Warrior Women - Empowering Women, Writers, and Dreamers

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. With 1 in 8 couples experiencing infertility issues (1 in 5 individuals), there may be more friends than you are aware of that are quietly struggling, and keep it to themselves out of privacy, stigma, embarrassment, or any number of reasons. It can get lonely, thinking you are the only one. You are not alone! As we've been trying for over 5 years to have children without success, my advice would be: To couples that are trying to get pregnant - If you have been trying to have kids without success for months, see a fertility specialist as soon as possible; don't wait. And, if you are beginning to try, it's not a bad idea for both you and your partner to get bloodwork and a check-up right off the bat to make sure everything is working right and you both are healthy. You don't have to wait until you been trying for months with no success to ask for help. By getting things tested at the beginning, you can be aware of any pote...

Did you know that seeds can help you with health problems? These superfoods are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all of which we could use more of in our diets! -Chia seeds are very filling since they contain fiber. They’re also full of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fats. They can help give you energy, boost exercise performance, fight depression, help with Type 2 Diabetes, prevent migraines, improve PMS symptoms, lower blood pressure, and reduce insulin  resistance . -Pumpkin seeds are packed full of healthy nutrients and vitamins like magnesium, iron, zinc, protein, and vitamin A. Eating pumpkin seeds can help reduce cholesterol and boost your immune system, as well as help with androgenic alopecia or hair loss. -Sesame Seeds are chock full of magnesium and calcium. They also can help lower cholesterol, as well as protect your liver from oxidative  damage . -Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium and selenium, which have a...

 What is endometriosis? Endometriosis or “endo” is a common women’s health issue when the tissue similar to the uterus’ tissue grows outside of the uterus and other areas of your body where it doesn’t belong. It can affect more than 11% of women in the United States between 15 and 44. That’s 6.5 million women! Endometriosis is typically found on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, on the tissues that hold your uterus in place, and the outer surface of your uterus, vagina, cervix, or bladder. You are more likely to get endometriosis if you have: never had children, menstrual periods that last longer than a week, short menstrual cycles (27 days or shorter), a family member that has endometriosis since it is genetic, high estrogen levels, or a health problem that blocks the normal flow of menstrual blood during your period. The endo growths growing outside of your uterus where they don’t belong can swell and bleed similar to period bleeding. This continues to build up and bleed in areas wh...

  Did you know there’s regular PCOS and then there’s lean PCOS? When most people think of PCOS, they typically think of the stereotype and outward signs of being overweight, obesity, acne, and facial hair. However, PCOS doesn’t always need to include the weight factor. The outward signs may not be there with lean PCOS, but the inner symptoms are still wreaking havoc on your body. You can be super skinny and still struggle with the rest of the issues that come along with PCOS, like irregular periods, excruciating cramps, blood sugar issues, fertility problems, elevated testosterone levels, acne, and excess hair everywhere, or even hair loss. The point is, just because you may not be checking off every box for a health problem diagnosis, there may still be underlying issues. I wish I had gone in to get things checked out when I was a teenager, instead of just sweeping things under the rug and telling myself that being exhausted, having super painful periods, and never able to lose a...

 Hirsutism is some nasty stuff. The basic definition of hirsutism is “an abnormal growth of hair on a person’s face and body, especially on a woman,” but it is so much more than that. It is typically an excessive growth of coarse or dark hair in a male-like pattern, on the face (like a mustache or beard), chest, arms, and back. While not on the level of the “bearded lady,” for most women, it can still be a massive pain in the neck, and you can feel uncomfortable. Having hirsutism not only influences your appearance, but it takes much more time to get ready in the morning, since you may have to practically shave your entire body. It also affects your self-esteem and makes you feel self-conscious since you can look and feel more masculine and hairy and not as beautiful as you want. Thankfully, I haven’t suffered from hirsutism personally, but I know plenty of people who do. It really is a painful struggle for them. Hirsutism Causes: Hirsutism can be caused by various things, like Pol...

Some people can't wait for the holidays to arrive. Others can't wait for them to be over and they are a time of grief instead of joy. If people cancel plans or are withdrawn, especially during a time of year when happy families are on full display, please be understanding. It is not a reflection on you or your event or family, they are just trying with everything they have to get through the day, week, month without falling apart. Please support others by respecting their boundaries, when they say no, can't attend or leave an event early, or take forever to respond. Be especially kind and understanding to people around the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.. You never know what they are masking under the surface. Best wishes for your holiday season, whatever form it may take. You are not alone.

Do you suffer from high or low estrogen? I suffer from too high estrogen, while a relative of mine suffers from too low estrogen. It's been interesting seeing how opposite sides of the spectrum can still greatly impact your hormones and overall health.