In this article, I will break down why estrogen is an amazing hormone (but why you need progesterone to keep it in check), the most common signs of “estrogen dominance,” and some of the reasons why it occurs.

What does estrogen do for you?

Despite its negative reputation in “estrogen dominance,” estrogen is an incredible hormone. You actually have 3 types of estrogens, but the main one we will focus on is called estradiol (for simplicity I’ll refer to it simply as “estrogen” in the article).

Estrogen has the following functions:

Helps to promote the development of an egg
Promotes the growth of the uterine lining
Contributes to ovulation (in tandem with other hormones)
Helps you feel happy and energized
Promotes a healthy libido
Protects your bones
Benefits your brain function, cognition, and mental sharpness
Supports healthy, supple skin and hair
Protects your heart and cardiovascular system
Supports your metabolism
I describe estrogen as the “yang” hormone of the first half of your cycle. When present in healthy levels, estrogen helps you feel energized, confident, sexy, mentally sharp and productive, particularly in your follicular phase.

As we know from Traditional Chinese Medicine, “yang” energy must always be balanced with “yin.” In this case, that would be progesterone. Progesterone is the calming, cooling, grounding, “yin” balancing hormone.

In order for progesterone to balance estrogen and prevent “estrogen dominance,” we need to ovulate regularly. Ovulation is the key event to allow for healthy progesterone levels to be produced. If ovulation doesn’t occur, this sets us up for progesterone deficiency… and this means that estrogen is elevated relative to progesterone (i.e. “estrogen dominance”).

What you need to know about “Estrogen Dominance”

I put “estrogen dominance” in quotations because this is actually not a medical term. If you ask your medical doctor about estrogen dominance, they will probably give you a blank stare. More correctly, “estrogen dominance” is an umbrella term that describes a pattern of elevated estrogen and low progesterone, occurring together. It is the discrepancy between these two hormones that can create bothersome symptoms.

Estrogen dominance is most commonly known to occur in adolescence, when the brain and ovaries are figuring out how to regularly coordinate ovulation. During the teen years soon after menarche (the onset of the first period), it’s quite common to “skip” ovulation, which results in low progesterone, and relatively high estrogen.

This is a recipe for – you guessed it – estrogen dominance. Remember those heavy periods, cramps, acne, and crazy mood swings as a teen? That was estrogen dominance.

This hormonal pattern can occur later in life as well. Hormone imbalances that cause anovulation (skipped ovulation), such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also have patterns of elevated estrogen and low progesterone.

Additionally, hormones start to shift in the 40’s during the perimenopause time, leading to fluctuating estrogen and low progesterone. If you’re in your 40’s and your period is suddenly very heavy, or your PMS is worsening, this could be the “estrogen dominance” pattern emerging.

You may be more likely to have elevated estrogen and low progesterone if:

You have PCOS
You aren’t ovulating regularly
You’re in your 40’s and are going through perimenopause
You have signs of low progesterone

10 Signs You May Have Estrogen Dominance

These are some of the common signs I examine for in women concerned about elevated estrogen. Some of these symptoms can overlap with other hormone concerns, such as thyroid problems, so it is important to get support from a Naturopathic Physician trained in hormones to evaluate your symptoms and rule out other concerns.

1. Cyclic breast tenderness, pain or fibrocystic breasts.

Some women experience an increase in breast fullness or tenderness around ovulation or before the period. This is a response to fluctuating estrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle. “Fibrocystic breast changes” basically means dense breast tissue and/or breast tenderness, and is diagnosed via ultrasound. Women with fibrocystic breasts notice monthly breast tenderness. Women with these breast symptoms may have elevated estrogen, or an increased sensitivity to estrogen in the breast tissue.

2. Uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids grow in response to elevated estrogen levels. They are more common in women in their 30’s and 40’s and during perimenopause. Once menopause occurs, estrogen levels in the body drop, and fibroids often shrink on their own.

3. PMS moodiness, especially with irritability, tearfulness, or mood swings.

When estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, this can worsen PMS symptoms.

4. PMS-related headaches.

Hormone headaches or “menstrual migraines” tend to occur in the days before or during the period. Often it is the sharp decline in estrogen and/or progesterone that seems to trigger the headaches. These may be worsened in women who have higher estrogen, for example, in women going through perimenopause (see below).

5. Acne breakouts.

If you tend to break out in the first half of your menstrual cycle or around ovulation, this may be connected to estrogen. Check out this article for more information.

6. Heavy and/or irregular periods.

As mentioned earlier, one of estrogen’s main jobs is to build up the uterine lining. If we have excess estrogen, this can further build the lining and contribute to really heavy periods. If your period is very heavy, or your period is irregular and hard to predict, this can be associated with both elevated estrogen and low progesterone.

7. Weight gain around the hips and buttocks.

Estrogen is the hormone that promotes the body composition and shape that is classically associated with the female form: wider hips, larger buttocks, and breasts. Estrogen “encourages” fat deposition in these areas. This is not inherently a bad thing. Women need a higher body fat percentage compared to men for optimal hormone health. If you have noticed an increase in your weight, especially in these areas, estrogen might be one contributing factor.

8. You have signs of low progesterone, such as difficulty sleeping, short cycles (every 21-24 days), spotting, or PMS problems.

As described above, “estrogen dominance” involves a discrepancy between estrogen and progesterone. If you are estrogen dominant, that means your are ALSO relatively low in progesterone! Check out this article to learn more about the signs of low progesterone.

9. You have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a hormone balance involving anovulation, elevated testosterone, elevated insulin and blood sugar. The skipped or infrequent ovulation means the body isn’t producing enough progesterone to balance estrogen. Because of this, other signs of elevated estrogen may develop. For more information on treating PCOS, check out this article.

10. You are in your 40’s and experiencing worsened PMS, heavier periods or flooding, weight gain, hot flashes and/or night sweats.

These are signs of perimenopause. During perimenopause, progesterone is the first hormone to decline, resulting in low progesterone symptoms.

It was previously believed that estrogen slowly declines during this phase of a woman’s life, causing the classic perimenopause symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. It is now understood that rather than declining slowly, estrogen production becomes erratic and unreliable. The more frequent fluctuations in estrogen, along with low progesterone are what produce estrogen dominance symptoms: heavy periods, worsened PMS, sleep problems and hot flashes. Overall, perimenopause is a time of low progesterone and high estrogen.

What is the root cause of “estrogen dominance”?

When I am working with patients on balancing their hormones, we first need to identify their hormone pattern. This can be accomplished in a detailed initial consultation, using my hormone assessment method, and in some cases, hormone testing.

After identifying your hormone pattern, the next most important question is to ask is WHY? Why is there a pattern of “estrogen dominance” occurring?

So far in this article I’ve discussed the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone that contributes to estrogen dominance patterns. I explained that ovulation is a key event that is required to produce progesterone and keep estrogen balanced. Anovulation and low progesterone is an important hormone imbalance to understand if you have estrogen dominance symptoms (read more here).

There is another important contributing factor to estrogen dominance besides high estrogen and low progesterone. We’ve covered what happens when your body is producing excess estrogen, we haven’t yet covered how your body gets rid of estrogen.

Estrogen Metabolism

Did you know that once estrogen is used, it goes to your liver to be processed, broken down and “tagged,” then is sent to your intestines to be excreted from your body?

Furthermore, did you know that your gut bacteria play a role in your ability to excrete (or reabsorb) estrogens from your gut?

That’s right. If you’re not pooping regularly (once or more a day), and if you have certain gut bacteria, you may actually be reabsorbing estrogen back into your blood stream. This is why focusing on gut health is one of the most important pillars of hormone health.

Addressing your hormone concerns using natural medicine

If you identify with the hormone imbalance described, know that there are LOTS of ways to help balance your hormones using natural medicine! Once we identify your hormone pattern, and the cause of your hormone pattern, we can go to work on balancing your hormones. In my practice, this involves a combination of foods, herbs, nutrients, acupuncture, or sometimes bioidentical hormone therapy. Each woman receives a treatment plan that is based on her unique pattern and needs.

• Easy: Should feel like a stroll

• Moderate: Pace increases, but you can still hold a conversation

• Brisk: Talking should be tough

WEEK 1: INCREASE YOUR TIME

Split up your walk into two parts—one in the morning and one at night (or other time slots that work for you). Walk at an easy-to-moderate pace for all.

WEEK 2: CHANGE YOUR PACE

Varying the speed and intensity of your walk is an easy— and effective—way to burn more fat and calories. This week, focus on using your arms (keep elbows at sides as you swing back and forth) to propel you during the brisk portions.

WEEK 3: ADD STRENGTH

You don’t need equipment or weights to strength-train. Using your body as resistance, finding stairs and walking at an incline will help you work a whole new set of muscles in your body.

You’re not alone. Vaginal yeast infections are a widespread women’s health issue. After bacterial infections (also called bacterial vaginosis), they are the most common vaginal infection in the United States. Nearly 1.4 million American women seek medical advice for a yeast infection every year.

While in some cases you need to see a doctor for help, if your symptoms are mild, a range of natural remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, and other medications may help you find relief. Read on to learn more about how to treat your symptoms safely and quickly to keep your vagina balanced and comfortable over the long term.

Home Remedies for Yeast Infection
Mild yeast infections often clear up in a few days. More severe or recurrent yeast infections can take up to two weeks to heal completely. If you are experiencing yeast infection symptoms for more than three days, talk to a healthcare provider. Also see a doctor if you are pregnant, have chronic yeast infections, have symptoms related to an STD, or are unsure if you have a yeast infection.

On the other hand, if you have mild symptoms and want some relief, certain home remedies may help. Here’s a breakdown of what may help and what doesn’t seem to work.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. In one cell study, it appeared to kill candida albicans when taken orally. More research is necessary to confirm this benefit, so talk to a doctor before you try using coconut oil.

Boric acid
Boric acid has antifungal and antiviral properties and can be used to make homemade vaginal suppositories. It seems to help, particularly in cases when other traditional treatments have failed. One word of caution: Boric acid is toxic to a fetus, so pregnant women should avoid it.

Apple cider vinegar
Researchers do not consider apple cider vinegar a reliable treatment for a yeast infection. You should never douche with any vinegar. This can irritate the skin and can aggravate symptoms. There’s also no evidence that adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a bath will help rebalance vaginal pH.

Probiotics
Early research suggests that taking a probiotic supplement may re-introduce helpful bacteria like lactobacillus acidophilus into your body. And some women’s health experts believe these supplements help re-establish a more balanced vaginal pH. The science is inconclusive, though, so if you want relief quickly, seek a proven treatment instead.

Yogurt
Eating yogurt with live cultures may support immune health. However, it’s unclear if this means that consuming yogurt can fight or treat yeast infections. Either way, never smear yogurt on your vagina. Most yogurts contain sugar, which feeds fungi and can make yeast infection symptoms worse.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. People have used it to treat wounds and other ailments for centuries. Some studies have shown that it may be an effective topical treatment against yeast infections—when used in tandem with traditional OTC medications like fluconazole. Another essential oil, oregano oil (origanum oil), has been found in cell studies to have antimicrobial properties.

However, both of these oils require more study before researchers can recommend them as an effective treatment. If you try it anyway, never drink tea tree oil. It can be toxic when ingested orally.

Garlic
Garlic can be taken orally as a homeopathic yeast infection treatment. Always consult with your doctor to understand exactly how much garlic to take.

Although some tout garlic as a cure for all kinds of medical conditions, do not use cloves as vaginal suppositories to treat a yeast infection. There is little evidence that the practice does anything beneficial, and you may end up burning your vagina or making your condition worse.

Baking soda
Adding 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of baking soda to bathwater may help relieve some of the symptoms of an active yeast infection. Baking soda is known anecdotally to help to calm itch and soothe other ailments like athlete’s foot, poison ivy, and hives. One study showed that it may kill candida albicans too, but that’s not enough evidence to confirm it helps. Be sure to follow up with your doctor before using baking soda as a treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide
Douching with hydrogen peroxide might seem like a good idea—after all, it is famously antiseptic and used to clean open wounds of invasive microbes all of the time. Unfortunately, treating your vagina with hydrogen peroxide can throw off its pH balance even further, exacerbating a yeast infection.

Salt water
People often use salt water to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot and oral thrush. Some suggest adding salt to bathwater as a gentle way to kill candida albicans, but more research is necessary to show this works.

Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano can be used to treat a yeast infection at home. It’s easy to obtain from most health food stores or grocery stores. The best way to use this as a treatment is in capsule form, inserting at night.

If capsules aren’t an option, oil will do just as well. Apply 2-4 drops to the inside of the genital area. This oil can also be applied to a tampon, with or without coconut oil, to achieve the same medicinal effects.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an effective at home remedy for a yeast infection. Studies have found that lemongrass interacted with Candida biofilm formation in a way that would remedy a yeast infection.

This essential oil can be applied topically or as a capsule. When using it topically, it’s a good idea to use a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) when applying to the affected area.

Vitamins C and E
Both vitamins C and E can be beneficial in treating yeast infections. Because vitamin C increases the immune system and vitamin E is soothing on the skin, these vitamins are a great duo.

While the vitamin C is giving a boost to your body to fight off the infection, the vitamin E boasts anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the itchiness that often accompanies a yeast infection.

Other Treatment Options
If you have a vaginal yeast infection and want to get rid of your symptoms quickly, an OTC antifungal medication or prescription treatment may be the best option for you.

Over-the-counter medications: A wide range of OTC antifungal vaginal suppositories and lotions use tioconazole to treat yeast infections over one-, three-, and seven-day regimens. Patients insert the suppositories at bedtime and use a cream throughout the day to alleviate irritation and itch.
Prescription lotions: Two topical creams are available by prescription to fight yeast infections in people with severe symptoms. Butoconazole is a single-dose treatment, while patients use terconazole over a three- or seven-day period.
Prescription oral medication: Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a prescription oral tablet that effectively treats yeast infection. It may be taken only once or once a day for a few days. It comes with a risk of more side effects than creams and suppositories, but these effects are generally mild: headache, stomach ache, and rash.

The Lumiere Basket of Rocks, Carnival of Lights and Rock of Gibraltar lamps have dimmer switches and/or outlet plugs which could overheat and ignite.
All the lamps are pink, and were sold between July and November 2016.
Recall affects approx 80,000 lamps

Those who purchased the lamps during the five-month time period are instructed to check the barcodes and return recalled products to any U.S. Michaels store for a cash refund.
“Working together with the CPSC, we have recalled the line of Lumière Himalayan Salt Lamps sold between July 2016 and November 2016,” a Michaels spokesperson tells Bustle in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority and we have taken immediate steps to remove this product from our stores, inventories, and supply chain. We apologize to anyone who have been affected by this situation and are providing full refunds.”

What do if you have one
So what do you do if you have one?
First, make sure your lamp is one of the three being recalled by the CPSC by checking the SKU and UPC numbers.
Carnival Of Lights (SKU 495433, UPC 00886946058325) SOURCE: CPSC
The first is the Rock of Gibraltar Lamp (SKU 495144, UPC 00886946056253)
Next is the Carnival of Lights (SKU 495433, UPC 00886946058325),
And third is the Basket of Rocks (SKU 495146, UPC 00886946056277).
You can find these numbers on the product and the box they came in.
If you own one of these lamps- first, unplug the item immediately, then simply go to Michael’s with your lamp to receive a full refund.
The basic premise behind a salt lamp is to help cleanse your indoor air and provide an attractive soothing light in your home.
Using some of the most diverse measuring methodologies available, worldwide scientific tests have shown how crystal salt lamps can increase the number of negative ions released into your indoor air.
So, how do salt lamps actually work?
It’s really quite simple… a heated crystal salt lamp…
Attracts humidity causing the surface of the salt crystal to become moist Creates a buildup of ions and removes moisture from your air Binds excessive positive ions with their negative ions Helps to neutralize the “electro-smog” in your air and reduces allergens and irritants Creates potential soothing effects for you from multi-colored salt crystals
From a more scientific standpoint, three natural action principles are at work with crystal salt lamps:
Ionization — The emission of ions is primarily caused by the alternating actions of the heated salt’s ability to first attract and absorb water, and then evaporate it. The salt goes into a solution as it mixes with the water molecules.
Sodium, as positively charged ions, and chloride, as negatively charged ions, become neutral and are released into your environment — which helps reduce pollutants such as allergens and irritants from your air.
Electromagnetic oscillation — Every form of life on the planet depends on the electromagnetic field of vibration (known as the Schuman resonance frequency). Due to electronics and industrialization, your body receives artificial electromagnetic wavelengths with many diverse frequency values.
Because of the neutral atomic structure of crystal salt, a heated salt lamp helps you harmonize and balance these artificial frequencies, and neutralize “electro-smog”.
Transparent-crystalline structure developing the light waves — It’s well-known that you need the light waves of the rainbow spectrum (300-700 nanometers) for your health and preservation of your body. Your cells are supplied by light with new energy in the form of electromagnetic wavelengths.
The wavelengths of salt crystal colors fall within the upper nanometer zone (600-700 nanometers) — producing positive and soothing effects.
What’s more — I must admit, in addition to the potential indoor air enhancements and the soothing effects of the salt lamp colors…
Personally I enjoy how the lamps add beauty to my home and office.
Many people obtain salt lamps for their beauty alone… and I can certainly see why from my own personal experience… these lamps are stunningly attractive.

The female hormone, estrogen, is of high importance for the development of secondary female properties during puberty, promotes cell division, and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Nowadays, the modern lifestyle causes hormonal imbalances, and the estrogen levels are dramatically influenced by pollutants, pesticides, chronic stress, and unhealthy diets.

Hormonal imbalances can have three effects, including thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, or estrogen dominance. All of these have a significant impact on the health and lifestyle.

Thyroid Problems
The primary role of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones, which are then transported to every tissue in the body through the blood. Its impeded function affects the function of numerous organs in the body.

Globally, more than 20 million people suffer from thyroid issues.

The thyroid disease can be of more types, and the most common include hyperthyroidism (excessive activity of thyroid gland), and hypothyroidism (reduced activity of thyroid gland). These conditions can cause various symptoms, as follows:

Hyperthyroidism- Symptoms

Anxiety, restlessness, and troubles sleeping
Weight loss even though the appetite is increased
Heat intolerance and profuse sweating
Hypothyroidism- Symptoms

Weak, slow heartbeat
Constant fatigue and muscular weakness
Cold intolerance
These symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are often treated with prescription medications, but apparently, you can try to treat them completely naturally and experience great effects.

We will suggest 5 extremely essential oils below. Essential oils have a characteristic, soothing, calming scent which provides numerous benefits in the treatment of numerous health issues, including hormonal imbalances and their symptoms.

Adrenal Fatigue
The adrenal fatigue is most commonly a result of stress. According to Dr. Wilson, it appears after longer periods of exhaustion, a series of stressful situations or a long period of stress, or after severe respiratory infections. It can cause damage to the adrenal cortex and thus lead to Addison’s disease.

These are the most common symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Low blood sugar levels
Joint aches and pains
Low blood pressure
Depression
Estrogen Dominance
This is a condition when the levels of estrogen in the body are inadequate, in most cases, extremely increased. On the other hand, the progesterone is absent or in insufficient amounts.

The excessive levels of estrogen cause:

Depression
Loss of libido
Water retention
Breast tenderness
PMS
Mood swings
In many cases, this condition does not cause evident signs and the woman might virtually live with it for decades. Therefore, if you experience these symptoms, you must consult your doctor, and start using the following essential oils.

5 Essential Oils that will provide great benefits in the case of hormonal imbalances:

Licorice Oil
This oil has powerful antidepressant properties which are of great help in the case of estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid disorders.

In the Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to boost the metabolism and fight Addison’s disease.

You should rub a few drops on the palms and inhale to instantly boost the mood.

Basil Oil
A team of scientists investigated the effects of this oil on people experiencing stress symptoms for 6 weeks and found that it relieved the symptoms even more effectively than the placebo drug by 39%. Basil oil treats anxiety and exhaustion.

To regulate the hormones, you should rub several drops of organic basil oil on the ear’s adrenal gland point at the tragus, or your forearms.

Myrtle Oil
Myrtle oil stimulates the function of the thyroid, regulates the imbalances, and thus effectively treats the lower thyroid or ovary imbalance. You should rub a few drops to the main thyroid points on the body, that it, the soles of the feet, at the base of the neck, and underneath the big toe.

Clary Sage Oil
This essential oil has been used since the Medieval times, and it successfully balances the hormones, and thus alleviates the PMS symptoms. To benefit from it, you should add several drops to the bath and its effects, combined with the heat of the bath, will soothe the PMS pains.

Lavender Oil
The quality of the sleep is dramatically affected by the increased stress levels. Stress might tie you in bed all day, or keep you awake during the entire night.

This essential oil improves sleep relaxes the body and boosts the circulation. It is also extremely useful in the treatment of the symptoms of estrogen imbalance and adrenal fatigue.

You should pour several drops of lavender oil on your pillow at bedtime. Its scent will calm you, relax the body, and improve your sleep.

Our body takes a lot to do the digestion when we eat foods such as junk foods, soda and treats.

For example: when we eat a salad we can ingest it in a maximum of two hours, while a hamburger takes up to three days inside us and in the end leaves residues that could not be consumed completely.

So well, we can illustrate what happens when we eat junk food every day, or even worse several times a day.

But, in this case, we will not focus on something more common and even more deadly, soft drinks. These products contain more than one factor that can affect us at health level and here we will tell you what they are.

YOU WILL NOT DRINK THAT SODA AFTER READING THIS INFORMATION.

We all know that coca cola is a very harmful product, it is widely known that its composition is equivalent to more than thirty tablespoons of sugar per container, which is a serious problem for those who drink this excessively.

Too much sugar and glucose in our body can be the trigger for problems such as: hypertension, obesity, heart failure, arthritis, artery blockages and more. Which is no small thing to take into consideration.
WHEN WE CONSUME A CAN OF COLA WE CAN EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING EFFECTS:

At ten minutes: You will have received all the sugar you need in a whole day, which is a big impact for the body.

At twenty minutes: The liver converts the sugar into fat.

At forty minutes: Glucose enters the blood, which increases blood pressure and your pupils dilate.

Taking into account these effects, we can deduce that in excess we could cause cardiac arrest very easily, which is no small thing.

Our nature that is surrounding us is luckily offering us ingredients that very often solve these issues, and here below we are going to present you with one completely natural method for exterminating the colon and make you lose weight.

In general every natural recipe is always better solution than the conventional methods, and thus, many of the benefits of using natural medicine is the core fact that these are none chemical compounds and possible side effects. What is more, all of these remedies are very cheap and are affordable as well as easy to be prepared.

This one remedy that we will present will clean your colon and also, at the same time will help you lose up to thirty pounds at only the first month. This one is very high in fiber and other nutrients that are essential for the overall basic health.

Ingredients:

1 apple,
1 tablespoon honey,
1 tablespoon flaxseed,
1 cup of water,
1 tablespoon chia seeds.
Preparation:

The very first thing is to wash the apple well and then chop it into small piences and remove its seeds, and after, put the chopped apple in a blender and add some honey and the water. Lastly, include the seeds of chia and linseed and stir well for several minutes.

While it is hardly spoken of, vaginal health is extremely important. Ignoring the problems associated with poor vaginal hygiene can lead to many complications in the future. From affecting your sex drive to fertility to your ability to reaching an orgasm, being indifferent about your vaginal health can have adverse effects.

That said, every woman should be aware of the signs and symptoms of vaginal problems and take important measures to ensure a healthy vagina.
1. Keep the undergarments dry
Not wiping the vagina after urinating can cause the panties to get wet, which can not only lead to bad odour but put you at risk of vaginal infections. Hence, it is always advised to wipe the area using toilet paper or a soft cloth so your underwear is always dry.
The vaginal fluid or discharge is a part of a healthy vaginal environment. The use of products such as talcum powder or excessive wiping of the vagina can make it very dry which can cause itchiness and vaginal dryness. It can also lead to pain during sex and make it prone to injury. Moreover, according to a research study[1] it was reported that perineal use of talcum powder can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
2. Change sanitary pads after 4-6 hours
According to a Delhi-based gynaecologist Dr. Nupur Gupta, women who have normal blood flow should change a sanitary napkin every four-six hours. The same applies to the days when you have light blood flow. However, if you have heavy flow during menstruation then changing sanitary pads every 3-4 hours is a must. If you are using a tampon, then change it every six hours without fail. Also, clean the area every time you visit a washroom during menstruation.
If sanitary napkins or tampons are not changed for a long time, it can lead to skin rashes and bad odour. In certain cases, it can also put you at risk of infections. Also, some women tend to use reusable cloth pads, which needs to be washed and dried properly before using it.
3. Clean the vagina after intercourse without fail
Make it a habit to clean the vagina every time after indulging in sex. This is because body fluids and particles from condoms can cause irritation. Also, not cleaning up after the act can make you prone to vaginal infections. So always clean the vagina after sex with water to prevent infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
4. Avoid using soap while washing your vagina
Avoid using harsh soaps or scented soaps to clean the vagina. The use of soaps laden with harmful chemicals such as glycerol, perfumes and antiseptics can affect the healthy balance of the bacteria in the vagina. Moreover, it can also change the pH in the vaginal region, which can cause irritation and lead to the growth of unhealthy bacteria. Instead use plain soap and water, preferably lukewarm water to wash the area around the vagina.
5. Avoid douching
A douche is a device which flushes up water into the vagina to clean vaginal secretions. Douching involves the use of certain chemicals which can interfere with the vaginal pH. This can, in turn, disrupt the normal vaginal bacteria. Moreover, there is no evidence that douching can protect you against sexually transmitted infections or vaginal infections.
6. Say no to scented feminine hygiene products
It is not a good idea to use feminine hygiene products such as scented wipes, vaginal deodorants or scrubs to keep the vagina healthy. In fact, these products can worsen the condition and make you prone to infections. Moreover, using vaginal scrubs can lead to peeling of the skin, which can further up your risk of infections.
7. Practice safe sex
Unprotected sex carries the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, warts, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hence, using protection such as condoms every time you have sex is one of the simplest and effective ways to prevent STIs and vaginal infections and unwanted pregnancies. But before you use one, check if you are allergic to the material of the condom and pick the one that suits you.
Also, avoid using lubes during the act as it can damage the vagina and also put you at risk of infections. The use of lubricants, which contains glycerin, can damage or irritate the vaginal cells, which in turn, ups the risk of STDs such as herpes and HIV[2]. If your partner suffers from any sexually transmitted disease, then it is advised to abstain from sex till the time the symptoms subside or as recommended by your doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
8. Avoid wearing tight clothes
Most experts recommend that you should wear undergarments made from breathable fabrics like cotton. This is because wearing tight clothes and inners made from synthetic fabrics cause sweating due to reduced air circulation. Excessive sweating and moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria and yeast, causing vaginal infection. Avoid using leather pants, tight spandex, and wet bathing suits for a long period of time. Also, do change your clothes after working out or exercising or any activity which can be sweaty.
9. Learn the right way to wipe
Are you wiping the area down the right way? Well, probably not! The right way to clean the vagina is from front to back (the vagina to the anus) and not the other way round. This is because, if you do the other way, then the chances of dragging the harmful bacteria to the vaginal are high. So if you have been wiping in the wrong direction, then it is time to change.
10. Do not shave pubic hair
Some women prefer shaving pubic hair as they think the pubic hair looks gross and unclean. But if research has to be believed, pubic hair acts as a safety net which protects the vulva (outer part of the female genitalia that surrounds the opening of the vagina) from bacterial infections[3].
Moreover, the use of non-electric shaving methods such as razors for shaving the genital hair was found to cause genital injuries. Also, if you are planning to get it done at a parlour, then beware of the products used which might be laden with chemicals and instruments which can be used without cleaning.
11. Do not ignore signs of vaginal infections
Lastly, but most importantly, do not ignore any signs and symptoms of vaginal infections. Whether you have a stinky smell or excessive vaginal discharge or coloured vaginal discharge, do consult your doctor immediately. Also, do not ignore an itchy vagina or pain in the vaginal region as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
12. Never try self-medication
Most women are reluctant to consult a gynaecologist when it comes to infections or diseases of the genital areas such as ringworm infection, pubic lice infection, vaginal dryness, or itching. They, in fact, try some quick home remedies such as using baking soda solution to wash the vagina or applying some homemade paste to get rid of the odour. Moreover, using over the counter antifungal or antibacterial ointment or creams is the go-to remedy if home remedies fail to provide any relief. But this approach is completely wrong. It is best to consult a doctor for all these problems.
Every woman should follow these basic feminine hygiene tips to ensure a healthy vagina. Do share this information with all your friends to spread awareness including your daughters. Because knowing these tips right from puberty can make a huge difference in the overall health and wellness.

For most of us we arrive after sleep is to notice saliva on the pillow. It is more common than we imagine, but the reason for this will surprise you. If this happens to you, you know the slime spots on your pillow and the need to clean your mouth when you wake up.

What does it mean?
Usually, people who are very tired and have not slept for a long time will notice a saliva on the pillow. This situation occurs when you sleep well at night, which means you have not had trouble falling asleep and have not woken up. Which means that your dream was uninterrupted.

You may also have noticed that saliva flows especially when you sleep on your side and rarely when you sleep on your back. This is because when you sleep on your back, saliva is deposited in the throat and finally flows.

Another reason is allergic rhinitis and some food allergies cause an overproduction of saliva that results in salivation.

Korean people believe that our personality is written on our little finger and tells a lot about our character and behaviour. The instructions are the following: take a look at your little finger and compare its position to the ring finger. Then, check its shape.

Short

Short little fingers don’t reach the first knuckle of the ring finger. If you have a short little finger, you are probably shy and introvert when you are surrounded by people you meet for the first time. But, you are different from people you know. It means that you don’t trust everyone, but you have a big heart. These people often daydream and are rarely realistic. But, if they dedicate themselves completely to some task, they can achieve success.

Normal

Little fingers with normal length can reach the joint of the ring finger. These people are described as mature and very sensible. They don’t show their feelings and you may get the impression that they are distant and very serious. But, that’s just on the surface. By getting to know them, you will see that they can be very warm, kind, and pleasant.

Long

A long little finger exceeds the first joint of the ring finger. If your little finger matches this description, it means that you are very passionate, charismatic, and charming person. You enjoy being in the center of attention and you are very friendly. These people are also very gifted and hard-working, wanting to prove their qualities.

Same As Ring Finger

If your little finger is almost the same length as your ring finger, you are a natural born leader. You are very dominant, powerful, and able to accomplish your goals. Your closest friends describe you as an open-minded, determined and motivated person. So, no wonder if you end up as a celebrity or as a politician.

Low positioned

If you notice that your little finger is positioned lower than the other, it means that ‘’your words speak louder than your actions.’’ You talk a lot about your plans, but you rarely focus seriously on realizing them.

Square shape

People with little finger whose first joint looks like a rectangle and its tip is flat are pretty direct. This personality trait often brings them troubles when it comes to talking with sensitive people. But, their so-called ‘cruel honesty,’ has a good side too, because they will never talk behind your back.

Spiky

Does your little finger have a pointy tip? If yes, it means that you possess excellent communication skills and that you are a good orator. Your writing skills are also good and you enjoy learning foreign languages. You are not afraid to take on new challenges.

Curved

A curved little finger bends towards the other fingers. These people are very calm and serene. Therefore, they hate conflicts, so don’t try to bother them. They are known for their mediatory abilities and making peace between confronted sides.