Endometriosis: the big pain

Endometrial tissue is typically found in the lining of the uterus and is shed every month during menstruation. But in endometriosis, this tissue grows in other places such as the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the outer wall of the uterus, the intestines, or other organs in the abdomen. “Endometrial implants”, as they are called, can even occasionally appear in the lungs, brain, kidneys, arms, legs and sinus cavities. Endometriosis is not life-threatening, but it can be the culprit behind two major life-altering symptoms: infertility and—you guessed it-- pain.

Menstrual cycle problemsAnna VakilSeptember 18, 2024Endometriosis, Pelvic pain, Abdominal pain, Menstrual pain

Chlamydia: the disease that hides

You might think chlamydia is a rare sexually transmitted disease (STD) that you don’t need to worry about. Or that it has minor symptoms. Both these assumptions are wrong. Turns out chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD.

When it's more than just sadness

For the last few decades, there has been a growing expectation that we ought to feel happy all the time, that this should be normal. Mental health experts question this assumption, they also tell us that negative emotions like anxiety, fear, guilt, anger and even sadness can actually be constructive—if they are channeled well. But what if sadness dips into depression?

Hypothyroidism… or Hashimoto’s?

The thyroid is a gland shaped much like this butterfly that is located in the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple (for a man). It is one of many important endocrine glands that manage the body’s hormone system. Hormones produced by the thyroid affect many body functions including lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system.

Other hormone issuesAnna VakilApril 17, 2024Hypothyroidism, Hashimotos, Thyroid disorders

Fatigue: navigating from exhaustion to energy

We all get tired from time to time, sometimes for more than a little while. But it’s worth taking action if you suffer from continual and severe lack of energy that has become a major constraint in your life and prevents you from doing what you need or would like to do. Many factors can contribute to or cause fatigue.

Other hormone issuesAnna VakilMarch 20, 2024fatigue, exhaustion, tired, adrenal fatigue

The medical medley of metabolic syndrome

Virtually all of us have heard about the obesity “epidemic” (it’s not contagious, by the way), but what about metabolic syndrome? A lesser-known phenomenon, metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions related to obesity that are typically treated separately with prescription drugs. Metabolic syndrome is almost as common in the US population as obesity: in 2016 it was reported to be around 35% for women and men, probably higher now. And just like obesity, rates have grown parallel with poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

The long road to Type 2 diabetes

More than 38 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and an additional 97 million are prediabetic. It is estimated that more than 8 million others remain undiagnosed. How could this serious condition have gotten so out of hand and yet affect so many people? Partly because it has no symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Weight managementAnna VakilNovember 17, 2023Type 2 diabetes, Diabetes, Weight loss, Overweight, Obesity, Metabolic syndrome

Perimenopause: is menopause here already?

Perimenopause refers to the stage in a woman’s life that precedes menopause, which is determined to be when menstruation has stopped for at least 12 months. The average age of menopause is 51 years old, but the period leading up to that, perimenopause, typically begins in the mid-40s, sometimes earlier-- and occasionally much earlier! Perimenopausal symptoms can be disruptive and distressing, especially for women who are not anticipating them.

PCOS: Is it just about the ovaries?

(Yes, this is a pomegranate, somewhat similar to but easier to look at than, a polycystic ovary).

10% of all women of child-bearing age have it, along with 75% of women with irregular periods, and it is the most common cause of female-associated problems with infertility. So if you have been diagnosed with it, you have lots of company.

Another migraine!

Migraine headaches are not rare: it’s estimated that 14-15% of the global population currently suffers from them, making migraines one of the top 10 reasons for doctor visits. Those of us who have actually suffered from migraines belong to an exclusive club-- one where life and the rest of the world stops while we have a headache.

Other hormone issuesAnna VakilAugust 18, 2023Migraines, Headache, Hormonal headache, Chronic headache

Severe menstrual pain: debilitating but often hidden

Menstrual pain is extremely common, but it’s often not reported at doctor visits. Why is this? Perhaps women just accept menstrual pain as part of the burden of being female, or we don’t expect our pain to be taken seriously, or maybe we are too embarrassed to talk about it. (There is a lot of ancient lore and superstition in many cultures associated with the female menstrual cycle). Period pain can be extremely debilitating for between 2 and 29% of women: the reason for that huge spread is that many women don’t report it.

Mastitis: symptoms, prevention and management

Breastfeeding a baby can be a satisfying experience, healthy for both baby and Mom. But the joy of this experience can be quickly thwarted by mastitis, a relatively common, painful and debilitating acute infection of the breast that affects between 10 and 30% of breastfeeding women. With the right care mastitis can often resolve on its own, but if neglected it can lead to a more serious infection, and can also cause women to prematurely stop breastfeeding because of the pain and discomfort.

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