Tag Archive for: women’s health

Dealing with Lack of Sexual Desire as a Woman

The medical term for lack of sexual desire is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This condition is extremely common. In fact, one-third of women ages 18 to 59 report having low sexual desire. However, this condition can be very tricky to diagnose and treat since “low sexual desire” can be defined very differently from person to person. For that reason, the official definition is when someone experiences a significant decrease in sexual desire that has an impact on their emotional quality of life and relationships.

If this is something you or your partner are dealing with, know that you’re not alone. Keep reading below to learn the basics of this condition, including causes and treatment options.

Causes

There are a wide variety of possible causes of HSDD. Below are some of the most common.

  • Relationship issues
  • Age
  • Big changes in life, such as losing a loved one or having a child
  • Outside stress
  • Mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety
  • Medical diseases such as endometriosis or fibroids
  • Societal standards
  • Certain medications
  • Low testosterone
  • Extreme self-consciousness.
  • Past influences, such as trauma
  • Menopause

Treatment Options

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for women who want to change their low sexual drive. Here are some of the most common:

  • Lifestyle changes could be all you need to do. This could mean starting to exercise, working on stress management, cutting out bad habits like smoking, or working with your partner to set aside time for intimacy.
  • If you’re dealing with untreated mental or physical disorders (depression, anxiety, chronic pain, etc.), addressing those conditions can often have a positive impact on your sexual drive as well.
  • Talk therapy focused on intimacy is also an option. Especially if your partner and you are both struggling with low sexual desire, a therapist is a fantastic resource to lean on to improve your situation together as a couple.
  • Medication is also available. Don’t be afraid to discuss the issue with your physician and see if there are any medications that can help. Examples include hormone replacement therapy, natural supplements, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, an FDA-approved oral medication (Addyi) and a new FDA-approved subcutaneous injection (Vyleesi).

If you are dealing with lack of sexual desire, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help. Click here to schedule an appointment with us or give us a call at 404-352-2850.

Women’s Hormones 101: How Much They Affect Us

Hormones impact women in multiple different ways. Hidden from sight and working away inside, these substances that exist in the tissue and fluids can directly change women’s weight, energy levels, mood, and food cravings. 

While hormones can be complicated and impact a wide scope of women’s health, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help explain the basics of women’s hormones.

What are Women’s Hormones? 

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by certain glands in the body and then released into the bloodstream. These tiny parts of our body impact most, if not all, of our bodily functions. Women are especially prone to be affected by hormone fluctuations due to their chemical makeup. In fact, many stages of women’s lives are defined by what their hormones are doing. Examples of this include puberty, PMS, and menopause. 

The two most well-known women’s hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is produced by the adrenal glands, fat cells, and ovaries. Estrogen first appears during puberty and severely impacts the reproductivity and sexual development of women. Progesterone is created by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta. The amount found in a woman increases during ovulation but is also found in great numbers during pregnancy. It helps to create stable menstrual cycles and also prepare the body for pregnancy. 

However, there are many more hormones that are produced in women’s bodies. For example, vitamin D controls calcium consumption and bone growth. Oxytocin affects labor, breastfeeding, and bonding. 

Overall, there are countless chemical messengers doing hard work behind the scenes for women. To learn the full list and what all they do for your bodies, click here to read more. 

Common Issues with Women’s Hormones

Nearly half of all women experience issues with hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately, sometimes the problems they cause may not seem obvious. While trying to discover what is wrong, doctors may guess other complications before realizing hormones are the cause. 

Here are some of the most common issues women experience when their hormones are imbalanced:

  • Irregular periods 
  • Poor sleep quality 
  • Acne
  • Brain fog
  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Headaches
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Low sex drive
  • Infertility 
  • Unstable blood sugar
  • Mental health issues
  • Changes in weight
  • Breast cancer

This long list is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to issues that hormones can cause. That’s why it’s vital to keep track of any medical issues you may be experiencing and then communicate them both to your general physician and gynecologist. They will be able to ensure that your hormones are functioning properly and can provide a treatment plan that will work best for you if they aren’t. 

If you have any further questions about women’s hormones, click here to contact the expert team of gynecologists. We’d be happy to assist you. 

Navigating the Complex World of Dieting

The diet industry is complex and ever-changing. There are countless fad diets claiming to be the key to weight loss. However, many of them come with hidden complications and even serious risks.

We’re breaking down some important guidelines for anyone navigating the overwhelming world of dieting.

Do Your Research

Before you commit to any major diet or nutritional plan, it’s important to do your research. You will need to understand the nutritional value of what you’re consuming, what you’ll be leaving out, and how it will affect your overall health and body. Taking this first step will help you properly assess your various options and decide what’s best for you.

After you’ve done your own research, it’s also very important to consult your primary care doctor. They will be able to share their assessment of the plan from a holistic, medical perspective.

Be Aware of Dieting Fads and Myths

Another benefit of doing research is to help to identify dangerous diet fads and myths. For example, while the very popular “Keto diet” may work for some, this high-fat, low-carb plan has actually increased heart issues for others. Similarly, the claims that a “juice cleanse” can clean your colon and reset your appetite is inaccurate and a dangerous way to lose weight.

The key to identifying an unhealthy diet trend is finding credible sources that have reviewed the plan’s safety and efficacy. If you can’t but are still eager to try it, speak with your primary care physician for a tailored assessment.

Aim for a Balanced Diet

No diet is as good as just eating a healthy mix of the key food groups. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, the US Department of Health has a “Dietary Guide for Americans” that is backed by medical research.

If you’re looking for a quicker take on keeping a balanced diet, here are some suggestions:

  • Avoid over-processed, salty, and sugary foods.
  • Eat more fresh veggies and fruits.
  • Make sure to add protein to your diet in the form of chicken, turkey, and other non-red meat-based options.
  • Dairy is also good, but make sure to try your best to avoid options overloaded with sugar.
  • Don’t totally toss out carbs. Carbs are healthy too! Just pick healthier options, like brown rice or oatmeal over white rice and bread.
  • If you can avoid all the bad stuff, that is great. But don’t kill yourself taking away all your favorite comforts and snacks. Remember to enjoy eating too!
  • Another key is eating healthier is portions. Eat your favorite snacks and guilty pleasures with controlled portions, and they can still be in your life.

If you’re struggling to identify and maintain a healthy diet, know you’re not alone. With rampant misinformation, tough social pressures, and expensive grocery lists to contend with, sometimes professional help is needed. Don’t be afraid to speak with your primary care physician, or even reach out to a nutritionist to see if they can help develop the best plan for you.

Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. If you would like to meet with any of our expert gynecologists about dieting, click here to schedule an appointment today or call us at (404) 352-2850.