Category: Reproduction

Menstrual pain 月经痛

Painful menstrual periods are marked by lower abdominal pain and cramps. A woman may feel sharp pains that come and go, or dull, aching pains. Painful menstrual periods may also cause back pain.

Painful menstruation is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women in their teens and 20s. Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not.

There are two general types of dysmenorrhea:

  1. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs in otherwise healthy women. This type of pain is not related to any specific problems with the uterus or other pelvic organs.
  2. Secondary dysmenorrhea is a menstrual main that is attributed to some underlying disease of structural abnormality within or outside the uterus.

Activity of the hormone prostaglandin, produced in the uterus, is thought to be a factor in primary dysmenorrhea. This hormone causes contractions in the uterus and levels tend to be much higher in women with severe menstrual pain than in women who experience mild or no menstrual pain.

Possible causes

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Stress and anxiety;
  • Endometriosis; pelvic inflammatory disease; sexually transmitted diseases, fibroids, ovarian cysts and use of intrauterine devices.

Applied nutrition

Generally to ease pain and regulate hormonal release.

Menstrual bleeding 月经出血

Although it is a natural process, the symptoms can be reduced through a good diet, proper exercise and stress management.
The menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. Optimally, menstrual flow occurs every 28 days and lasts about 4 days.

If one soaks a sanitary pad / tampon every hour for 6 consecutive hours, it is considered a very heavy period. A prolonged period lasts longer than 7 days.

Bleeding may be something to worry about if it occurs between periods, after intercourse, or if the prospect is over the age of 50, especially after menopause.

Possible causes

There are myriad possible causes including:

  • Anovulation (failure of ovaries to produce / release eggs);
  • Endometrial polyps / hyperplasia / cancer;
  • Uterine fibroids;
  • Abnormal thyroid or pituitary function;
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause);
  • Pregnancy complications including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy;
  • Ingestion of birth control pills or estrogens;
  • Use of certain drugs like steroids or blood thinners;
  • Use of an intrauterine device for birth control;
  • Recent trauma, surgery or other uterine procedure;
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease or other infection;
  • Stress, changes in diet or exercise routine, recent weight changes, travel or illness.

Applied nutrition

The main flow of thought is to compensate for the loss of nutrients through the blood and to balance hormonal release.

Menopause 经绝期

Menopause is the transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, menstrual activity decreases and eventually ceases, and the body decreases the production of the female hormone oestrogen and progesterone. This natural process usually occurs in women between the ages of 38 to 58, though good health would push the time later. Poor diet, stress and inactivity may increase the symptoms of menopause.

The menopausal years may also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Calcium and magnesium supplementation may be of assistance before and during menopause in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Recent studies suggest that the increased consumption of soy-based foods may be of assistance for women in their menopausal years.

Possible signs and symptoms

Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, hot flushes and sleeplessness.

Applied nutrition

 

Infertility 不育

Over the past 30 years, fertility problems have increased dramatically. At least 1 in 3 couples planning a baby will have trouble conceiving to some extent, and more and more couples are turning to fertility treatments for help.

There is now a great deal of scientific knowledge about the use of nutritional supplements and their beneficial effects on both male and female fertility. These supplements can be very effective in re-balancing one’s hormones, as well as improving one’s overall health, which is vital for successful conception and raising the family afterwards.

Scientific research has shown that certain vitamins and minerals can increase the chances of becoming and staying pregnant. Supplements are necessary because even the best diet in practice will not contain all the nutrients one needs for the best chance of conceiving.
In order to maximise your chances of conceiving, it is very important that you and your partner are in optimal health. By eliminating nutritional deficiencies and improving sperm production and mobility, the chances of getting pregnant are drastically increased.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage

Erectile Dysfunction 勃起功能障碍

An erection problem is the persistent inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for a man to have sexual intercourse. While during intercourse, the erection may be lost before ejaculation.

Possible causes

An erection requires the interaction of the brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels. Anything that interferes with the normal process can become a problem.

Common causes include:

  • diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid conditions, poor circulations, low testosterone, depression, spinal cord injury, nerve damage or neurological disorders;
  • certain drugs such as blood pressure medication (especially beta blockers), heart medication, some peptic ulcer medications, sleeping pills and antidepressants; nicotine, alcohol or cocaine;
  • unrealistic sexual expectations which make sex resemble work instead of pleasure;
  • poor communications with the partner; stress, fear, anxiety or anger;
  • a “vicious cycle” of doubt, failure or negative communication that reinforces the erectile problem.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage