#than the thyroid hormone imbalance

[shitty-check-please-aus]

Sometimes I really wish that Theranos hadn’t been a total scam, which is probably part of why it was a successful scam for so long. Like it’s such a pain in the ass to negotiate with your doctor and your insurance to get tests, it’s such a tempting idea to think “what if I could just do this at Walgreens on my lunch break and have it be easy”

[shini--chan]

Hey, could I request yandere Allies punishing dear reader, only to realize afterwards that the Allies themselves misplased the knife ect? And thank you for the amazing writing you do!

The pleasure is mine, dear. And please people, don’t read this during, or after eating - this especially refers to the France part of this post. Rated mature for reasons. 

Trigger warnings: Attempted murder, temporary death, body horror, gore, domestic violence, animal death

Yandere Allies - Oversight

America

Now that had been unexpected, it occured to Alfred while he was in limbo. Limbo generally was a weird place, and it was best to focus on the internal going ons, than the external happenings. The alien geometries and starburst fractals and the unliving creatures haunting the semi-shadows would only make the aroma of his own death linger longer in his mouth should he inspect them. No need to pass over to the other side yet, either - he wasn't at the end of his life either. 

You were going to be in so much trouble when he got back. All that blood on his desk, it really wouldn't do. Perhaps he should force you to clean it up. Couldn't you have opted for a less bloody option, than slitting his throat? For all that you claimed to be kinder and fairer than him, with your modus operandi you had demonstrated that you were anything but that. And you called him a hypocrite. 

All of this because of your damn attitude problems and a misplaced knife. Hormone imbalance, mayhaps? He should have you take a blood test, just to make sure that a thyroid dysfunction wasn't on the table. 

Slowly the connection to his physical body started to reestablish itself and he felt the chill of death creep in his bones. Thankfully, due to his superpower status, his time in the limbo was relatively short and his body was therefore not too cold when he returned to it. Though, the dead time had been increasing as of late, and that was worrying all on its own. Something he would have to look at another time, though. 

Air entered his lungs and his heart gradually started pumping again. His throat felt like shit, but thankfully was closed. By the feel of it, you had covered it after you had murdered him. Speaking of you, he felt your hands rummaging in his jacket pockets. Rude. 

With some effort, he cracked his eyes open and observed you through his half-closed eyelids. He was on the floor, spread-eagle. Even through the postmortem blurr, he could recognise that you were pale beyond belief and you were shaking. The hands searching his person were frantic and your breathing was erratic. As his sense of smell kicked in, he caught the sharp sting of bile floating from his waste paper basket. 

Double Rude. If you had to kill someone, best not be a pussy about it and not vomit after doing the deed. Blazes, what was wrong with you that you couldn't even murder somebody probably? Maybe he'd have you kill one of those rats that once had vyed for your attention. Good riddance and a lesson all in one, that would be fantastic. 

Now, just to get your attention.

A hand wrapped around one of your ankles, and with his sight becoming clearer, he could see how your eyes went wide. Hands froze, and you turned your head to look down in that slow, comical fashion that was so typical of horror movie protagonists. When you screamed, he yanked your leg out from underneath you, causing the scream to morph into a yelp. 

Now this was funny

Given how distracted Alfred can get, he'll probably overlook where he placed the knife and will only realise what happened when it is too late. The best course of action would be to book it. If you want further time then you'd have to put Alfred even further out of commision, so that more time is spent healing.

When he does get you again, he'll be borderline manic and you can be assured that whatever punishment shall commence will be worse than the one that allowed you to obtain the knife in the first place.

Canada

"I do hope you just have the knife 'cause you wanna cook something", he remarked. Matthew didn't even look up from where he was plucking his eyebrows, just kept staring intently in the small beautician mirror he had before him. There were more important things than you waving a knife around as if you knew how to use it. You couldn't even chop vegetables properly.

"And what if I don't?", you asked snidely. Slippers scraped against the floorboards as you approached him. Turning the mirror just so, he saw you over his shoulder, with a knife held high. Was your pallor and trembling due to the blood loss, fear, or both?

"You wouldn't dare to kill me. We both know that."

"How can you be so sure? After everything you've done to me, why shouldn't I?", you asked in return. Your voice wasn't even - it cracked and faltered at the end of some words and he had to strain his hearing to make out the others.

The personification turned around slowly, intent on being dramatic. He jad seen Alfred and his Lord Father do so often enough for him to be able to imitate them perfectly. 

There you were standing, holding the never some knife he had used to cut paper fine cuts in your back, a tally of all the spanks he had inflicted on you. You had been so upset, the humiliation and pain forcing tears from your eyes. Not surprising that you were having a tantrum, therefore.

Matthew was taller than you and therefore it was so easy to look down on you. 

"You've never hurt somebody. You wouldn't even dare cut a bunny's throat and then skin it, even if your life depends on it. Everytime somebody talks about organs and blood for more than five minutes, you become green. Do you really think it is believable when you say you want to injure me? Or even go further than that and kill me? 

So stop lying to yourself. You don't have the guts to kill me, 'cause that would mean staining your ledger with red", he explained, and with each other word, took a step closer to you. Eventually, you had to tilt your head back to look him in the eye.

 Trembling like a frightened rabbit, you clutched the blade even tighter to make sure it didn't fall out of your hand. No further words were said, but there was no need, for when he met no resistance when he pried the implement out of your grasp, he knew his words had hit home. 

It would come as no surprise to Canada should you approach him with a knife and malicious intent. Judging from your past reactions to punishments, it would be a given that you would act out more than usual, should you get your hands on a weapon

He would be willing to let it slide, as a way of showing just how inconsequential you arming yourself is to him. It is not like you can gain the upper hand over him or something of the sort, so why should he punish you for that? Besides, he is more angry with himself for making such a mistake. He is supposed to set a standard, to have a certain image in your mind. How can he have that if he is constantly slipping up?

China

The steel felt cold against your skin. This whole thing was rather silly, even petty. It wasn't like that you didn't have unrestricted access to a whole assortment of knives. Heavens, it would take little convincing for Yao to let you take up fencing, and with historical swords for that. With a little work, you could then turn a blunted long sword into a sharp blade. This was more about the principal than the outcome.

Yao was enjoying a book on the couch, as was typical for a workday evening. There was even a cup of tea … no, herbal infusion on the table beside him and every now and then he would reach over and take a few sips. 

You just had to get your timing correct. 

After a few minutes of waiting, he finally reached over again and that was the moment you chose to strike. Quickly, you lunged in order to cross the space in the blink of an eye and rammed the knife downward.

The ugly screech of metal being embedded in wood filled the room, and the steel glinted crimson with droplets of blood. Yao hadn't even let go of the tea cup, now lifted slightly off the table surface. What he had done was spill some tea. 

There wasn't even a change in expression when he fixed his eyes on you. The cup exchanged hands and your partner lifted his hand to his mouth and sucked the blood away that was seeping out of the shallow cut in his hand.

"That was planned?", he finally inquired, his hand falling down to the table. He pushed himself upright and set the cup back down. 

It was kind of strange, now. You were kneeling at his feet and he was sitting above you, like you were some child begging for leniency from the patriarch of the family. 

"Yes."

"Don't tell me you are still upset about me eating the last of your chocolates."

"That is what you think this is about. No, it is about the dress."

"Really? That is even worse than the chocolate argument."

"Excuse you, but not everybody takes it well when you cut a dress from their body and burn it in the fireplace. It was new!"

Thin eyebrows shot up and he gave you a nasty sneer as he recalled the incident that had occured last weekend. Oh, he had made it so apparent that he hated seeing that piece on you. 

"Why would you insist on clothing your body with that filth gifted to you by that mutt? He wasn't doing it to be a friend, he was doing it because he wanted you in his bed."

Scoffing, you rose to your feet and brushed the dirt of the trousers you were wearing. 

"Don't you think I noticed? He was being rather obvious about it. And before you accuse me of wanting to sleep with him - no, just no. But I wasn't going to say no to that expensive dress.

Since China wouldn't use the knife itself to directly harm you, he'll quickly brush this all off as an overreaction. Due to such an incident occurring rather early in the relationship, it would be easy to make you see your own actions as being unreasonable. Will do his best to make you feel guilty about the whole thing.

Would treat you like a brat afterwards. You better think of something good to make up to him. This treatment would go on for a while until you "prove" to him that you are mature. Yao will use this incident to his advantage in the future - such as making you turn two blind eyes to his red flags so that you can't be accused of overreacting. 

England

Arthur had his features drawn together in a pinched expression. Muscles in his cheeks jumped as he visibly kept his anger in check. Stretch a hand out to you. 

"Now, now darling. Be good and give me the knife", he said, with that soft, light tone that was more fitting when talking to a child than with you. It made your skin crawl. It made you grip the knife in your hand ever tighter. 

"No."

"Don't draw this out longer than it has to be. Give me the knife, and then you can go curl up on the couch 'till I'm finished tending to the fire.”

He was trying so hard to reason with you, to persuade you into complying with his will. But you know, that if you do, he’ll be no more lenient with you, than if you hadn’t. That is the part of the inherent cruelty of Arthur Kirkland. He is a callous and selfish man, who parades his supposed virtues not out of the pureness of his heart, but because they are fashionable. With you, there are enough times when he forgoes keeping up appearances, because it is not like you can leave him. 

And so the sheathed blades are unsheathed, and if you step out of line, a world of pain awaits you, both in the metaphorical and the literal sense. Arthur has an ideal that he wants you to live up to, and he doesn’t take it well when you break the mould. 

He took a step forward, and you one back. This couldn’t go on. Constantly he goaded you on being weak-willed and therefore needing him to make major decisions in your life - this was the opportunity to make him eat his words. 

All factors weren’t considered when you charged forwards, blade thrusted forward and aimed at the heart. The next few seconds passed in a blur, but afterwards, looking back on it, you knew what happened: 

The fire poker was pointed downwards and used to push the kitchen knife to the side. With the momentum you had put in the move, you weren’t able to take a step back and redeploy. His right arm wound itself around your outstretched one, fastening you to his side. The poker moved swiftly, swinging over the outer side of your elbow and the tip found its home at your jugular. 

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you wanted to be subdued by me. You know how aroused I get when I get to tame you. So tell me, did you want this all along?”, he asked coyly. 

A wild spark danced in his eyes, not akin to one that you had ever seen before. A hunter that only went after the biggest, most dangerous quarry and delighted in the fight itself. The scent of blood and sweat, the screams of the dying - you had feared Arthur before, but this was a different story. There had been to much ease with how simply he turned the tables. Perhaps fears of him being a berserker at heart were well founded. 

You tried to wind out of the lock, and subsequently bent your arm. Thankfully, the poker was no longer a few milimetres from penetrating your neck, but now it was pressing you down by the elbow. The strength behind the move forced you to give in and follow the course that Arthur was directing you to. Being led around like that, you were forced to make an arc around him. The fire poker pressed your elbow towards him, giving you no choice but to flop down on your back. 

Hand and metal implement vanished and you breathed deeply. Arthur was still standing in front of the fireplace, the fire shining behind him. That, and with him standing over you, made him look like some angel about to punish you for your sins. 

“If you have to attack, then never do so half heartedly or when full of rage. I can tell you this, because either way, you never stand a chance of winning against me.”

Arthur would be very irritated in this whole matter. But if you are so insistent, then he’ll gladly play teacher to his new, so willing pupil and give you a lesson that you wouldn’t forget so fast. With all the years of combat experience and practice in swordsmanship under his belt, his victory would be a given. He would even go so far as to say he would be able to defeat you with a cooking spoon. 

Would make a whole game out of it. It has been so long since he has had a decent sparring partner that he might as well train you up to par. That way, he could easily demonstrate his superiority on a regular basis, he would have the perfect conditions to bully you, and you would get to release all those pesky emotions of yours that otherwise make you so disagreeable. Win-win, right?

France

You glowered at France. The bastard was sitting across from you, arms crossed in front of him and with a disgustingly smug grin on his obnoxious face. It was sickening really, the whole thing was sickening, and he was acting as if justice had been served. 

So far, you had managed to avoid eating the meat part of the dish, and had wasted a lot of time pushing around the chips and carrots before consuming them. The piece of meat was covered with cheese, something that you had decided on so that you wouldn't have to see it, that you wouldn't have to smell it.

Cooking your beloved pet had been bad enough as it was. The scent of blood still lingered in your nose, and even now that last panicked scream echoed in your ears. 

Now it would be time to start eating it; there was nothing else left on your plate.

You wanted to puke. 

Grabbing sideways, you managed to get the knife in your grasp. You didn't even look as to where the offending thing went exactly. Eyes were just focused on his face, and the time went in that general direction. He even had to duck.

The next moments didn't register by you, as you buried your face in your hands and sobbed loudly. All of this just because of one man's jealousy. With a sweeping motion, you sent the plate crashing to the floor, not caring that the results of you resisting your punishment. 

You just wanted this whole nightmare to be over. 

France wouldn't really be the sort to resort to physical violence, except if very specific circumstances apply, like war, colonialism or dealing with treason to the nation. Since that can't really be expected, the knife would be an instrument in your psycological torture. In the case described above, that would take the form of forcing you to kill, process and eat a pet that he is jealous of. 

In his eyes, you should be his lover and not share your love with somebody or something that isn't him or his. If you would not let him bask in your love and attention, then drastic measures shall be needed. And what is more valuable than a life? 

Russia

With a nauseating squelch, the knife buried itself in the meat of his shoulder. Blood sprayed upwards and some of it immediately seeped out of the wound. A loud grunt broke the silence as your victim was torn from his sleep through the violence. 

You wanted to wrench the blade out while you still had the chance, but it was harder to pull out than you thought. Perhaps the force behind the blow had been enough to lodge the knife in the bone. It apparently wasn't sharp enough to effortlessly slide out of it. 

On top of that, Ivan scooted out of the bed before you could dislodge the blade, fast despite the injury and the sleep weariness. Your captor stood a good few metres away, the twilight of the room making him look like some giant beast. The heavy panting and the knife handle sticking out of his shoulder only added to that image. 

"Are you insane?", he hissed. 

One large hand reached up and pulled. Now the blade came out in a fluid motion, and drops of blood sprayed forward. Due to the very loose nightshirt that he was wearing, you hadn't managed to emesh the fabric with the wound - the metal had only penetrated human tissue. 

Ivan hadn't even let out a single grunt of pain. Even now, when blood was running down his chest, then disappearing down the hemline of the shirt, staining it red, he seemed unfazed.

"You're one to talk", you snapped back. "Did it never occur to you that I might get fed up with the way you treat me and decide to retaliate?" 

He scoffed and stepped closer to you. The knife was tossed to the side, and he glowered. 

"And did it ever occur to you that I don't punish you because I find it fun, but because you need to learn that your actions have consequences? You are not some child, so you should know better than to think I'll simply let you do as you please. Though, from the stunt you've pulled now, I'm actually inclined to reassess my thoughts about your maturity", he stated. 

With each word, he took a step closer until his toes were touching yours. A strange crawling motion could be seen in the area of the wound, like it didn't want to accept the parting. 

"Oh, and weren't you of that same opinion when you put me over your knee and gave me a hiding with the flat side of that blade?", you challenged him. Oh the terror had quickly morphed into humiliation once you had realised what was going on. 

"Perhaps you should stop behaving like a sugar-addled brat then."

The skin and meat knitted itself together, a grotesk acceleration and bastardisation of the natural heal process. Ivan signed in relief and took his attention off of you and inspected the scarless skin, rolling his shoulder and flexing his muscles. 

Your heart dropped and your thoughts slowed to a standstill in shock. You had severely underestimated him.

"And also not turn to being a traitor. You know very well what I do with those."

Ivan would take your actions against him as treason and if there is something that he can't tolerate, it is a traitor. Gone are all the privileges and outings and affection. If you aren't quick to make up to him and express your remorse and see the error of your ways, you're going to have a long road ahead of you. You'll have to work hard to get back into his good graces; even just getting him to treat you with human decency would take a while. 

In his eyes, if you choose such disproportionate retaliation in response to his actions, then you either have an attitude problem or something went wrong in your upbringing. He'll be happy to correct that. It'll range from what you are allowed to eat, to the media you consume, to your bedtime. Imagine a strict headmistress or matron. 

A/N: The move I described is actually a real technique used with one handed sword. It was a cool day learning that one. 

France was hard to write, so I decided to keep it short. 

[turtle-clown]

Oh darlin' please, I know I'm just a snarlin' beast (And perhaps we've all grown obsolete)

Hey girl. Brock and warriana fic that may or may not be a character study of warriana spanning snippets of time. This ends somewhat abruptly cause I realized I didn’t want to make it any longer than it is

The most important thing to note here is that everyone is a anthropomorphic animal, Brock is a alligator snapper and warriana is a lion (art of their designs here), also the ventures are goats

Also!! The title is taken from the song guys are gross by that handsome devil because I think it’s Brock and warriana core. Listen to it it’s good music

Warriana isn’t quite sure what to make of Brock.

From what little she knows about turtles, they aren’t exactly the parental type, abandoning their young while they're still eggs. But here she is, seeing Brock, a snapping turtle, fuss over one of the Venture boys (Dean she thinks? She doesn’t quite remember). Her tail flicks. Her initial opinion of him was more of a brute than anything, with his tank-like build, sharp scales and claws. Her opinion shifted the night they fought Think Tank together, but here? She doesn’t know anymore.

She knows the sheer strength that he holds, not just with his muscles but also with his claws (as sharp as a bear's from what she’s heard) and bite (anyone who's heard about snapping turtles have heard the stories about them biting fingers off, along with limbs on smaller species). He could tear the goat apart if he wanted to, yet he’s gentle with the Venture boy, carefully checking his fur for any injuries along with making sure his horns aren’t broken (they’re still quite small, she isn’t sure if anything could harm them significantly like that).

The day goes on; she won’t stop thinking about it.

——————————————

One day he asks her something she’s heard many times.

“Why do you have a mane? Kinda thought only male lions have those.”

She growled slightly hearing that damn question. She hates being asked it. “If you must know, it’s due to a slight hormonal imbalance that I have. That doesn’t change the fact that I’m a lioness.” She snarled, he looked at her almost blankly. “I uh… wasn’t implying anything by asking that. I also have some weird genetic stuff; ah, which is why I have hair, a decent part of my heritage is mammalian; I was just wondering if you had something similar.” He practically rambled on.

She wasn’t sure how to feel about this response. Usually others ask it and be an asshole insinuating she’s not actually a lioness. Yet here Brock is, defying what she thinks of him once again.

Part of her wants to tear his throat out with her teeth, while another appreciates him understanding her and not being an ass about it.

——————————————

She doesn’t exactly know how, but he ended up sleeping partially on top of her, his face in her mane. It would almost be cute if his beak wasn’t so close to her neck.

She’s heard more about him by now, mostly through rumors in Tophet tower. The villains there have a turn of phrase, “death by Samson”. She’s heard it before but didn’t think much of it, why would she care who this Samson is? Suddenly she thinks she does care, now that his beak is so close to her neck and since she learned that he’s an alligator snapping turtle.

It isn’t exactly hard to visualize what would happen if he decided to bite right now; he could crush her thyroid along with piercing her jugular vein using the ends of his beak. He wouldn’t let go, he’s smart enough that he wouldn't, leading to either her dying from her neck being crushed or him tearing out the part of her neck that was bitten. It’s frightening to imagine.

She doesn’t exactly look forward to moving him off of her. Definitely just because of how dangerous he is, not because she likes having him like this.

——————————————

“Are you… painting?”

“Huh. Oh, yea, I learned to paint a few years back. I’m not too good at it on account of my lack of actual fingers, but I still paint occasionally.”

She considered this for a few seconds. “…Could you paint me?”

He practically dropped his brush.

——————————————

She definitely wasn’t starting to also grow fond of the Venture twins. Definitely not.

She and the rest of the Crusaders Action League were just on a simple patrol until Stars and Garters spotted the Brown Widow with someone. She knew this because she saw on her invisible flying chariot, and she also recognized the person the Brown Widow was with. Letting out a mix of a sigh and a growl, she flew the chariot down to the three.

She didn’t particularly care what nonsense he was saying (something about the Brown Widow liking men? What was his problem); what was certain is that as soon as she was close enough, she whacked him in the back of the head as hard as she could without causing permanent damage.

“Quit it Tosh, he hasn’t even done anything.” She growled out, getting ready to grab him by the scruff and pull him away.

“Hi Warriana.” “…Dean.”

She sighed. “You two should leave the area, you wouldn’t want to have this happen again tonight.” He nodded as she turned around and pulled Stars and Garters away from the pair.

(She heard the Brown Widow whisper, asking how Dean knew her. She didn’t hear the response.)

——————————————

She could tell he’s had a lot on his mind lately.

Between something that he doesn’t talk about because “it’s classified” but very clearly caused him discomfort, and Hank going missing, he’s been going to her a lot.

Not even for sex, just to get his mind off of things by talking to her and doing small menial tasks that she didn’t have the time to do herself. She’d appreciate it if he wasn’t very obviously bothered by the things that have happened lately. His problems are now her problems; the phrase “Shared joy is double joy; Shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” comes to mind.

When Hank went missing, she tried to help when possible, but it got harder to justify prioritizing searching for a missing person to her coworkers as time went on and the case got colder. The media moved on as well, pursuing more… fresh and controversial topics to cover. It sickened her in more ways than one.

All she could really do now is be there for Brock when he comes to her apartment.

She raked her claws through his hair as the two of them lay together, careful not to touch his scalp. Even though part of his face was obscured by her mane, she could still see how the stress was getting to him, most prominently with the bags under his eyes; when did he last sleep? She knows that she probably shouldn’t be worrying about him like this, he’s a grown man that could rip someone in half (she wouldn’t be very surprised if he has done exactly that), he doesn’t need anyone looking out for him.

But maybe he should, especially lately with what was basically one of his sons going missing.

She laid her head down next to his, she hoped the Venture kid was found soon, for his sake at least.

[x22817]

The DOGtor will see you now...

Sooo the bloodwork came back!

The good news is that my thyroid levels are all in range! Yay! The better news is that my sodium and potassium are not just finally out of the critical range but both in range as well! Double yay!

The not so good news is that my DHEA and testosterone are basically nonexistent. The reference interval for DHEA-sulfate is 160-430 ug/dL. I am at 1, barely registered. My testosterone came in at 6.1, which is low even for a postmenopausal woman.

Suddenly, my life makes so much sense. I have always struggled with anything pertaining to sex and gender. Doctors told me I have the symptoms of a menopausal woman, but no one would ever help me with them. My OBGYNs told me that everything I'm experiencing is because of my traumatic experiences. Some of my doctors theorized I had hormonal imbalances or deficiencies but wouldn't test for it.

I have such little testosterone that even starting with low doses is going to be a big change. I honestly don't even care that much about the physical changes that can happen (other than the possibility I can have not painful sex). I'm scared I'm going to get angry. I'm scared I'm going to feel emotions in general. I've never felt human before, then I started the Addison's treatment and that's already been so overwhelming and life changing, now this too and I'm just scared to feel like a real person and I know I shouldn't be scared but I am for whatever reason because I'm just scared to feel. I've never felt anything, and I'm just scared to feel.

[astrogirlythings]

My PCOS journey:

Vulnerabilities and all.

The biggest problem with new age women's health issues is that even many women fail to empathize with them. How can we expect men to empathize with women's health?

When I talk about women's health I don't mean "PERIODS" or "PTSD Post pregnancy" or "MENOPAUSE".. There are so many health issues that are not being talked about enough (at least from where I'm from 😒). Starting with a few - PCOS, PCOD, Thyroid, Hormonal imbalance and other lifestyle diseases. Not to mention that they have no cure and the only solution we have is to manage it and its symptoms.

While fighting with its symptoms.. one of the biggest things that helped me overcome my PCOS and Hormonal imbalance is some much needed moral support. Of course strength training, diet, 8 hours of sleep, managing stress and having a positive mind too.. but being surrounded by those who make an effort to understand ur health is a blessing.

I suffered excessive hair loss and weight gain and as a woman I've been constantly reminded that those "Assets" (Head full of hair and a slim figure) are the only things that add value to me and my existence.. and it's messed up how even the most educated are unaware about women's health.

Truth be told, I've spent years of my life picking up my pieces and reconstructing myself emotionally, mentally and physically. The sleepless nights I had were consumed by me obsessing about my body, its image and how it was perceived by everyone around me. The world has successfully convinced me that I am nothing without this so called "Perfect body". I lost many opportunities because of my negative body image. Deep down I knew that I am smart, creative, funny, kind and I am also known to be a good friend. But people succeeded in making me feel less than what I am.

As I write this, I want to convey that you are not alone. I believe that I am not the only one feeling this way.

Being surrounded by people who truly make an effort to understand ur health and ur erratic mood swings (because of ur health) is a huge blessing.. God knows that I want that in my life. Everyone wants to feel empathised and if u don't have someone that empathises with ur health.. I hope my empathy towards women's health helped u.

I am now 27 years old and I have finally succeeded in managing my PCOS symptoms (Physical and mental symptoms) after struggling with them for the past 9 years. Yup.. I lost most of my 20s to PCOS and I am cautiously optimistic that the struggle is over now. And even if it comes back.. at least I know how to deal with it.

[pink-strawberry-kissess]

Hello, it has nothing to do with aeon or RE but I read that you once gave love advice and I would like to ask about facial cleansing hahaha if you don't mind. Well I read that you mentioned that you are Asian. Which I would like to know if you have a routine or how you do it??? I have seen all Asians have beautiful porcelain skin and my goal is to have skin like that. Do you have any tips for pimples and blackheads on the face? What is your routine or what masks do you use? I have also seen actresses, for example in Korea, who are already 30 or older and still look young and have no wrinkles. Any secrets there for that?

hihi

dksbfkjsf

i do agree that i think that a lot of asians tend to look younger than their actual ages. and i don't really know what all constitutes as what is "younger looking" cause i also get 5 - 10 years off my age, which is kinda a lot.

i also think it's interesting that there's this conversation about "gen z are looking older than millennials" and i think that it's like 2 things.

gen z outfits are typically older looking. meaning unless they're doing like trendy "younger" stuff, a lot of their clothing ages them.

that's another tangent but i think the main thing is

it's the vaping

smoking is SO BAD for your skin and you might not see it for a while but one day it just HITS YOU. you'll be smoking or vaping from like 16 - 26 and see NOTHING and then one random day in your 20s, you're just like 40 year old looking

okay anyways also i don't wanna place value on age/beauty, if you look your age, that's fine! if you look younger/older than your age, that's fine too!

if you want to have better skin, there are a few things you wanna focus on

spf if you're going outside, moisturizer everyday, wash your face! clean your phone! change your pillowcases often! honestly most routines are fine if they are simple. using a million products will not guarantee that you will have good skin

eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water. limit drinking and avoid smoking entirely

if there are still issues, try to seek medical help if it's a hormone imbalance/issue or a thyroid issue

another thing to keep in mind is ALL media is photoshopped. all tv/film have filters etc that changes skin

almost ALL celebs have MONEYYY and access to skincare and surgeries

pimples are usually hormonal and SOMETIMES bacterial. you gotta figure out what the cause is. it can also be stress, poor skincare, location/humidity (my skin does so badly in humid climates lol) there's so many things that can cause pimples so i wouldn't stress too much on pimples tbh. they happen!

blackheads can usually be just excess sebum and something like salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help with mediating that (lots of people react differently to different acids)

if you're actually getting like huge blackheads (not whiteheads or excess oil) you might need to work on a better skincare routine

there's no secrets or tricks. it's just balancing a routine that works for you. what works for someone might not work for you

HOPE THAT HELPS

[congorx]

Understanding Menstrual Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Menstrual disorders are a group of conditions that interfere with the normal menstrual cycle, affecting millions of women worldwide, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These disorders can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being, yet many women suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of access to adequate healthcare.

If you are experiencing irregularities in your menstrual cycle or unusual symptoms, know that help is available. Let’s dive into the causes, symptoms, and solutions for menstrual disorders, and how online consultations through platforms like CongoRx can provide timely and effective support.

What Are Menstrual Disorders?

Menstrual disorders refer to a range of issues that deviate from a regular menstrual cycle. Common conditions include:

Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods with cramping.

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation for three months or longer.

Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Physical and emotional symptoms occurring before menstruation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder affecting ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Irregular Periods: Unpredictable cycle lengths.

These disorders often stem from underlying health issues, hormonal imbalances, or external factors like stress and lifestyle.

Causes of Menstrual Disorders

Several factors contribute to menstrual disorders, such as:

Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt the cycle.

Medical Conditions: PCOS, thyroid disorders, and uterine fibroids.

Stress and Lifestyle: High stress levels, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Infections: Untreated pelvic infections are a leading cause in regions like Congo, where access to timely healthcare is sometimes limited.

Addressing these causes often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

Symptoms to Watch For

While menstrual symptoms vary widely, it’s essential to recognize warning signs that may require medical attention:

Excessively heavy bleeding or passing large clots.

Severe pelvic pain or cramping.

Irregular cycles lasting less than 21 days or more than 35 days.

Spotting or bleeding between periods.

Chronic fatigue, dizziness, or anemia.

If you or someone you know in Congo is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional guidance is crucial.

Managing Menstrual Disorders

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins.

Engage in regular physical activity to regulate hormones.

Practice stress management techniques, like yoga or meditation.

Medical Treatments:

Hormonal therapies such as birth control pills or IUDs.

Medications for pain relief and symptom control.

Surgical interventions for conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.

Online Consultation Services: Access to healthcare is a challenge in many parts of Congo. Platforms like CongoRx offer online consultations with gynecologists and specialists, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment from the comfort of your home.

Why Addressing Menstrual Disorders Matters

In countries like Congo, cultural stigmas around menstruation often deter women from seeking help. Education and accessible healthcare can transform this narrative. With services like CongoRx, women can connect with trusted doctors for compassionate and confidential care, ensuring they don't face these challenges alone.

Take the First Step with CongoRx

Living with menstrual disorders can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re dealing with painful cramps, irregular cycles, or suspect an underlying condition, timely consultation with a healthcare professional can make a difference.

Visit CongoRx today to book an online consultation and start your journey toward better health. Empower yourself to take charge of your menstrual health—because every woman deserves care and understanding.

[kanupriyakhanna]

Weight Loss Tips For Pcos

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is referred to a condition in which cysts develop on the ovaries. Between 4–20% of women in their reproductive phase of life may suffer from this condition. This condition is characterised by hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, inflammation, etc. All these together can make weight loss difficult, especially for those women who also have thyroid disorders. PCOS is also the leading cause of infertility in women.

Following are some tips for losing weight with PCOS:

Reducing carbohydrate intake

PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance (35% to 80% cases). In insulin resistance, the cells of the body are unable to absorb glucose from blood in normal amounts, leading to high blood sugar levels. This in turn can lead to higher conversion of sugar to fat in the body and weight gain. Reducing simple carbohydrates intake can directly lead to lowering of insulin levels, thereby reducing carb conversion to fat. At the same time, consuming a low GI (glycemic index) diet reduces insulin resistance and fat storage around the belly area.

Increase protein intake

Protein intake has been shown to improve blood sugar management by giving a feeling of fullness for longer. In addition, it also helps in losing weight. But remember that total protein intake should not exceed more than 40% of total calorie intake, as very high intakes can cause increased stress on the kidneys.

Include nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals like omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, selenium, etc. Seeds like pumpkin, sesame, flax and sunflower have been shown to bring about a balance between the reproductive hormones.

Reduce sugar consumption

Refined sugar, jaggery, honey all are high calorie foods with high glycemic indices and thus should be avoided. Added sugars also increase weight and insulin resistance. Research also shows that women with PCOS have higher blood sugar spikes on ingestion of sugar as compared to women without PCOS.

Get physically active

Exercise has been shown to help at multiple levels; be it weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, better hormonal health, etc. Therefore it is important to invest at least 30–40 minutes daily for exercise.

Get adequate sleep

Inadequate sleep increases levels of hormones like cortisol and ghrelin, that increase the feeling of hunger. It also leads to increased inflammation in the body. Our bodies carry out repair of damaged muscles and detoxification while we are asleep. Thus getting enough sleep is an important part of not just your weight loss, but also your health journey.

If you have PCOS and would like to lose weight, or improve your fertility, and are looking for help in planning and meal prep ideas, contact Kanupriya Khanna, one of the best Dietitian and Nutritionist in Delhi.

[madbalalaika]

Health update #3

So, one thing about my recovery is that for the first month of the treatment I had to exclude from my diet not only everything I'm allergic to (things containing lactose, gluten, and beef as well), but also all the common allergens, aaand everything that could trigger my reflux (fatty food, anything baked/fried, anything sour, coffee, chocolate, etc.), and the point of it was allowing my gut/stomach/esophagus heal first and then I could slowly reintroduce certain foods back: if I still have a reaction, I wait longer and then try again.

And that time has come! I CAN FINALLY DRINK COFFEE!!! It's been a minute!

I've also done some goofs with meds/supplements about a week ago. First, I took a loratadine pill that we had at home because my skin was itching very badly (dust maybe, idk), but I forgot to read the contents before taking it. And what do you know, it had lactose! Lemme tell you, the consequences were not fun 🤡

The second time was a couple days later. I was feeling great, and was like "fuck yeah, might as well try drinking coffee for the first time in god knows how long". So I did, and it was completely fine, I didn't feel anything unusual at all, so I was like "sick, awesome", but there's also one nuance that I learned the hard way last year: never mix coffee with gluten when you're allergic to the latter.

Fast forward to that same day, later in the evening. I decided to try lactase wafers, that we bought a couple days prior, with some butter and regular milk to see what happens. So I take the thing, I start eating, at the same time reading through the label on the bottle. My eyes suddenly widen in terror as I find a line that says "contains wheat".

MOTHERF-

What happens next might shock you- no I'm just kidding

But seriously, when I tell you for the next few days my whole digestive tract fucking hurt, it FUCKING HURT. And the most fucked up thing was that not a single mf, not a single pharmacy's website, not even the official distributor's website, or the translation sticker (that they covered the original label with) specified what exactly that supplement contained. I had to actually rip apart the protective film with the sticker first to then read the English label to find out that that expensive af thingy does tenfold more damage to me than it actually helps.

Oh but I didn't get bloated from the milk, how cool is that 🤡

Anyway... I do admit that I should've done more research though, but oh well, what's done is done

P.S. the award of "truly the most hyperfixation food of all time" goes to Swiss hard and Parmesan cheeses. It's been 2 weeks, I haven't been able to stop eating a whole pack a day since. Send help

Edit: oh, and remember I told you I was super sensitive to sugar and caffeine before? So apparently it was due to thyroid hormone imbalance that, in turn, was due to my (as the endocrinologist I went to suggested) covid-like sickness back in December, but as time goes by it should go back to normal, so that's cool 👍

[lasvegashealthwellness]

Importance of Hormone Testing for Women: Finding Hormonal Balance

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle has become a top priority for women of all ages. One crucial aspect of women's well-being is hormone balance. Hormones play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, impacting everything from mood and energy levels to reproductive health and overall vitality. Hormone testing for women has emerged as an essential tool in identifying hormonal imbalances and providing targeted solutions for improved quality of life. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of hormone testing, its benefits, and how easy it is to find hormone testing near you.

Understanding the Importance of Hormone Testing for Women

Hormones are chemical messengers that control various bodily functions. For women, hormonal balance is particularly crucial due to the intricate interplay of hormones during different life stages, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Fluctuations in hormones can lead to a wide range of health issues, including mood swings, fatigue, irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility problems.

Hormone testing enables women to get a comprehensive view of their hormonal health. By measuring hormone levels in the blood, saliva, or urine, healthcare professionals can identify any imbalances and tailor treatment plans to address specific needs effectively.

The Benefits of Hormone Testing for Women

2.1 Personalized Treatment Plans

One of the primary benefits of hormone testing for women is the ability to create personalized treatment plans. Every woman's hormonal makeup is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Hormone testing allows healthcare providers to design tailored interventions that address individual hormone imbalances, leading to better outcomes.

2.2 Improved Emotional Well-being

Hormones can significantly impact a woman's emotional well-being. Imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, or thyroid hormones can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. Through hormone testing, healthcare professionals can identify the root cause of emotional disturbances and recommend appropriate therapies or lifestyle adjustments.

2.3 Enhanced Energy Levels and Vitality

Fatigue and low energy levels are common complaints among women. Hormone testing can reveal imbalances that may be contributing to these issues, such as low thyroid function or adrenal fatigue. By addressing these imbalances, women can experience increased energy levels and improved overall vitality.

2.4 Support for Reproductive Health

For women planning to conceive or experiencing fertility challenges, hormone testing can be a valuable tool. Identifying hormonal imbalances can help healthcare providers develop strategies to support reproductive health, potentially increasing the chances of successful conception.

2.5 Early Detection of Hormonal Disorders

The Convenience of Hormone Testing Near You

Nowadays, accessing hormone testing has become more convenient than ever. With the rise of healthcare advancements and telemedicine, finding hormone testing near you is just a few clicks away.

3.1 Local Healthcare Providers and Clinics

Many local healthcare providers and clinics offer hormone testing services. By searching online or reaching out to your primary care physician, you can find nearby facilities that provide hormone testing for women. Visiting a local clinic offers the advantage of in-person consultations with healthcare professionals who can guide you through the testing process and discuss the results in detail.

3.2 Online Hormone Testing Services

Alternatively, several online platforms now offer hormone testing kits that can be delivered to your doorstep. These test kits usually involve collecting a sample, such as saliva or blood, and sending it back to the testing company. The results are then provided online, along with personalized recommendations based on your hormone levels.

When using online hormone testing services, ensure you choose a reputable and certified provider to guarantee accurate results and reliable recommendations.

Conclusion

Hormone testing for women has become an indispensable tool in promoting overall health and well-being. By identifying hormone imbalances, women can receive personalized treatment plans to address their specific needs effectively. Whether you prefer in-person consultations or the convenience of online testing services, finding hormone testing near you has never been easier.

Remember, hormone balance is crucial for maintaining optimal health and vitality throughout all stages of life. Don't hesitate to seek hormone testing if you suspect any imbalances that may be affecting your quality of life. Take charge of your hormonal health today, and embrace a life of balance and well-being.

[shubhragoyal]

Irregular Periods - Symptoms Cause and Treatment Options

Women often experience irregular periods as a result of their hormones. Does this issue affect you as well? Do not worry about it because it is treatable, and you can also identify the causes to take necessary precautions!

There can be several reasons for irregular periods, like hormonal imbalances, stress, birth control, etc. You cannot control your periods, but tracking their pattern is a minor deal! If you want to find out more about the probable causes of irregular menstruation and solution or available treatment options for the same, make sure to read this blog!

What Exactly Are Irregular Periods?

You can generally get your period once within 28 days; this cycle repeats itself. Some women may experience it similarly, while some may get their periods in less predictable cycles!

This irregularity in the period cycle can be due to many reasons. You can identify whether you are going through something similar with the help of certain basic symptoms.

·        Changes in the number of days between your periods.

·        The blood flow during periods is less or more than you normally experience.

·        Variation in the duration of periods.

If you are witnessing these changes, there is a high chance of irregular periods! Well, this condition is treatable, and you can take proper measures after learning its exact causes.

Prominent Causes Behind an Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Are you curious about what causes the menstrual cycle to change dates every month?

This condition may have some underlying causes, most of which can be treated. It is also possible to work to ensure that your periods are regular.

The major and most common cause is hormone changes, which is why many girls hitting puberty or women approaching menopause to go through irregular periods the most! Besides this, the other major causes behind irregular menstrual cycle are -

·        Birth Control Pills: Have you recently changed your regular birth control pills? Because this can be a strong cause of irregularity in your periods. As the pills vary in estrogen or progesterone levels, switching from regular pills may directly influence your period cycle!

·        IUD: If you are using an IUD, it can be another major reason behind irregular menstrual cycles. It is even known to cause cramps, which can be relieved with pain relievers or heating pads.

·        Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Are you often missing your periods and noticing other changes like excessive hair fall? Well, this can be the impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In this hormonal disorder, your body has higher amounts of male hormones, leading to growth in facial hair, thinning hair, and others.

·        Excessive Exercise: Excessive exercise may sometimes lead to missed periods or other irregularities. And in the worst scenario, your periods may completely halt! So, you should consult an expert or a trainer before taking up extreme physical exercises.

·        Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, your periods will stop altogether for that definite duration! Besides that, breastfeeding can affect your period cycle too, and all these are due to the interference of the hormones!

·        Thyroid Disease: If you suffer from thyroid disease, your body will get either too little or excess essential hormones. However, if your periods come with heavy bleeding and last longer than usual, this can signify hypothyroidism! In the opposite case, periods last for short, which is hyperthyroidism.

·        Stress: In the hectic lifestyle of today's times, stress is something you can hardly avert! Taking stress over every aspect around you creates constraints for that part of the brain responsible for maintaining a balance between the hormone levels!

All these are some of the major reasons behind missed periods and other irregularities. You may also notice adverse effects of irregular periods on the body, like fatigue, bone health issues, or even infertility!

Read More: https://www.drshubhragoyal.com/welcome/blogs/irregular-periods---symptoms-cause-and-treatment-options

[hungrylikethewulf]

YAY! WEIGHT LOSS!

Hi everyone!!! I'm down to 189.4 lbs which is almost 10 lbs from where I started last week!! I was sick over the weekend so I needed to eat food to get my strength up or else I think I'd be even lower than that :(. Hopefully I can keep my weight down this week. However I found out that I have some hormonal imbalances which are likely the cause of my sudden and drastic weight gain over the last few months. I think I have hypothyroidism, which makes it super hard to lose weight so hopefully starving myself helps : ). Anyways! Maybe I can get on some kind of medication for my thyroid and it will help me lose weight again :)!!

[beautifuldg]

The Real Secrets to Losing Weight: diet and exercise aren't enough

Do you want to know the real secrets to losing weight? Chances are, you've heard the same advice over and over again: diet and exercise. But there's more to losing weight than simply eating right and exercising regularly. In this blog post, we'll look at the real secrets to losing weight that many people overlook. We'll talk about how to identify and address underlying health issues, lifestyle changes that can make a big difference, and strategies for maintaining a healthy weight in the long run. Read on to learn the real secrets to losing weight and getting on track with your health goals!

What Really Causes Weight Gain?

Gaining weight is a complex process, and there are many factors that contribute to it. The key to successful weight loss is understanding what causes weight gain in the first place.

For starters, diet and exercise are major contributors to weight gain. Eating too many calories or failing to burn enough through physical activity can lead to excess weight over time.

 In addition, sleep deprivation can be a significant factor when it comes to gaining weight. Studies have found that those who don’t get enough restful sleep may gain more fat and have difficulty losing weight.

Stress is another important factor in weight gain. The body's stress response triggers hormones such as cortisol and insulin, which can slow metabolism and cause us to store fat rather than burn it. Long-term stress can also lead to unhealthy eating habits and cravings for junk food.

Hormones play a huge role in weight gain, as they are largely responsible for regulating metabolism. An imbalance of hormones, including thyroid hormones, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, can cause an increase in body fat. Other hormones such as ghrelin and leptin can also influence appetite and hunger levels, leading to weight gain.

Genetics also plays a role in how much someone weighs. Our genetic makeup determines our risk for certain health conditions, including obesity.

 Age can also be a factor in weight gain, as metabolism tends to slow down with age.

By understanding what really causes weight gain, we can make better decisions about our diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits to support successful long-term weight loss.

READ THE ARTICLE AND MORE ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

[ivftreatmentindia123]

IVF Failures

What does it mean? IVF fails. Lets learn more

In vitro fertilization is commonly known as IVF. Couples facing infertility problems are common these days. The reasons can be various, but the treatment is one and only IVF. Being infertile for life is no longer a question to answer. As science has achieved immense success in terms of medical treatment. Cure for every disease is possible now, whether it’s by birth or by age almost every treatment is curable.

Does every treatment get 100% success? So NO, it’s completely impossible. Doctors give their best for treating the illness, but results are somehow different from expectations. That’s supposed to be the same in IVF treatment, that is the reason some patients have to face the repetitions of IVF cycle to conceive a pregnancy. IVF gives you hope of pregnancy but can not promise you 100% results, as it is very obvious in treatment to face failures. Failures can be for various reasons, you will learn here. Before going through the IVF treatment, the doctor advised the couples to try using other methods like oral medicines and fertility drugs, which increase the production of eggs in the ovaries and also change the hormonal balance in  favor. If these medications do not work out, then doctors use the IUI treatment to fertilize the sperm inside the uterus so it can mate with the egg and form a baby.

IVF disappointments

Reasons for the failure in IVF

There can be several reasons for failures in IVF that can be identified by the doctors. It can be a devastating and heartbreaking experience to face the failure of IVF, as it culminates in dissatisfaction with infertility. It leads you to a question like; Will this infertility be for a lifetime?

Lets know some major reason of failure in IVF:

Female factors:

Inadequate quality of eggs: Eggs that are incapable of fertilizing and have lost the capability of transforming into healthy embryos.

Fragmentation of eggs: Tiny shaped cells present into the embryo detached from the cells, leads to lower success rates. 

Imbalance of hormone and thyroid: It purely affects the cells of hormones, which results in being hard to conceive, and the thyroid gland regulates the metabolism, growth, and development, and can impact infertility.

Reserve in ovarian might be low: A low ovarian reserve shows reduced number of eggs, adversely affecting infertility. 

Overage of maternal (35+): The Advanced age of a female might be problematic in conceiving a pregnancy. 

Endometriosis: A similar lining tissue present around and outside the uterus, causing pain in the pelvic, heavy bleeding can be the reason for infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder is a sign of irregular periods, cysts in ovaries, and infertility.

Male factors:

Poor sperm quality (asthenozoospermia): Poor sperm quality refers to abnormal features in sperm, affecting infertility.

No sperm in semen: semen having no sperm can be the reason for blockage or injury and can be a cause of infertility.

Reversal of sperm into the bladder: It might happen in the case when semen doesn’t leave the body via erection and it is pushed to the bladder.

Age factor (the person contacting the eggs is older than 35): Overage or advanced age for mating can be a certain reason for low pregnancy rates.  

A person using previously frozen sperm or eggs can lead to failure in pregnancy: Using frozen sperm or embryos in some cases might be a failure in the IVF cycle. 

Ejaculatory disorders: It refers to a problem in ejaculation while mating and leads to male infertile outcomes.

Hormonal imbalances and genetic disorders: It purely affects the cells of hormones, which results in being hard to conceive, and sometimes it can be a genetic disorder of being infertile.

IVF factors:

Insufficient ovarian stimulation

Inadequate method of embryo transfer 

Irreconcilable uterine lining

Erroneous progesterone supplementation

IVF protocol issues

[chocolatedetectivehottub]

goals plastic surgery,

goals plastic surgery,

Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue in males. While it is a common condition, it can be a source of distress for those affected, often causing embarrassment and self-esteem issues. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gynecomastia to better understand this condition.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of glandular tissue in a male's chest, leading to breast enlargement. It can affect one or both breasts and may occur during different stages of life, such as infancy, puberty, or adulthood. The condition is often associated with an imbalance in the levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen, a female hormone, can sometimes be present in higher amounts in men, leading to the development of gynecomastia.

Causes of Gynecomastia

The causes of gynecomastia can vary, and sometimes no specific cause is identified. However, common factors contributing to gynecomastia include:

Hormonal Imbalance: During puberty, the body undergoes hormonal changes that can lead to a temporary imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. In some cases, this imbalance results in the development of gynecomastia.

Aging: As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, and this decrease can lead to an increase in the relative levels of estrogen, which may trigger the development of gynecomastia.

Medications: Certain medications can contribute to gynecomastia. These include:

Anti-androgens (used to treat prostate issues)

Anabolic steroids

Certain anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications

Drugs for HIV/AIDS treatment (such as protease inhibitors)

Health Conditions: Underlying health conditions such as liver disease, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, or obesity can increase the risk of gynecomastia. These conditions can lead to hormone imbalances or affect the way the body processes estrogen.

Substance Use: Alcohol, marijuana, and certain recreational drugs can interfere with hormone production and lead to gynecomastia.

Obesity: Excess fat in the body, especially in the chest area, can sometimes mimic the appearance of gynecomastia, even though it is technically a result of fatty tissue accumulation rather than glandular tissue growth.

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

The most noticeable symptom of gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue. Other common symptoms include:

Swelling or tenderness in the breast area

A lump or firm tissue under the nipple

Asymmetry, where one breast may be larger than the other

Pain or sensitivity in the chest area

In some cases, gynecomastia may not cause any physical pain but can still lead to psychological distress due to the appearance of the chest.

Diagnosing Gynecomastia

If you suspect you have gynecomastia, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. They will typically begin with a physical examination and review your medical history. Additional tests may be conducted to identify the underlying cause of the condition, such as:

Blood tests to check hormone levels

Imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, to examine the breast tissue

A biopsy to rule out breast cancer in rare cases

Treatment Options for Gynecomastia

Treatment for gynecomastia depends on the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and the individual's preferences. Options include:

Observation: If gynecomastia is caused by puberty, it may resolve on its own as hormone levels stabilize. In these cases, doctors may recommend simply monitoring the condition over time.

Medications: If the condition is due to an imbalance in hormones, medications may be prescribed to help correct this imbalance. Drugs like selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen, are sometimes used to reduce breast tissue enlargement.

Surgery: For more persistent or severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The most common procedure for gynecomastia is liposuction, which removes excess fatty tissue, or mastectomy, which removes excess glandular tissue. Both procedures are generally safe and effective, and many patients experience significant improvements in chest appearance and self-esteem following surgery.

Lifestyle Changes: In some cases, reducing alcohol or drug use, losing weight, or addressing underlying health issues can improve the condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of gynecomastia recurrence.

Conclusion

While gynecomastia is often a benign condition, it can have a significant emotional and psychological impact. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help those affected seek appropriate care. Whether the condition resolves on its own or requires medical intervention, gynecomastia can often be managed effectively, allowing individuals to regain confidence and improve their quality of life. If you believe you may have gynecomastia, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

4o mini

O

[vetforanimal]

When Excessive Shedding Signals a Health Problem

While seasonal shedding is normal, excessive hair loss can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. If your pet is shedding more than usual or developing bald patches, a visit to a Virginia Beach veterinary hospital may be necessary.

Common Causes of Excessive Shedding

Allergies: Food, environmental, or flea allergies can lead to itchy skin and excessive shedding.

Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can irritate the skin and cause hair loss.

Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can lead to bald patches and scaly skin.

Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid issues and other hormonal disorders can disrupt the normal shedding cycle.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

If your pet’s shedding is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment at a Virginia Beach animal hospital:

Patchy hair loss or bald spots

Red, inflamed, or irritated skin

Constant scratching or licking

Changes in appetite or behavior

Early detection and treatment can prevent minor skin and coat issues from turning into major health concerns. If you're unsure whether your pet’s shedding is normal, a professional veterinary exam can provide peace of mind and personalized care recommendations.