Low sexual desire in women has been a complex and understudied issue, often overshadowed by its male counterpart. Low sexual desire in women is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors, including psychological, hormonal, and relational elements. Historically, addressing this concern has been challenging, and the approval of medications specifically targeting female sexual dysfunction has been met with both anticipation and skepticism. Currently on the market is two FDA approved medications for women to combat low sexual desire. Bremelanotide, often dubbed the “female Viagra,” and Flibanserin, marketed as a treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), have both received regulatory approval. However, the approval processes for these drugs raise critical questions about the fallacy of regulatory precedent in addressing women’s sexual health. Bremelanotide, an injectable medication, has faced scrutiny for its potential side effects, including nausea and vomiting. While it has been approved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), concerns linger about the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment. Flibanserin, approved as a daily pill for premenopausal women with HSDD, has been on the market for a few years. However, its approval process was not without controversy, with initial rejections citing marginal efficacy and significant side effects. The ongoing debate questions whether the regulatory approval truly aligns with the needs of women seeking solutions for low sexual desire. The approval of Bremelanotide and Flibanserin raises broader questions about the regulatory framework for women’s sexual health medications. Critics argue that the bar for approval may be lower than for male counterparts, potentially leading to the availability of drugs with questionable efficacy and safety profiles. While the approval of Bremelanotide and Flibanserin signifies progress in acknowledging and addressing low sexual desire in women, it also prompts a reevaluation of regulatory standards. As discussions surrounding women’s sexual health gain momentum, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the fallacy of regulatory precedent and ensure that approved medications genuinely meet the diverse needs of women, both in terms of efficacy and safety. As we navigate this evolving landscape, critical dialogue and continued research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of treatments for low sexual desire in women. While these medications may be one solution to improving sexual desire, there are several other options to consider. Topical testosterone therapy is a promising option practitioners can prescribe for both pre and postmenopausal women. There are also numerous herbs backed by research studies such as Maca, Fenugreek, Tribulus, and Ashwagandha that may also provide improvement. Ultimately, it falls upon the practitioner to provide all available treatment options and collaborate with the patient to determine the most suitable approach to address their specific needs. Article by Danielle Melvin, N.D. Source:...

Endometriosis is defined as a chronic, multi-mechanistic and estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease, that is often debilitating to many women worldwide. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, leading to pain, inflammation, and the formation of cysts. Conventional treatments include surgery, pain medication, and hormonal therapies, however, emerging research suggests that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) might offer additional benefits. NAC, known for its antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects on tissue, has been shown in previous studies to alleviate pelvic pain and reduce the size of endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries due to endometriosis). Emerging research is also theorizing that NAC may also reduce Cancer Antigen 125 (Ca125) production and help improve fertility. The focus of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of NAC in reducing endometriosis related pain, improve fertility, and reduce Ca125 serum levels. Patients were given 600mg of oral NAC, 3 tablets/day for 3 consecutive days of the week for 3 months. After 3 months, the intensity of menstrual cramps, pain with vaginal penetration during sex and chronic pelvic pain were evaluated along with evaluation of endometrioma size via transvaginal ultrasound. Serum Ca125 levels were determined as well as fertility outcomes. 120 patients ages between 18 and 45 years old with clinical/ instrumental or surgical/ histological diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited for this study. Exclusion criteria included 1) pre-menarche and menopausal 2) known hypersensitivity to NAC 3) current hormone treatment, cancer diagnosis, or pregnancy. Results showed significant improvement in the intensity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, decrease in serum Ca125 levels, and decrease in the size of endometriomas among the patients. Out of a total of 52 patients with reproductive desires, 39 successfully achieved pregnancy within 6 months of starting NAC treatment. Overall, NAC is a promising natural therapy to help patients struggling with endometriosis manage their pain, improve quality of life, and enhance fertility outcomes. NAC is usually used in combination with other natural therapies that target additional mechanisms involved in endometriosis. These include resveratrol, melatonin, pine bark extract, green tea, and curcumin. Individual treatment plans are based on the specific pelvic symptoms, health history and other medical conditions that the patient is experiencing. Article by Danielle Melvin, N.D. Source: Anastasi E, Scaramuzzino S, Viscardi MF, Viggiani V, Piccioni MG, Cacciamani L, Merlino L, Angeloni A, Muzii L, Porpora MG. Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis-Related Pain, Size Reduction of Ovarian Endometriomas, and Fertility Outcomes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Mar 7;20(6):4686. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20064686. PMID: 36981595; PMCID:...

The Menstrual cycle is divided into two events and two phases: Menses (your “period”) Follicular phase (phase 1) Ovulation Luteal phase (phase 2) MENSES (“PERIOD”) This is DAY 1 of your new cycle. It is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) that grew during your previous cycle. All hormone levels are low. FOLLICULAR PHASE Begins on day 1 of your new cycle (1st day of your period). Defines the first half of the cycle (roughly the first 14 days), from menses to ovulation. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, triggers follicles in the ovaries to produce Estrogen. This phase is dominated by Estrogen. What does Estrogen do?  causes eggs to mature (so they’re ready for ovulation). builds uterine lining (for implantation of a fertilized egg). makes fertile quality cervical fluid (for sperm to travel through to fertilize the egg). Right before ovulation (theoretically day 13 in a 28-day cycle), cervical fluid quality and estrogen levels are at their peak, and the cervix is high and open. At the end of the follicular phase, high estrogen levels trigger a surge of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) from the pituitary gland which completes the growth of the follicle (containing the egg) and stimulates ovulation. OVULATION The egg is released from the follicle within the ovary and is transported to the Fallopian tube. The egg survives for 24 hours after ovulation. Date of ovulation determines your cycle length. Ovulation does not always occur on day 14. Ovulatory bleeding is normal, which looks like mid-cycle spotting. Ovulation is indicated by a subtle increase in basal body temperature (BBT). Multiple ovulation (2 eggs released in 24 hours) can occur, this is more common in older women. LUTEAL PHASE Defines the second half of the cycle, between ovulation and menses. Length stays fairly consistent each cycle, lasting between 12-16 days (average is 13, 14). Maximum is 16 days. This phase must last at least 10 days for embryo implantation into the uterine lining. The length of this phase is not affected by external factors (i.e-stress), therefore a late period is usually due to delayed ovulation. The follicle that housed the released egg turns into the “corpus luteum” and produces progesterone. This phase is dominated by Progesterone. What does Progesterone do? keeps the lining of the uterus thick in case an embryo implants. produces body heat (reason for increased Body Basal Temperature post-ovulation). causes changes in cervical fluid and position. prevents release of another egg during the same cycle. What happens if a sperm fertilizes the egg? If a sperm fertilizes the egg within 24 hours after ovulation, then 7 days later the “blastocyst” (the stage between fertilized egg and embryo)...

Take a glance around the room you are in and see how many items are made from plastic. You may be surprised to learn that the clothing you are wearing and the surface you are sitting on likely contains plastic. We are living in the “Plasticine” a new historical epoch used by scientists to describe the ubiquity of plastics in our environment (and our bodies!). Microplastics are tiny plastics (some are 100 times smaller in diameter than a human hair), and they have been found in varying concentrations in marine and fresh water, soil, agroecosystems, air/atmosphere, food, drinking water, plants, animals, and even in polar regions! This is truly the definition of ubiquitous. Microplastics and nanoplastics introduce toxic chemicals into our ecosystems and our bodies, and as of now we don’t fully understand the health impact that this has on our planet and all living creatures, including humans. In general, there is lack of knowledge and regulation regarding many of substances used in the plastic industry. Many of the substances used to produce plastics are known to be harmful to humans especially the “additives” which give plastics their specific qualities. Types of additives include fillers, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, dyes, and flame-retardants, many of which are toxic and have high potential to contaminate our water, air and soil. (Examples of fillers include talc and asbestos; examples of plasticizers include cadmium, barium, lead salts, BPAs and phthalates; Dyes are often made from heavy metals.) One of the most concerning group of chemicals used in plastic production are called Endocrine Disruptor Compounds, or EDCs. EDCs are chemicals that are not naturally produced by the human body but effect human hormones, glands and organs involved in the hormonal system. EDCs can be ingested, inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Exposure to EDCs is associated with many health conditions, including  hormonal cancers (breast, prostate, testes), reproductive problems (genital malformations, infertility, PCOS), metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), asthma, and neurodevelopmental conditions (learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders). Some commonly used plastic additives have gotten a lot of press for being endocrine disruptors, including Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and brominated flame retardants. Many companies have advertised their plastic products as being “BPA free,” but we now know that the replacement chemicals (BPS, BPF, BPAF), are just as dangerous if not worse for human health. BPAs (and other Bisphenol replacements) are uses as plasticizers in food storage containers, water bottles, lining for cans and jar lids, and sales receipts. Bisphenols leech into foods or liquids when the plastic is exposed to microwaves, heat, cold or just wear-and-tear. Exposure to BPAs is associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity, breast cancer, and reproductive disorders. Phthalates, are another endocrine disrupting compound used as...

It seems that cold and flu season has become more stressful for us all in recent years as we carry on in the shadow of a lingering pandemic. Contagious illness is difficult to avoid, especially in the colder months when we are spending more time indoors in close quarters with less fresh air and lower levels of vitamin D due to less sun exposure. A dry and cold environment challenges the immune system and helps some viruses to thrive. Also some viruses are seasonal and make their presence known in the winter, specifically Influenza virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). So what can we do to prevent getting sick? We know that there are general precautions we can take to decrease viral transmission like regular hand-washing, covering your face when coughing or sneezing, staying home when sick and vaccinations. And of course, getting adequate sleep and nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, which is our first-line defense against infectious disease. There are many botanical medicines, vitamins and minerals that have been used historically for illness prevention. We have decided to take a look at a few supplements that have good evidence to back up their use: Echinacea, Green Tea, Ginseng, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin C. Echinacea A meta-analysis that studied the effect of the herb Echinacea on preventing the common cold, found that different preparations made from the 3 most commonly used species of Echinacea (E. Angustifolia, E. Purpurea, E. Pallida) decreased the odds of contracting the common cold by 58%.1 Of those people who caught a cold, cold symptoms resolved quicker among those taking echinacea preventively. A recent study showed that taking 800 mg of Echinacea Purpurea extract three times a day significantly prevented corona-enveloped virus infections.2 In fact, this daily dose of echinacea reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 (“COVID-19”) infection by 63% when compared to placebo.2 Green Tea (Camellia sinesis) Several studies have shown that daily consumption of a standardized green tea extract lowers the risk of viral respiratory infections, and decreases the duration and severity of the illness if a person should become sick.3 Green tea extract contains catechins and L-theanine, two highly researched therapeutic components of green tea.3 Drinking green tea may decrease the risk of influenza in children and may dramatically lower a woman’s risk of dying from influenza.3 Ginsengs: Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) & American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) has shown to decrease the risk of viral respiratory infections by almost half (at a dose of 1 gram three times a day).3 Supplementing with only 100 mg of Panax ginseng daily has shown to provide additional protection and increased antibodies against the flu in those who...