While everyone has heard of the Menopause most women don’t recognise Perimenopause and the changes associated with this period of their lifecycle. The idea that the symptoms of Menopause, are only some hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings has to be challenged as there are many changes happening to a woman’s body during this period and over a longer period of time that are now recognised to be part of the Menopause process.
So, what is Perimenopause and how is it different than the Menopause? What symptoms are associate with each of them? How can we help alleviate symptoms?
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life marked by the end of menstruation and is usually a gradual process where your period becomes less frequent before stopping altogether. Menopause is defined as the point in time 12 months after a woman's last period and the woman is no longer able to conceive.
The average age women experience Menopause at is 50-52 but this can range from 40-58 years of age. Certain treatments can also cause the onset of menopause, such as surgery to remove the ovaries, chemotherapy, radiation, or underlying medical conditions, for example Down’s syndrome.
Whereas Menopause is a specific point in time Perimenopause is a transitional state leading up to that time “Peri” being the Greek word for “around” or “near”. The perimenopause varies from woman to woman, sometimes it lasts 6 months and sometimes it is 5-10 years but it usually happens from 40-50 years of age.
I think it’s fair to say that most women don’t realise what is happening to their bodies at that age - particularly because symptoms are intermittent. The level and consistency of oestrogen and progesterone generally starts to become more irregular starting in a woman’s early to mid-30s. Woman may not have any symptoms yet, but hormonal changes are happening. Most women start to report symptomatic changes of perimenopause during their ’40s.
For what might be five to 10 years before a woman actually stops menstruating, your ovaries begin to produce fewer of the sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While oestrogen decline usually comes closer to menopause itself, oestrogen fluctuations are thought to cause perimenopausal plights such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, even impacting motivation and ambition.
Declining progesterone may be a factor in irregular or heavy bleeding—one of the primary complaints of perimenopausal women—and can also contribute to problems with sleep, memory and concentration, not to mention tender breasts and bloat.
Low testosterone can affect bone production and lean muscle mass, is a common culprit in lost libido (sex drive) and may be the missing ingredient when you’ve lost your mojo.
Pregnancy can occur even if you are no longer getting your period during perimenopause. It is advised to continue using contraception for two years after your last period if you are under 50 years old and for one year if you are over 50 years old.
There are roughly the same number of women going through perimenopause (46-50) as menopause (51-55). There are many symptoms that can arise throughout this chapter of your life and every woman experience these differently. Some women breeze through these years but for others it can be a very challenging time in their life.
On average, women will experience 9 symptoms. While some of the symptoms are similar in Perimenopause and Menopause they often occur at different stages and different degrees of severity. Symptoms relating to the brain tend to manifest earlier – in Perimenopause. Urogenital symptoms and physical symptoms like weight gain are felt more when periods cease – Menopause.
|
Peri-Menopause |
Menopause |
Period Changes |
Heavy, Irregular, Unpredictable, |
No |
Chance of Pregnancy |
Yes |
No |
Hot Flushes & Night Sweats |
Yes |
Yes |
Stress & Anxiety |
Yes |
Yes |
Sleeping Problems |
Yes |
Yes |
Brain Fog & Poor Concentration |
Yes |
Not as Much |
Mood Changes |
Yes |
Not as Much |
Low Energy |
Yes |
Yes |
Skin & Hair Changes |
Yes |
Not as much |
Urinary Changes |
Not as much |
Yes |
Weight Gain |
No |
Yes |
Joint & Muscle Aches |
Yes |
No |
Heart Disease & Cholesterol |
No |
Yes |
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment available to relieve symptoms caused by the menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and bladder symptoms. All types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) contain an oestrogen hormone. Taking HRT replaces the oestrogen that your ovaries no longer make in the same quantities as when you were younger.
HRT is available as tablets, skin patches or gel. The patches are usually changed twice a week and the gel is applied to your skin daily. The tablets are usually taken daily.
There are many different preparations of HRT and if one type does not suit you then it is very likely that another type will suit you. It is important to talk to your doctor or menopause specialist to get the right type of HRT.
Side Effects of HRT are more likely to occur when you first start taking HRT and then they usually settle with time.
The main benefit of HRT is that symptoms are improved and the sense of getting a bit of normality back.
It is important to remember that the symptoms involved in Perimenopause and Menopause, and the severity of these symptoms, are different for all women. So choose a supplement that is suitable from your symptoms to help you best.
Health & Her is a new range of products specifically designed for women entering perimenopause and menopause giving them the supports the need to help alleviate symptoms. The range includes a peri-menopause supplement, menopause supplement, natural sleep aid, self-heating sleep masks and a sleep balm.
This range of products is definitely a game changer for women suffering menopausal symptoms.
Health & Her Peri-Menopause Supplement is a daily supplement designed by nutritionists with a carefully formulated blend of natural plants, minerals, herbs, and phytoestrogens ingredients to provide support for the 9 most common symptoms of peri-menopause.
Health & Her Menopause Supplement is a daily supplement designed by nutritionists with a carefully formulated blend of natural plants, minerals, herbs, and phytoestrogens ingredients designed to help support 9 of the most common symptoms of Menopause.
Cleanmarine MenoMin is an innovative supplement specially formulated to support women’s nutritional needs when going through perimenopause and menopause. Cleanmarine MenoMin is rich in Omega-3 with Phospholipids, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and D3, as well as Rosemary Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Folate and Biotin.
With Vitamin B6 to help regulate hormonal activity, biotin to help maintain normal mucous membranes and hair, as well as Vitamin B2 to reduce tiredness and fatigue and Vitamin D to help maintain healthy normal bones This synergistic formulation is ideal for women approaching the menopause who want to feel good every day.
Flourish is an effective one-a-day supplement containing 25 nutrients, including evening primrose oil which has been specially formulated to be taken during and after the menopause. Flourish All in One Supplement is suitable for vegetarians and has no artificial flavours or preservatives.
For women who suffer severely from individual symptoms some targeted relief can be obtained from a range of products.
A hot flush is a sudden feeling of heat in your upper body which can spread. It can cause skin to turn red and patchy and may cause excessive sweating. If a hot flush occurs at night it is called a night sweat. Sage is particularly useful in treating these flushes and if the product is in liquid format, it is absorbed quicker.
A Vogel Menosan Drops contains extracts of fresh sage herb which is used to help women during menopause, for symptoms such as hot flushes and excessive night sweating. Sage appears to have a balancing effect on the hypothalamus, which can become overactive at this stage of life as it tries to regulate fluctuating hormone levels.
Disturbed Sleep can be a significant factor in exacerbating menopausal symptoms. Night sweats can cause interruptions in your sleep which can subsequently affect your mood and lead to a cycle of exhaustion. There are many products to help improve sleep routine including eye masks, sleep pillow sprays and relaxing magnesium.
Using a soothing and calming pillow spray such as the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray or Tisserand Sleep Better on your pillow before going to sleep is also a great addition to your sleep routine. This Works spray is infused with Essential Oils of Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Chamomile. This helps you to wind down after a hectic day by soothing the body and mind.
Health & Her Sleep Aid has been developed with expert nutritionists and contains a carefully formulated blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to support the 5 key stages of a restful night’s sleep:
Health & Her Sleep Aid Balm contains a combination of beautiful soothing oils to aid a restful and relaxing sleep cycle and is suitable for women experiencing hormone fluctuations.
Health & Her have designed a self-heating sleep mask to help relieve tension, soothe tired eyes and achieve a relaxing transition to a restful sleep. Inside each box you will find 7 individually wrapped sleepmasks. Simply slip the loops over your ears and wait for the air-activated warmth to gently relax you into a restful sleep.
The gentle warming relieves tension in the muscles and skin around the eyes and the space between the eyes. When heated, the sleepmask releases lavender extract to help soothe tired eyes and eases eye strain, which can relieve a headache or migraine.
Salin Plus is an award-winning medical device that combines the functionality of traditional air purifiers with the healing qualities of salt therapy in one, easy to use device. The device removes airborne pollutants, such as dust and pollen whilst releasing tiny, therapeutic salt ions that aid a clean and consistent sleep. Enjoy cleaner, purer air and the healing benefits of salt therapy at home, so you can breathe and sleep better in a quiet, safe and efficient manner.
Mag365 magnesium powder is a proprietary process that provides a source of highly absorbable, effective, fast-acting water-soluble magnesium in ionic form. It is 100% natural magnesium and helps regulate the hormone melatonin which guides your sleep/wake cycle, and it aids the process of relaxation especially if you suffer from restless legs or a very active mind at night-time. Mag365 is available in different flavours – unflavoured and passion fruit.
With reduced levels of oestrogen in Menopause, collagen levels in your skin start to deplete and so your connective tissue between your skin cells can weaken and as a result your skin can become dry, less springy, less supple and you can notice your skin tone change, and the appearance of age spots or fine lines and wrinkles.
Increasing the production of collagen can help to alleviate these symptoms and boost collagen production in your skin. There are many products that help boost Collagen production and here are our top recommendations.
Revive Active Beauty Complex contains a powerful blend of Peptan Marine collagen, hyaluronic acid (HLA), phytoceramides and antioxidants that work in harmony to support the skin, hair and nails helping to maintain their structure and function while helping to fight the signs of ageing.
Swedish Nutra Collagen is 100% natural and is formulate as a liquid for optimal absorption while containing a range of key ingredients.
During the menopause, you may become prone to recurrent lower urinary tract infections, such as cystitis this may be as a result of the changes in your skin and also changes in your vaginal bacteria, both of which can increase your risk of urinary tract infections.
Cystitis is a distressing condition caused by an infection and/or inflammation of the bladder and will occur in 4 out of 5 women at least once in their lifetime but even more during menopause. You may also experience an urgent need to pass urine and need to pass it more often than normal.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is an advanced triple action formulation containing cranberry extract, two selected live bacteria and vitamin A specifically designed to boost the immune system and maintain the mucous membranes found lining the urinary tract.
Vaginal Dryness, itching and discomfort can occur in menopause. Flourish have a range of products that can help with symptoms of menopause.
Flourish Intimate Wash is specifically formulated for the menopause and contains chamomile extract and prebiotics to gently cleanse the external vaginal area and provide all day comfort, whilst maintaining your skin's natural balance.
Flourish Intimate Moisturiser is specifically formulated for the menopause and contains glycerin and chamomile extract to help moisturise and soothe your intimate area.
Flourish Menopause Test Kit can detect the presence of FSH in urine as soon as the concentration goes up from 25mIU/mL and over. This test is specifically designed for testing for menopause.
Replens MD Longer Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser provides symptomatic relief from vaginal atrophy and dryness. Provides up to 3 days long-lasting relief with each single application. Unlike most other lotions and lubricant based solutions Replens MD acts directly to the source of the problem, by delivering continuous moisture, making each single application last up to 3 days.
Its 2-in-1 effective formula treats vaginal dryness in 3 steps by:
Skin Creams For Menopause
There are a number of brands that have specific skin creams designed for menopausal skin and more mature skin after the menopause. Two ranges specific for mature skin that we would recommend are Vichy Neovadiol Range and Journey Skincare and Beauty Range.
Neovadiol Phytosculpt is Vichy's 1st anti-ageing, firming balm for menopausal skin. Targeting the visible signs of ageing, it visibly reinforces, tightens and redefines neck and face contours. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, Phytosculpt melts in contact with the skin to allow for absorption but once cooled down, the balm transforms into a film that lifts and firms the skin. The Vichy Neovadiol range comes in Magistral Day & Night Cream, Lip and Eye Contour, and also in a Rose Platinum Day and Eye Cream.
Journey skincare and beauty products were developed by award winning makeup artist Rhona Cullinan specifically for patients going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Journey is a chemical free, natural skincare range that helps with the effects of not only chemotherapy and radiation treatment but also those that have dry or maturing skin. It is also suitable for extreme skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and acne rosacea. Journey beauty products are cruelty free and help restore confidence during difficult times.
Our expert staff are always here to help you if you are looking for ways to relive menopausal symptoms. If you have any questions or would like any personalised advice please contact any of our stores by phone or email. Contact details for each branch are available on our website yourlocalpharmacy.ie
While anxiety symptoms vary widely, odds are good that at some point you have experienced occasional physical and emotional distress signals such as panicky breathing, your heart pounding in your chest, trouble sleeping, feelings of dread, or even loops of worry.
Countless studies show that excess anxiety can cause real physical symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, increased blood pressure, chest pain, trouble sleeping, and its more serious role in mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
By itself, anxiety isn’t a problem. A certain amount of anxiety can even be helpful. A dollop of healthy anxiety can push you to study hard for the exam, but the problem is that sometimes the anxiety responses can overreact leading to been less productive, reduce physical exercise and disturbed sleep.
So how can we help with exam stress?
Are there vitamins or natural remedies that could help?
Multivitamins
The most important thing to remember is that the last thing anyone needs is to get run down or sick leading up to exams. During times of anxiety or stress your immune system can be depleted or under pressure so a good multivitamin is important.
Revive Active Teen Active is specially formulated for 13-18 year olds delivering multiple benefits to support their physical, immune and mental needs. Enriched with 18 essential vitamins & minerals, including Iron, Copper and Vitamins B, C, D & A as well as a beta glucan Wellmune (clinically proven to naturally strengthen key immune cells) and a prebiotic and probiotic fiber.
For those a bit older Revive Active Zest Active brings together revolutionary functional ingredients specifically designed to promote natural energy, immune support, brain function and muscle recovery after exercise.
Omega Oils
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are critical for normal brain function and development throughout all stages of life. EPA and DHA seem to have important roles in the developing baby’s brain. In fact, several studies have correlated pregnant women’s fish intake or fish oil use with higher scores for their children on tests of intelligence and brain function in early childhood.
These fatty acids are also vital for the maintenance of normal brain function throughout life. They are abundant in the cell membranes of brain cells, preserving cell membrane health and facilitating communication between brain cells. When animals are fed diets without omega-3 fatty acids, the amount of DHA in their brains decreases, and they tend to experience deficits in learning and memory.
Minami MorEpa is derived for deep-sea fish oil providing a highly concentrated source of omega-3 (590mg – EPA and 130mg DHA). MorEpa comes in an easy to swallow softgel, with no aftertaste.
For higher levels Minami MorEpa Platinum Smart Fats is derived for deep-sea fish oil providing a highly concentrated (90%) source of omega-3 (764mg – EPA and 236mg DHA) and vitamin D3 that contributes to a healthy heart, blood pressure, immune system and normal vision and brain function. MorEpa Platinum comes in an easy to swallow softgel, with no aftertaste.
Mastermind
Revive Active Mastermind is a powerful super supplement formulated to support brain, cognitive and psychological function and mental performance – the key to healthy memory formation and brain function. Mastermind was formulated in conjunction with the Brain Performance Nutrition Centre at the University of Northumbria and is recommended for the active ageing, students and working professionals.
Mastermind contains a powerful blend of 11 nutrients including
• Uridine helps the development of new synapses within the brain.
• Choline Bitartrate and Omega DHA promote the development of new synapses within the brain.
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin B5 contributes to normal mental performance.
• Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function.
Rescue Remedy
Bach Rescue Remedy is designed to relieve your stress naturally. Ideal for those who are facing a stressful situation and are looking for a way to calm their nerves so they can make the most of their busy day.
Bach Rescue Remedy Spray is a simple spray that you can use whenever you need a moment to escape from exam stresses and anxiety. Bach Rescue Remedy (200 uses per pack) is suitable for the whole family and is vegan-friendly. Bach Resuce Remedy is also available in drops or pastilles. Some of the most common symptoms Rescue Remedy helps with include.
This Works Stress Check Manager
Help restore a sense of calm to the busiest mind with the Stress Check Mood Manager from This Works. A 100% natural pure essential oil blend of ylang ylang, neroli and patchouli, this spray is created through fMRI brain imaging technology to help relieve feelings of stress and modify your mood.
To keep your stress in check all day, help maintain a sense of calm and pave the way to a better night's sleep.
Salin Plus: Salin Plus is an award-winning medical device that combines the functionality of traditional air purifiers with the healing qualities of salt therapy in one, easy to use device. The device removes airborne pollutants, such as dust and pollen whilst releasing tiny, therapeutic salt ions that aid a clean and consistent sleep.
Salin Plus Salt Therapy benefits people with many respiratory conditions including asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, sinusitis, sleep apnoea, tuberculosis and many other respiratory and allergy conditions and people with breathing difficulties. Use is recommended mainly at night so as to ensure minimum exposure to the environment of 8 hours a day and to feel refreshed the next day.
These are just some of the ways you can make exam time a little more manageable. Leaving you stress-free and allowing to achieve the results you deserve.
Our expert staff are always here to help you if you are looking for ways to reduce exam stress. If you have any questions or would like any personalised advice please contact any of our stores by phone or email. Contact details for each branch are available on our website yourlocalpharmacy.ie
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So what is Hayfever? What symptoms are involved? How best can it be treated? And is there any way to enjoy summer walks in the park?
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When winter is finally over, nothing feels better than longer days and spending time outside in the warm spring sun, especially this year after enduring restrictions for what seems for ever. However, for some people it can mean the return of the dreaded Hayfever Season and an extended period of sneezing, puffy streaming eyes, and a runny nose.
So what is Hayfever? What symptoms are involved? How best can it be treated? And is there any way to enjoy summer walks in the park?
What is Hayfever?
Many allergies, especially hay fever, are caused by the inhalation of certain substances (allergens) in the air.
About 25% of all Europeans suffer some type of nasal/chest allergies and 15% of the population have complex allergy problems. Ireland has the fourth highest hayfever sufferers in the world and 10% of children and young adults have more than one allergic disorder (eczema, asthma and rhinitis).
What symptoms are involved?
An allergy occurs when the body's immune system over-reacts and releases histamine in response to normally harmless substances (called allergens). Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell and causes the symptoms associated with hay fever.
Given that some of the symptoms are similar to those experienced by patients suffering from COVID-19, here is a handy table comparing Covid-19 and Hayfever.
How to treat Hay fever?
When treating hay fever one must remember to treat the symptoms early, particularly if you have a history of hay fever. Beginning hay fever treatments before the hay fever season begins is often a great way to ward off any extreme suffering.
Conjunctivitis (eye allergy) is always linked with nose and sinus allergy and all three conditions should be tackled together. When treating hay fever, each patient should be dealt with based on their individual symptoms, as hay fever affects people differently. When treating people who suffer from hay fever, a combination of products used over prolonged periods usually work the best.
There are many Over the Counters (OTC) medications to treat the symptoms associated with Hayfever. They come in all different forms to best suit your needs, whether it be small once a day tablets, nasal sprays, nasal rinses or eye drops.
Products used to treat Hay Fever?
The first line treatment for all patients who suffer from hay fever is an anti-histamine preparation. Anti-histamines help stop the allergic reaction from happening in the first place before you come in contact with pollen or they can reduce the severity of allergy symptoms if you take them afterwards.
Telfast (120mg Fexofenadine) has recently come off prescription and is usually first line as it gives multi symptom relieve, is lactose free and there is no overall impairment or drowsiness with this antihistamine.
Telfast has very few side effects, lasts for 24 hours but can cause some sleep disturbances if taken late at night and should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Telfast is not suitable for patients with kidney or liver problems, patients with irregular or fast heartbeat or if elderly.
Cetrine Allergy, which contains Cetirizine 10mg and Lorat Allergy, which contains Loratadine 10mg are also non-drowsy anti-histamines tablets which are commonly used to help alleviate hay fever symptoms.
If you are one of those patients that suffer from interrupted sleep due to allergies a drowsy antihistamine such as Piriton, which contains Chlorphenamine 4mg, can be very helpful. Piriton can also be used for people who suffer from skin rashes or irritations due to allergies.
Because hay fever affects little ones as well as adults Cetrine (1mg/ml) is available in a banana flavour liquid. It can be used in children from 2-6 years, the dose is 2.5ml twice daily and the dose for children from 6-12years is 5mls twice daily.
As mentioned already in order to give maximum relief from hayfever symptoms multi products can be used in combination to help with specific symptoms. Nasal sprays and rinses are also available Over the Counter (OTC) for treatment of hayfever symptoms.
Steroid nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation (swelling) that has occurred due to the allergy and help alleviate irritation in the nose. Their action is localised, and they have no adverse effects on the rest of the body (do not cause drowsiness).
In order for the full benefit to be obtained from steroid nasal sprays regular use is essential and treatment should be continued throughout the hay fever season. These products can take several days before the full treatment effect is reached and patients who suffer from hay fever every year should start these products in March/April to prevent onset of the symptoms.
Nasacort Allergy (Triamcinolone Acetonide) nasal spray is another product that used to be only available on prescription but is now available OTC. It gives 24hr relief from nasal congestions, sneezing, runny and/or itchy nose and begins working within 12 hours of first dose although it may take a few days to build up to its maximum effect. It is suitable for adults only but is safe to use with most prescription medications.
Becodefence and Becodefence Plus Allergy Nasal Spray is a drug free alternative barrier treatment for fast hay fever relief and can be safely used in pregnancy and breast feeding.
Nasal rinses and saline sprays can be use on a daily basis to help clean and clear out pollen from nasal passages. They also can be used safely with other allergy treatments.
Neilmed Sinus Rinse Kit contains a custom-designed cap, a rinse bottle 240ml, and 60 mixture formula sachets, which contain ingredients with the precise concentration that makes a soothing, therapeutic nasal rinse solution. The easy squeeze bottle provides a smooth flow of solution that thoroughly cleans the nasal passages, beyond what can be achieved by saline nasal sprays.
However some people do not like the sensation so a product like Sterimar which is a 100% natural drug-free range containing seawater which is rich in salts, minerals and trace elements. Sterimar cleanses and eliminates impurities in the nasal passage and facilitates breathing. The Hayfever and Allergy Relief Sterimar spray is an easy way to remove pollen and other allergens from the nose. Sterimar is also suitable from 3 years and older making it ideal for the entire family.
Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of hayfever are red, itchy, watery, puffy eyes. Most eye products that are used to treat hay fever symptoms contain sodium cromoglycate which works by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells in the body and therefore reducing symptoms associated with allergies.
Opticrom allergy eye drops is available in a multidose bottle or in convenient single dose units that can be taken with you while you travel or work. The recommended dose is 1-2 drops into each eye up to four times daily. Opticrom can be used in patients who are wearing soft contact lenses - however, they should be removed and not inserted for 15 minutes after application.
Other eye drop products on the Irish market to treat allergy symptoms contain Ectoin which is a natural cell-protective molecule with inflammation reducing and membrane stabilising properties. When used it stops histamine from been reduced thus reducing allergy symptoms and allergic conjunctivitis.
Fussion Allergy SDU eye drops and Hylo-Dual eye drops (also contains Sodium Hyaluronate) are two of the best examples of eye drops that contain Ectoin. These products are suitable for contact lens wearers and are suitable for all ages but children under 10 years should be assisted in using the drops.
Hay-bands are also available to help alleviate hayfever symptoms. These bands are another natural drug-free, non-drowsy product that are designed to apply a small amount of pressure on the LI-11 acupressure points on either side of the arm. They can be used once hayfever symptoms have begun but can also be used as a preventative measure. These bands can be worn by adults and children from the age of 3.
It is important to note that despite the fact that hay-bands are drug-free, these are NOT to be used in pregnancy. The LI-11 pressure points have been used to assist in the onset of labour so must be avoided.
Salin Plus is an award-winning medical device that combines the functionality of traditional air purifiers with the healing qualities of salt therapy in one, easy to use device. The device removes airborne pollutants, such as dust and pollen whilst releasing tiny, therapeutic salt ions that aid a clean and consistent sleep.
Salin Plus Salt Therapy benefits people with many respiratory conditions including hayfever, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, sinusitis, sleep apnoea, tuberculosis and many other respiratory and allergy conditions and people with breathing difficulties. Use is recommended mainly at night so as to ensure minimum exposure to the environment of 8 hours a day.
Remember to change the salt filer once every 2-3 months.
Practical Tips to allow you and your family go on summer walks
While hayfever can be very severe for some sufferers we cannot afford to be locked away indoors for 3-4 months every year. Here is some practical advice to help reduce the severity of hayfever symptoms.
Our expert staff are always here to help you if you are looking for any hay fever advice. If you have any questions or would like any personalised advice please contact any of our stores by phone or email. Contact details for each branch are available on our website yourlocalpharmacy.ie
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So, what is Hyaluronic Acid? Why do we need to use it? Are there different types? What benefits does it offer? And what are the most effective ways of using this ingredient?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA or Hyaluronan), is a carbohydrate molecule that is naturally occurring in our bodies. This substance is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid of the joints but up to 50% lives in the dermis of our skin.
HA is a humectant, a substance that retains moisture, and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water thus HA provides lubrication to the connective tissues of our joints and is an important part of our skin’s overall health.
HA also works as an antioxidant to protect your skin from the free radical damage from UV rays that can age the skin faster by attacking collagen and elastin production.
Why do we need to use Hyaluronic Acid?
As we age, the production of key substances in our bodies, including hyaluronic acid (along with collagen and elastin) decreases.
As a result, our skin loses volume, hydration, and plumpness which means fine lines appear before eventually wrinkles and saggy skin take hold.
Also, when our joints are lubricated, the bones are less likely to grind against each other and cause uncomfortable pain so is very helpful for people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Sodium hyaluronate eye drops are used to relieve eye dryness and soreness. They moisten, soothe and lubricate the surface of your eye, making it feel more comfortable.
What are the different types of Hyaluronic Acid?
With HA popping up in all types of products it is important to know that there are different forms that do different things, and some may be considered more beneficial than others.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) – This is the form that is usually taken orally in capsule, liquid or tablet form for joints and general wellbeing. If used in topical skincare products the molecules of HMW hyaluronic acid are larger so they do a great job of sitting in the uppermost layers of the skin and swelling it. However you won’t be getting moisture drawn deeper into the skin.
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) – This is hyaluronic acid whose molecules have been broken into fragments that penetrate into the skin easier due to their smaller size. This form can also be known as sodium hyaluronate, a salt of hyaluronic acid that has the same humectant capabilities but can have a smaller molecular size. This will lead to more moisture in the lower layers of the dermis but the instant effects of plumping the skin are reduced.
Each type of HA has benefits depending on how and what results you required. Some products combine different weights of HA to give broader results while others are combined with other substances including Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and Collagen.
Skincare products with a formula of at least 1% Hyaluronic Acid are consider optimum while oral formulations for skin and joints should contain 120-240mg taken over an extended period (months). Eye preparations usually contain between 0.1% (normal) and 0.2% (forte) of sodium hyaluronate.
What benefits does Hyaluronic Acid offer?
Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain – Oral supplements with HA help lubricate the joint space preventing bones from rubbing. HA is often combined with Collagen, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM to enhance the benefits of joint support.
Our favourite product with HA in this area is Revive Active Joint Complex (Irish Brand) which combines HA with other products to create a berry flavour drink to help support joint health.
Treatment of Dry Eyes - Eye drop products usually contain sodium hyaluronate - the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the eye and has lubricating properties. It improves the way tears are spread over the eye and entraps water and together with its coating properties, results in lasting lubrication.
Our favourite product with HA in this area is Hylo-Forte 0.2% HA as it releases one drop for each click of the pump. Hylo-Forte eye drops are suitable for adults and children of all age groups and can also be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Hylo-Forte eye drops are safe to use with all types of contact lenses and so you do not need to remove your lenses before applying the drops. They are also available on prescription so are available on DPS and Medical Card schemes.
Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails – Oral products containing HA are formulated to nourish from the inside with add vitamins, minerals and collagen to support the normal health and appearance of skin, hair and nails.
Our favourite product with HA in this area is Swedish Nutra Skin, Hair & Nails which is formulated as a liquid for optimal absorption. It combines HA with Vitamin A, B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E as well as Collagen, CoQ10 and MSM.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Topical HA skin products, due to its moisture-pulling capabilities, can give the skin back moisture. Applying hyaluronic acid on your face plumps up the skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles (Grapes compared to Raisins). When your skin is supple and hydrated, it plumps up to appear firmer, less saggy, and more toned.
If you have got the right type of hyaluronic acid in a serum, it can penetrate into the skin and hydrate it at lower layers which is something that moisturisers can’t do due to the size of their molecules. Serums typically have a thinner consistency and a more potent concentration of ingredients to deliver great results.
Sodium Hyaluronate is usually listed alongside water because the two ingredients bind together, delivering the moisture into your skin. To make the most out of hyaluronic acid as an anti-aging ingredient, use it in the form of serum or drops and apply it on damp skin, then apply a moisturiser on top. When using a serum, wait at least 15 minutes after applying for the serum to completely absorb into skin before moving to the next step in your routine.
There are so many products in this area that offer different results it’s hard to pick our favourite product. So, we have a few suggestions that are tailored for all requirements.
Skincare Tips with HA
With all the stress, anxiety, and pressure in the Covid world it is now so important to get adequate high-quality sleep. Just like food or water, sleep is a biological necessity for life and health and research shows that the hours we spend sleeping are incredibly important to our physical and mental wellbeing.
Getting enough sleep can help the body rest and recover from stressful days, carry out essential repair work, form vital memories that are essential for learning and give our bodies immune system a well needed boost.
Lack of sleep can lead us to losing focus and productivity during our normal daily routines and as everyone knows can also affect our moods and emotions. Normal daytime routines have been thrown out with working or schooling from home, while reduced daily exercise can lead to later night-time routines.
Inconsistent bedtimes and wake up times can actually make falling asleep less predictable. Most adults need 7 hours of good quality (uninterrupted) sleep each day. Some may need even more.
Here are some top tips on sleep routine and products that may help.
Daytime Tips
Night Time Tips
Note: As this is a medication please consult your pharmacist before taking this.
Complete this cycle for four full breaths. Let your body sleep if you feel relaxation coming on earlier than anticipated.
Our expert staff are always here to help you if you are looking for ways to get a better night’s sleep. If you have any questions or would like any personalised advice please contact any of our stores by phone or email. Contact details for each branch are available on our website yourlocalpharmacy.ie
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