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Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Expert Women's Health Insights | Specialist Obstetrician & Gynecologist   Hormones are the body's chemical messengers: little molecules that are sent around the body through the blood and are responsible for virtually all the body's functions; these include everything from mood and metabolism, through to reproduction and sleep. If the messengers become unbalanced, the effects can spread to the whole of the body, and they are often seriously detrimental to health.  Hormonal imbalance is surprisingly common and can affect women of all ages, but women in particular are susceptible during certain periods of their lives: puberty, pregnancy, postnatal depression, and menopause. Understanding the underlying causes, knowing the signs and symptoms, as well as the treatments available, is the first step towards taking control. What are hormone imbalances? A hormonal imbalance exists in the body when the concentration of one or more hormones in the blood supply is either too high ...

When Do You Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

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Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, especially those over the age of 50. While most knee pain can be managed with medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes, there comes a point for some patients when these conservative treatments simply stop working. That is when knee replacement surgery becomes a serious consideration. But how do you know if you've reached that point? Understanding the signs, the conditions that lead to surgery, and what to expect can help you make a more informed decision about your joint health. What Is Knee Replacement Surgery? Knee replacement surgery is a procedure where the bad parts of the knee joint are taken out and new artificial parts are put in. These new parts are made of metals and special plastics. The main idea of knee replacement surgery is to stop the pain and help people move better. It is also supposed to make life better for people who have bad knees. There is also another way to do knee replacement surgery: it ...

Why Do I Feel Chest Pain After Eating? Causes & When to Worry

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Chest pain after a meal can be alarming. Your first instinct may be to fear the worst — a heart attack. But in many cases, the discomfort you feel after eating has a digestive origin rather than a cardiac one. That said, chest pain of any kind should never be entirely dismissed. Understanding what causes chest pain after eating — and knowing the warning signs that demand urgent medical attention — can help you make smarter decisions about your health.     What Causes Chest Pain After Eating? 1. Acid Reflux (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the reason for chest pain after eating. When the valve between your esophagus and stomach relaxes, much stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus. This causes a burning feeling in your chest, also known as heartburn. It usually gets worse after meals when you lie down or bend over. Some foods and drinks that can make it worse include fatty meals, caffeine and alcohol. GERD can be really uncomfortable. Acid reflux can h...