Latest news with #LamellePharmaceuticals
News24
16 hours ago
- Health
- News24
5 must-know supplements for reproductive health
There is a critical link between gut and vaginal health and hormone balances. Supplements like nitric oxide can boost flow and folic acid helps hair, skin and nails grow. It's important to always consult with a physician first to assess your needs. _________________________________________________________________ Sometimes the body needs a little extra help in getting the nutrients it needs. The interesting thing about the body is just how interconnected the systems are with each other. There is a critical connection between gut and vaginal health and hormone balance. Research shows that potentially harmful bacteria from the gut can travel to the vagina, with hormone imbalances leading to issues like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. You might not always be able to get the sufficient nutrients from your every day diet, so supplements can offer a healthy alternative. READ MORE | Do you really need supplements? Here what experts want you to know The experts have laid out some supplements that boost reproductive health. But remember, it's always best to consult with a physician first to make sure you're getting what's best for your body. 1. Nitric oxide Nitric oxide has been proven to help increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure not only for cardiac health, but also for increased blood flow to the reproductive organs for heightened sensitivity and better arousal. Dr Bradley Wagemaker, medical director at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, tells TRUELOVE, 'Nitric oxide also contributes to hormone regulation, aiding overall sexual health and menopause, particularly as oestrogen levels decline. This combination has been shown to help alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort frequently experienced by menopausal women.' 2. Folic acid or vitamin B9 Folic acid or vitamin B9 is usually found in most multivitamins for women since it's important for cell development and production, especially during pregnancy. But it's not only a supplement for pregnant women. Other health benefits of folic acid include reducing risk of heart disease and some types of cancers. It's also great for hair, skin and nail health. 'I can't emphasise enough the importance of taking a multivitamin for all women of reproductive age,' says Northwestern Medicine obstetrician gynaecologist Dr Marianne Krupka. 3. Rosehip extract Dr Bradley explains how the rosehip extract Rosvita found in supplements like Lady Prelox have antioxidants that enhance mood, psychological wellbeing and blood vessel health. 'Additionally, Rosvita supports mood stability and overall wellbeing, helping to manage emotional fluctuations and fatigue often linked to menopause,' Dr Bradley says. 4. Iron supplements for maternal anaemia Anaemia or iron deficiency is a serious concern for South Africans, especially in women of reproductive age and in pregnant women. Anaemia can have serious health risks for pregnant women, including increased risk of maternal mortality, postpartum depression, pregnancy complications and can compromise foetal growth. Sister Karin Davidson of the Cape Town Infusion Centre recommends oral iron supplements and medical-grade iron infusions, depending on the severity of the deficiency. 'Early intervention and understanding that if you are hoping to conceive then healthy iron stores are essential for both mother and child, along with awareness of concerning symptoms that are sometimes considered normal pregnancy symptoms, are key to getting appropriate support and treatment. If you're pregnant, insist your doctor checks your levels,' says Sister Karin. 5. Zinc In men, zinc is a critical component for men's health. It's necessary for the sperm productive process, reduces risk of prostate cancer and helps sperm increase mobility. Zinc is also important for women's reproductive health for hormone regulation, egg quality and ovulation.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
From arousal to awareness: demystifying Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (Candace Syndrome)
Your enjoyment of sex is just as important as your partner's. Image: Pixabay When it comes to female sexual health in South Africa, honest conversations are long overdue. After attending a recent webinar on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) hosted by Lady Prelox, a leading Lamelle Pharmaceuticals brand, Independent MediaLifestyle wanted to unpack what real women face every day. I spoke to Karen Bester, medical training manager at Lamelle, to explore what's going on behind closed doors, why so many women battle in silence, and how South Africans can take steps toward better, more fulfilling intimate lives. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ What is Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) or 'Candace Syndrome'? According to Bester, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), sometimes called Candace Syndrome, is more common than you might think. It's not just about 'not being in the mood', FSAD means having ongoing trouble getting or staying aroused, even if you want to be intimate. This can look like trouble with lubrication, loss of sensitivity, or struggling to experience orgasm. Bester explains, 'FSAD is a physical challenge; your mind may be ready, but your body just isn't responding how you'd like.' Is FSAD the same as low libido? Many people confuse FSAD with low libido (or low sexual desire), but they are not the same. FSAD is about the body's response, like a car engine that just won't start, while low libido is a lack of sexual interest, even in your thoughts or fantasies. Bester adds, 'Desire starts in the mind, arousal happens in the body. You can have one without the other, and both can need different solutions.' Unlike male sexual dysfunction, diagnosing female sexual dysfunction isn't always straightforward. Image: Саша Соколова/pexels Why does sexual desire drop? Sexual desire can dip for lots of reasons and at any age. While menopause and hormonal changes are common triggers, so are stress, a busy work life, relationship tension, physical health problems, and even becoming a new mom. Stats from the World Health Organisation show that up to 40% of women globally experience some form of sexual dysfunction during their lifetime. In South Africa, lifestyle pressures from juggling careers to raising families mean more women are affected than ever. And it's completely normal for desire to rise and fall through the years. The reality of orgasm issues If you have difficulty reaching orgasm, you're in good company. There are two main types: primary (never having had an orgasm) and secondary (you used to, but now you can't). Causes range from anxiety and lack of sexual education to hormonal shifts, relationship issues, or medication. Bester notes, 'Women often blame themselves, but orgasm challenges are so common, and there is real help available.' Pain during sex: dyspareunia explained Painful sex, or dyspareunia, is often misunderstood or brushed off. It can feel sharp, burning, or like pressure, and might happen at the entrance or deeper inside. Causes vary from infections and inflammation to lack of lubrication or arousal. Brushing it off can lead to anxiety, avoidance, and relationship strain. It's not 'all in your head', it's a real, treatable medical issue. How is female sexual dysfunction diagnosed? Unlike a 'yes/no' checklist, female sexual dysfunction needs a holistic approach. Doctors look at your medical history, symptoms (present for six months or more), and rule out other medical or mental health conditions. 'It's about getting the full picture, your body, mind, and life situation all matter.' One of the biggest barriers to better sexual health is stigma. Image: cottonbro studio /pexels
IOL News
01-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Consistency over perfection: A kinder way to approach your health
South Africa has just marked Health Awareness Month and now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and rethink how we approach our wellbeing. For many people balancing careers, families, and personal goals, health often feels like just another high-pressure item on an overflowing to-do list. We're constantly told to eat clean, exercise daily, manage stress, get enough sleep, and somehow glow while doing it all. But when we skip a workout or reach for something quick and comforting to eat, it can leave us feeling like we've failed. This perfectionist mindset can be more harmful than helpful, says Karen Bester, Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. 'Health doesn't have to mean getting everything right all the time. It's about consistency, doing the little things regularly that support your body and mental well-being. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to lasting change.' Start small and stay kind to yourself by picking one or two habits you can realistically stick with. It might look like taking a short walk in the morning, drinking more water, or building a simple bedtime routine that includes a nurturing skincare regimen. For those managing ongoing health concerns, leaning into tools that support your journey can make a big difference. 'Whether it's products that support overall skin health and repair, assist hormonal imbalances or reproductive health, consistency will show up when you least expect it. Even gentle shifts like improving your sleep routine or committing to regular movement can yield noticeable changes over time,' says Bester. For women dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, and symptoms like weight gain or acne can feel overwhelming. These physical changes can add emotional stress, triggering feelings of frustration, anxiety, and self-doubt. But fertility challenges aren't exclusive to women. Male fertility plays an equally important role in conception. When issues like low sperm count or motility arise, men often face similar emotional stress. Unfortunately, male fertility is often not as openly discussed, leaving many men feeling isolated in their experiences. Both partners share the emotional weight of these challenges, which can disrupt sleep, mood, self-esteem, and even relationships. When daily life is already busy, this added pressure can feel overwhelming. That's why small, consistent steps are so important. Supplements like Ovaria and Prelox Fertility offer targeted support for both partners. While no supplement is a cure-all, consistent use of these tools, combined with daily self-care routines, can help reduce the stress of feeling out of control. When used together with healthy habits that support rest, movement, and emotional well-being, they empower couples to face their fertility journey together. As winter sets in, it's easy to slip out of our usual self-care habits. Skincare often takes a back seat, and sun protection becomes one of the first things to be forgotten. But UV exposure doesn't disappear just because it's colder. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and long-term damage remains constant throughout the year. They can penetrate cloud cover and glass, so daily protection is still essential, even when indoors or on overcast days. This long term UV exposure is why many people develop dry, rough, or scaly patches on their skin, often known as actinic keratosis (AK), which can sometimes progress into more serious skin conditions. Winter's cold and dry air can also weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation and sensitivity. That's where Nia-Sol a range developed specifically to treat the long term UV effects on the skin with a unique blend of nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and Pycnogenol a power house antioxidant comes in. While sunscreen remains essential year-round, Nia-Sol is increasingly recognised for its ability to reverse skin damage through the seasons. It can help reduce inflammation, assist with DNA repair, and provide added support to the skin's natural defence mechanisms. Health doesn't have to be about perfection, it's a journey, one that rewards consistency, gentleness, and showing up for yourself, even in small ways. Whether you're focused on managing stress, balancing hormones, boosting fertility, or improving skin health, progress often happens quietly. The most impactful shifts come from little choices made day after day: a bit more movement, a bit more rest, a supplement taken regularly, or a skincare ritual that makes you feel cared for. Health is not a pass/fail equation. It's about the quiet moments of care you show yourself every day even when life feels messy.
