Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects a woman's menstrual cycle and cause the inability to have children. Women whom are diagnosed with PCOS have high levels of androgens which are male hormones. Women have irregular periods or no periods at all but most importantly women with polycystic ovarian syndrome develop cysts on one or both ovaries.

Causes and Symptoms

There are a number of causes that lead to a woman developing polycystic ovarian syndrome. One of the main causes is hereditary. Women diagnosed with this syndrome tend to have a mother or sister who was diagnosed with the same condition. Insulin plays another factor in causing PCOS. Insulin is a type of hormone in the body produced to help control the use of sugar and starches. Some women have a hard time using insulin creating an overproduction of insulin within the body. Excess insulin can increase the production of androgens.

Herbal medicine is as ancient as mankind itself. The knowledge of herbal medicine dates back to several centuries ago, to about 5000 B.C. when Sumerians used herbs such as laurel, caraway and thyme for their medical illnesses. Since then, people from all generations have turned to natural remedies as a means of healthy healing of the mind, spirit and body.

The use of herbs has now evolved over time. This wonderful natural way to heal is now being realized by modern technology through the use of chemistry and other physical sciences. It was said that about 25 percent of prescription drugs in the US are from herbal plants. The World Health organization, at present, estimates that 80 percent of the world's population uses herbal medicine as a part of primary health care.

Alternative medicine has become quite popular once again. One aspect of alternative medicine is the use of herbs for common ailments and disease prevention. Many people tend to believe that because herbs are all natural they are much safer than a man made drug. This is not true. Here are some things you need to consider when using any herbal remedy...

Herbs ARE medicines. Man has made many of the medicines we know and have used from plants with medicinal properties. However, man has regulated the strength and dosage of the medicinal ingredients. In the plant itself the medicinal strength may be so strong that a unsuspectingly small amount could be fatal. The best thing you can do is to remember that natural does not always mean safer. Always read all package labels and follow directions precisely when using herbal products. Although the use of herbs in pretty safe and beneficial, overdose on herbs is as real and deadly as overdose on prescription drugs.

Herbal and dietary supplements have gained great popularity over the last few years.Herbal and dietary supplements might be popular but are they safe?

What are Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are called a form of dietary supplement by the FDA consequently they are not regulated like prescription drugs are in this country. Herbal supplements are sold in many forms these include:

powders
tablets
capsules
teas

Many herbal supplements are also added to vitamins, minerals, and other food products.

Herbal Supplement Regulations

Many people suffer from migraine headaches, including myself. Migraines tend to run in families and are more common in women then men. In fact women are three times as likely to get migraines than men.

Symptoms

Pain on one side of the head, can be severe or mild.

A short period of depression, irritability and/or loss of appetite

Sensitivity to light and sound

Nausea/Vomitting

Seeing an aura.

You may experience one or more of the symptoms , and it is possible to have symptoms not listed above.

Possible Triggers

The underlying cause of migraines is not known. Were it known, there would more likely be a cure. However, various researchers have discovered possible triggers of migraines:

Low levels of seratonin

Certain foods

Stress

Not enough sleep

Bright light

Various changes in the weather