Effects of Over-training on Male and Female Sexual Health

Summary:

This article talks about the adverse effects of over-training on male and femalesexual health These effects may be prevented by engaging in moderate and proper workouts coupled with a healthy and nutritious diet. Individuals who want to improve their physique and overall health may consult health professionals for proper exercise programs and food regimens.

Keywords:

infertility, diet, anxiety, fatigue

Article Body:

Over-training has become a common practice nowadays. Many people workout because they want to gain muscle, lose some weight, and achieve the physique that they have been dreaming off. These individuals are often in such a hurry to achieve their ideal physique that they forget to follow fitness safety guidelines. Many athletes who over-train exercise for about six hours a day --- a length of time that is considered to be excessive. These individuals do not realize that over-training may do more harm than good. Too much or too intense training may lead to injuries, low testosterone levels among men and amenorrhea in women.

Some medical studies suggest that over-training may cause a temporary decrease in testosterone levels. Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone which plays an important role in libido, immune function, energy, and many more. This hormone is essential for the development of male sex and reproductive organs like the penis, testicles, and the prostate. Low levels of testosterone may cause a problem to many men.

A temporary reduction in sperm count and quality which may lead to temporary infertility may also be experienced by men who over-train. This happens because the body literally kills itself during training and needs time to recuperate to build muscles and improve the body. Too much or too intense physical activity may reduce the level of hormones in the bloodstream and therefore affect sperm production. The decrease in these components is temporary and may return to normal after a few days of rest.

Women who engage in over-training are at risk of many health problems like amenorrhea, a term that refers to the absence of menstrual periods. This is experienced by women because of extremely low body fat content. Missed menstruation is often linked to decreased estrogen (primary female sex hormone) levels. Several medical studies show that amenorrheic women, and those who have body fats below 10% of the ideal measure may have a hard time getting pregnant. In addition to this, amenorrhea may also lead to osteoporosis, an ailment which decreases bone density, making the bones vulnerable to fracture and other injuries. Bones usually become brittle when people are much older, but some young women, especially the ones who experience amenorrhea develop brittle bones at a very young age.

Signs and symptoms of over-training may include the following:

missed or irregular menstrual periods

extreme thinness

extreme or rapid weight loss

behaviors that reflect frequent like eating very little, not eating in front of others, and focus on low-calorie food

frequent and intense exercising (taking aerobics class followed by a five mile run, swimming for long hours, and weight-lifting

an “I can't miss a day of workout” attitude

anxious preoccupation with injuries

exercising despite illness, bad weather, injury and other conditions that may require resting

too much self-criticism or self-dissatisfaction

extreme anxiety and low self-esteem

fatigue

sleep difficulties

feeling cold most of the time

constant conversations about weight

If these signs are experienced, it is important to make adjustments in one’s exercise routine and eating regimen. Exercising in moderation and reducing the intensity from time to time, coupled with healthy diets may help prevent the adverse effects of over-training. For women, it is also best to seek advice from one's doctor to make sure that one's missed periods is not a sign of over-training. Individuals who want to lose weight properly are encouraged to consult doctors and other health professionals for advice. Understanding the proper workout regimen, and including a healthy diet in one's lifestyle may lead to improved health and overall well-being.

PCOS: A Risk on Female Sexual Health

Summary:

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a common condition in adolescent girls and young women. Deemed to be caused by hormonal imbalances, PCOS is a serious threat to female sexual health. This article provides information on PCOS including its definition, probable causes, symptoms, risks, and diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords:

female sexual health

Article Body:

Irregular periods are common occurrences for adolescent girls and young women. Some even regard it as a convenience since they do not have to bear the discomfort caused by menstrual cramps, PMS, tampons, and sanitary pads. However, irregularity in a woman's cycle with no apparent cause is a serious threat that should be checked immediately since it can be a symptom of something worse. One such threat to female sexual health is a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Snydrome, Defined

First diagnosed in the 1930's as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a prevalent condition affecting adolescent girls and young women. No probable cause of PCOS have been identified although the condition is closely linked to hormonal imbalances in the female body. Loosely defined, PCOS is the existence of multiple cysts inside the ovary which prevents it from releasing mature eggs for ovulation. Thus, women and girls with PCOS experience irregular periods or at times, the complete lack of it.

The PCOS Cycle

Although the definite cause of PCOS is yet to be identified, hormonal imbalances in the female body are said to affect the condition directly. Both male and female bodies produce sex hormones in different amounts. In females, the ovaries produce three kinds of hormones namely, progesterone, estrogen, and androgen. These hormones regulate the female cycle from ovulation to menstruation. However, in women affected by PCOS, the ovaries produce higher amounts of androgens which are sometimes referred to as “male hormones.” This spike in androgen production is linked to an increase in insulin production. Research indicates that women with higher levels of insulin in their bodies tend to produce more androgens which causes the imbalance.

The imbalance caused by the excess androgens interfere in the development of the egg cells and their release. Some eggs do not mature but instead develop into little sacs filled with liquid called cysts. Since no eggs are released during ovulation, these cysts enlarge and build up inside the ovaries, causing missed or irregular periods.

Symptoms of PCOS

Signs and symptoms of PCOS may vary from woman to woman so regular checkups with a gynecologist is a must for proper diagnosis. Below are some symptoms usually caused by PCOS:

* irregular or missed periods

* heavy periods that come more than once in a month

* obesity

* hirsutism – excess facial and body hair

* alopecia – thinning hair on the head

* thickened and dark skin on armpits, neck, and breasts

* high blood pressure, high blood sugar level, or high levels of cholesterol

* clogged pores and acne

PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis for PCOS usually comes in three stages in order to eliminate other probable conditions that may have caused the symptoms. First up is a discussion of medical history to determine whether there are past medical and health conditions that can be linked to PCOS. After this, a physical examination is conducted to check for symptoms like excess weight, darkened skin, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A gynecologic exam is done last to check for other probable infections which may have caused the symptoms.

Although there is no specific cure yet for PCOS, it is treatable. Treatment is usually done using hormonal therapy in order to balance the level of hormones in the body. Seeking treatment is important since PCOS can lead to possible infertility and sexual problems.