, you can usually count on its friendly appearance once a month. What constitutes a “normal” period is pretty individualized, but what happens when your period is shorter than what's normal for you?

Shorter periods can be NBD (if your period lasts two to three days, and it’s always lasted two to three days, no biggie), but it’s important to pay attention to your cycle, and note any changes, says Alyssa Dweck, MD, an ob-gyn and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V.

After all, the length of your period is largely determined by hormonal factors, says Lakeisha Richardson, MD, an ob-gyn based in Greenville, Mississippi. That means everything from medications to underlying health conditions can throw off your cycle. Some of those causes are totally benign, but others are best ruled-out (or caught) early. We’ll get into those soon, but first, there are a few other factors to consider when it comes to irregular periods.

For one, changes in your cycle length can sometimes be a cause for concern, says Caitlin McCarthy, MD, an ob-gyn with Axia Women’s Health. "Periods that are too frequent  may be a sign of a structural abnormality [of the female reproductive system] or hormonal imbalance, and periods that are too infrequent can be related to an undiagnosed pregnancy, hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation, or nutritional concerns.”

Light bleeding is usually nothing to worry about, but if menstrual bleeding becomes heavy enough to cause distress or you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s time to check in with a doctor, adds Dr. McCarthy.

Curious what you’re dealing with? Ahead, doctors shed light on 10 common reasons your period might go from six days to, say, three suddenly, and when you should see a doctor.

What is a normal menstrual cycle?

Most women’s cycles last 21 to 35 days, counting from day one of one cycle to day one of the next cycle, and their periods last five to seven days on average, says Dr. Dweck. “I recommend seeing your gyno if your flow is persistently or newly varied from usual,” she adds.

FYI, "cycle length" is defined as the number of days from the start of one period to the start of the next and “duration of flow” as the number of days of actual bleeding, says Dr. McCarthy. “Both can vary from month to month and are typically nothing to worry about unless it persists over time,” she reiterates. 

How much you bleed per cycle is subjective, but if it’s not disrupting your physical, emotional, and social well-being, it is typically considered “normal,” says Sameena Rahman, MD, an ob-gyn at Center For Gynecology and Cosmetics.

What causes a shorter period?

You’ve switched birth control.

If your period is suddenly breaking pattern, consider if you've started or changed birth control methods. “The pill might lessen the length of flow,” says Dr. Dweck. “Most birth control pills and rings, like the Annovera vaginal ring, lead to lighter flow,” adds Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School. “The combined hormonal contraceptives contain a good amount of progestins—synthetic progesterone—which limit the build-up of a lot of tissue lining the uterus,” she explains. As a result, there’s less of a flow when it’s go time. Progestin-only IUDs “allow a very limited buildup,” Dr. Minkin says, and many women have a lighter flow or even no period when they have one of those implanted.

Also, there could be slight hormonal differences in generic versions that could affect your cycle length, so make sure to check the packaging.

You’re on a certain type of medication.

Beyond the birth control pill, certain medicines could also affect your period, thanks to the chemicals in them. “NSAIDs [like Advil, Naprosyn, ibuprofen, etc.], antidepressants, thyroid medications, and steroids might shorten flow,” Dr. Dweck says.

The way each of these medications lighten your flow varies slightly. With NSAIDs, “the idea is that the NSAID reduces the number of inflammation compounds called prostaglandins, which in turn can lessen the amount of bleeding because prostaglandins affect the blood vessels in the inner lining of the uterus,” explains women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, MD.

Not sure if the meds you’ve taken are messing with your flow? “Ruling out other causes of change in flow and taking a good medical history might lead to diagnosing medication as the cause of menstrual change," Dr. Dweck says.  

You have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a genetic condition where women overproduce amounts of male hormones, which can suppress ovulation and lead to changes in menstruation, says Dr. Rahman. “Women with PCOS will have a long history of irregular cycles,” adds Dr. Richardson. “They may also have months when they don't have a menstrual cycle at all because of their imbalanced hormone levels.”

If you’re suffering from PCOS, you’ll likely also experience cysts on your ovaries, hirsutism (or excessive hairiness), acne, obesity, and infertility, she says.

PCOS is not a medical emergency, but seeing your ob-gyn as soon as possible to prescribe medication can help minimize the symptoms, as untreated PCOS can lead to future health conditions such as metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction, and sleep apnea, adds Dr. Rahman.

You’re suffering from primary ovarian insufficiency.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (previously referred to as premature ovarian failure) occurs when women have a loss of normal ovarian function prior to 40 years old, explains Dr. Richardson. If your ovaries aren’t working correctly, they won’t produce the right amounts of estrogen or release eggs when they’re supposed to, which could lead to shortened and irregular cycles, she says.

Primary ovarian insufficiency typically shows up around age 27 but occurs in one in 250 women by age 35 and one in 100 women by age 40, says Dr. Rahman. The most common symptoms are infertility and amenorrhea (a loss of periods), and it’s typically diagnosed through blood tests, she explains.

If you think you may have primary ovarian insufficiency and want to get pregnant in the future, talk to your doc about getting tested as well as your fertility options.

You have uterine scarring.

Scarring in the uterus can lead to shorter periods. This is known as Asherman Syndrome, a rare condition that most often occurs in women who have had multiple dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures, says Dr. Richardson. D&C's are often used to empty the uterus following miscarriage, as an abortion method, and to treat certain gynecological conditions.

“Women who have Asherman Syndrome have shorter cycles or amenorrhea because only the areas of the uterus that are not scarred are capable of bleeding. The more scarring that is involved, the less bleeding will occur.”

 Other symptoms (aside from a short period) can vary based on the degree of scarring, but you may also develop pelvic pain during your period which is caused by the obstruction of the menstrual flow due to scarring, explains Dr. McCarthy. Additionally, uterine scarring can be associated with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, she adds.

This condition would be diagnosed by hysteroscopy, says Dr. Richardson, and the adhesions (or scars) would have to be removed surgically in order for your flow to return to normal and to improve your ability to conceive, if desired.

You’re breastfeeding.

“Most women who are breastfeeding exclusively will not have a cycle while they are breastfeeding,” says Dr. Richardson. “Breastfeeding could delay ovulation for as long as 18 months, because the body is suppressing ovulation hormones by producing prolactin, alpha-lactalbumin, and lactose synthesis.” A normal cycle will return only when you stop or decrease the amount of breastfeeding, but even then, it could be shorter than normal due to the fluctuating hormones.

You have an overactive thyroid.

Your thyroid can actually affect your period: “The thyroid gland is regulated in the pituitary-hypothalamus axis of the brain, as are the hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation,” says Dr. Dweck. “When one aspect of the axis is disturbed, so might be other aspects.”

In other words, the hormones that play a major role in regulating periods are produced in the same region of the brain as thyroid regulating hormones, says Dr. McCarthy. “If too many thyroid hormones are produced, they provide feedback to the hypothalamus to slow down production, which also inhibits period regulating hormones.” As a result, women with hyperthyroidism may have infrequent periods or amenorrhea (a lack of periods), she adds.

 Other indications of an overactive thyroid issue can include appetite and weight changes, difficulty with temperature regulation, hair changes, feelings of anxiety, and heart palpitations, according to Dr. Dweck. If you think you might have a thyroid disorder, talk to your doc about getting tested.

You have implantation bleeding.

Implantation is an early part of the pregnancy process when an embryo (i.e. fertilized egg) burrows into your uterine lining. It’s possible to bleed a little when that happens. And, if the timing lines up with your period, it’s understandable that you might think you’re having a period when you’re actually not.

“It can be difficult to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and a short period for some women because implantation can occur roughly six to 12 days after conception, which is often when a woman would expect her period,” Dr. Wider says. “The symptoms can look the same.” If there’s a chance you might be pregnant and you’re not sure what’s going on down there, take a pregnancy test to help rule pregnancy in or out, she says.

You’re really stressed out.

Stress can screw with just about everything in your life, so it’s hardly shocking that it can mess with your cycle, too. “High levels of stress can cause an increase in the production of [stress hormone] cortisol which in turn can cause a disruption in the way our bodies function normally,” Dr. Wider says.

Under normal (read: non-frazzled) times, your brain’s hypothalamus produces chemicals that trigger your pituitary gland to signal your ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone, she explains. “With an increase in cortisol from stress, that axis can get messed up and the menstrual cycle can become irregular,” Dr. Wider says.

“The less estrogen, the less stimulation of the lining of the uterus, so less bleeding,” Dr. Minkin adds.

When it comes to stress management and getting your period back on track, it’s important to find what works for *you*, whether that’s  exercise , massage, acupuncture, or journaling, says Dr. McCarthy. “Don’t be afraid to speak up because stress is a part of life, and we all need help through it, so find a friend, family member, or therapist to help with [individual] coping techniques.”

You’re in perimenopause.

“As women age, their cycle may become shorter—especially as they get closer to menopause,” says Dr. Richardson. Perimenopause, the time before menopause, when your body starts transitioning hormonally, typically starts in a woman's 40s, but  can start as early as the 30s. However, the average age of perimenopause is 47 and symptoms may last up to 10 years, adds Dr. Rahman.

“During that time, women may have shorter cycles or may not have a cycle at all." This is all perfectly normal, and there’s no need to seek medical attention during this time, says says Dr. Richardson. But if you’re concerned, especially about your fertility, a visit to your doc certainly can’t hurt.

If you’re in perimenopause, you may also experience hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, weight gain, and decreased libido, says Dr. McCarthy. Additional symptoms include brain fog, depression, anxiety, dry skin, joint pain, and vaginal burning or dryness from the lack of estrogen, adds Dr. Rahman.

When To See A Doctor

A lack of period at all for more than three months when not on hormonal medications, prolonged bleeding, erratic bleeding, or heavy bleeding soaking more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours are all red flags and should be discussed with your provider, says Dr. McCarthy. Light bleeding is rarely something to worry about, but if menstrual bleeding is heavy enough to cause distress or interfere with daily life, it is too much, she adds.

Additionally, if your period persistently becomes less or more frequent over the course of a few months, or your flow is much heavier or lighter than usual, it’s time to check in with your doc, adds Dr. Rahman. “If it’s an isolated cycle, then you can monitor, but if your period starts to cause distress, then please see a doctor where they will do a complete history and physical exam, possibly draw blood, and may also perform an ultrasound,” she explains. “Women, particularly women of color, should advocate for themselves with any bleeding issue to ensure they are appropriately heard by [their] doctor and that [they] receive the appropriate management.”

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs