What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that develops from breast cells. Breast cancer usually starts off in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. A malignant tumor can spread to other parts of the body. A breast cancer that started off in the lobules is known as lobular carcinoma, while one that developed from the ducts is called ductal carcinoma.

The vast majority of breast cancer cases occur in females. This article focuses on breast cancer in women.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. It accounts for 16% of all female cancers and 22.9% of invasive cancers in women. 18.2% of all cancer deaths worldwide, including both males and females, are from breast cancer.

Invasive breast cancer - the cancer cells break out from inside the lobules or ducts and invade nearby tissue. With this type of cancer, the abnormal cells can reach the lymph nodes, and eventually make their way to other organs (metastasis), such as the bones, liver or lungs. The abnormal (cancer) cells can travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body; either early on in the disease, or later.

Non-invasive breast  - this is when the cancer cancer is still inside its place of origin and has not broken out. Lobular carcinoma in situ is when the cancer is still inside the lobules, while ductal carcinoma in situ is when they are still inside the milk ducts. "In situ" means "in its original place". Sometimes, this type of breast cancer is called "pre-cancerous"; this means that although the abnormal cells have not spread outside their place of origin, they can eventually develop into invasive breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

A symptom is only felt by the patient, and is described to the doctor or nurse, such as a headache or pain. A sign is something the patient and others can detect, for example, a rash or swelling.

The first symptoms of breast cancer are usually an area of thickened tissue in the woman's breast, or a lump. The majority of lumps are not cancerous; however, women should get them checked by a health care professional.

Some of the possible early signs of breast cancer
According to the National Health Service, UK, women who detect any of the following signs or symptoms should tell their doctor:

A lump in a breast

A pain in the armpits or breast that does not seem to be related to the woman's menstrual period
Pitting or redness of the skin of the breast; like the skin of an orange
A rash around (or on) one of the nipples
A swelling (lump) in one of the armpits
An area of thickened tissue in a breast
One of the nipples has a discharge; sometimes it may contain blood
The nipple changes in appearance; it may become sunken or inverted
The size or the shape of the breast changes
The nipple-skin or breast-skin may have started to peel, scale or flake.

Causes of breast cancer

Experts are not sure what causes breast cancer. It is hard to say why one person develops the disease while another does not. We know that some risk factors can impact on a woman's likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Getting older - the older a woman gets, the higher is her risk of developing breast cancer; age is a risk factor. Over 80% of all female breast cancers occur among women aged 50+ years (after the menopause).

Genetics - women who have a close relative who has/had breast or ovarian cancer are more likely to develop breast cancer. If two close family members develop the disease, it does not necessarily mean they shared the genes that make them more vulnerable, because breast cancer is a relatively common cancer.

The majority of breast cancers are not hereditary.

Women who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a considerably higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. These genes can be inherited. TP53, another gene, is also linked to greater breast cancer risk.

A history of breast cancer - women who have had breast cancer, even non-invasive cancer, are more likely to develop the disease again, compared to women who have no history of the disease.

Having had certain types of breast lumps - women who have had some types of benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps are more likely to develop cancer later on. Examples include atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ.

Dense breast tissue - women with more dense breast tissue have a greater chance of developing breast cancer.

Estrogen exposure - women who started having periods earlier or entered menopause later than usual have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because their bodies have been exposed to estrogen for longer. Estrogen exposure begins when periods start, and drops dramatically during the menopause.

Obesity - post-menopausal obese and overweight women may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Experts say that there are higher levels of estrogen in obese menopausal women, which may be the cause of the higher risk.

Height - taller-than-average women have a slightly greater likelihood of developing breast cancer than shorter-than-average women. Experts are not sure why.

Alcohol consumption - the more alcohol a woman regularly drinks, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer is. The Mayo Clinic says that if a woman wants to drink, she should not exceed one alcoholic beverage per day.

Radiation exposure - undergoing X-rays and CT scans may raise a woman's risk of developing breast cancer slightly. Scientists at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that women who had been treated with radiation to the chest for a childhood cancer have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) - both forms, combined and estrogen-only HRT therapies may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer slightly. Combined HRT causes a higher risk.

Certain jobs - French researchers found that women who worked at night prior to a first pregnancy had a higher risk of eventually developing breast cancer.

Canadian researchers found that certain jobs, especially those that bring the human body into contact with possible carcinogens and endocrine disruptors are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Examples include bar/gambling, automotive plastics manufacturing, metal-working, food canning and agriculture. They reported their findings in the November 2012 issue of Environmental Health.

Cosmetic implants may undermine breast cancer survival - women who have cosmetic breast implants and develop breast cancer may have a higher risk of dying prematurely form the disease compared to other females, researchers from Canada reported in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) (May 2013 issue).

The team looked at twelve peer-reviewed articles on observational studies which had been carried out in Europe, the USA and Canada.
Diagnosing breast cancer Women are usually diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine breast cancer screening, or after detecting certain signs and symptoms and seeing their doctor about them.

If a woman detects any of the breast cancer signs and symptoms described above, she should speak to her doctor immediately. The doctor, often a primary care physician (general practitioner, GP) initially, will carry out a physical exam, and then refer the patient to a specialist if he/she thinks further assessment is needed.

Below are examples of diagnostic tests and procedures for breast cancer:
Breast exam - the physician will check both the patient's breasts, looking out for lumps and other possible abnormalities, such as inverted nipples, nipple discharge, or change in breast shape. The patient will be asked to sit/stand with her arms in different positions, such as above her head and by her sides.

X-ray (mammogram) - commonly used for breast cancer screening. If anything unusual is found, the doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram.

What are the treatment options for breast cancer? A multidisciplinary team will be involved in a breast cancer patient's treatment. The team may consists of an oncologist, radiologist, specialist cancer surgeon, specialist nurse, pathologist, radiologist, radiographer, and reconstructive surgeon. Sometimes the team may also include an occupational therapist, psychologist, dietitian, and physical therapist.

The team will take into account several factors when deciding on the best treatment for the patient, including:
The type of breast cancer

The stage and grade of the breast cancer - how large the tumor is, whether or not it has spread, and if so how far

Whether or not the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones

The patient's overall health

The age of the patient (has she been through the menopause?)

The patient's own preferences.
The main breast cancer treatment options may include:
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
Surgery
Biological therapy (targeted drug therapy)
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy.
Surgery
Lumpectomy - surgically removing the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. In breast cancer, this is often called breast-sparing surgery. This type of surgery may be recommended if the tumor is small and the surgeon believes it will be easy to separate from the tissue around it. British researchers reported that about one fifth of breast cancer patients who choose breast-conserving surgery instead of mastectomy eventually need a reoperation.

Mastectomy - surgically removing the breast. Simple mastectomy involves removing the lobules, ducts, fatty tissue, nipple, areola, and some skin. Radical mastectomy means also removing muscle of the chest wall and the lymph nodes in the armpit.

Many undergo pointless mastectomies due to fear - a study carried out at the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute and published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that many young women choose to have their healthy breast removed after being diagnosed with cancer in one breast. Unfortunately, doing so does not improve survival rates, the authors explained.

Sentinel node biopsy - one lymph node is surgically removed. If the breast cancer has reached a lymph node it can spread further through the lymphatic system into other parts of the body.

Axillary lymph node dissection - if the sentinel node was found to have cancer cells, the surgeon may recommend removing several nymph nodes in the armpit.

Breast reconstruction surgery - a series of surgical procedures aimed at recreating a breast so that it looks as much as possible like the other breast. This procedure may be carried out at the same time as a mastectomy. The surgeon may use a breast implant, or tissue from another part of the patient's body.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)

Controlled doses of radiation are targeted at the tumor to destroy the cancer cells. Usually, radiotherapy is used after surgery, as well as chemotherapy to kill off any cancer cells that may still be around. Typically, radiation therapy occurs about one month after surgery or chemotherapy. Each session lasts a few minutes; the patient may require three to five sessions per week for three to six weeks.

The type of breast cancer the woman has will decide what type of radiation therapy she may have to undergo. In some cases, radiotherapy is not needed.

Radiation therapy types include:
Breast radiation therapy - after a lumpectomy, radiation is administered to the remaining breast tissue

Chest wall radiation therapy - this is applied after a mastectomy

Breast boost - a high-dose of radiation therapy is applied to where the tumor was surgically removed. The appearance of the breast may be altered, especially if the patient's breasts are large.

Lymph nodes radiation therapy - the radiation is aimed at the axilla (armpit) and surrounding area to destroy cancer cells that have reached the lymph nodes

Breast brachytherapy

Preventing breast cancer Some lifestyle changes can help significantly reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
Alcohol consumption - women who drink in moderation, or do not drink alcohol at all, are less likely to develop breast cancer compared to those who drink large amounts regularly. Moderation means no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

Physical exercise - exercising five days a week has been shown to reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill reported that physical activity can lower breast cancer risk, whether it be either mild or intense, or before/after menopause. However, considerable weight gain may negate these benefits.

Diet - some experts say that women who follow a healthy, well-balanced diet may reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

Fish oils help reduce breast cancer risk - a study published in BMJ (June 2013 issue) found that women who regularly consumed fish and marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids had a 14% lower risk of developing breast cancer, compared to other women. The authors, from Zhejiang University, China, explained that a "regular consumer" should be eating at least 1 or 2 portions of oily fish per week (tuna, salmon, sardines, etc).

Postmenopausal hormone therapy - limiting hormone therapy may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. It is important for the patient to discuss the pros and cons thoroughly with her doctor.

Bodyweight - women who have a healthy bodyweight have a considerably lower chance of developing breast cancer compared to obese and overweight females.

Women at high risk of breast cancer - the doctor may recommend estrogen-blocking drugs, including tamoxifen and raloxifene. Tamoxifen may raise the risk of uterine cancer. Preventive surgery is a possible option for women at very high risk.

Breast cancer screening - patients should discuss with their doctor when to start breast cancer screening exams and tests.

Breastfeeding - women who breastfeed run a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to other women.

A team of researchers from the University of Granada in Spain reported in the Journal of Clinical Nursing that breastfeeding for at least six months reduces the risk of early breast cancer. This only applies to non-smoking women, the team added. They found that mothers who breastfed for six months or more, if they developed breast cancer, did so on average ten years later than other women.

What is gout?

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis - a condition affecting the joints and musculoskeletal system. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men, and although it is more likely to affect men, women become more susceptible to it after the menopause.

Gout commonly affects the base of the big toe. When affecting this area, the condition can also be referred to as podagra.
The condition is characterized by sudden and severe pains, redness and tenderness in the joints, most commonly in the base of the big toe. When affecting the big toe, gout can also be referred to as podagra.

These symptoms occur when uric acid, a bodily waste produce, is deposited in the form of needle-like crystals in tissues and fluids within the body. Chalky deposits of uric acid known as tophi can also form as lumps under the skin surrounding the joints. Uric acid crystals can also collect in the kidneys, sometimes resulting in kidney stones.

At its most disabling, gout can cause permanent damage to joints and the kidneys.

CAUSES
Gout is caused initially by an excess of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Uric acid is produced in the body through the breakdown of purines - specific chemical compounds that are found in certain foods such as meat, poultry and seafood.

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted from the body in urine via the kidneys. If too much uric acid is produced or not enough is excreted then it can build up and form the needle-like crystals that cause inflammation and pain in the joints and surrounding tissue.

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of hyperuricemia, and therefore gout:

Age and gender: men produce more uric acid than women, though women's levels of uric acid approach those of men after the menopause
Genetics: a family history of gout increases the likelihood of the condition developing
Lifestyle choices: alcohol consumption interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body. Eating a high-purine diet also increases the amount of uric acid in the body
Lead exposure: chronic lead exposure has been linked in some cases to gout
Medications: certain medications can increase the levels of uric acid in the body, such as diuretics and drugs containing salicylate
Weight: being overweight increases the risk as there is more tissue in the body for turnover or breakdown, leading to the production of excess uric acid
Other health problems: if the kidneys are unable to eliminate waste products adequately (renal insufficiency) then uric acid levels can remain high. Other conditions that can contribute are high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and hypothyroidism.

Signs and Symptoms

Gout usually becomes symptomatic suddenly without warning, often in the middle of the night. The main symptoms are intense joint pain that subsides to discomfort, inflammation and redness. Gout frequently affects the large joint of the big toe, but can also commonly affect the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers.

There are four stages through which gout progresses. Each is characterized by its symptoms (or lack of)..    

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
It is possible for a person to have hyperuricemia without any outward symptoms. At this stage, treatment is not required, though urate crystals are being deposited in tissue and causing slight damage.

Acute gout
This stage occurs when the urate crystals that have been deposited suddenly cause acute inflammation and intense pain. This sudden attack is referred to as a "flare" and will normally subside within 3-10 days. Flares can sometimes be triggered by stressful events, alcohol and drugs.

Interval or inter critical gout
This stage is the period in between attacks of acute gout. Subsequent flares may not occur for months or years, though if not treated over time they can last longer and occur more frequently. During this time, further urate crystals are being deposited in tissue.

Chronic tophaceous gout
This final stage is the most debilitating form of the disease. Permanent damage may have been dealt to joints and the kidneys. The patient can suffer from chronic arthritis and develop tophi - big lumps of urate crystals - in cooler areas of the body such as the joints of the fingers.

It takes a long time without treatment to reach the stage of chronic tophaceous gout, around 10 years. It is very unlikely that a patient receiving proper treatment would progress to this stage.

Treatment and prevention

The majority of gout cases are treated with medication. Medication can be used to treat the symptoms of gout attacks, prevent future flares and reduce the risk of gout complications such as kidney stones and the development of tophi.

Commonly used medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine or corticosteroids. These reduce inflammation and pain in the areas affected by gout and are commonly administered orally.

It is recommended that you drink between 2 and 4 liters of water a day to reduce the risk of gout.
Medications can also be used to either reduce the production of uric acid (xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol) or improve the kidney's ability to remove uric acid from the body (probenecid).

There are many lifestyle and dietary guidelines that can be followed to protect against future flares or prevent gout from occurring in the first instance:

Maintain a high fluid intake (2-4 liters a day)
Avoid alcohol
Maintain a healthy body weight
Eat a balanced diet
Limit fish, meat and poultry intake.
If attempting to lose weight, avoid low-carbohydrate diets. If carbohydrate intake is insufficient, the body is unable to burn its own fat properly, releasing substances called ketones into the bloodstream. This results in a condition called ketosis that can increase the level of uric acid in the blood.

It is most important to avoid foods that are high in purines, to ensure that the levels of uric acid in the blood do not get too high. Here is a list of high-purine foods to be wary of:

Anchovies
Asparagus
Beef kidneys
Brains
Dried beans and peas
Game meats
Gravy
Herring
Liver
Mackerel
Mushrooms
Sardines
Scallops
Sweetbreads.

   

EBOLA HIT SPAIN......FEAR GRIPS THE EUROPEANS

The first Ebola transmission outside of Africa has now been confirmed in Spain, where the member of a medical team contracted the deadly disease from a 69-year-old priest being cared for in Madrid. The city of Madrid now achieves the unfortunate distinction of being the first European city where Ebola is confirmed to have spread on its own, far outside the continent of Africa. "The female nurse was part of the medical team that treated a 69-year-old Spanish priest who died in a hospital last month after being flown back from Sierra Leone," reports the Associated Press. Authorities are drawing up a list of people the nurse had contact with, though he did not say how many people that might be, or where she went on holiday. She is married but does not have children..."

Sore throat...... and it's treatment

What is a Sore Throat? A sore throat refers to pain, itchiness, or irritation of the throat. You may have difficulty swallowing food and liquids, and the pain may get worse when you try to swallow. Throat pain is the primary symptom of a sore throat. However, other symptoms may include a dry throat, swollen glands in the neck, white patches on the tonsils, and hoarseness.
A sore throat can affect people of all ages—however, the risk of a sore throat is higher in some people.
This includes children, smokers, allergy sufferers, and people with a compromised immune system. Sharing a close space with others also increases the risk of upper respiratory infections that can present initially as a sore throat.
Causes of a Sore Throat

There are several causes of a sore throat.
Viral Infection
The majority of sore throats are triggered by a viral infection. These are infections caused by a virus, such as the cold and flu.
Other types of viral infections include: mononucleosis: infectious disease typically transmitted through saliva measles: contagious illnesses characterized by a distinct rash and fever chickenpox: infection that causes skin sores croup: infection of the larynx

Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat.
These types of infections include: strep throat: inflammation of the throat caused by the Streptococcal bacteria diphtheria: infectious disease that causes throat inflammation whooping cough: disease of the respiratory mucous membrane

Environmental Factors
Not all sore throats are viral or bacterial. There are several other causes of throat pain. If you’re allergic to mold, pet dander, pollen, or other irritants, exposure to these allergens can trigger post-nasal drip. This is when excess mucus accumulates in the back of your throat. This accumulation can irritate your throat and cause pain or inflammation.
Dry air can also make your throat feel raw and scratchy.
Smoking cigarettes or exposure to cigarette smoke can trigger persistent sore throats, as well as throat strain from yelling or too much talking.
GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease may also cause your sore throat. This is a digestive condition characterized by the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This condition causes an array of symptoms, such as a sore throat, hoarseness, heartburn, and nausea.

Other Causes In very rare cases, a sore throat may be a sign of HIV or throat cancer.

Diagnosing a Sore Throat

Most sore throats do not require medical attention. However, see a doctor if your sore throat lasts for longer than one week and if you experience:
difficulty breathing
joint pain
difficulty swallowing
an earache
a rash
fever over 101 degrees F
bloody mucus
a lump in the throat
hoarseness for longer than two weeks

Determining the cause of your sore throat can help your doctor treat your symptoms. Your doctor will do a physical examination and examine your throat with a lighted instrument. He or she will look for signs of inflammation or white patches, which might indicate strep throat. Your doctor will also feel your neck for swollen glands and check your breathing. Because strep throat is a common cause of sore throats, your doctor may swab the back of your throat and examine the sample for the Streptococcal bacteria. He or she may also run a blood test to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. If your doctor is unable to diagnose your sore throat, he or she will refer you to an allergist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These specialists will determine whether allergens or a throat disorder is the cause of your sore throat. Note that it can be difficult to diagnose a sore throat in infants and toddlers. In this age group, refusal to eat is a common sign of throat irritation.

How to Treat a Sore Throat

The treatment for a sore throat depends on the cause. However, you can treat many sore throats at home.

Home treatment options include: gargling with warm salt water drinking plenty of warm fluids, such as teas, soup, and water avoiding allergens and irritants, such as smoke and chemicals taking throat lozenges reducing inflammation with ibuprofen or acetaminophen If a bacterial infection causes your sore throat, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the infectious organisms. You should take your medication for 10 days or as prescribed by your doctor to treat the bacterial infection. A sore throat may recur if you stop treatment early. If you have a viral infection, your doctor may want to let the virus run its course. During that time, he or she may prescribe medications, such as decongestants and pain relievers, to ease your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may want to try an antiviral drug to fight the virus.

Complications of a Sore Throat In the case of persistent bacterial throat infections, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy to surgically remove the tonsils. This is a last resort treatment that should only be considered when sore throats do not respond to antibiotics.

How to Prevent a Sore Throat

Many underlying causes of sore throats are infectious, and there are certain steps you can help you prevent future infection. Repeatedly washing your hands throughout the day kills germs and bacteria that can cause viral and bacterial infections. Additional steps that you can take to prevent a sore throat include: Do not share drinking glasses or utensils with others. Use hand sanitizers whenever soap and water are not available. Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces. Reduce exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold. Avoid cigarette smoke. Keep a humidifier in your house to eliminate dryness.

HYDROTHERAPY.... water is good for treatment of......

What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to revitalize, maintain, and restore health.
Hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, and the application of cold and hot water compresses.
Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century Bavarian monk, is said to be the father of hydrotherapy. Kneipp believed that disease could be cured by using water to eliminate waste from the body. Hydrotherapy is popular in Europe and Asia, where people "take the waters" at hot springs and mineral springs. In North America, it is often recommended as self-care by naturopathic doctors. There is a physiological basis to hydrotherapy. Cold is stimulating, and it causes superficial blood vessels to constrict, shunting the blood to internal organs. Hot water is relaxing, causes blood vessels to dilate, and removes wastes from body tissues. Alternating hot can cold water also improves elimination, decreases inflammation, and stimulates circulation.
Types of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy treatments are often given at health spas or recommended as home self-care treatments.
These are some types of hydrotherapy:
Sitz bath - There are 2 adjacent tubs of water, one hot and one cold. You sit in one tub with your feet in the other tub, and then alternate. Sitz baths are recommended for hemorrhoids, PMS and menstrual problems, cystitis, polyps.

Warm water baths - Soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes, depending on the condition. Epsom salts, mineral mud, aromatherapy oils, ginger, moor mud, and dead sea salts may be added.

Sauna - Dry heat Steam bath or Turkish bath

Compresses - Towels are soaked in hot and/or cold water.

Wraps - Cold wet flannel sheets are used to cover the a person lying down. The person is then covered with dry towels and then blankets. The body warms up in response and dries to wet sheets. This is used for colds, bronchitis, skin disorders, infection, and muscle pain.

Wet sock treatment - Used for sore throat, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Hot fomentation - For treatment of acute conditions such as chest colds and coughs. It seems to relieve symptoms but also decrease the length of the illness.

PAINFUL MENSTRUAL PERIOD(DYSMENORRHEA)

Painful menstrual periods are periods in which a woman has crampy lower abdominal pain, sharp or aching pain that comes and goes, or possibly back pain. Although some pain during your period is normal, excessive pain is not. The medical term for painful menstrual periods is dysmenorrhea.

CAUSES

Painful menstrual periods fall into two groups, depending on the cause: Primary dysmenorrhea Secondary dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that occurs around the time that menstrual periods first begin in otherwise healthy young women. This pain is usually not related to a specific problem with the uterus or other pelvic organs. Increased activity of the hormone prostaglandin, which is produced in the uterus, is thought to play a role in this condition.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that develops later in women who have had normal periods and is often related to problems in the uterus or other pelvic organs, such as: Endometriosis Fibroids Intrauterine device (IUD) made of copper Pelvic inflammatory disease Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Sexually transmitted infection Stress and anxiety.

HOME CARE

The following steps may allow you to avoid prescription medications:
Apply a heating pad to your lower belly area, below your belly button.
Never fall asleep with the heating pad on.
Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower belly area.
Drink warm beverages
 Eat light but frequent meals.
Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
Keep your legs raised while lying down, or lie on your side with your knees bent.
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen.
Start taking it the day before your period is expected to start, and continue taking it regularly for the first few days of your period.
Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS. Take warm showers or baths.
Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Get regular, aerobic exercise.
If these self-care measures do not work, your doctor may prescribe medications such as: Antibiotics
Antidepressants
Birth control pills Prescription
anti-inflammatory medicines Prescription pain relievers (including narcotics, for brief periods)

Excessive desire for sex

 Excessive Sexual Drive
While most people wouldn't turn down a chance for sexual pleasure, some people become so overwhelmed by intense obsessions related to sexual activity. When these obsessions begin to have an impact on a person's life, there is a good chance that excessive sexual drive is a problem. The exact causes are not known, but for some it may be psychological in nature while for others it may be caused by physical problems. Knowing the cause is an important part of treatment for excessive sexual drive.

Causes of Excessive Sexual Drive
As mentioned, an increased sex drive may be caused by a physical factor like a hormonal imbalance. While it may start here for some, there are other emotional factors that may be at work as well. Problems with other compulsive disorders may be another cause of excessive sexual drive. The important thing to remember is that when treatment is sought, the cause should be taken into consideration. Before the exact cause is known, there are many symptoms that might appear as indicators of a problem with this sexual dysfunction.

Symptoms and Dangers of Excessive Sexual Drive

Most people enjoy sexual activity, but when a person is distressed greatly when not involved with sexual interaction, it may be excessive sexual drive.
Obsessive thoughts that center around sex as well as addictions to pornography may be signs of a problem with this sexual disorder. People that have multiple sexual partners without having an emotional attachment to them may also have a problem with excessive sexual drive. If any of the symptoms appear, getting treatment is recommended before the problem leads to other dangers - from physical (sexual diseases) to emotional ones like depression.

Treatment for Excessive Sexual Drive

Treatment for excessive sexual drive may involve psychotherapy and medication. Medications for nymphomania may include antidepressants or antianxiety or antipsychotic medications, similar to the medications used for other compulsive disorders. Because compulsive sexual behavior is risky, people with nymphomania are at increased risk for developing complications such as sexually transmitted diseases.