Blog
Learn something good today!
Your guide to medicinal wellness
The role of estrogen in mental health
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a reproductive hormone which plays a very important role in the overall well-being of women. Its influence goes beyond fertility and menstrual cycles, as it affects neurotransmitters and brain function. With menopause, this hormone begins to decline, leading to various physical and mental shifts.
Impact on Mood
Estrogen is closely linked to the production and function of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood regulation.
Serotonin, often known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is closely associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Estrogen helps increase serotonin production as well as the number of serotonin receptors in the brain. When estrogen levels dip, serotonin availability can decrease, often times leading to mood swings, irritability and even feelings of sadness or depression.
Similarly, estrogen plays a role in modulating dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and motivation. Reduced dopamine activity during low-estrogen phases may lead to apathy, fatigue and difficulty finding joy in activities.
Impact on Anxiety
When estrogen levels are stable, they can help regulate the neurotransmitter network that promotes calmness and relaxation which reduces anxiety. During perimenopause or menopause, lower estrogen can make it harder to achieve this calming effect leading to heightened anxiety for some women.
Estrogen has been shown to have a protective effect against stress by controlling the body’s stress response. High levels of estrogen are thought to lower cortisol, the “stress hormone,” making it easier to handle stress.
Impact on Memory
Cognitive symptoms such as brain fog, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating are often reported by women going through menopause. Estrogen is believed to support cognitive health by enhancing neural connections and maintaining brain structure, particularly in areas associated with memory and learning. As estrogen declines, the brain may temporarily struggle with this transition, leading to cognitive challenges. Although these effects can be unsettling, they are often temporary and may improve post-menopause.
Impact on Sleep
Sleep disturbances are common in perimenopause and menopause often leading to insomnia or disrupted sleep. Estrogen contributes to the regulation of melatonin, the sleep hormone and affects body temperature regulation, which is important for restful sleep. Poor sleep can lead to increased anxiety and irritability, creating a cycle where both sleep and mental health are impacted.
Conclusion
The decline of estrogen is a natural part of aging, yet its mental health effects can feel challenging. Embracing these changes with awareness and a focus on self-care can help women approach menopause as an opportunity for renewed focus on mental and emotional health, creating a balanced and fulfilling life well beyond this transition.
Overcoming drug resistance in chemotherapy
Introduction
Chemotherapy has been a key component of cancer treatment for decades, helping to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. However, one of the biggest challenges in chemotherapy is drug resistance which is when cancer cells adapt to survive, making treatment less effective over time. Drug resistance can lead to recurrence and treatment failure, making it a major obstacle in the battle against cancer.
Combination drug therapy
In recent years, research has focused on understanding drug resistance and developing innovative strategies to overcome it. One of the simplest ways to tackle drug resistance is to use multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action. By combining chemotherapy with other types of treatments—like immunotherapy, or radiation, oncologists can attack cancer cells from multiple angles. This approach can make it harder for cancer cells to adapt and develop resistance.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted chemotherapy, often referred to as targeted therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to specifically identify and attack cancer cells without harming normal cells as much as traditional chemotherapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which broadly kills rapidly dividing cells (including some healthy ones), targeted therapies focus on specific molecular targets involved in cancer growth and survival.
Modifying the Tumour Microenvironment
The tumour microenvironment can protect cancer cells from chemotherapy. Scientists are researching ways to “normalize” or alter the microenvironment to make it more permeable to drugs. Some approaches include using drugs that break down the extracellular matrix of the cell. By disrupting the cancer cells’ protective environment, these treatments make chemotherapy more effective.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Cancer stem cells are a small subpopulation of cancer cells within a tumour that possess stem-like properties, including the ability to self-renew, differentiate into various cell types, and resist conventional therapies. Cancer stem cells are often resistant to chemotherapy, but new research is focused on finding ways to specifically target and destroy these cells. Therapies that target surface markers unique to cancer stem cells or disrupt their self-renewal pathways are showing promise in preclinical studies. By targeting cancer stem cells, it may be possible to prevent recurrence and achieve more durable remissions.
Conclusion
Overcoming drug resistance in chemotherapy is a complex and evolving challenge, but advances in research and technology are opening new doors. For patients and doctors alike, these breakthroughs represent a new era in cancer treatment. The one where we are not only fighting cancer but adapting to its defences and finding ways to overcome them.
How hormones play a role in Menopause
Introduction
Chemotherapy has been a key component of cancer treatment for decades, helping to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. However, one of the biggest challenges in chemotherapy is drug resistance which is when cancer cells adapt to survive, making treatment less effective over time. Drug resistance can lead to recurrence and treatment failure, making it a major obstacle in the battle against cancer.
Combination drug therapy
In recent years, research has focused on understanding drug resistance and developing innovative strategies to overcome it. One of the simplest ways to tackle drug resistance is to use multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action. By combining chemotherapy with other types of treatments—like immunotherapy, or radiation, oncologists can attack cancer cells from multiple angles. This approach can make it harder for cancer cells to adapt and develop resistance.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted chemotherapy, often referred to as targeted therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to specifically identify and attack cancer cells without harming normal cells as much as traditional chemotherapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which broadly kills rapidly dividing cells (including some healthy ones), targeted therapies focus on specific molecular targets involved in cancer growth and survival.
Modifying the Tumour Microenvironment
The tumour microenvironment can protect cancer cells from chemotherapy. Scientists are researching ways to “normalize” or alter the microenvironment to make it more permeable to drugs. Some approaches include using drugs that break down the extracellular matrix of the cell. By disrupting the cancer cells’ protective environment, these treatments make chemotherapy more effective.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Cancer stem cells are a small subpopulation of cancer cells within a tumour that possess stem-like properties, including the ability to self-renew, differentiate into various cell types, and resist conventional therapies. Cancer stem cells are often resistant to chemotherapy, but new research is focused on finding ways to specifically target and destroy these cells. Therapies that target surface markers unique to cancer stem cells or disrupt their self-renewal pathways are showing promise in preclinical studies. By targeting cancer stem cells, it may be possible to prevent recurrence and achieve more durable remissions.
Conclusion
Overcoming drug resistance in chemotherapy is a complex and evolving challenge, but advances in research and technology are opening new doors. For patients and doctors alike, these breakthroughs represent a new era in cancer treatment. The one where we are not only fighting cancer but adapting to its defences and finding ways to overcome them.
Unravelling the confusion between PCOD and PCOS and how natural supplements can help in its management
Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) are two terms often used interchangeably, causing confusion among many individuals. However, while they share similarities, there are distinct differences. In this blog, we will explore the nuances between PCOD and PCOS and delve into how natural supplements can play a role in their management.
Understanding PCOD and PCOS:
PCOD, or polycystic ovary disease, is a condition characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries as it releases either immature or partially matured eggs. It primarily affects the reproductive system and can leads to irregular period, anovulation, and difficulty conceiving. The common symptoms of PCOD include male pattern hair loss, abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, and in some extreme cases, even infertility. On the other hand, PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, encompasses not only the ovarian cysts but also hormonal imbalances, metabolic disturbances, and potential long-term health risks such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications. PCOS symptoms are common to those of PCOD.
Difference between PCOD and PCOS:
While PCOD is primarily an ovarian condition, PCOS is a more comprehensive syndrome affecting multiple body systems. PCOS is diagnosed when individuals present with at least two out of three key features:
Irregular period
Signs of excess androgen (e.g., acne, hirsutism)
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
PCOS is more problematic and less common than PCOD problem. According to a study conducted in Southern India and Maharashtra, about 9.13% of menstruating women in those regions suffer from PCOS, while 22.5% have PCOD.
Role of Natural Supplements in PCOD/PCOS management:
Inositol: Inositol, specifically myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, has been studied for its positive effects on insulin sensitivity, menstrual regularity, and ovarian function. It may help reduce androgen levels and improve fertility outcomes.
N-Pteroyl-l-Glutamic Acid: N-Pteroyl-l-Glutamic Acid, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9 helps to reduce the elevated homocysteine levels as well as helps in improving the vascular parameters.
Korean Red Ginseng: Korean Red Ginseng has been studied for its role in managing PCOS and found that it offers many benefits like insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, menstrual regularity and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with PCOD and PCOS who often have metabolic disturbances.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate symptoms associated with PCOD and PCOS, including irregular periods and hirsutism.
Conclusion:
Unraveling the confusion between PCOD and PCOS is crucial for understanding the distinct characteristics of each condition. While PCOD primarily involves ovarian cysts, PCOS encompasses hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances that impact multiple body systems. Natural supplements, when used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and regular monitoring, can play a supportive role in managing PCOD and PCOS symptoms. Remember, every person is unique, and a personalized approach is key to finding the most suitable management strategy for PCOD and PCOS.