How to Treat College Illnesses at Home: Hormones

I get a lot of questions from my friends about their various ailments. I love helping them all out, but I can't be there every time something comes up, nor do I always have a ready answer. So, I've decide to dedicate several blog posts to what ails you. First up is hormones!

Menstrual Woes

If you have a heavy flow, nausea and vomiting, and/or bad cramps, take ibuprofen when your period starts, 200mg every 4 to 6 hours. Try to take it with food to prevent stomach irritation. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, the main hormone responsible for menstrual cramps and other period symptoms.
If you feel weak and tired during and after your period, you may be anemic. Try getting extra iron in your diet by eating more deep green veggies, red meat, and eggs. Also, try to choose a women's multivitamin that includes iron, especially if you're vegan.
Exercise can have a profound effect on how you feel during your period. I understand that most women don't want anything to do with their gym shoes or yoga mat when Aunt Flo is visiting, but the endorphins exercise releases is a natural pain-killer. If you're not doubled over or feeling anemic, there's no need to stop your weekly routine.
Here's a video that demonstrates some yoga poses for relieving period pain.

When should you see a healthcare provider?
- If you have severe PMS symptoms (take a free online screening for premenstrual dysmorphic disorder here)
- If you're soaking through heavy pads in an hour or less, for two hours or more
- If your periods are consistently irregular
- If you've gone 90 days without a period (called amenorrhea)
- If you have unexplained lower abdominal pain and heaviness that persists for several days
- If you have pelvic pain during or following intercourse
- If your period lasts longer than 7 days
- If your period is disrupting your daily activities (i.e. you can't go to class because you can't get out of bed)

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal Acne (via honeyforacne.in)

I've had my fair share of hormonal acne, so I can speak straight from experience on this one. The best way to treat stress/hormonal acne is to combat it continuously. I wash my face twice a day with a cleanser containing salicylic acid, then use a cleansing pad if I wore makeup or got sweaty. I also exfoliate with baking soda a couple times a week, and use oil-free moisturizers. Every night, I apply a lotion with tea tree oil to my trouble zones, then use a non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) night cream. If you have sensitive skin, I wouldn't suggest using products with tea tree oil. It will dry out and irritate your skin.
It may sound like a lot, but it still turns out to be much cheaper than Proactiv, and I've had good results. The most expensive product I bought was The Body Shop lotion with tea tree oil, and I got it for $13 on Amazon. Do some shopping, dig around.
If you still have bad hormonal acne, you have a few clinical options:
- Birth control pills to regulate hormones
- Prescription of Retinol or antibiotics to kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Other prescription medications for acne (be careful with these. Some can have serious side effects)

Not sure if your acne is hormonal? If you can time it around stress or your period, or if you've started or changed birth control pills, it's probably hormonal. Hormonal acne also occurs along your jawline more than in your T-zone. If it's mainly in your T-zone or along your hairline, it's likely your makeup, hair product, or a face product. Try modifying your skincare routine and include medicated skincare products. And remember to always go to bed with a clean face!

Stress-Related Weight Gain

Pic via allwomenstalk.com

I know I've mentioned cortisol before (see my "Ten Realistic Tips for Staying Healthy in College" post), so I'll just give you a little refresher. Cortisol is a stress hormone that prepares you for times of adversity. It suppress your immune system, makes you hungry (thus, the most popular drug among women, comfort food), and changes the way you metabolize food. Instead of burning up calories like you usually would, cortisol tells your body, "Hold on! We might need that later!" so it gets converted into fat. What's worse, cortisol causes an increase in abdominal fat, which puts you at a higher risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dealing with stress-related weight gain is a little harder than just trying to lose weight. It's just as important to handle your stress in a healthy way as it is to just cut calories and eat clean.
In my post "Ten Realistic Tips for Staying Healthy In College," I talked about the importance of sleep, relaxation, and exercise for reducing your cortisol levels. In summary, make 8 hours of sleep a priority, have fun often, and get sweaty with some cardio 5-6 times a week.
I've also given some tips on how to lose fat and keep it off in my post "8 Easy Ways to Lose Inches Fast." I think I've got you covered, but if you have any questions or other requests, let me know, and I'll be glad to help you out!

You should see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms:
-your weight gain is sudden and drastic
- you start to bruise and bleed easily
- thicker body hair in women
- irregular or absent menstrual periods, or if they become heavier than normal
- decreased libido
- new or worsening high blood pressure
- fatigue and sluggishness
- a slow heart rate
- you feel depressed


Want me to cover any other hormonal issues? Comment below or email me! Hope this post helps you out!