Page 37 - RetailPharmacyAssistants-March2021-Updated

Many health conditions affect women’s reproductive organs, with an estimated 35 per cent of women worldwide being diagnosed with a reproductive disorder or disease. If you or a loved one are in that category you know that it can affect you physically and/or mentally, as well as take a toll on your relationships, home life and career. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the most common of the reproductive-organ problems that women face, affecting more than 90 per cent of women worldwide. PMS is used to describe physical and mental changes women display when menstruating, including cramps, stomach upsets, mood changes, cravings and headaches. For most, these symptoms are easily treated and usually short-lived. If symptoms are more severe and last after your period has finished, then you may be suffering from another disorder that requires further diagnosis and treatment. The following are some more common reproductive disorders that one-in-three women in Australia live with, every day. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) While many women (and men) are aware of PMS, PMDD affects only five per cent of women. Both PMS and PMDD carry similar physical symptoms, including cramping, mood changes and cravings, but PMDD is much more serious in that it causes severe anxiety, irritability and depression in the lead-up to a period. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) This condition arises when a women’s ovaries produce increased levels of testosterone, or male hormones. This causes the formation of ovarian cysts, which can burst and cause excruciating pain. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, with an estimated 70 per cent of women going undiagnosed. Some other side effects include facial hair growth, balding, oily skin, acne and, inworst cases, infertility. Endometriosis This can be one of the most painful conditions and very challenging to diagnose. It causes cells and tissue to grow outside of the uterus, affecting the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This leads to a wide range of symptoms at different degrees of severity, but most reported symptoms are painful periods, excessive bleeding, and pain during urination or intercourse. Endometriosis may lead to infertility. While these conditions may be difficult to treat, studies have shown that women who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from pain, and those who have maintained a healthy diet are less likely to feel the effects of mood imbalances. The following are some common supplements that we can recommend, which may assist in supplementing dietary deficiencies. Vitamins B6 and B1 Vitamin B may help to reduce pain, cramping and mood. A vitamin B combination can also assist with energy levels and brain function, which is great for those who have PMS brain fog! Vitamin E In doses of 200IU vitamin E may help reduce pain and menstrual flow. It works best if you start taking it before your period begins. Magnesium Magnesium is recommended for pain and cramping, as it helps to relax muscles while you sleep, and has the added benefit of aiding a good night’s sleep. It can also aid women who suffer with anxiety, depression and other mood changes. Calcium It’s widely recommended that women at any age should be taking a calcium supplement, but this may also help with mood and cramps and has also been shown to assist with fluid retention or bloating, as well as food cravings. Vitamin D Vitamin D has been shown to help regulate your cycle, improve your mood and even relieve muscle pain. Zinc Zinc is recommended not only for being great for your hair, skin and nails, but also for assisting with low mood, pain and cramping. ONE IN THREE SUFFER DOWN UNDER Brianne Shephard, Pharmacy Group Manager (NSW), Pharmacy Alliance and 2019 Guild/ Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year. GUEST CONTRIBUTOR 35 RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAR 2021