Shop

Category: Health

Back to blog
Known as morning sickness, nausea is a common pregnancy symptom.

Common pregnancy symptoms & how to deal with them

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes and while each pregnancy is unique, there are some common pregnancy symptoms that many mothers-to-be experience. We’ve created a list of some of the most common pregnancy symptoms along with how you can manage them while being safe for you and your baby. Nausea & morning sickness This is probably the most well-known symptom associated with being pregnant. Feeling nauseous or throwing up is likely linked to the hormonal changes happening in your body. A few ways to deal with this common pregnancy symptom are: Read more: 10 best foods for pregnancy for health babies Tiredness & fatigue Growing an entire human being can be draining on your body, leading to you feeling exhausted. Be sure to prioritize rest by taking short naps can help with sleepiness during the day and aiming to get 8+ hours of sleep at night. Making sure you stay hydrated, eating nutritious foods and getting more frequent, low intensity exercise can help to minimize the feeling of fatigue. Shop now: Zoie Health’s pregnancy accessories  Emotional changes & mood swings Many expecting mothers say that intense changes to their mood are a common pregnancy symptom. With the large increase in hormones in the body, many pregnant women experience mood swings that are uncharacteristic for them. To help regulate your hormones, try incorporating activities that will help reduce stress like meditation or low-intensity exercise. Talking to your friends and family can also help you to feel emotionally supported. Shop now: Zoie Health pregnancy supplements If you are pregnant and have any concerns about these common pregnancy symptoms or anything else that you are experiencing, speaking to a healthcare professional will be the best way to get the right kind of care and treatment for your unique pregnancy. To book a virtual appointment with a Zoie Health professional today, click here.  Sources: American Pregnancy Association

While every women is different, those dealing with heavy periods may need to monitor their iron levels

Heavy periods? You should check your iron levels

It’s normal for periods to last for 3-7 days, but if you are experiencing heavy periods there may be an underlying health condition causing this. Losing a lot of blood during your period can lead to low iron levels which can negatively impact your health. We want you to better understand what causes this and what can be done about it. What causes this? Women who experience heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, often bleed more heavily or for longer. This means the body is losing large amounts of blood and tissue filled with iron. Over time, this can lead to the iron store in the body being depleted and causing an iron deficiency or even anemia.  There are multiple things that could cause you to have heavy periods including: Read more: How to know if you have PCOS, endometriosis or both? What can I do to improve my iron levels? Introducing more iron into your diet is one of the best ways to increase iron levels in your body. Try eating foods that contain higher amount of iron in them, some examples are: Supplementing with iron tablets is also a convenient and stable way of making sure you’re getting enough iron daily. Combining an iron supplement with vitamin C, either in a supplement form or in your diet, can help with absorption. Read more: 5 reasons you should start taking the right supplements today + Quiz If you are experiencing heavy periods or are just feeling uncertain about your period, speaking with a women’s healthcare professional can help you to find the right diagnosis and treatment for you. To book a virtual consultation with a Zoie Health professional, click here. Sources: Mayo Clinic, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Institute of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Skip the lines and start using an online pharmacy today!

Why you should use an online pharmacy according to this pharmacist

Life’s busy – we all know that. Who has the time to stand in long lines to collect much-needed medication when we have so many other important things on our plate? That’s why Jani van der Hoven (M.Phil Clinical Pharmacology), one of our resident pharmacists, wants you to know about Zoie Health’s online pharmacy. Here’s how our online pharmacy can benefit you and how you can use it. The benefits: “Members can easily order medications and healthcare products from the comfort of their own home or office, saving time and effort. This is especially beneficial for busy professionals, parents, or those with tight schedules who find it difficult to visit a pharmacy during a busy day”, says Jani van der Hoven. Read more: The number 1 postpartum guide for new moms Some of the other benefits of using an online pharmacy include: According to Jani van der Hoven, “Zoie Health’s online pharmacy is designed to offer you convenience, accessibility, and expert support. We strive to provide you with a personalised experience, ensuring that your health is our top priority.” Read more: 5 reasons you should start taking the right supplements today + Quiz The process: These are the quick and simple steps for using the Zoie Health online pharmacy: “If you need any advice or guidance regarding over-the-counter medication, a pharmacist will be available to assist you. We are here to ensure that you make informed decisions and select the right medication for your needs”, say Jani van der Hoven. Click here to visit Zoie Health’s online pharmacy today. If you would like to book a hassle-free virtual consultation with Zoie Health’s experts, click here.

When it comes to the best period products, we've created a list to help you find your menstrual match!

Our list of the best period products

As women, we’re all too familiar with the usual symptoms of our periods. Thankfully, we have access to a large number of the best period products to help deal with our monthly cycle and improve the way we experience these symptoms. While each of us has our differences in how we like to handle our unique cycle, we’ve created a list of some of the best period products available so you can find the tools that best suit you and your body. Period cups A popular alternative to pads and tampons, menstrual cups have gained popularity in recent years. One of the main benefits is being able to reuse the same cup for several years, as the cup can be washed and stored in between uses. Most cups also have a high volume capacity, meaning that they hold more blood than traditional pads and tampons. They can also be worn for long periods of time without the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) which is a small but possible risk when using tampons for extended periods of time. Shop now: Menstrual cup Period underwear For those who experience discomfort when using tampons or pads, period underwear may be the best period product alternative on this list. While they may look like a regular pair of panties, they have a special lining which is very absorbent so you won’t need to worry about leaking or bleeding through onto your clothes.  Once they’re been used, simply throw them in with the rest of your washing so they’re ready to use during your next period. It’s recommended that they’re washed in cold water but washing instructions are provided for the best way to maintain them. They are also a great option while sleeping, as they are as comfortable as normal underwear, or for those who have recently started having their periods and are still getting used to using other period products. Shop now: Period underwear Water bottles This is a classic, almost being stereotypical in sitcoms and movies, yet still being one of the best period products out there. Placing heat on the areas where you experience cramps can bring relief and comfort during your period. A modern improvement on this is the chargeable water bottle. All the benefits of a regular one without the risk of spilling hot water all over the place or even yourself. Simply plug the charger into the water bottle and you’ll have a nice warm bottle in minutes, all without needing to replace the liquid within. Shop now: Rechargeable hot water bottle Organic pads & tampons Most of us are familiar with regular tampons and pads, having probably used them from our very first period up until today. The major difference between those and the organic version is that the cotton used for the pads and tampons are free from pesticides, fragrances, dyes and bleaches. While this may seem like a small difference, it could make a large impact on your reproductive health as being exposed to these chemicals could be negatively affecting your body without you even realizing it. Those with skin sensitivity can benefit greatly from switching to the organic version. Painkillers While these can be used for more than just periods, many of us rely on low-dose painkillers during our period. These medications are available without a script from a doctor and help to reduce the pain often associated with cramping during your period. Popular options for painkillers include: Shop now: Zoie Health CBD Pain Relief While these options are sufficient for most women, a stronger painkiller may be necessary for those who experience more extreme symptoms. This could be caused by a number of things so if you experience painful cramps, speak to your doctor about your options. Read more: Is this normal? Period FAQs and their answers TENS device Probably the newest product on our list, a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS device uses harmless, low-level electric currents to help reduce the pain of period cramps. Some of these devices are small and discreet enough that they can be worn while out of the house. The electrodes are attached to the skin in the area where you feel the pain and once you turn the device on, it helps to stimulate the area. This helps to release endorphins as well as to block the pain signal in the body, both of which help to lessen the pain caused by cramping. Read more: PMDD: What is it exactly? Period tracking apps We all know our typical period cycle lasts about 28 days and yet somehow it manages to sneak up on us, usually when we plan on wearing a bikini or our new white pants. By using a period tracking app, you’ll know exactly when your next period is due plus you can monitor your cycle for any irregularities. It can also be a useful tool for those trying to conceive as these apps also track when you’re ovulating. Being aware of your fertility window can help increase your odds of having a positive pregnancy result. After downloading your app of choice, start inputting the relevant information about your cycle. You’ll receive helpful notifications about the different phases you’re experiencing, allowing you to better understand your unique cycle. Shop now: Zoie Health’s PMS/Period Bundle Speaking to a women’s healthcare professional can help you to find the best period products for you and treatments to help deal with any symptoms you may be experiencing. To speak to a Zoie Health professional, click here to book a virtual consultation today. Sources: Zoie Health professionals, NIH, Harvard, American Academy of Family Physicians, NIH, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic

Discover our 5 reasons for why you should start taking the right supplements for you today

5 reasons you should start taking the right supplements today

When it comes to improving your health, taking the right supplements could be a complete game-changer. Taking the correct types of supplements for your body and personal needs could have multiple positive effects on your lifestyle and overall well being. Let’s take a look at 5 reasons why you should start taking the right supplements today: 1. Improve your overall health Supplements, when used correctly, can help fill any nutritional gaps in your diet, and help you to manage your intake of all essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that you need to maintain your health.  Certain supplements are designed to help those with particular health conditions or concerns while others are formulated for overall health for the majority of people. When taking the correct supplements for your lifestyle and needs, you can help maintain and improve your health. These benefits can be seen in a multitude of areas in your body including: Shop now: Zoie Health Vitamins & Supplements 2. Customize them to your unique needs As individual women, our bodies are unique and have different needs. Some of us may need more or less of certain nutrients and when these needs aren’t met, we can experience deficiencies. By turning to supplements, these issues can be addressed in a personalized way.  This is also ideal for those who have certain dietary restrictions like being vegetarian or vegan. For those who choose to exclude animal products and by-products, experiencing a lack of vital minerals and vitamins is common. Healthcare providers can determine your current nutritional needs and give you a personalized dietary and supplement plan to help improve your health. This will allow you to better understand your body and provide the nutrition it needs, by incorporating certain foods into your diet or taking daily supplements to maintain the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals you need. Read more: These are the best super foods studies show that boost fertility 3. Provide additional support during specific milestones Like with many aspects of life, our needs change over time; this is exactly the same with nutrition. During certain stages of life or milestone events, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause, the amounts of certain nutrients can increase or subside. For pregnant women, it is common to be prescribed with a number of different supplements as they are considered important for the growth and development of the baby in the womb as well as the health of the expecting mother.  Menopause is another example of where supplementing is useful. Many changes occur in the body during this time and by taking the right supplements, this helps to manage common symptoms and balance hormones. By taking the right supplements with these specific events in mind, you can give your body exactly what it needs during these phases to have a beneficial outcome for your health. Shop now: Zoie Health Pregnancy Supplements 4. It’s simple, convenient and practical As modern women, we all have busy, jam-packed lives juggling work, family, exercise, hobbies, and other responsibilities. The thought of needing to add just one more thing to this overfilled plate sounds exhausting. Supplementing in the form of pills is probably the most practical and convenient way to do it as you know the exact amounts of each nutrient, removing any confusing guesswork.  Taking supplements is a low-effort, high-impact way of improving your general health. With the use of tools like a medication organizer, incorporating the right supplements into your schedule will be quick and easy to do. Take the quiz: What type of supplements should you be taking? 5. Enhanced your fitness Supplements are a great addition to your fitness routine. While some supplements help to improve your athletic performance, others can assist you in your recovery after working out. You don’t need to be a professional athlete in order to see the benefits of using the right supplements. Whether you enjoy hitting the gym first thing or going for a relaxed walk to unwind after a long work day, using supplements designed to improve your workouts will have a positive impact no matter your fitness level. Curious about which supplements would be the best to take? Take the Zoie Health quiz “What type of supplements should you be taking?” to find out the right supplements for you or click here to book a hassle-free virtual consultation with our Zoie Health professionals who can help you with any nutritional concerns. Sources: Zoie Health professionals, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Health Service (NHS), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Osteoporosis Foundation, American Dietetic Association

As women, we all have period FAQs when it comes to our cycles.

Is this normal? Period FAQs and their answers

Just like women, periods aren’t one-size-fits-all yet there are many period FAQs that we may not want to ask out loud. Even when we do, we may not get the best answers and can feel even more confused than before. When women better understand their periods and what’s going on with their cycle, they can feel empowered by that knowledge and know how they can seek out the help they need when they need it. Speak to a qualified healthcare provider about all you period FAQs so you can get the best treatment for you. Here’s our list of period FAQs and the answers every woman should know about: How do I know if my menstrual cycle is a normal length? A menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with an average cycle length of 28 days. One cycle is usually counted as the number of days between the start of your period until the start of your next period. In order to find out how long your period is and to see if your cycle is regular, tracking your menstrual cycle is important. Start by marking the first day of your period on a calendar and the first day of your next period. Then count the number of days between these two dates to determine your cycle length. Do this over several months and see how many days each cycle is and if it’s consistent. Many women are now using period tracking apps in order to keep track of your menstrual cycle and to see when they are becoming irregular. Monitoring your cycle is a great tool for understanding your reproductive health and knowing when something could be wrong. What are normal PMS symptoms and how can I manage them? Premenstrual syndrome (commonly known as PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that happen in the days leading up to your period.  Symptoms of PMS usually include:  Eating more nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, and using stress management techniques like meditation can help to alleviate these symptoms. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms, you can talk to your healthcare provider about this period FAQ and what type of medication they would recommend to manage your symptoms. Read more: PMDD: What is it exactly? Why do I experience cramps during my period? Menstrual cramps are caused when the muscles around uterus begin contracting in order to shed its lining, leading to you having a period. The uterus does the same thing during childbirth, to help deliver the baby as well as the placenta. This is a normal symptom that many women experience during their period and while they can be uncomfortable, they should not be extremely painful to the point that you cannot do daily activities. My menstrual cramps are painful, how can I manage them? Dysmenorrhea is a medical name used to describe painful menstrual cramps. If you are having painful cramps during your cycle, taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help to lessen the pain.  Other options include applying heat to the lower abdomen where you can feel the cramps as well as getting regular exercise. Both of these options can help to alleviate the pain caused by cramping. Shop now: Zoie Health Period Care products Should I be concerned if my period blood is a different colour than usual? Period blood can range in colour from bright red to dark brown. This usually depends on the age of the blood and how long it’s been in your body for. A brighter shade is usually fresh blood while darker tones indicate that the blood is older.  However, if your period blood is an unusual colour and/or has a foul smell, it may be a sign of an infection or another medical condition. If this happens, contact your healthcare provider to find out what treatment you need. Can period blood be a different texture or consistency? Yes, period blood can vary in both texture and consistency. Sometimes it may be thick and clumpy or thin and watery.  Just like with a significant change to colour, if you experience significant changes in the texture or consistency of your period blood, speak with your healthcare provider about this period FAQ to find out what may be the cause of these changes and how you can treat any underlying conditions. When should I be concerned about heavy bleeding during my period? Heavy or prolonged bleeding during your period is known as menorrhagia. You may have menorrhagia if you need to change your tampon or pad very frequently or if you are passing blood clots larger than a R2 coin.  If you experience heavy bleeding during your period, it may be linked to an underlying medical condition such as fibroids or endometriosis.   Heavy menstrual bleeding can also affect the iron levels in your blood and can cause anemia. This is a condition when there is a shortage of red blood cells in the body.  Symptoms of anemia include: If you have heavy periods and are experiencing the above symptoms, you may want to speak to your doctor about taking the correct kinds of supplements and medications for your needs. Shop now: Zoie Health Vitamins & Supplements Can I still get pregnant while on my period? While it is less likely to happen then while you are ovulating, it is possible to get pregnant while on your period. This is especially true if you tend to have a shorter menstrual cycle.  This is because sperm can stay alive for up to five days inside the uterus and cervix. So if you have sex near the end of your period and then you begin to ovulate shortly after that, you have a higher chance of becoming pregnant.  If you do not want to become pregnant, it is important that you and your sex partner use contraceptives correctly no matter where you are in your cycle. Read more: Which contraceptive option is right for you? I’ve missed my

Painful sex caused by vaginismus may make you feel trapped but you are not alone.

Painful sex? Learn about vaginismus and how to enjoy sex again

When we think of sex, thoughts of pleasure and enjoyment usually aren’t too far behind. Yet for those with vaginismus, sex can be quite an uncomfortable and even painful experience. If this is something that you struggle with, you may feel isolated but it is important to remember that you’re not alone.  Vaginismus is a condition that affects many women of all ages from around the world, but with the right care and support, is a treatable and manageable condition. Let’s break down what vaginismus is and how you can effectively manage it. What is vaginismus? Vaginismus is a condition where your vaginal muscles contract and tighten involuntarily during sex or another form of penetration such as having a routine gynecological exam. This can cause extreme amounts of pain and discomfort, sometimes leading to your sexual partner being unable to penetrate during sex. For those women dealing with vaginismus, this condition has a negative impact in multiple areas of their lives including their relationships with others especially sexual partners, their physical and mental health as well as their perceived self-worth. The symptoms of this condition can worsen due to this negative impact on their lives, creating a difficult cycle to break without the right kind of help. Symptoms While pain and discomfort during sex is usually the main symptom, other symptoms of vaginismus may include: Read more: 5 things sex coaches really wish you knew about sex Causes A variety of factors can lead to vaginismus including physical, psychological, or emotional issues. Some of the common causes include: Read more: How to know if you have PCOS or endometriosis, or both In order to effectively treat vaginismus, doctors and other medical professionals must first figure out what is the root of the issue. Once this has been identified, effective treatment can begin. Often medical professionals will work alongside therapists and counselors in order to create a well-rounded treatment plan for you. Treatment options Treatments will vary depending on the underlying cause of vaginismus so your treatment will be unique to your individual needs. These treatments may include: Read more: Chronic pelvic pain: 4 ways to *really* manage your mental health In some cases, medication may also be prescribed by a healthcare professional. These medications can include a low-dose antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication if the cause of vaginismus is linked to any anxiety or fear related to having sex.  Additionally, a prescription for a topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine, can help to reduce pain or discomfort when applied just before any sexual activity.  With the right treatment plan and appropriate care, women with vaginismus are able to manage their symptoms enough that they can use tampons, have a gynecological exam done and enjoy sex again, all without the fear of experiencing extreme pain and discomfort. Shop now: Zoie Health’s CBD pain relief Getting a diagnosis While you may be experiencing the symptoms and suspect that you may have vaginismus, it is important to get proper diagnosed before beginning any form of treatment on your own. Working with a healthcare provider who specializes in women’s sexual health is vital. They will be able to give you the correct diagnosis as well as the best care and treatment for you.  Our Zoie Health professionals are ready to help you find the right treatment plan personalised for you. Click here to book a virtual consultation today. Sources: Zoie Health professionals, Mayo Clinic, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Health Service UK, National Institutes of Health

Diagnosis is the first step in treating syphilis, medical professionals like our Zoie Health experts can help you with this.

Let’s talk about syphilis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

When it comes to talking about syphilis, as well as other sexually transmitted infection, many of us would rather shy away from this taboo topic and remain in the dark. But being informed this STI is the best way to stop it from spreading and empower those who have been infected to get the treatment they need to make a full recovery. What is syphilis?  Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. The way in which this infection is spread is through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a person who is already infected.  Syphilis can be particularly dangerous for expecting mothers as, in some cases, the infection can be transmitted from the pregnant mother to her unborn baby in the womb. Read more: Gonorrhea: Here’s the latest plus what to know about it Symptoms: Symptoms of syphilis can vary depending on the stage of the infection and will change overtime if it remains untreated. Some people do not experience any symptoms at all yet are still able to infect others. In the early stages, a painless sore or ulcer (known as a chancre) appears on the body about three weeks after infection most likely in the area where the infection was contracted. This chancre will heal on it’s own within a few weeks of it first developing. During the secondary stage, a rash may develop on the body, often including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.  Other symptoms that occur with the rash may include: After this, latent syphilis can occur: this is when the the infection is still living in the body but there are no visible symptoms often leading to people believing there is no issue. This stage can last for several years. In the later stage of syphilis, the infection can cause damage to many areas of the body including the brain, heart, liver, bones, joints and nerves. A loss of vision and hearing as well as paralysis and dementia can also happen when it remains untreated. Getting diagnosed:  When it comes to syphilis, early diagnosis is vital for treatment and recovery. Rapid testing kits are fast and easy to use as they usually take less than 20 minutes to get results and many can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Shop here: Zoie Health’s Syphilis Test Kit If you receive a positive test result, it is recommended that you seek out medical assistance for the health and safety of you and your sexual partners. Having a healthcare professional confirm the test results is the best way to begin receiving the appropriate treatment. Treatment options: If diagnosed early enough, syphilis can be treated with a course of antibiotics, usually penicillin. Even if your symptoms disappear, it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider.  This can lead to the infection not being treated completely and risk having the symptoms return but will now be more resistant to medical treatment. If left untreated, syphilis can cause numerous serious health problems, damage to several organs and even death in the most serious cases. How to prevent infection: To prevent being infected with syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases, practicing safe sex is essential. This includes using condoms during sex and getting tested regularly for STIs. It is also important to disclose any STIs to your sexual partners and ask them to do the same for you before engaging in sex. Shop here: Zoie Health’s STD Combo Test Kit If you have had sex with an infected person or you are experiencing symptoms of syphilis, contact a health provider as soon as possible to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for you. For fast and discreet medical assistance, click here to book an online consultation with a Zoie Health professional today. Sources: Zoie Health medical experts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Find out exactly what medications and remedies to use for cold and flu during pregnancy.

Cold and flu during pregnancy? Here’s our list of baby-safe medications and remedies

Dealing with cold and flu during pregnancy may seem confusing but is very manageable if you know what to do. The first sign of a sniffle will probably have you reaching for your go-to medications but if you’re currently pregnant, you’ll want to make sure everything you use is safe for you and your baby. Some common and seemingly harmless products may cause some negative side effects for expecting mother. This is why many moms-to-be look for alternative treatments and choose to use a combination of natural remedies and pharmaceutical products during their pregnancy. Pregnancy-safe natural remedies Natural remedies are great options that can be used whether or not you’re pregnant. They often aren’t as potent as pharmaceuticals but offer more gentle relief for cold and flu during pregnancy. Here are some common natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms: It is important to remember that natural remedies should not replace medical treatment, and expecting mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any natural remedies. Shop now: Zoie Health’s Pregnancy Products Pregnancy-safe medications As pregnant women are generally excluded from clinical trials for safety reasons, there is a limited number for medications considered safe for expecting mother to use. Here are some commonly used medications that are safe for cold and flu during pregnancy: Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe you other medications. These decisions are made at an individual level and they will take into consideration your medical history and the severity of your symptoms as well as the potential risks and benefits of the treatment. Shop now: Zoie Health’s Online Pharmacy Medications to avoid during pregnancy While these medications are considered safe to use normally, they can cause potential harm to pregnant women. Avoid using these and look for alternatives. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen (Neurofen) and Aspirin (Disprin) are not recommended for cold and flu during pregnancy. While it is particularly important to avoid use during the third trimester, it is better to refrain from using these medications throughout your pregnancy. While they are considered safe to use normally, they can have a negative impact on your baby’s development so it is best to use suitable alternatives. Read more: The Ultimate Childbirth Checklist Additional measures for expecting mothers In addition to taking medications and remedies, here are some other steps you can take in order to help manage the symptoms of cold and flu during pregnancy. These simple steps include: It is important to always check with a healthcare provider before using any medications, remedies or treatments during pregnancy. This is to ensure the health and safety of both your and your baby during your pregnancy.  Our Zoie Health professionals are ready to assist you in finding the best treatment options to keep you and your baby safe. To book a hassle-free virtual consultation today, click here. Sources: Zoie Health medical experts, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Chest,

A severe form of PMS, PMDD affects 5% of women globally.

PMDD: What is it exactly?

Who is affected? Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, commonly known as PMDD, is a severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). About 5% of women globally are diagnosed with this condition and is more often linked to women who have a personal or family history of depression, anxiety, and/or other mood disorders.  This chronic health condition causes significant emotional and physical symptoms which interfere with the daily lifestyle, activities and relationships of women diagnosed with PMDD. Read more: Tools to help manage your mental health What are the symptoms? Common PMDD symptoms include: These symptoms need to happen consistently in the second half of your menstrual cycle and are severe enough to impact the quality of daily activities and relationships in order to be diagnosed with PMDD. The symptoms also usually go away a few days after the start of your period. What are treatment options? Treatments for PMDD may include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both. Examples of lifestyle changes can include: Some women choose to use medications to help relieve some of the physical symptoms. These can include: While PMDD is a serious condition, it’s important to remember that, with the right treatment plan and professional care, many women are able to manage and reduce their symptoms and still experience an excellent quality of life.  Shop now: Zoie Health’s period care products How do I get diagnosed? If you think you may have PMDD, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider so you can receive the correct diagnosis, treatment plan and care that you need. Zoie Health’s expert healthcare professionals are ready to help you, click here to book your virtual consultation today. Sources: Zoie Health medical experts, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Institute of Mental Health, Mayo Clinic