Women's Health

I read in a book that Llysine 500mg is needed to make ferritin, an ironstoring protein that maximizes hair growth. I bought Llysine at a GNC store but it does not say anything about hair growth. Is...

If L-lysine has a role in the production of ferritin I am unaware of it, however a limited amount of clinical data does suggest that L-lysine does enhance the absorption of both iron and zinc.  One European company is citing a study that showed L-lysine was able to reduce several types of hair loss in both men and women and even applied for a patent on a... Read Full Answer

I read that a supplement called Invisible Veins will get rid of varicose veins. It has a natural ingredient call DiosVein. Is this true? Is there something to take that will get rid of varicose...

Be careful about products that claim they can do things it seem they couldn’t.  My experience is that most cases of moderate to severe varicose veins are not easily reversed with natural or herbal therapy.  There are some herbs and nutrients which can be supportive to the venous tissue but they would most likely... Read Full Answer

Hi, I have what I have been told is NASH, non alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. Do you think that Acai Berry will benefit or help? Thanks, Kari

The correct term for NASH is Non Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis.  This can lead to cirrhosis which is a serious condition involving damage and scarring of the liver that can eventually impair liver function significantly. 

Most cases of NASH are related to a process that involves fat tissue invading the liver.  The same damage to... Read Full Answer

My hair and nails have never grown fast...will Biotin help?

Most important is to try to understand why your nails and hair have never grown well in the first place.  Making sure you are getting proper nutrition and that you are digesting your food properly is very important.  Without these components in place your body will not have the building blocks necessary to make strong collagen. 

It is also... Read Full Answer

Does biotin interact with birth control pills?

Currently there is no data to suggest that biotin supplementation negatively interacts with Oral Birth Control Pills.  Most of the research actually suggests the opposite.  Certain B-vitamins are known to be depleted by long term use of birth control pills and it is often suggested that women supplement with these nutrients to avoid potentially... Read Full Answer

Is it safe to take a daily dose of 5000 mcg of Biotin for the sole purpose of improving the quality of hair and nails?

Although this dose is way above the RDA for biotin it is a common and often effective recommendation for the support of hair and nail growth.  No significant toxicity has been documented in the oral use of biotin even in doses much higher than 5mg.  It is rapidly metabolized and excreted in the urine.

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I started taking Wild Yam pills for various reasons. I have heard this can make your breast size increase is this true? My mother uses wild yam cream and she says her breast size never changed but...

Wild Yam can be helpful for balancing certain issues related to female hormones.  It is thought to do this by gently stimulating certain receptors on cells that are related to hormones like estrogen and progesterone.  Although this herb can have gentle hormonal like action on the cells it is not likely strong enough to influence cellular activity enough to... Read Full Answer

I have heard that fenugreek can increase your production of breast milk is this true? If not is there anything I could take to increase my supply?

It is true that many women report that fenugreek can help improve breast milk production.  Fennel is another herb widely thought to increase breast milk production.  The reality of the situation is that other very important hormonal process in your body need to take place to ensure adequate milk supply.  In addition the feeding behaviors of your baby are also a... Read Full Answer

Hi there. Ive recently started taking some evening primrose oil pills to help with a skin condition. I was just wondering, is there any chance these could be reacting with my PCOS pill...

I do not foresee any potential interactions between the Evening Primrose Oil and your Metformin.  There is nothing in the literature to suggest that this is a possibility.  In fact, Evening Primrose Oil is something I commonly prescribe for women with PCOS.  It is known to naturally help improve the balance between progesterone and estrogen.  An... Read Full Answer

Hi, I'm in the twenty second week of pregnancy, and suffer from terrible tension headaches. I have been prescribed by my doctor paracodal tablets which don't seem to be having any effect. Could you...

Dear Jodi,

Due to the fact that you are pregnant, the list of herbal supplements that are safe for you to use is very limited.  However, there are some items that may be able to help.   In addition, even though the following list of supplements is thought to be safe during pregnancy I highly recommend you discuss them with your OBGYN before you start taking them to make... Read Full Answer

In the hope of having a baby I take prenatal vitamins daily. Could this cause excessive urination?

Most prenatal vitamins contain ingredients similar to a regular multivitamin with the addition of some extra folic acid, iron and possibly DHA.  There are no ingredients in a standard prenatal that I would expect to cause excessive urination. 

However, urinary frequency can be increased even in early pregnancy so make sure you are not pregnant... Read Full Answer

Dear Doctor I am a 48 year old female with normal thyroid levels and no indication of menopause yet. I have absolutely no sex drive. Ive been like this for about 5 years. The only factor I can...

One of the most common side effects of antidepressant and anti anxiety medications is loss of libido.  Although it sounds like you have decreased the amount of mediation you are taking, even small doses can affect sexual desire. 

It is also important to consider other factors... Read Full Answer

Dr. Passero, I am nursing a 9 month old baby boy and was told by a friend that B100 is an excellent vitamin to be on to regulate low levels of anxiety. Should I take it while I'm nursing? Thank...

High potency B complex vitamins are generally recognized as safe in breastfeeding.  However, there is no telling how your baby will react to its presence in your body.  You should look out for any differences in your baby’s response to your breast milk.  In addition, you might want to... Read Full Answer

Hello Doctor, My husband and I are trying to conceive but still no luck for us.  I am not sure whether this is relevant......my husband once took...

Conception has so many complex factors involved.  Many men take Evening Primrose Oil for its wonderful health benefits, particularly for the skin.  Its hormonal balancing effects are thought to be related to helping the brain communicate with the other parts of the endocrine system that regulate sex hormones... Read Full Answer

Dear Dr Passero I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and am 35 years old. I wish to know which of the Vitabase products are best for my condition? Should I take the Blood Sugar and PMS products? My...

Most women with PCOS have difficulty with blood sugar issues.  High blood sugar is one of the main characteristics of PCOS and it is very important to get this under control.

Modifying your diet to reduce the intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates is an important first step. ... Read Full Answer

Can you explain what polycystic ovarian syndrome is?

Women who have irregular menstrual cycles or have trouble conceiving may have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of infertility in women. PCOS is a multifactorial condition where the female reproductive hormones between the brain and the ovary are imbalanced, and do not communicate as effectively as they should. There is usually an increase in the predominately male... Read Full Answer

I have heard that evening primrose oil can really help with menopausal symptoms. How much would you recommend on a daily basis?

What you have heard is true.  Evening Primrose Oil can be very helpful at alleviating many female hormonal complaints including PMS symptoms and some menopausal symptoms.  It is thought to work by naturally boosting progesterone levels which often are low in women due to chronic stress associated with today's busy lifestyle. 

Most women... Read Full Answer

Hi, My daughter has had pcos for a few years, she has tried bc pills, but still was losing hair, is there a complete multi vitamin to help with pcos symptoms.

PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is characterized by several symptoms including insulin resistance, elevated testosterone levels and poly cystic ovaries.  The symptoms your daughter is experiencing are mostly related to the excess testosterone being produced in her body; as this commonly causes thinning hair and other male hair growth patterns.... Read Full Answer

This is very uncomfortable for me to discuss however, I really need some advice so here it is.... I am 49 yrs old I haven’t had a period in 5 years, I am now in a relationship and here lies the...

I am assuming you are taking the Ursodiol tablets due to a diagnosis of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot know about why people get this condition. Some think it is related to an auto-immune processes or possibly exposure to toxins.

Regardless, Maca root has not been extensively researched for its side effects or more importantly, its effects on the... Read Full Answer