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<h2>Understanding PMDD</h2><p>Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects many women. The DSM defines it as at least 5 of the following...</p><p>- marked affective lability</p><p>- marked irritability or anger or increased interpersonal conflicts</p><p>- marked depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness or self-deprecating thoughts&nbsp;</p><p>- marked anxiety, tension and/or feeling so fbeing keyed up or on edge</p><p>- decreased interest in usual activities</p><p>- subjective difficulty in concentration</p><p>- lethargy, easy fatiguability or market lack of energy</p><p>- marked change in appetite</p><p>- hypersomnia or insomnia&nbsp;</p><p>- sense of being overwhelmed or out of control</p><p>Sound familiar?</p><p>Managing PMDD often involves lifestyle changes and medical treatments. One approach is to focus on key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. These minerals can play a significant role in alleviating PMDD symptoms. Mental health medications like SSRIs can also be helpful and can be taken 2 weeks before your period. Some people also find cutting out sugar to be helpful (unpopular opinion, I know).&nbsp;</p><h2>The Importance of Calcium</h2><p>Calcium is essential for bone health, but it also impacts mood and muscle function. Studies show that women with higher calcium intake experience fewer PMDD symptoms. This mineral helps reduce bloating, cramps, and mood swings.</p><p>You can find calcium in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Supplements are also an option for those who struggle to get enough calcium from their diet.</p><p>Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark chocolate. Like calcium, magnesium supplements can be beneficial, especially for those with dietary restrictions.</p><h2>The Role of Zinc</h2><p>Zinc supports immune function and hormone balance. It can help reduce the severity of PMDD symptoms by regulating mood and reducing inflammation. Zinc also plays a role in serotonin production, which affects mood stability.</p><p>Good sources of zinc are meat, shellfish, legumes, and seeds. If dietary intake is insufficient, zinc supplements can be considered.</p><p>Here are some tips for incorporating these nutrients into your diet:</p><ul><li>Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your meals.</li><li>Choose whole grains over refined grains.</li><li>Opt for lean proteins and dairy products.</li><li>Consider supplements if your diet lacks these nutrients</li></ul><p><br></p><h2>Magnesium benefits</h2><p>Have you ever craved chocolate the 2 weeks before your period? It could be that you're actually low on magnesium. Most americans have diets that are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium has been shown to help muscles relax including menstrual cramps. Some studies have also shown that magnesium can help with sleep and anxiety.&nbsp;</p><p>There are several types of magnesium and it can be confusing to choose one. Long story short, magnesium citrate is the easiest to absorb and is generally the most recommended.&nbsp;</p><h2>When to see your doctor...</h2><p>If your symptoms become severe, especially if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please go to your nearest ER or see if your doctor. While supplementing vitamins can ease some of the symptoms associated with PMDD, they often are not sufficient to control symptoms. Discuss what you're experiencing with your healthcare provider so you can make a decision together on what's right for you.&nbsp;</p><p>At Betula Mental Health, we like to combine therapies. Often, someone may need medicine to help with these symptoms but find that they are still experiencing agitation or rage. Calcium, magnesium and zinc can be suprisingly helpful in curbing these symptoms. Sometimes the best therapy is to combine something like an antidepressant with vitamins.&nbsp;</p><p>Here is the brand we like best...</p><p><a title="Ca/Mg/Zn" href="<script src='https://us.fullscript.com/oembed/embed.js' data-fs='{&quot;product_id&quot;:&quot;92072&quot;,&quot;store_slug&quot;:&quot;lcraig1715280092&quot;,&quot;return&quot;:&quot;product_card&quot;}'></script>" data-mce-href="<script src='https:/us.fullscript.com/oembed/embed.js' data-fs='{&quot;product_id&quot;:&quot;92072&quot;,&quot;store_slug&quot;:&quot;lcraig1715280092&quot;,&quot;return&quot;:&quot;product_card&quot;}'></script>">&lt;script src='https://us.fullscript.com/oembed/embed.js' data-fs='{"product_id":"92072","store_slug":"lcraig1715280092","return":"product_card"}'&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</a></p><p><br></p>

The Role of Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc in Managing PMDD

<h2>Introducing Our New IVF Support Group Online</h2><p>We are pleased to announce the launch of our new support group for individuals undergoing IVF and those who have experienced loss. This group aims to provide a safe space for sharing experiences, finding comfort, and gaining strength from others who understand.</p><p>Our holistic approach to mental health includes addressing the emotional challenges that come with fertility treatments and loss. We believe that connecting with others in similar situations can be a powerful step towards healing.</p><p>Participants can share their stories, listen to others, and engage in activities designed to promote emotional well-being.</p><p><strong> The group will meet the second Tuesday of the month at 5 pm CST.</strong></p><h3>Who is eligible</h3><p>This group is a good fit for you if...</p><ul><li>You are in active fertility treatments&nbsp;</li><li>You have had a recent miscarriage, failed transfers or chemical pregnancies</li><li>Open to all genders, birthing and non-birthing people<br></li></ul><p>Fertility struggles can be incredibly isolating and lonely. We are very excited to build community and support each other through this challenging time.&nbsp;</p><h3>About the facilitators</h3><p>Adina Holloman, LCSW and Laura Craig, MD are both mental health experts with lived experience with IVF. We look forward to drawing upon our personal experience with IVF and loss to support others as well as our professional expertise as a licensed clinical social worker and psychiatrist. While we both have experience in therapy, we look forward to moderating this group more as peers.<br></p><h2>Sign up:</h2><p><a title="IVF and Loss Support Group" href="https://betula.intakeq.com/booking" data-mce-href="https://betula.intakeq.com/booking" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">IVF and Loss Online Support Group</a></p>

Announcing Our New Online Support Group for IVF and Loss

man in green long sleeve shirt sitting beside man in white long sleeve shirt

<h2>Assisted reproductive technoligies and c-sections are natural too...</h2><p>When people talk about "natural birth," they often mean a birth that happens without medical interventions. However, this term can be harmful. It suggests that other forms of birth are somehow unnatural or less valid.</p><p>Every birth is natural. Assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are medical treatments that help people get pregnant. Some people may also need assistance in carrying a pregnancy through the use of a surrogate. There is nothing "unnatural" about these treatments. It's incredible how commonplace the term "natural" is when discussing both methods of conception and childbirth. This has to stop. It's incredibly stigmatizing.&nbsp;</p><p>The same applies for childbirth. Using the term "natural birth" can create unnecessary pressure and judgment for those who need medical interventions. I have seen so many birthing people harmed by the focus on what is percieved as "natural" compared to "unnatural". A c-section can be have the same magical, spiritual experience as a home birth. Having an epidural does not make someone weak. These ideas are rooted in misogyny.&nbsp;</p><p>There's this unspoken expectation (sometimes even spoken) that as women or birthing people we should be able to get pregnant on demand, carry a pregnancy without complaint, give birth with complete stoicism and then continue on to recover and take care of a newborn with a smile. These expectations are absurd.&nbsp;</p><h3>Using inclusive language</h3><p>We need to change how we talk about birth. Instead of using the term "natural birth," we can use terms like "unmedicated birth" or "birth without interventions." These terms are more specific and less judgmental.</p><p>By changing our language, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all birthing experiences. This helps to validate each person's experience, regardless of the methods used.</p><p>. Others may feel more comfortable with medical support. Both choices are valid and should be respected.</p><p>It is crucial to support people in their choices and provide them with accurate information. This helps them make informed decisions that are best for their unique situation.</p><h3>Supporting All Birth Experiences</h3><p>Here at Betula Mental Health we support all types of journies toward building a family. Rarely does the path to having a family look as straightforward as we might hope. We are here to support you whether it's through loss, a challenging fertility journey or a hard postpartum period. We offer services like an IVF and loss support group and medication management to support you in your journey. We can work with your existing team whether that's your fertility doctor or OB to provide collaborative care. Often people are under the false impression that you must stop mental health medications during pregnancy or IVF treatments. This is often not true and we are here to help you understand the risks and benefits associated with these decisions.&nbsp;</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>All births are natural, regardless of the methods used. By reframing our language and supporting personal choices, we can create a more inclusive and respectful conversation around conception and birth. This helps to ensure that every person feels validated and supported in their birthing experience.</p>

Inclusive Birth: Why "Natural Birth" is a Harmful Term

<h2>Understanding the Emotional Journey</h2><p>Undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an emotional rollercoaster. Many couples experience stress, anxiety, and even depression. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support. Turns out starting a family is not at all "relaxing or fun." By the way, if you're reading this as a friend or family member of someone going through IVF please stop telling them to relax and have a good time. This is a myth. Studies have shown relaxation has nothing to do with fertility. This is just putting the blame on people for a medical problem that is not their fault.&nbsp;</p><p>Often you might hear phrases such as "just do IVF" implying it's an easy process. People often do not appreicate how much is involved. If someone has not been through it themselves they don't realize what it's like to undergo lab draws and ultrasounds multiples times per week.&nbsp;</p><h3>What does IVF involve?</h3><p>Everyone's fertility journey is unique. Fertility treatments do not always involved IVF and may start with other options such as a medication or another procedure called IUI (intrauterine insemination).&nbsp;</p><p>IVF itself is a very involved process. It includes 2-3 times per week lab draws, ultrasounds and often several injections. After an embryo transfer, the injections are daily and can be quite painful.&nbsp;</p><p>Fertility treatments can feel very invasive. It is extremely challenging to not blame yourself or beat yourself up in this process. It is also a lot to put your body and mind through.&nbsp;</p><p>IVF is hard enough if everything goes well but often there are a number of challenges along the way. You may not get as many embryos as you were hoping for (or any). You may have a failed embryo transfer (or many). The process can be incredibly disheartening and it's easily to feel like you're doing this all for nothing.&nbsp;</p><p>The medication are also hormonal in nature which can affect your mental health. The grief of infertility is enough to manage but this is often complicated by mood swings secondary to the large amounts of hormones you are putting in your body.&nbsp;</p><h3>Therapy, therapy, therapy...</h3><p>If you have the resources, please find a good therapist. Fertility treatments can bring up a lot of emotions and the medication can cause mood swings further straining your mental health. Individual therapy is really irreplaceable in this process. You can search for a therapist near you on psychologytoday.com. This is a great tool and you can also look up who takes your insurance. American Society for Reproductive Medicine also has a "find an expert" tool on their website.&nbsp;</p><p>We also offer group therapy here at Betula Mental Health. This is offered the first Wednesday of every month from 12-1. Sign up by clicking our book appointment link.&nbsp;</p><h3>Reddit</h3><p>Believe it or not, reddit can be an excellent source of information for those going through IVF. This is can be a valuable tool to feel connected to others going through similar situations. This is not a replacement for mental health treatment or medical advice but it can be helpful to realize you're not the only one going through this.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><h3>Integrative Therapies</h3><p>Integrative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga can complement your IVF treatment. They may not necessarily change the outcome of your cycle, but they may help you keep your sanity. Be kind to yourself. Do what feels supportive to you. This doesn't have to be fancy and may be a pint of ice cream and binge watching netflix.&nbsp;</p><p>There are some supplements that can improved sperm quality when undergoing IVF such as l-carnitine, coQ10 and fish oil.&nbsp;</p><p>It is a good idea to take folic acid when you're trying to conceve to prevent neural tube defects. There is also some evidence this can help with mood. Methyl-folate is the most bioavailable form of folate. A dose of 1 gram up to twice per day should provide plenty of folate. Largely, there aren't any supplements that have been proven to improve the outcomes of IVF.&nbsp;</p>

Navigating Mental Health During IVF

<h3>In Pregnancy</h3><p>People often have the wrong conversation when it comes to taking medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Often we are only discussing the risks associated with medication but forget to consider the risks associate with untreated mental illness in pregnancy.&nbsp;</p><p>Take depression for example. Untreated depression can absolutely affect the health of both the person carrying the pregnancy and the developing baby. Studies show an increased risk of both preterm delivery and preeclampsia with depression in pregnancy. Depression can also affect your appetite and ability to care for yourself fully. It can be hard to maintain a healthy pregnancy if you're already struggling to take care of yourself.&nbsp;</p><p>It is a very different conversation when we compare the risks of untreated depression in pregnancy compared to medications in pregnancy. Let's look at sertraline (Zoloft) which is a medication commonly prescribed for depression. People have been after antidepressants in pregnancy for years and have yet to really show any good evidence that it causes harm. 25,000 cases of people taking sertraline while pregnant have been examined with most studies showing no increased risk of birth defects. While this often gets interpreted as an unknown risk, we can see that if we compare it to a known risk of depression in pregnancy it becomes a different conversation.&nbsp;</p><p>There are some mental health medications that have been shown to have a known risk in pregnancy. For example, depakote (a mood stabilizer) can cause a birth defect known as neural tube defects. Lithium (a mood stabilizer) can carry some risks to the baby's heart. Due to these risks, people often abruptly stop mental health medication when they learn they are pregnant. It is always important to have a conversation with your doctor to understand the risks. Make sure you also ask your doctor about the risks associated with not taking any medication in pregnancy. There are often safe alternatives that can help you maintain stability and also maintain the health of yourself and the baby.&nbsp;</p><p>People often expect perfection from women in pregnancy. They expect women to not have any medical needs. This is absurd. You also regularly see defensive medicine practiced where people would rather not have the liability and so they don't give pregnant people the care they deserve. A healthy parent = a healthy baby. Please get the mental health care you deserve.&nbsp;</p><h3>In Breastfeeding</h3><p><span style="font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Essentially all of the same priciples from above apply in the case of breastfeeding. The body is incredibly skilled at filtering out most medications for breastfeeding. Often, even when there is a medication detected in the breastmilk, it is in minute doses. Of course, this is not always the case so it's good to understand the risks and make an educated decision.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><h2><span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Resources</span><br></h2><p>There are a few really helpful resources when it comes to navigating these decisions.&nbsp;</p><p>Mothertobaby.org is a great website that offers summaries of the risks associated with both pregnancy and breastfeeding for individual medications.&nbsp;</p><p>E-lactancia is a similarly great website for risks associated with breastfeeding. This one is available in both english and spanish and also lists a number of herbal medications and supplements.&nbsp;</p><p>Lactmed is a website affiliated with the national institute of health. It has great information and is great for providers who need a good reference.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-ut7ko9omllxkywcgv"><img id="ut7ko9omllxkywcgv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25la9P2KIivwFRPUuowO6UYFg55SYaef1kxTmlA0mDYH4hmfvBJYWxjFt7vWkiP0.jpg" alt="pregnant woman checkup" title="pregnant woman checkup" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25la9P2KIivwFRPUuowO6UYFg55SYaef1kxTmlA0mDYH4hmfvBJYWxjFt7vWkiP0.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><br></p>

Navigating Mental Health Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Girl walking alone on the pathway under beautiful huge  oak trees on summer morning.. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

<p>The supplement industry is vast and growing. Consumers seek products that promise better health and well-being. However, understanding the risks and regulations involved is crucial. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a key role in this landscape.</p><h2>What is the FDA's Role?</h2><p>The FDA oversees the safety and labeling of dietary supplements. They ensure products do not contain harmful substances. However, they do not approve supplements before they reach the market. This means manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products.</p><p>Manufacturers must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). GMP ensures products are consistently produced and controlled. This reduces the risks of contamination and incorrect labeling.</p><p>The FDA faces several challenges in regulating supplements. One major issue is the sheer number of products. With thousands of supplements available, monitoring each one is difficult. This can lead to some unsafe products slipping through the cracks.</p><p>Another challenge is the lack of pre-market approval. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements do not require FDA approval before sale. This puts the onus on manufacturers to ensure safety and efficacy.</p><h3>Ensuring Compliance</h3><p>Manufacturers must register their facilities with the FDA. They must also report any serious adverse effects from their products. This helps the FDA track and respond to potential risks; however, it's on the company to take on this responsibility.&nbsp;</p><h2>Common Risks in the Supplement Industry</h2><p>One common risk is contamination. Supplements can be contaminated with harmful substances during production. This can include heavy metals like arsenic, bacteria, and other toxins.</p><p>Another risk is mislabeling. Some products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. This can lead to ineffective or harmful results.</p><h2>How do I do my own research?</h2><p>There are a few independent labs who publish findings of supplements online. My favorites are labdoor.com which is free and consumerlab.com which requires a subscription. Consumer lab puts out a great newsletter detailing the most recent findings and concerns on the market lately. It is worth checking the supplement you hope to take on one of these websites to find a safe brand. Even in prenatal vitamins they have found contaminants like arsenic. Even the "most pure" prenatal vitamin is only 85% of what it says it is.&nbsp;</p>

Blog

The Role of Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc in Managing PMDD

Announcing Our New Online Support Group for IVF and Loss

Inclusive Birth: Why "Natural Birth" is a Harmful Term

Navigating Mental Health During IVF

Navigating Mental Health Medications During Pregnancy and...

Navigating the Risks: Understanding FDA Regulation in the...