Shops in Scotland’s hospitals will not be allowed to sell high-energy drinks to anyone under 16.

People with migraine may be much more likely to attempt suicide than others, a new study suggests.

It found that 1 in 12 adults with migraine had attempted suicide – and those with a history of sexual abuse or long-term exposure to domestic violence had a significantly higher risk.

Physical abuse and domestic violence

The findings come from data on nearly 22 000 Canadians who took part in a 2012 community mental health survey. Of those, more than 2 200 had been diagnosed with migraine.

The rate of lifetime suicide attempts was 8.7% among those with migraine and 2.3% for others.

“Even after taking into account most of the known risk factors for suicide attempts, those with migraines had 77% higher odds of having attempted suicide in comparison to those without migraines. Almost one-third (30%) of all Canadians who have attempted suicide are migraineurs,” said study author Esme Fuller-Thomson. She’s director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto.

Among those with migraines, adults with a history of sexual abuse during childhood were three times more likely to have attempted suicide. A history of physical abuse doubled suicide risk, and exposure to chronic parental domestic violence was associated with a 67% higher risk of attempted suicide. However, the study only found an association, and did not prove migraine causes suicide risk.

Extremely vulnerable population

“When we examined only the respondents with migraine, we found that a history of exposure to parental domestic violence, childhood sexual and physical abuse played a huge role, explaining 23% of the variability in suicide attempts,” study co-author Gwyneth Hodgins said in a university news release. Hodgins is a recent graduate in social work.

She said most other known risk factors combined – including gender, race, age, education, household income, level of chronic pain, history of substance use, anxiety and depression – only explained 26% of the variability in suicide attempts.

“Clearly those with migraine are an extremely vulnerable population. Knowledge of the added risk of suicide attempts associated with migraineurs with a high level of chronic pain, lower income and a history of adverse childhood experiences, substance dependence, anxiety disorders and depression will hopefully help clinicians improve targeting and outreach to this population,” Fuller-Thomson said.

The study was recently published online in the journal Archives of Suicide Research.

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So, periods stink: You’ve got PMS, agonising cramps and body aches, bloating, cravings, and, of course, bleeding. Can it get worse? Well, you may also deal with a lovely aching, throbbing headache before or during your period. UGH.

Yep, it’s not just you – the period headache is real. “Indeed, many women do suffer from the fancy diagnosis of ‘premenstrual migraines,’” says Dr Mary Jane Minkin, an ob-gyn and clinical professor of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive sciences.

READ MORE: 5 Alternatives To Pads And Tampons You Should Think About Trying

“It is very difficult to tell if a migraine is hormonally related or not just from the symptoms, but it’s the timing that’s the usual clue,” Dr Minkin says. “Many women get these headaches the day before or so and the first day of their period.”

Some good news? By day two or three of menstruation, period headaches usually fade, Dr Minkin says. But until then (and for next month!), it helps to know how to tell if it’s period-related head pain you’re dealing with – and how to ease your discomfort.

Here, everything you need to know about premenstrual headaches from a couple of period pros.

Why do some women get period headaches?

Blame oestrogen, says Dr Sheeva Talebian, a reproductive endocrinologist. “Most menstrual-related headaches are due to the rapid drop in oestrogen right before the onset of your period,” she says.

A mini menstruation lesson: When you ovulate (as in, an egg is released from your ovary), your oestrogen peaks and your ovary makes progesterone. For a while, your womanly hormones stay up.

But if you’re not pumping pregnancy hormones a week or so later, your body halts oestrogen and progesterone production, triggering your period, Dr Talebian explains.

READ MORE: “I Tried Moontime Reusable Pads – Now I Won’t Go Back To The Regular Kind”

That sudden drop in oestrogen (a.k.a. “oestrogen withdrawal”) tweaks chemicals in your brain that affect how you experience pain, and up goes your sensitivity, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH) explains.

Add to that constricted blood vessels, which happens to some women when they’re low in oestrogen, et voilà: the dreaded period headache.

Other potential factors that can play into period headaches? Dehydration, blood loss (especially if you’re anaemic) and poor sleep, Dr Talebian notes. Already prone to migraines?

Then there’s a 60% chance you’ll suffer from menstrual migraines as well, per the National Headache Foundation (NHF). And if you’re on birth control, that can bring on more headaches when you switch to your sugar pills and your oestrogen levels tank (yay, hormones!).

Does this feel like your typical headache or… ?

They may present a little differently than a typical headache or migraine. Menstrual headaches can range from mild to severe when it comes to pain, says Dr Talebian, and they tend to start on one side of your head before spreading (docs aren’t sure why this is, she says).

Classic migraine symptoms could strike, too; for instance, you might feel super-sensitive to light and sick to your stomach.

Okay, gimme the fix: how do I get rid of mine?

The first step is prevention. Stay hydrated, get some rest and make sure you’re logging enough hours of sleep. If you know a headache tends to come with your period, try using a period tracker and then start taking over-the-counter pain meds like aspirin, ibuprofen (like Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) a few days before, Dr Talebian suggests.

These meds will help fight the inflammation causing that pounding in your head. Take ‘em as needed with food (to avoid upsetting your stomach and developing ulcers) and follow the recommended dosage on the back of the box.

If you’re on the Pill, you may be able to prevent your headaches by simply taking pills through your period and skipping the sugar pills to keep oestrogen levels up. But always consult with your doctor first before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Got pain or killer nausea on top of a headache? It’s best to see your MD. You may need prescription meds to treat more severe migraine symptoms.

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

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Depression is a complex mood disorder – one that stems from countless different factors. That said, there are a million reasons your symptoms might seem like they’ve “come back” or have gotten worse, even if you’re meds had been keeping your mood pretty stable. It’s more common than you’d think: Up to 57% of patients on antidepressants have their symptoms reemerge, according to a recent Harvard Medical School review.

Any number of psychological, social, cognitive or physiological issues could be to blame, says Dr Robert Hedaya, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine and founder of the Center for Whole Psychiatry + Brain Recovery. (Yes, even things that seem unrelated to your mental health are related to your mental health.) There’s also a very real possibly something’s gone awry with your antidepressants.

Think that’s what might be going on with you? Read on to find out what might be causing your meds to come up short, and then be sure to meet with your doctor so she can adjust your treatment plan.

1. Your medication was altered on the DL.

“Sometimes pharmacies change a medication because of insurance factors,” says Dr Michelle Riba, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Depression Center. “A higher dose may be cheaper, or they may change from a pill to a capsule or something like that.”

In these cases, it’s possible you’re taking more or less of your medication without realizing it, which could explain why your symptoms are different or worse than before, Dr Riba says.

READ MORE: 5 Women Share What Finally Helped Them Get A Handle On Their Depression

2. Something else is up health-wise.

A number of medical issues – from infections to inflammatory conditions – can affect how you feel and how well your antidepressants work, Dr Hedaya says. Ask your doctor to evaluate you for these and other issues to see if they might be to blame.

3. You started taking other meds or supplements.

Prescription drugs and OTC supplements can interfere with the way your antidepressants work, Dr Riba says. “Another medication or substance may take over the receptor or decrease the concentration of medication you’re taking for depression,” she explains.

When you see your Doc, see if he thinks anything you’ve started taking could be interfering with your meds.

READ MORE: How These 4 Common Antidepressants And Anxiety Meds Affect Your Body

4. Your sleep schedule is messing with your pills.

Poor sleep can interfere with your antidepressants, Dr Riba says. If you’ve had problems sleeping lately – maybe you just can’t seem to fall asleep, or you’re sleeping more than you used to – that could mess with your antidepressants’ effectiveness. So could taking something like melatonin or another supplement to address any sleep issues.

5. Your substance use has changed.

“Someone may go back to smoking or may be smoking more, which has an impact on how antidepressants work,” Dr.Riba says. “Alcohol or other substance use – including marijuana – could also induce depression in some people.”

If you’ve recently started drinking, smoking, or using other substances – or you changed your patterns of use – this could explain why your antidepressants don’t seem to be working.

READ MORE: Depression Is Rapidly On The Rise, So You’re Definitely Not Alone

6. Your depression has become more severe.

As time goes on, depression symptoms can become worse. As a result, the same dosage or type of medication that worked for you in the past might not cut it anymore.

Ask your doctor if trying a new medication or dose might help to ease your symptoms.

7. You might be dealing with tachyphylaxis.

Tachyphylaxis might sound like a horribly scary disease, but it’s actually the medical term for a medication that has simply lost its effectiveness. Believe it or not, this happens pretty regularly with antidepressants.

If your doctor thinks this is what’s going on, there are a number of alternative treatments he or she might suggest. Def make an appointment to chat through what options are best for you.

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

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Markham Heid

Body positivity comes in all shapes and sizes, and one Instagram influencer is out here reminding us of that. On Thursday, Ioana Chira, a plus-size Instagram influencer, took to social media to open up about some of the heartbreaking bullying she’s received, as well as her empowering response to those trolls. 

The fitness blogger, at a pool in Ibiza, shared a video of herself showing off her curves in a red-hot bikini. 

RELATED: This Plus-Size Influencer's Stunning Bikini Post Is the Body Positivity Inspiration You Need

“Here is the real me,” she wrote. “People accusing me of having liposuction, saying that my thighs don’t match the rest of my body, that I am fat not fit and the list continues. I am constantly bullied on social media but you know what I am just minding my own business and making the most of my life.”

“Please do the same don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality,” she added. 

RELATED: This Influencer Posted a Photo in Her Bra and Underwear to Show the Biggest Problem With Dieting

Chira previously revealed that she suffers from lipedema (also known as lipoedema), a condition that causes fat to build up in the legs (and sometimes arms), causing painful swelling. It differs slightly from lymphedema, which is typically caused by the removal of the lymph nodes, a common cancer treatment. While very little research has gone into the studying lipedema, the NIH says it is almost exclusively found in women. 

In the past, Chira has opened up about her struggle to lose weight while battling the condition.

“Body image and how you see yourself is a real issue and it’s not a joke,” she wrote in an Instagram caption in April. “Losing weight/sculpting your body is a complex process and needs to go hand in hand with internal work. In my case I also have lipoedema so my legs were full of dimples even my legs were smaller.”

RELATED: How Emily Skye Overcame Body Image Issues and Learned to Love Her Body Even More After Childbirth

“People who never had weight issues won’t be able to understand our journey and what we go through,” she added. “That’s why my advice it is please work to be the best version of yourself we are all different and have different journeys.”

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Sarah Hyland’s got scars, but she’s showing the world they’re nothing to be ashamed of. The Modern Family actress took to Instagram on Thursday to show off the scars on her stomach following her kidney transplant—and gave a shout out to Ellen DeGeneres while doing so.

RELATED: Sarah Hyland Likes Working Out Naked in Front of Mirror For Motivation

“Hey @theellenshow I know you’re besties with Jen but does she wear your underwear outside of her jeans like me? #showyourscars,” she wrote alongside a mirror selfie that showed the lower half of her torso and legs while wearing Ellen DeGeneres underwear.

ICYMI: Hyland was born with kidney dysplasia, or kidneys that are not fully developed. In 2018, the actress told Self that by the time she was 26 years old, she’d had 16 surgeries. Two of the surgeries were kidney transplants: one in 2012, when her father gave her a kidney, and one in 2017, when her body rejected her father's kidney and her brother donated one of his. During that emotional interview, Hyland revealed that she's always felt like a "burden" to her loved ones.

“I had gone through [my whole life] of always being a burden, of always having to be looked after, having to be cared for,” she said at the time.

She also shared that at the time, her physical health took a toll on her mental health—and she felt suicidal. “For a long time, I was contemplating suicide, because I didn’t want to fail my little brother like I failed my dad,” she said.

RELATED: Sarah Hyland's Boyfriend Wells Adams Defends Her Against Skinny Shamer Who Said She's 'Unhealthy'

In the past year, however, the 28-year-old has been showing her scars on social media. In July 2018, she shared a series of selfies that revealed her scars, just a month after she was hospitalized for an unknown health issue.

We are so here for Sarah’s self-loving shots, and we only hope she posts more of them.

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Hippocrates described the classic signs centuries ago, so what else do we know about the ancient illness?

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