Key Takeaways If you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, or another thyroid condition, understanding your individual iodine requirements is essential. While iodine is often promoted as a thyroid-supporting nutrient, more is not always better. What Is Iodine and Why Is It Important? Iodine is an essential mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones. The […]
Why Is ADHD Often Undiagnosed in Women? The Role of Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle
A woman’s menstrual cycle has been shown to influence ADHD symptoms. This should not really be a surprise since it is well established that sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone influence mood and cognition. This effect of our hormones is multifaceted but involves regulation and modulation of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline.
Three ways to regulate your cycle if you have lean PCOS
PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder affecting females during their reproductive age; and it is estimated to Affect btw 8-13% of females in Australia. In my clinic in Caringbah, I have been seeing more women presenting with ‘lean PCOS’ and thought I’d share some quick tips. Eighty percent of women with PCOS […]
PMMD: What is it?
Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe type of premenstrual syndrome. It is characterised by moderate to severe affective and behavioural symptoms, that occur post ovulation and peak in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, becoming minimal or absent at the onset of menstruation[i]. PMDD is believed to affect 3-8%[ii] of women worldwide. Diagnostic criteria: […]
Changes in appetite before your period?
Have you noticed a change in your appetite in relation to where you are with regards to your menstrual cycle? Research shows that intake of food, as well as cravings for specific foods, can vary across the menstrual cycle. This is largely due to cyclical variations in ovarian hormones such as oestrodiol and progesterone, which […]
ADHD & PMDD – Is there a connection?
Yes! Research shows that the prevalence of PMDD is significantly higher in women with ADHD, compared to women without (approx. 10 fold!). Most women who have ADHD & PMDD, know that PMDD symptoms can make ADHD symptoms worse; these include symptoms associated with focus and concentration which often aggravate in the lead up to menstruation. […]
Your period and its influence on your mood
Ever noticed a dramatic change in mood in the lead up to your period? It might be worth tracking your cycle to see if there is any relationship that links your mood symptoms and your menstrual cycle. Why? A meta-analysis of 32 papers involving 3791 women observed a 13% greater risk of psychiatric admissions in […]
Melatonin for management of endometriosis
Melatonin is a hormone most people associate with sleep, but it also has powerful effects on the immune system which can then have a flow on action to hormonal conditions involving the immune system, such as endometriosis. Receptors, which are like docking sites for hormones, have been found for melatonin, on the endometrium, and also […]
Is AMH a good marker of fertility?
AMH is the acronym used for Anti-Müllerian hormone, a hormone secreted by cells in the ovarian follicles. Testing the level of AMH is currently used by some specialists as a marker to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve & subsequently suggest how fertile she is, however, there are aspects to this test that are considered reductionist […]
How hormones make you motivated
Ever wonder why you’re super focused & motivated at certain points during the month, but then totally lacking in drive & clarity and other points? There are many reasons (e.g. stress, lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition) however, if you’re female, your hormones could also be a contributor. In menstruating women, levels of steroid hormones such […]