16 - Gender-Specific Health Issues Flashcards
Who are the highest users of NHPs?
women with higher education
Why are women with higher education among the highest users of NHPs?
- Frustration over adverse effects of mainstay pharmacological therapies
- Concern over long-term safety of hormonal agents (Women’s Health Initiative)
- Misconception that NHPs are safer
What are concerns that people may have?
- Drug interactions
- Safety
- Allergies
What women’s health issues are a part of this lecture?
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Mastalgia
- Dysmenorrhea
- Perimenopause/Menopause
What is PMS?
-Both physical and behavioural symptoms occurring repetitively in 2nd half of the menstrual cycle & interfere with aspects of the woman’s life
Etiology of PMS?
Unknown; women who suffer ate ++ sensitive to normal hormonal fluctuations associated with menstrual cycle
What are some affective symptoms of PMS?
- depression
- irritability
- anxiety
- nervousness
- decreased concentration
What are some somatic symptoms of PMS?
- breast pain
- bloating and swelling
- headache
- tiredness
- body aches
What are some treatment approaches to PMS?
- Exercise, relaxation techniques (mild, moderate and severe) EFFECTIVE ?
- SNRIs, SSRIs (mod-severe)
- Cyclic OC use (drospirenone) or continuous OC use (any progestin)
- Role of NHPs ?
What is Mastalgia?
- Breath tenderness or pain: Dull ache, heaviness, tightness, burning sensation
- Cyclic vs non-cyclic nostalgia; can be variable depending on hormonal fluctuations
- New onset must always be evaluated by MD; rule out pathology (breast cancer)
Describe Cyclic Mastalgia
- 70% of women experience some mild pain/swelling cyclically, before menstruation (approx 1 week); 11% of affected experience mod-severe pain
- Usually presents initially between ages of 20-40 yo
- Generally bilateral; can radiate to axilla area
- Caused by hormonal changes related to ovulation that stimulate the proliferation of normal glandular breast tissue = pain!
Calcium can be used to treat ____
PMS
Forms of calcium ?
- Calcium carbonate
- Calcium citrate
Natural sources of calcium ?
- dairy products
- fortified orange juice
- soy milk
- fish canned with it’s bones
- dark green vegetables
- nuts, seeds, tofu
Is Calcium safe ?
Likely safe when taken orally, within tolerate upper intake levels (2000-2500 mg per day) - must consider all intake sources
SE of calcium ?
GI upset, constipation
Is Calcium effective for PMS?
Likely effective - approx 1000mg daily improves mood, water-retention and pain of PMS
Mechanism of Calcium for PMS?
Variations in estrogen levels during premenstrual period may limit calcium absorption and metabolism»_space; lower Ca2+ levels, may contribute to mood & other symptoms associated with PMS
Ca2+ involved in production of serotonin
Vitamin B6 is used for ?
PMS and mastalgia
Natural sources of Vitamin B6?
- cereal grains
- legumes
- vegetables
- liver
- meat
- eggs
Is Vitamin B6 safe?
possibly safe when taken orally, exceeding RDA (recommended dietary allowance)
SE of Vitamin B6
- n&v
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- headache
Sensory neuropathy @ high dose (>1000mg daily)
Is Vitamin B6 effective?
Possibly effective:
-50-100mg may improve nostalgia and possibly PMS-related depression (limited evidence); more evidence as combo with Mg2+
Mechanism of Vitamin B6?
Unclear; may possess some anti-inflammatory properties. Some theories suggest minor Vitamin B6 deficiency
What can Chasteberry be used for?
PMS and mastalgia
Active components of Chasteberry?
Berry “fruit”: iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, linoleic acid, progestins
Is Chasteberry safe?
Likely safe - when taken orally & appropriately; safe use in studies up to 1.5 years
SE of Chasteberry?
mild, GI reactions, itching, rash, headache, fatigue, acne & menstrual disturbances
Effectiveness of Chasteberry?
Possibly effective:
-20-40mg daily (typical dose) may improve nostalgia and PMS-related symptoms
Mechanism of Chasteberry?
Some women with PMS and nostalgia have elevated prolactin levels; components of chaste berry inhibit prolactin release through dopamine receptor agonism (D2)
Magnesium food sources
Legumes, whole grains, vegetables (especially broccoli, squash, green leafy vegetables), seeds and nuts (almonds)
Is magnesium safe?
likely safe when taken orally, below UL (UL = 350 mg daily)
SE of magnesium ?
diarrhea
Is magnesium effective?
Possibly effective:
-200mg elemental Mg2+ (common dose) may improve PMS-related symptoms (mood, fluid retention), often combined with B6 (50mg) to help with PMS-related anxiety symptoms (nervous tension, mood swings, irritability)
What is magnesium used for?
PMS
Mechanism of magnesium for PMS
intracellular levels of Mg2+ found to be lower in women with PMS
What is Ginkgo biloba used for?
PMS and mastalgia
Is ginkgo biloba safe?
Likely safe:
When used orally and appropriately (trial data up to 6 years), BUT some concern over carcinogenic effects in animals (high doses; hepatic, thyroid, gastric & nasal CA observed)
SE of ginkgo biloba
mild GI upset, headache, dizziness, palpitations, constipation & allergic skin reactions
Is Ginkgo biloba safe?
Possibly effective
-may reduce breast tenderness and other physical/psychological PMS symptoms (start on Day 16 of cycle and continue until Day 5)
Mechanism of Ginkgo biloba?
unclear - possibly due to anti-inflammatory properties