Dr. Stephanie Colantonio is back to answer more of your questions following the influx of responses last time. One of Looni's medical advisors, Dr. Colantonio is a board-certified physician who specializes in integrative reproductive health. This includes menstrual health, hormone balance, and mental health. She combines her training in both conventional medicine and herbalism with mindfulness when caring for patients at her private practice in Los Angeles.

If you have any questions you want answered by one of Looni’s experts, just email us or ask away in our Burning Questions room here in Geneva.

❔ I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) 15 years ago, but my recent ultrasound doesn't show cysts or anything of concern. I've been having intensifying pain for 3+ years in my lower back, right ovary, and side, low mood, and weight gain. Could it be something else?

👩‍⚕️ Whenever someone is having consistent symptoms that are causing discomfort or worry, I always recommend getting checked out by a healthcare provider. It's important to see someone who will take a really good history, perform a physical exam, talk about labs, possible other diagnostic studies, and get a detailed understanding of what is causing the symptoms. From what was described, it’s possible that your symptoms may be caused by something other than PCOS, so it's essential to work with a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider to help better understand what's going on.

❔ I'm experiencing extremely tender breasts, especially when I inhale deeply. I'm new to cycle tracking but seem to be in my ovulatory phase; would that cause this?

👩‍⚕️ It's really wonderful that you have been cycle tracking and already starting to notice certain patterns in your own cycle. It gives so much information about your body and your health. In terms of the breast tenderness specifically around ovulation, it's most likely related to the rising estrogen that happens right before ovulation, as well as the rising progesterone that starts after ovulation. Both of those hormone rises cause changes in the breast tissue itself and can cause tenderness.

❔ What helps with tender breasts?

👩‍⚕️ Breast massage and castor oil packs are a great way to alleviate tender breasts. You can perform these techniques throughout your menstrual cycle, especially during the luteal phase before and after bleeding. To start, get some castor oil, which can be found at many health food stores. Gently massage the oil into both breasts, then place a hot towel or heating source (such as a hot water bottle or heating pad) over the breasts for 15-20 minutes. This will improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, as well as help eliminate toxins.

Breast massage can have a positive effect on hormone balance and alleviate premenstrual symptoms. In addition, Looni's Balance Beam supplement contains a variety of ingredients that support overall hormone balance. B vitamins, vitamin D, and adaptogens like ashwagandha are examples of ingredients that can contribute to a healthy endocrine system and help alleviate breast tenderness.

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 If you have any questions you want answered by one of Looni’s experts, just email us or ask away in our Burning Questions room here in Geneva.  

NOTE: the responses in this email or blog are based on verbal responses Dr. Colantonio gave on Instagram here. They are not direct transcripts.