The problem is that our hormones don’t always behave predictably. Due to certain biological factors, your hormone can either spike or become reduced. In either case, doctors refer to the situation as hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal imbalance is a common concern in women, especially those approaching the menopausal stage. But thanks to technology, one of the common ways to treat hormonal imbalance is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). And because there are tons of brands like  Scorpion Bio that specialize in cell development and other biotechnology services, BHRT has evolved into a safe choice for women dealing with hormonal issues.

In this article, we’ll discuss one of the common solutions to hormonal imbalance – BHRT, its uses, advantages, and impacts on the body. Let’s get started.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement is a form of therapy that involves supplementing natural human hormones with hormones developed from plants. These hormones serve as a booster for the hormonal level of humans. BHRT is made from plant sources and is chemically comparable to the hormones that your body generates naturally.

For women, hormonal imbalance occurs at predictable stages of body growth. For example, puberty, childbirth, menopause, and perimenopause often come with hormones disturbances. At this point, one must monitor the body and report to the doctors to avert the dangers this condition brings.

In most cases, hormonal imbalance is an indication of a bigger health concern in the body, such as PCOS, ovarian cancer, and lots more.

BHRT drugs help to reduce the dangers associated with hormonal imbalance and strengthen the patient’s body.

Advantages of BHRT

• It Suppresses Menopausal Symptoms 

The menopausal stage in a woman comes with various symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable. These signs can be:

• Pain during sex
• Insomnia
• Excessive weight gain
• Mood swings
• Night flashes, etc.

One way to get rid of these symptoms is to undergo BHRT. Because hormones production reduces during menopause, BHRT will help replenish those hormones.

• Anti-aging and Skin Treatment

Many studies have demonstrated that BHRT is an excellent strategy for maintaining skin elasticity, moisture, and thickness in persons who are concerned about wrinkles as they age. 

• Better Quality of Life

Patients who receive personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy frequently experience an increase in their quality of life. The following are other advantages;

• More powerful sex urge
• Improved mental clarity
• Anxiety and sadness symptoms are lessened.
• Increased feelings of happiness
• Improved fat-burning and muscle-building abilities
• Thicker hair growth
• Skin that is healthier
• Decreased bloating

Is It Safe To Take BHRT?

Long-term usage of traditional hormone therapy has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease. BHRT is a natural hormone replacement therapy that was created in response to these safety concerns.

While bioidentical hormones are manufactured in a lab, they have similar molecular and chemical structures as those produced naturally by your body.

Meanwhile, other lab-made hormones work by attaching to estrogen receptors to increase their reactivity. As a result, your body cannot distinguish between naturally occurring hormones and bioidentical hormones that you administer.

Conclusion

Bioidentical Hormones come in Patches, injections, and supplements. Any of these possibilities could be a good fit for you, depending on your lifestyle. After you start bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you’ll need to see your doctor multiple times to monitor your progress.

Finally, it’s crucial to start with small doses of bioidentical hormone replacement treatment and progressively raise them until you see results.

Adolescent pregnancy is a leading cause of death for girls under age twenty. Adolescent girls who become pregnant are at high risk of complications during their pregnancy and during childbirth.

Even if they don’t die, they may be left with chronic health issues. Additionally, having a baby so young is typically stigmatizing and interferes with the ability to pursue an education and a career, thus trapping millions of girls in poverty for the rest of their lives.

Adolescent pregnancies are often not planned. They are frequently unintended and unwanted, not some happy little accident. At least 10 million adolescent pregnancies each year are unintended.

Because they are often unwanted, there are an estimated 5.6 million abortions in this age group in developing countries. Most of them (3.9 million) are unsafe, often not performed by a licensed medical professional in a proper medical setting. This is part of why so many girls die as a result of pregnancy or are permanently impaired with lasting health issues.

Girls between the ages of 10 and 19 who become pregnant are at increased risk for eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections. If they do successfully give birth, the baby is more likely to have a low birth weight and be delivered preterm. Once the child goes home, it is more likely to be living in poverty and not receiving adequate care.

This Is No Small Problem

Each year, developing regions around the world see an estimated 21 million girls aged 15 to 19 become pregnant. The result is twelve million live births, millions of abortions, and millions of miscarriages. There is an additional estimated 777,000 births in girls under age fifteen in developing countries.

Although the global fertility rate for adolescent girls has declined substantially in recent decades, it remains high in some areas. This is especially so in some parts of Central Africa and South-East Asia, though it still varies from country to country and even from one city to another within countries.

Although the fertility rate for this demographic has declined, the number of births for this group has not. The reason for this is that the overall global population has grown, including this demographic.

The Hardship Hits The Underprivileged The Hardest

Although adolescent pregnancies can and do occur in any country and in any social class, they are more likely to occur in marginalized communities. Lack of education, lack of opportunity, and the usual social ills that drive poverty also push up rates of adolescent pregnancy.

In very underdeveloped countries, up to 39 percent of girls are married off before they turn eighteen. Twelve percent are married off before age fifteen.

Motherhood may be expected and may be valued as a role for women in such countries. At the same time, women often lack rights and lack opportunity for making a life of their own outside of marriage and motherhood. This double-whammy helps drive up early pregnancy in many places where it will be a real hardship due to lack of sanitation, lack of health care and lack of education generally in the population.

Often, an adolescent who knows it is a bad idea to get pregnant and wishes to avoid it simply lacks to means to control their own destiny. They may not have the legal right to obtain contraceptives. They may not have the money. Their pregnancies are all too often a result of sexual violence.

This is harmful to the physical health of both mother and child. It also means women and their children are often trapped in poverty with little hope of ever really escaping it.

A Path Forward

Making sure women have access to rights, education, contraception and earning power is a primary means to stamp out some of the worst problems in some of the worst areas. This must include young women of childbearing age who may not yet be legally counted as adults.

The World Health Organization and others nongovernmental organizations have made it a priority to reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancy in developing countries. Some governments have also made an effort to make in-roads on this issue.

Global poverty will not be resolved without resolving the issue of adolescent pregnancy in marginalized communities. Unintended pregnancy is especially problematic and is best resolved by focusing on rights and education.

Early pregnancy is mostly imposed upon girls. Women who can think for themselves and decide for themselves rarely choose to have children so young.

What causes ovarian cancer?
What causes ovarian cancer is not known to doctors and other experts. Any of the following factors may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer:

• Inherited genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
• Personal history of breast, uterus, colon, or rectal cancer
• Personal history of endometriosis
• The family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Increasing age
• History of hormone replacement therapy.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and they often mimic symptoms of other common conditions. Most women experience symptoms after the disease has spread beyond the ovaries.

The following are the early symptoms:

• Abdominal bloating, swelling, or pain
• Difficulty eating or abnormal fullness after eating
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Heavy feeling in the pelvis

The following other symptoms may also occur with ovarian cancer:

• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Gas
• Unexplained back pain
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pain with sex
• Weight gain or loss

The above symptoms can also occur due to other conditions. If these symptoms are not due to cancer, they respond to treatment and go away. If they persist, it is a sign that they are due to ovarian cancer. Please consult your doctor, if the symptoms persist and increase progressively.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
It is very difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer until it has advanced beyond ovaries. No standard screening tests are available for ovarian cancer.

The doctor will perform a physical exam and review symptoms and medical history. If the doctor finds a swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup, it is a sign of advanced ovarian cancer. A pelvic examination may reveal an ovarian or abdominal mass.

The doctor may order some or more of the following tests:

• Complete blood count and blood chemistry
• CA-125 blood test
• Pregnancy test (serum HCG)
• CT or MRI of the pelvis or abdomen
• Ultrasound of the pelvis
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Biopsy of a piece of tissue from ovaries

How is ovarian cancer treated?
Mainly, surgery is used to treat all stages of ovarian cancer. Surgery is the only treatment for early stages of ovarian cancer. Surgery involves removing ovaries and fallopian tubes, the uterus, or other nearby structures depending on the situation.

Chemotherapy is used after surgery to treat remaining cancer. Chemotherapy is also used to treat if cancer relapses or comes back.

This feature is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute the expert guidance of a doctor. We advise seeing a doctor if you have any health concerns.

What causes gestational diabetes?
Pregnancy hormones can block insulin from doing its job. When this happens, sugar (glucose) level may increase in a pregnant woman’s blood.

Pregnant women are at higher risk for gestational diabetes if they:

• Are older than 25 when pregnant
• Come from a higher risk ethnic group, such as Latino, African American, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds (4 kg) or had a birth defect
• Have high blood pressure
• Have too much amniotic fluid
• Have had an unexplained miscarriage or stillbirth
• Were overweight before pregnancy
• Gain too much weight during pregnancy
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Usually, there are no symptoms. The diagnosis is made during a routine prenatal screening. Mild symptoms of increased thirst or shakiness may be present. These symptoms are usually not life-threatening to the pregnant woman.

The following are the other symptoms that may be present:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections, including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
Gestational diabetes most often starts midway through the pregnancy. It is usually diagnosed when a pregnant woman is tested for glucose intolerance during routine prenatal screening. All pregnant women usually receive an oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy to look for the condition. Women who have risk factors for gestational diabetes have this test earlier in the pregnancy.

How is gestational diabetes treated?
The goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar (glucose) level within normal limits during the pregnancy and to make sure that the growing baby is healthy. Your doctor may treat your gestational diabetes with daily glucose monitoring, diet changes, and exercise. If diet and exercise fail to control your blood glucose, the doctor may prescribe diabetes medicine or insulin.

This feature is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute the expert guidance of a doctor. We advise seeing a doctor if you have any health concerns.

The following are some of the common health problems that are experienced by pregnant women:

1. Anemia: This condition refers to a drop in hemoglobin levels or red blood cells count. Most of the time, this is triggered by iron deficiency. The symptoms of anemia are feeling tired or weak, looking pale, feeling faint, and shortness of breath. Treating the underlying cause of the anemia will help increase the red blood cells count and hemoglobin levels. Women with pregnancy-related anemia are treated by giving iron and folic acid supplements. Your doctor will check your iron levels throughout pregnancy to make sure anemia does not appear again.
2. Gestational diabetes: This condition is marked by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Usually, there are no symptoms, but sometimes, the symptoms like extreme thirst, hunger, or fatigue occur.  A screening test shows high blood sugar levels. Most women with pregnancy-related diabetes can control their blood sugar levels by eating a healthy meal suggested by their doctor. Some women also need medicines and insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. This is very important because poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk for other health complications.
3. Depression: This condition is marked by extreme sadness during pregnancy or after birth. Intense sadness, helplessness, irritability, appetite changes, and thoughts of self-harm are some of the symptoms. There is no single cause of depression during and after pregnancy, but hormonal changes, stress, family history, and changes in brain chemistry or structure may all play a role. The mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby. This is a treatable condition. Women who are depressed during and after pregnancy can get help with medicines, therapy, or support groups.
4. Preeclampsia: This is a condition that may start after 20 weeks of pregnancy and this can cause high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. High blood pressure, swelling of hands and face, high protein in the urine, stomach pain, blurred vision, dizziness, and headaches are some of the symptoms of this condition. The only cure is delivery, which may not be best for the baby. If it is too early to deliver, the doctor will watch the health of the mother and her baby very closely. The doctor may prescribe medicines and bed rest at home or in the hospital to lower blood pressure. Medicines also might be used to prevent the mother from having seizures.
5. High blood pressure related to pregnancy: High blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after birth. This high blood pressure is without other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. The health of the mother and baby are closely watched by the doctor to make sure high blood pressure is not preeclampsia.
6. Nausea and vomiting: Many women experience severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Nausea that does not go away, vomiting several times a day, weight loss, reduced appetite, dehydration, and feeling faint or fainting are some of the symptoms. Eating dry, bland foods and fluids together is the first line of treatment. Sometimes, medicines are prescribed to help nausea. Many women with this condition have to be hospitalized to feed fluids and nutrients through a tube into their veins. Usually, women with nausea and vomiting begin to feel better by the 20th week of pregnancy. But some women vomit and feel nauseated throughout the pregnancy.

This informational article is intended to educate and alert readers about some health problems faced by a pregnant woman. It is not intended to diagnose and treat any pregnancy-related condition.

Wrong postures during pregnancy cause pelvic or back pain. It is absolutely necessary to maintain correct postures while standing, sitting, bending, or lying down. If you are pregnant, you must avoid the following activities and postures for yours as well as baby’s safety:

Activities to avoid during pregnancy

• Gymnastics
• Squatting
• Heavy weight lifting
• Intense cardio
• High impact aerobics
• Intense jumping
• Any rigorous work
• Driving or traveling on a bumpy road

Standing postures to avoid during pregnancy

• Avoid drooping while standing, stand erect.
• Avoid standing in the same position for a prolonged time.
• Avoid bending forwards or backwards.
• Avoid stooping down to pick up something, go down on your knees slowly and pick up.
• Avoid standing tilted forward or backward. You must stand upright to avoid any pressure on your stomach.
• Avoid putting weight on one foot while standing, distribute your weight evenly, or keep shifting weight between left and right foot.
• Avoid tilting your head downwards or sideways while standing, keep your head upright or forward-looking position.

Sitting postures to avoid during pregnancy

• Avoid sitting in a cross-legged posture.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for prolonged time.
• Avoid hanging your legs in the air while sitting, as it causes swelling in the legs
• Avoid sitting on the edge of a bed or a chair, as you are likely to lean forward for balance.  Always sit resting on a back support.
• Avoid slouching or leaning on one side while sitting, as that puts pressure one side of your hips. Sit comfortably distributing your weight evenly.
• Avoid twisting your waist while sitting on a rotating chair, instead move your entire body along with the rotating chair.

Sleeping Postures You Must Avoid

• Avoid lying down on your stomach, instead of sleeping on side, particularly left side.
• Avoid lying flat on your back, instead of sleep in a half-sitting-position leaning on your back with the support of pillows.
• Avoid putting pillows under your shoulders while sleeping.
• Avoid sleeping in a curling position, as this restricts blood circulation to your hands and legs.
• Avoid getting up with a sudden jerk from a lying position.

This informational article is intended to educate pregnant women about what postures to avoid during pregnancy for their safety. Please contact your gynecologist for correct standing, sitting, and sleeping postures during pregnancy.

PHYSIOLOGIC (FUNCTIONAL) OVARIAN CYSTS

Cysts developed during menstrual period as part of ovulation cycle are physiologic or functional cysts. These cysts are harmless, cause no symptoms, and go away on their own in a few months. There are two types of physiologic or functional cysts:

• Follicular Cyst: Usually the follicle burst and releases the egg, which travels down the fallopian tube. A follicular cyst starts growing when the follicle fails to burst or rupture to release its egg.
• Corpus Luteum Cyst: The follicle begins producing estrogen and progesterone for conception after releasing the egg. This follicle, which at this stage is called corpus luteum, sometimes grow into a cyst due to accumulation of fluid inside.

PATHOLOGIC OVARIAN CYSTS

Ovarian cysts that develop in the ovary, but are not part of the ovulation cycle are called “pathologic ovarian cysts. There four types of pathologic cysts.

• Dermoid Cysts: Dermoid cysts are also called teratomas. These cysts are formed from embryonic cells and contain tissue, such as hair, skin or teeth. Dermoid cysts sometimes become large pushing the ovary out of its normal position. This causes ovarian torsion, resulting in painful twisting of your ovary. Ovarian torsion can cause stopping or decreased flow to the ovary. These cysts are not associated with any fertility problem.
• Cystadenomas: These cysts, containing watery or a mucous material, develop on the surface of an ovary. Cystadenomas sometimes become large, pushing the ovary out of its normal position. This causes ovarian torsion, resulting in painful twisting of your ovary. Ovarian torsion can cause stopping or decreased flow to the ovary. These cysts are not associated with any fertility problems.
• Endometriomas: These cysts develop when uterine endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. Sometimes a growth forms due to attachment of the tissue to the ovary. Although these endometriomas are benign cysts, they can cause fertility problems. Surgical removal of these cysts can improve fertility.

CAUSES OF BREAST LUMPS

While there are many causes of breast lumps, the following are a few major causes. 

1. Abscesses: Sometimes painful abscesses are formed in the breast. These abscesses are caused by bacteria and are noncancerous. Reddening of breast skin and breast skin feeling solid or hot are signs of an abscess. Most of the breast-feeding women develop breast abscesses. Usually the abscesses are benign or noncancerous.
2. Fibro-Cystic Breast Disease: Fibrocystic breast disease, also called fibroadenosis, is benign and noncancerous. This condition is not harmful or dangerous. This condition occurs when breast tissue fails to respond appropriately to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
3. Intraductal Papilloma: Intraductal papillomas are small noncancerous tumors that form in the milk duct of the breast. These papillomas either appear as one large lump or as many small lumps. These lumps carry no known risk factors. Women in the age group of 35 to 55 are more likely to get these papillomas.
4. Fibroadenoma of Breast: A fibroadenoma is a tumor in the breast that is benign or noncancerous. Fibroadenomas form due to abnormal response to the hormone estrogen. Sometimes fibroadenomas are too small to be felt, nontender, feel like marbles, and are moveable under the skin. Fibroadenomas are not life-threatening, but it is safe to get treatment.
5. Mastitis: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue causing swelling, inflammation, and redness of the breast. This condition mostly occurs in breast-feeding women. Mastitis can also cause lumps in women who are not breast-feeding. If untreated, an abscess may form. Treatment with antibiotics is effective in curing mastitis.
6. Lipoma: A lipoma is a benign growth that develops in the fat tissue of a breast. It doesn’t require any treatment as it is non cancerous, but sometimes doctors remove it surgically if it is too large and causing any symptoms.
7. Fat necrosis: Lumps can form due to injury or trauma to the fatty tissue in your breast. These lumps are not harmful and normally heal and disappear over a period of time.
8. Breast cancer: While majority of breast lumps are benign or noncancerous, some lumps are caused by breast cancer. It is suggested to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis it you think the lump is malignant or cancerous.
9. Breast cysts: Breast cysts are fluid-filled lumps that are oval or round in shape, and feel smooth and firm upon touching. These cysts are benign or noncancerous. These cysts tend to move when pressed and usually appear within two weeks prior to a period and then disappear after the period.

SYMPTOMS OF BREAST LUMPS

The following are some of the major symptoms of breast lumps.

• Pain
• Breast Tenderness
• Breast Pain
• Breast Swelling
• Lumpy Breast Tissue
• Unilateral Breast Enlargement
• Nipple Retraction
• Nipple Discharge
• Sore Nipple
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Armpits
• Orange Peel Texture To Breast
• Dimpling of Breast Surface

DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST LUMPS

Usually doctors perform a physical examination of the breast lumps when you consult one. The doctor asks you about various symptoms to identify the cause of the lump. If the doctor is unable to determine the cause, he/she may order one of the following tests to arrive at a diagnosis.

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Fine-needle aspiration

TREATMENT OF BREAST LUMPS

Most of the breast lumps doesn’t need treatment. But, if needed, your doctor will formulate a treatment plan after determining the diagnosis of the breast lump.

Benign or Noncancerous Lumps

If your lump is benign or noncancerous, the doctor will prescribe appropriate medicines or other procedures such as drainage of fluid to treat it.

Malignant or Cancerous Lumps

If the diagnosis is found to be breast cancer, doctor will formulate an appropriate treatment plan depending on the type, size, and location of the breast cancer. The treatment may include one or more of the following:

• Chemotherapy (Treatment with drugs)
• Lumpectomy (Surgical removal of the lump)
• Mastectomy (Surgical removal of breast tissue)
• Radiation (Treatment by radioactive rays or materials)

Missed Period
Missed period is the most obvious early symptom of pregnancy, but missed period does not always mean you are pregnant, as it can also be a late period. This possible sign of pregnancy is often what causes women to search for more details about the other pregnancy symptoms.

Nausea with or without vomiting
A well-known symptom of pregnancy is nausea with or without vomiting. Increased hormone levels cause this symptom, many women experience morning sickness, and some experience it throughout the day.

Darkening of the Areolas
Areolas, which are the circles around your nipples, becoming dark and wide is another common indication of pregnancy. This occurs due to increased hormone secretion

Tender, swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes may make your breasts tender, tingly, or sore if your are pregnant, and is one of the basic symptoms of pregnancy. Your breasts may feel fuller, heavier, and change shape means they may getting ready to deliver milk.

Mood Swings
Emotional mood swings is clear indication of pregnancy. This is caused by increased levels o f estrogen and progesterone in women during pregnancy. Mood swings are common during pregnancy and may cause feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety, and euphoria.

Spotting or implantation bleeding
After 5 to 10 days of conceiving, some women experience light spotting or implantation bleeding, which is sometimes mistaken for light period. This happens when the embryo implants itself in the uterus.

Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the early symptoms of pregnancy. Fatigue can develop any time during pregnancy. Increased progesterone levels can make you feel tired and sleepy.

Frequent urination
During pregnancy, your uterus puts pressure directly on the bladder leading to frequent urination. Processing of more fluid by kidneys and hormonal changes also contributes to increased urination.

Cramping
Some women experience mild uterine cramping early in pregnancy.

Smell Sensitivity
Increased smell sensitivity is one of the indications of pregnancy. Many common smells may seem to be intense and long lasting. This may be the cause of nausea and food aversion in some women.

Food Craving
Food craving is another indication of pregnancy. Pregnant women crave for food and end up consuming more food than normal.

Headaches
One of the early indications of pregnancy is increase in headaches due to migraine. This symptom is more common during early pregnancy.

Metallic Taste in the Mouth
Feeling unusual metallic taste in their mouth is one of the symptoms of pregnancy.

Bloating and Constipation
Another indication of pregnancy is bloating and constipation. Hormonal changes during pregnancy make your feel bloated and added pressure on the kidneys and bladder may lead to constipation.

The above 14 signs and symptoms might suggest you are pregnant, but you should consult your doctor and take a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.