Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. While PCOS presents differently in different women, many experience hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, and fertility challenges. PCOS also has an adrenal component involving DHEA, which is the focus of this article. We’ll cover high DHEA levels, symptoms, causes (including PCOS), and, most importantly, how …
We all have different sex drives, so what’s “normal” for you may not be for your best friend. Sexual desire can change daily, weekly, monthly, or even hourly. Sexual desire is complex, and what turns you on is so individualized. Add stress, sleep disruption, and feeling connected to a partner in the mix, and there’s no single predictor of desire …
The idea that women are destined to experience pain simply because they have a menstrual cycle is not okay with me. It’s true our bodies go through changes throughout the month that indicate hormone shifts, and sometimes this can cause discomfort, but that doesn’t mean you should have to rely on painkillers to get through your cycle. Ovulation pain, aka …
Perimenopause, the time in life when a woman or person with ovaries begins to transition away from reproductive years to menopause, is not talked about enough. So many women come to me confused about their changing bodies—periods are suddenly irregular, the weight creeps up, and their mood is all over the place. They are entirely unaware that these are typical …
Chances are, you’ve experienced itching “down there” at one time or another in your life and may have some questions: Why does my vagina itch? What causes vaginal itching? How do I get rid of vaginal itching and prevent it in the future? And is vaginal itching normal? These are important questions and ones that I address fully in my …
You might be surprised to learn that your ovarian hormones, including estrogen, have more to offer beyond the menstrual cycle and reproduction. These hormones affect all tissues and systems in the body and are integral to the health of your brain, heart, bones, and more. That’s why there are real health risks that come with low hormone levels in women. …
AMH, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone, can be a useful marker in evaluating those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. While it does have utility, it also has limitations. But what is AMH and why might your doctor order it? The quick and simple answer is, AMH can give you information about the number of eggs you have. Low levels can …
When you engage in consensual sex, you expect it to be a positive emotional experience leaving you feeling happy and relaxed. But when you feel sad after sex, you may wonder what is going on and if this is a normal or a common experience for women. While most research on female sexual dysfunction focuses on what happens before or …
The feeling of love and relaxation you experience when cuddling with your kids or having sex results from releasing oxytocin. The hormone oxytocin is the “love hormone” that promotes trust, connection, attachment, and relaxation. It plays a critical role in social behavior and female reproduction. In fact, women have more oxytocin than men. Oxytocin has many health benefits, and most …