Pregnancy: Screening and Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Understanding the Controversy The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is somewhat controversial due to the uncertainty around glucose cut-offs that improve pregnancy outcomes without over-diagnosing and putting undue strain on healthcare and patients. In 2010, the diagnostic thresholds (endorsed by WHO) were lowered based on the 2008 observational HAPO study, which demonstrated that even […]
Pregnancy: Understanding Thyroid Function During Pregnancy
The thyroid produces 20% T3 and 80% T4, which is then metabolized into more T3 in the tissues. Thyroid hormones are crucial for almost every cell in our body, particularly for metabolism and cognitive function. Maintaining normal thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy is especially important for the baby’s cognitive development. Pregnancy induces various physiological changes, […]
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea: Understanding FHA
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) occurs when the brain stops sending the necessary signals (LH and FSH) to the ovaries, preventing hormone production and ovulation. Health Implications Low oestrogen levels in FHA increase the risk of osteoporosis and potentially cardiovascular disease in the long term. Causes The causes of FHA are multifactorial, including: FHA vs. Premature […]
Thyroid Dysfunction: Nourishing Your Thyroid – Key Nutrients for Optimal Health
There isn’t a magic diet for thyroid health, nor is there strong evidence for eliminating entire food groups. Instead, aim for a colourful, varied diet rich in the following essential nutrients: 1️⃣ Iodine Iodine is a crucial component of thyroid hormones. Deficiency is a common and preventable cause of intellectual impairment, which is why iodine […]
Thyroid Dysfunction: Debunking Myths – Foods and Thyroid Function
There’s a lot of online advice about eliminating certain foods to “heal” your thyroid. However, much of this advice is unlikely to help. Let’s discuss the main foods patients often ask about: 1️⃣ Gluten The idea that gluten impacts thyroid function or decreases antibodies is mostly anecdotal. A widely cited study showed that people with […]
Thyroid Dysfunction: Understanding Thyroid Replacement Therapy
Why Do People Take Thyroid Replacement? Many people take thyroid replacement therapy for conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease, post-thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, Grave’s disease, or during pregnancy due to increased thyroid hormone requirements. The hormone given is T4, known as thyroxine, and levothyroxine is a blanket term for the different types of synthetic thyroxine. Thyroxine […]
Athlete Health: 11 Tips for avoiding stress fractures
Roses are red, stress makes you blue… Follow these tips to keep your bones good as new! 🦴 1️⃣ Check Your Reproductive Hormones Ensure your reproductive hormones are balanced to reduce the risk of bone stress injuries by 2-4 times. For females, losing periods is an obvious sign, while for males, the loss of morning […]
Athlete Health: The Importance of Vitamin D for Athletes: Boosting Health and Performance
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to multiple poorer health outcomes, including survival rates with COVID-19, heart disease risk, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers. Vitamin D and Athletic Performance Research on vitamin D and athletes is particularly fascinating. Our bodies have receptors for vitamin D on most cells, including muscles. Vitamin D deficiency in […]
Athlete Health: Blood Glucose Levels and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for people without diabetes
Non-diabetic blood glucose levels (BGLs) typically range from 4-6.0 mmol/L but can briefly rise to around 7-9 mmol/L after eating. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are being marketed to help achieve an “optimal” range (generally <6.0 mmol/L) by following a low-carb diet to prevent minor physiological fluctuations. The Evidence (or Lack Thereof) Claims that maintaining a […]
Athlete Health: Athletic Performance Through Menstrual Cycle Phases
Understanding how the menstrual cycle affects athletic performance can help athletes tailor their training for optimal results. Here are some key considerations: 1️⃣ Performance in Cycle Phases 2️⃣ Perceived Performance/RPE 3️⃣ Adapting Training (Intensity/Volume/Strength) to Cycle Phases Menstrual Cycle Phases The menstrual cycle is divided into two main phases: Hormonal Impacts on Performance Performance Variations […]