updates

Understanding Menopausal Symptoms

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:05:57 +0100

Female hormones estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that play an important role in a woman's menstrual cycle and in pregnancy, medical journals report. During menopause, the woman's body produces insufficient amounts of these hormones and significantly yields less and less as she ages. These chemicals released by a cell or gland are responsible for reproduction and regulating the mental health of the person. While they are both present in men and women, their levels are higher in women. These hormones do not only boost the reproductive system and the mental health of the woman, they also strengthen her bone structure.

The point of importance in a women's cycle is pregnancy and menopause. Menopause is a key factor because at this phase of a woman's life, oestrogen and progesterone depletes at a rapid pace. Today, an estimated 50 million women in the United States have reached menopause. They seem to have little or faint idea about what the condition really is. The two symptoms of menopause comes both physically and emotionally. There should be more awareness about these symptoms because the physical changes are overwhelming and the emotional changes are very daunting.

The onset of menopause varies from one woman to another. The time of its occurrence may also vary. Usually, menopause occurs between the ages of 44-55. In unusual cases, menopause may occur as early as 18 years of age and as late as 60 years of age. Symptoms may also run diverse from woman to woman. Some may experience its symptoms under very severe conditions and some may just go through it like a walk in the park.

Since hormonal changes are generally physical or bodily, physiological changes inevitably happen, causing discomfort, irritability and agitation. In extreme cases, these symptoms may affect the marital relationship of the woman involved and her partner. Some of the notorious physical symptoms of menopause include:

1. Hot flushes
2. Night sweats
3. Irregular, scant or heavy periods
4. Dry or itchy skin
5. Aches and pains
6. Insomnia
7. Tiredness and lethargy
8. Bladder problems such as urinary incontinence
9. Loss of vaginal elasticity causing sexual problems
10. Cold hands and feet

Mainly because hormones affect the emotional aspect as well, emotional changes and strong mood swings may also be noted among women in the menopausal stage. Like the physical symptoms, these emotional changes in its extremities may also affect the woman's relationships. Some emotional changes may include:

1. Panic attacks
2. Poor memory and concentration
3. Decrease in sexual desire
4. Depression

To ease menopausal symptoms, the following are simple and effective ways to help the woman go through the menopausal stage:

1. Keeping a bottle of iced water in hand
2. Eating more soy-based food and other vegetables rich in estrogens
3. Commit to a regular exercise such as a 30-minute walk early in the morning
4. Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon which helps stabilize mood swings
5. Acupuncture
6. Vitamin E
7. Cut down on alcohol intake

Depression may be more likely in the years immediately before the menopause, especially if the woman has experienced premenstrual syndrome in the past. This mental disorder is more common among women than men. Most of this is likely attributed to hormonal changes such as postpartum, perimenopause, and postmenopause depression.

To read more about depression and its treatments now, click here.

REFERENCES:

bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/menopause.shtml

umm.edu/altmed/articles/menopause-000107.htm

cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/womensrh/menopause.htm

health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/menopause/overview.html

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/menopause

huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/23/have-a-healthier-thanksgi_n_786911.html

Antepartum and Postpartum Depression

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:07:30 +0100

Pregnancy is a happy moment in a woman’s life. However, for some it could bring in the blues. Antepartum and postpartum depression afflicts a sizable percentage of women according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG). Depression could kick in to an estimated 14%-23% of women during pregnancy and between 5%-25% after giving birth.

Common manifestations of depression include feelings of anger, worthlessness or guilt, disinterest in the baby, change in appetite, sleep problems, inability to concentrate and or make decisions, and harmful thoughts about the baby or oneself. These are symptoms that are easily passed off as hormonal imbalance that is normal in any pregnancy.

Depression is more than just a temporary hormonal change but a real ailment caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. If the condition is left untreated, it could pose risks not just on the health of the mother but on the baby’s as well. Studies revealed that depressed women are prone to smoking and taking drugs. In addition, severe cases of depression are linked to certain birth complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight. Studies revealed that untreated maternal depression produced negative effects on an infant's cognitive, neurologic, and motor skill development, and can also negatively impact mental health and behavior of older children.

Treatment of depression primarily involves psychotherapy and antidepressants. Bright morning light therapy, acupuncture, and exercise are considered as alternative approaches. ACOG recommends the screening of pregnant women for depressive conditions to ensure that existing condition receives proper medical attention and care for the benefit of both the mother and the baby.

Most pregnant women prefer a non-drug treatment option for their depression, though they are at times, made to choose the lesser of two evils. Should they gamble on the possibility of birth defects and take antidepressants? Or do they opt for a safer route for the baby and risk on a relapse? Medical professionals put the overall risk of taking antidepressants during pregnancy as low especially when weighed against the potential dangers of a major depression if left untreated.

Various research and studies abound regarding the effectivity and safety of antidepressants. Many remain skeptical over the benefits outweighing the side effects of such drugs. Mitchell Mathis, M.D. of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had pegged the response rate of patients to prescribed antidepressants at approximately 60 to 70. However, there are health risks involved when the patient is pregnant. An advisory issued by FDA affirmed studies revealing the serious side effects associated with Paxil taken during pregnancy. Evidence showing Paxil birth defects led to the drug’s reclassification from a risk category C to D.

URL References

- acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2010/Perinatal_and_Postpartum_Depression_a_Top_Priority

- mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007

- gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm095980.htm

Paxil’s String of Side Effects

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:46:34 +0100

People need to watch out for the side effects of the medicine that they are taking. Side effects of antidepressants can vary with each person. Paxil has a lot of serious side effects besides being a useful antidepressant. In every drug or medicine, there is a pregnancy risk category and Paxil went from C to D. Combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics in a study shows that there is an increase risk of cardiac death among its participants, which makes it dangerous to mix it together.

Antidepressants like Paxil are making depressed people vulnerable to committing suicide. A high risk of suicide is seen in ages below 24 when they are taking Paxil. Any signs of suicide like a change in the behavior of someone taking Paxil should be reported to their doctor for proper intervention. Contact a physician for any changes of behavior like being more irritable.

Less serious side effects of Paxil are tolerable for some. Examples of these are yawning or drowsiness, sleep problems like insomnia, dizziness and nervousness. Some also complained about dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea and constipation with minimal weight changes. Impotence and decrease libido are also noted for Paxil users. Ringing in the ears is also one common side effect for Paxil.

All of the following severe side effects of Paxil need to be consulted to a doctor the soonest possible time. Be on guard for bruising that may also indicate bleeding, weakness, confusion, fainting, memory problems and especially seizures. One might also experience severe allergic reactions like swelling of face, lips or tongue, difficulty in breathing, difficulty swallowing and fever. Some may have tremors, rigid muscles, overactive reflexes, irregular and fast heartbeat and sweating.

Birth defects are the major concern of women that are pregnant while taking Paxil, however to put an end to Paxil may let them have a relapse into depression. It is better to consult with a physician first if one is taking Paxil and has plans in getting pregnant. Many mothers who have babies with Paxil birth defects have taken a step in filing a case against the manufacturer.

URL References:

rxlist.com/paxil-drug-patient.htm
panicdisorder.about.com/od/treatments/a/paxil.htm
bipolar.about.com/cs/sfx/a/sfx_paxil.htm

Taking Paxil May Lead to Birth Defects and Undesirable Side Effects

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:13:50 +0100

Antidepressant drug, Paxil (generic name, Paroxetine), is prescribed to patients who suffer a range of mood and mental disorders. These disorders include: social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder. Manufactured and introduced to the market by GlaxoSmithKline in 1992, Paxil is a best-selling antidepressant. However, the manufacturer is facing allegations that Paxil is causing severe side effects among patients and birth defects such as Paxil spina bifida, among newborns of mothers who used this drug while pregnant.

Categorized as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug, Paxil works by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin in a person's brain. This in turn, would lessen a person's tendency to be depressed. Most medications warn users of potential side effects and Paxil users have reported of experiencing several.

The typical reported side effects of Paxil include:

• Weakness

• Weight gain

• Sexual dysfunction

• Drowsiness

• Anxiety/nervousness

• Insomnia

• Constipation/diarrhea

• Dry mouth

• Headache

The frequency of these symptoms are said to lessen once a person stays on the medication. If it persists, however, you speak with your physician and perhaps discuss other options. The above mentioned are the more common side effects, you should call a doctor right away if you experience the more serious side effects mentioned below:

• Agitation

• Impulsiveness

• Tremors

• Memory problems

• Hyperacidity

Extremely rare side effects have also been reported by users of Paxil and paroxetine. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms are experienced:

• Seizures

• Allergic reactions

• Confusion

• Hallucinations

• Abnormal heart rate

• Fainting

• Suicidal thoughts

The FDA recommends that doctors refrain from prescribing Paxil to pregnant women as studies indicated that this medication could potentially cause birth defects in newborns. Even those patients who are not pregnant reported of side effects which make this drug even more risky for pregnant patients. Before deciding to take or to stop taking this drug, a comprehensive consultation with a medical professional is always a wise option.

Paxil Linked to Numerous Adverse Side Effects

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:38:12 +0100

Paxil is a prescription drug manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), it gained its United States Food and Drug Administration approval in 1992 after a FDA study showed that the drug efficiently help adults with depression. Just like other prescription drugs Paxil has its own share of adverse side effects, these side effects can rang to mild side effects easily treated by your doctor, to more severe ones which can cause you serious harm.

Some of the commonly known side effects of taking Paxil include: nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, stomach discomfort and diarrhea, weight gain/loss, changes in behavior, aggressive behavior, rash, itching, sweating, muscle weakness, sexual dysfunction, joint pain, fever, chills, flu-like symptom, and suicidal behavior.The following are the more commonly known side effects of Paxil use: nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, stomach discomfort and diarrhea, weight gain/loss, changes in behavior, aggressive behavior, rash, itching, sweating, muscle weakness, sexual dysfunction, joint pain, fever, chills, flu-like symptom, and suicidal behavior.If any of these side effects become constant or more severe in pain please consult with your doctor for further evaluation. If any of these side effects become constant or more severe in pain please consult with your doctor for further evaluation.

Paxil has as well its potentially harmful side effects, these side effects are rare (reported to affect only 1% of Paxil users) however, if you have begun to feel or show symptoms of any of the following side effects please consult with your doctor as soon as possible: absence of or decrease in body movements, agitation, difficulty speaking, erection without sexual stimulation accompanied by pain or tenderness, fast or irregular heartbeat, feelings of paranoia, inability to move eyes, incomplete, sudden, or unusual body or facial movements, low blood sodium (confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, lack of energy), muscle pain or weakness, problems with urination, rapid, involuntary eye movements, red or purple patches on skin, talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control, or vision changes.

Similar to other prescription drugs, Paxil has numerous side effects which can range to relatively mild to potentially harmful. If you have become harmed or injured due to the use of Paxil then seeking legal action could be your next logical step. For more information on any potential legal action you may take, visit with a Paxil lawyer as soon as possible, most lawyers will give you a free consultation and many will not charge you unless your case receives compensation by the courts.