Category: PreMenstrual Disorders

PMDD Real Talk - Is Surgery an Option for PMDD?

PMDD Real Talk – Is Surgery an Option for PMDD?

Posted on by Clarissa Thomas

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A PreMenstrual Disorder Perspective Podcast to help women know that health is personal and possible. Like, share, and subscribe for more. @adagiofit on IG

***Note: these thoughts are in no way to replace your physician. If you have questions, please consult your doctor and professionals for direction before you make any changes in your health. I am not a doctor, just a coach. Also, these podcast may contain information that is sensitive in nature and might be triggering. Please listen with caution. Thank you.***

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***LISTEN TO THE PODCAST IN A WEB BROWSER AT ADAIGOFIT.COM***

If you’ve ever wondered about having surgery to “cure” PMDD, this is the podcast for you. I educate about different surgery procedures and how they differ, but also explain why I have chosen PMDD. Yes, you heard that right. I choose PMDD.

We’re going to be talking about the difference between a hysterectomy, a complete hysterectomy, and an oophorectomy. These are all surgical procedures that involve the uterus, but they have different implications for women’s health.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus. The uterus is the organ that holds a fetus during pregnancy. It’s also the source of menstrual bleeding. There are different types of hysterectomies, depending on how much of the uterus is removed.

  • Total hysterectomy: This is the most common type of hysterectomy. It involves removing the entire uterus, including the cervix.
  • Subtotal hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy removes the body of the uterus, but the cervix is left in place.
  • Radical hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is used to treat cancer of the cervix or uterus. It removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

What is a complete hysterectomy?

A complete hysterectomy is a hysterectomy that also includes the removal of the ovaries. This is sometimes called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.

What is an oophorectomy?

An oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries. This surgery can be done as a standalone procedure, or it can be done at the same time as a hysterectomy.

Why might I need a hysterectomy?

There are many reasons why a woman might need a hysterectomy. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding: This is a common problem that can affect women of all ages. A hysterectomy can be a treatment option for women who have heavy menstrual bleeding that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
  • Endometriosis: This is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. A hysterectomy can be a treatment option for women with endometriosis who have severe symptoms.
  • Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure. A hysterectomy can be a treatment option for women with fibroids who have severe symptoms.
  • Cancer of the uterus or cervix: A hysterectomy is sometimes used to treat cancer of the uterus or cervix.

What are the risks of a hysterectomy?

Any surgery carries some risks, and a hysterectomy is no exception. Some of the potential risks of a hysterectomy include:

  • Infection: This is a risk with any surgery.
  • Bleeding: This is also a risk with any surgery.
  • Damage to other organs: This is a rare risk, but it can happen.
  • Early menopause: If the ovaries are removed, the woman will go into menopause. This can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

What are the benefits of a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy can be a beneficial treatment for women with certain medical conditions. For example, a hysterectomy can relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure caused by uterine fibroids. It can also be used to treat cancer of the uterus or cervix.

What are the alternatives to a hysterectomy?

There are some alternatives to a hysterectomy. For example, women with heavy menstrual bleeding may be able to take medication or have endometrial ablation, a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus. Women with uterine fibroids may be able to have them removed through surgery, or they may be able to have them treated with medication.

A hysterectomy is a major surgery, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before making a decision. There are also some alternatives to a hysterectomy that may be a good option for some women.

PMDD Real Talk - 6 Q's I Have Been Asked Recently

PMDD Real Talk – 6 Q’s I Have Been Asked Recently

Posted on by Clarissa Thomas

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Watch here or you can listen at the bottom of this post.

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This is a podcast area I want to add into my normal podcasting. It is all unscripted real talk about PMDs so it is messy and real. Anything is on the table and stories shared here might be funny or serious, silly or relatable. They might be all the above. Hopefully something will inspire you to dive into your health and be more mindful or prompt you to share with a friend. Either way, I am here for you to share all the things.

These are six questions that I have been asked recently about PMDD. I was surprised by some that I hadn’t been asked or hear before but all were great questions. If you have a question, drop it below in the comments and I’d love to address them next round.

1) Do you feel insecure or have internalized shame during PMDD?

2) Have you thought you had BPD/bipolar/personality disorder?

3) Do you have a day in your cycle where you fluctuate tears, happy, content, rage, tears?

4) Does the smallest issue feel world crushing during PMDD?

5) Are you neurodivergent?

6) Do you ever feel paranoid that everyone hates you or people are mad at you?

Thank you for listening. Please rate and review the podcast and share with friends and family who could benefit from this education.

***Note: these thoughts are in no way to replace your physician. If you have questions, please consult your doctor and professionals for direction before you make any changes in your health. I am not a doctor, just a coach. Also, these podcast may contain information that is sensitive in nature and might be triggering. Please listen with caution. Thank you.***

Female Hormones

Female Hormones

Posted on by Clarissa Thomas

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Watch here or listen in your web browser with the player at the bottom.

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In this episode, we’ll talk about what female hormones are, what they do, and how they affect our health. We’ll also discuss some of the things that can affect our hormone levels and what we can do to keep them in harmony – not balance.

So what are female hormones? Female hormones are a group of hormones that are responsible for the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics. They also play a role in a variety of other bodily functions, including reproduction, mood, and metabolism.

The three main female hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, hips, and hair growth. It also plays a role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Progesterone is a hormone that prepares the body for pregnancy. It helps to thicken the lining of the uterus and to make the body more receptive to an embryo. Progesterone also plays a role in maintaining pregnancy. Testosterone is a hormone that is found in both men and women. In women, testosterone plays a role in sexual desire, muscle mass, and bone density.

Hormones are produced by glands in the body and travel through the bloodstream to reach their target tissues. Once they reach their target tissues, hormones bind to receptors on cells and trigger a response. The response can vary depending on the hormone and the tissue.

Hormones play a vital role in many aspects of health, including:

  • Growth and development
  • Sexual function
  • Metabolism
  • Mood
  • Sleep
  • Appetite

Hormone levels can be affected by a number of factors, including:

  • Age
  • Stress
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Medications
  • Medical conditions

If you are experiencing any problems with your hormones, talk to your doctor. They can help you to identify the cause of your problems and recommend treatment options.

In our next episode, we’ll talk about how to keep your female hormones in balance.

Rhythms - the Circadian + Infradian

Rhythms – the Circadian + Infradian

Posted on by Clarissa Thomas

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Listen to the audio version at the bottom of the page or watch here.

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A circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle in physiology and behavior that repeats daily. These rhythms are endogenous, as they are generated by a biological clock, and they tend to have near-24-hour periods. They are found in plants, animals, fungi, and cyanobacteria.

The circadian rhythm is a natural process that helps organisms to anticipate and prepare for regular changes in their environment. For example, plants open their leaves during the day and close them at night, and animals are more active during the day and sleep at night.

The circadian rhythm is controlled by a master clock in the brain, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN receives input from the eyes, which allow it to track the day-night cycle. The SCN then sends signals to other parts of the body, which coordinate the body’s circadian rhythms.

Circadian rhythms are important for maintaining health and well-being. When the circadian rhythm is out of sync with the environment, it can lead to problems such as jet lag, insomnia, and seasonal affective disorder.

There are a number of things you can do to help keep your circadian rhythm in sync. These include:

  • Getting regular exposure to sunlight. Sunlight helps to regulate the SCN and keep your circadian rhythm on track.
  • Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps to keep your body’s internal clock in sync with the 24-hour day.
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep and make it harder to fall asleep at night.
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine. A relaxing bedtime routine can help you to wind down and fall asleep more easily.

An infradian rhythm is a biological rhythm that has a period longer than 24 hours. The most well-known example of an infradian rhythm is the menstrual cycle, which lasts for about 28 days. Other examples include seasonal affective disorder, which can occur during the winter months, and hibernation, which some animals do during the winter.

Infradian rhythms are controlled by the body’s internal clock, which is located in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that is responsible for many important functions, including regulating body temperature, sleep, and appetite.

The body’s internal clock is influenced by a number of factors, including light, food, and exercise. When these factors are consistent, the body’s internal clock keeps a regular rhythm. However, when these factors are disrupted, the body’s internal clock can become out of sync. This can lead to problems such as jet lag, insomnia, and seasonal affective disorder.

There are a number of things you can do to help regulate your body’s internal clock. These include:

  • Getting regular exposure to sunlight. Sunlight helps to regulate the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep.
  • Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to keep your body’s metabolism running smoothly.
  • Getting enough exercise. Exercise helps to promote the production of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine. A relaxing bedtime routine can help you to wind down and fall asleep more easily.
Intro to Menstrual cycles

Intro to Menstrual cycles

Posted on by Clarissa Thomas

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Listen to the audio version at the bottom of the page or watch here.

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In this episode, we’ll talk about what the menstrual cycle is, what happens during each phase of the cycle, and how to track your cycle. We’ll also discuss some of the common myths and misconceptions about the menstrual cycle.

So what is the menstrual cycle? The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares the body for pregnancy. It starts on the first day of your period and ends on the day before your next period starts. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but it can vary from woman to woman.

49% of our population is female and 25% of the population bleeds but that 49% all have the same female biochemistry of hormones. Meaning higher estrogen and progesterone (along with some other minor hormones) than male counterparts. 

Everyone has someone who has female biochemistry in their lives. It is important to understand that a female is always changing and not more constant in daily hormone levels as men. 

The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases:

  • The follicular phase: This is the first phase of the menstrual cycle. It starts on the first day of your period and ends when you ovulate. During this phase, the body prepares for ovulation by producing estrogen and progesterone.
  • The ovulation phase: This is the middle phase of the menstrual cycle. It starts when you ovulate and ends when your period starts. During this phase, the egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube.
  • The luteal phase: This is the third phase of the menstrual cycle. It starts after ovulation and ends when your period starts. During this phase, the body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy by producing progesterone.
  • The menstrual phase: This is the last phase of the menstrual cycle. It starts when your period starts and ends on the first day of your next period. During this phase, the body sheds the lining of the uterus.

There are many different ways to track your menstrual cycle. You can use a period tracker app, a calendar, or even a simple notebook. Tracking your cycle can help you to understand your body better and identify any patterns in your cycle.

There are many common myths and misconceptions about the menstrual cycle. Some people believe that women are “unclean” during their period. This is not true. Women are just as clean during their period as they are any other time of the month.

Other people believe that women can’t get pregnant during their period. This is also not true. While it is less likely to get pregnant during your period, it is still possible.

Finally, and one of the biggest I see is that people believe the menstrual cycle is just during the bleed of 7 days but it is ALL the TIME!!!

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that is a part of being a woman. There is nothing to be ashamed of about your period. If you have any questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor.

Intro to PreMenstrual Disorders (PMD)

Intro to PreMenstrual Disorders (PMD)

Posted on by Clarissa Thomas

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

A new project for me! I am coming back to a full podcast! It will always be a work in progress but I have felt this is what I need to do. So hang in there with me on this wild ride as I learn the ropes.

Premenstrual disorders are a group of symptoms that can occur in the week or two before a woman’s period. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can interfere with a woman’s daily life.

The most common premenstrual disorder is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a condition that affects about 80% of women. Symptoms of PMS can include:

Mood swings

Irritability

Fatigue

Breast tenderness

Food cravings

Headaches

Bloating

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS. PMDD affects about 2-10% of women. Symptoms of PMDD can include:

Severe mood swings

Anxiety

Depression

Panic attacks

Suicidal thoughts

Difficulty concentrating

Fatigue

Insomnia

Food cravings

Abdominal pain

Bloating

What is PME?

PME is a condition that occurs when hormone changes during menstruation worsen the experience of a pre-existing disorder – like depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Rather than causing new symptoms, PME makes existing symptoms worse.

What causes premenstrual disorders?

The exact cause of premenstrual disorders is unknown. However, it is thought that they may be caused by a combination of hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle factors.

How are premenstrual disorders treated?

There is no cure for premenstrual disorders, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. Treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes: These include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

Medication: There are several medications that can be used to treat premenstrual disorders. These include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and pain relievers.

Talk therapy: Talk therapy can help women to cope with the emotional symptoms of premenstrual disorders.

What can women do to help themselves?

There are several things that women can do to help themselves manage premenstrual disorders. These include:

Keeping a journal: This can help women to track their symptoms and identify triggers.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol: These substances can worsen premenstrual symptoms.

Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help to improve mood and reduce stress.

Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help to regulate hormones and reduce symptoms.

Getting enough sleep: Sleep is essential for emotional and physical health.

Talking to a doctor: If you are experiencing severe premenstrual symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Conclusion:

Premenstrual disorders are a common problem that can have a significant impact on women’s lives. However, there are treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms. If you are experiencing premenstrual symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor so that you can get the help you need.

My hope is to educate and impact lives to show that optimal health with hormone disorders is possible. I’m hopeful you learned more about your body and were inspired to make some changes in your health. Also, If you know someone who might benefit from this information and these ideas, please share this podcast and send people to the adagio fit website and Instagram where there are more resources, past podcast episodes, and the ability to coach with me.

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