According to a study published online by Menopause on September 12, 2023, women who have both of their ovaries removed prior to menopause have significantly increased chances of developing multiple chronic health conditions decades later.
The 274 women (average age 67) in the study had either undergone a hysterectomy or had their ovaries removed prior to menopause for a noncancerous condition. The women had thorough physical examinations for an average of 22 years following their surgery to determine whether any chronic conditions existed and to assess their level of strength and mobility.
Women under 46 who had their ovaries removed had 64% higher odds of having arthritis, twice the likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea, and almost three times the likelihood of having had a bone fracture as compared to women of the same age who still had their ovaries. In a test that involved a six-minute walk, they also did worse. In addition, ovary removal patients between the ages of 46 and 49 were more likely to develop arthritis and sleep apnea than non-operating patients of the same age. Nonetheless, ovary excision prior to menopause was not associated with any of the following conditions: cancer, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, irregular cardiac rhythm, osteoporosis, or diseases of the kidney, liver, or thyroid.
The authors of the study advised women who have their ovaries removed before menopause to think about starting estrogen therapy around age 50.
Childbirth, a timeless and sometimes unpredictable journey, has been an integral part of human experience. In the United States, where rates of avoidable complications and maternal deaths are surprisingly high, the demand for doulas is on the rise. Natalia Richey, interim chief midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes an increasing interest in additional care during pregnancy and birth.
But what does a birth doula do? Unlike midwives or doctors, professional doulas offer emotional and physical support to women throughout pregnancy and the birthing process.
Here's a glimpse into doula care if you're considering it.
Doulas vs. Midwives
While midwives and doulas share some responsibilities, a crucial distinction exists: midwives provide medical care, whereas doulas focus on emotional and physical support. Midwives, like certified nurse-midwives, are trained nurses responsible for maintaining the physical health of both mother and baby during childbirth. On the other hand, doulas don't perform medical tasks; they specialize in helping laboring women stay comfortable and calm, employing various techniques like suggesting comfort measures and optimal positions.
Doula Training and Licensing
It's important to note that doula training lacks standardized rules. Certification from over 100 independent organizations is common, although no formal licensing is required. While private insurers often don't cover doula care, some employers, like Walmart, assist in covering costs. As of February 2023, ten states and the District of Columbia offer Medicaid coverage for doula services.
Impact on Birth Outcomes
A 2023 analysis spanning 22 years and 16 studies found that doula support correlated with improved birth outcomes, including fewer C-sections, premature deliveries, and shorter labor. Emotional support from doulas was associated with reduced anxiety and stress in mothers, with notable improvements in breastfeeding success, especially among low-income women.
Collaboration with Doulas
Agreements regarding care may vary, but typically, doulas meet with expectant individuals throughout pregnancy to discuss birth goals and build rapport. Doulas, akin to obstetricians, are available 24/7 to support clients during labor. This constant support, especially for those with limited resources, can be invaluable.
Doula and OB/GYN Collaboration
Collaboration between doulas and OB/GYN teams is generally seamless. Whether a hospital arranges for a doula or if hired privately, coordination ensures everyone sticks to their roles. Doulas suggest nonpharmacological ways to ease pain, respecting boundaries when medical intervention is necessary.
Questions to Ask When Considering a Doula
Interested in working with a doula? Natalia Richey suggests asking yourself questions like:
- What are my hopes and goals for the childbirth process?
- How do I envision my support team during delivery?
- Do I have friends or family members who have used doulas, and what were their impressions?
When contacting a doula, inquire about their training, the number of births attended, how they can assist during pregnancy and labor, and their approach to collaboration with your partner, spouse, and the medical team.
Take the time to meet with any doula you're considering and make sure they're a good fit, advises Richey. "Because this is someone who will be there during one of the most vulnerable times of your life. Having someone there who doesn't make you feel safe and comfortable can affect birth in a major way.
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A new study suggests that women who suffer from migraine headaches prior to becoming pregnant may be at greater risk for pregnancy complications that could endanger their health or that of their unborn child.
The Harvard-led research, which was published online by Neurology on January 19, 2023, analysed 20 years' worth of data from Nurses Health Research II, which included 30,555 pregnancies among 19,694 nurses in the United States. The number of women who reported being diagnosed with migraine, as well as the form of migraine, were evaluated by the researchers. In addition, participants reported whether they had experienced medical complications during pregnancy.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent national panel of experts, has recently released draft guidelines proposing updated recommendations for breast cancer screening. The new guidelines suggest that women at average risk for breast cancer should undergo screening every other year starting at the age of 40. This is a departure from their previous advice, which recommended mammograms every other year starting at age 50. The proposed guidelines are in line with the 2022 recommendations by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which suggests annual mammograms for women at average risk.
The decision to update the guidelines was based on new scientific evidence that shows biennial mammograms starting at age 40 could potentially prevent at least one additional breast cancer death for every 1,000 women. Currently, breast cancer affects approximately 264,000 American women each year, with 42,000 losing their lives to the disease, according to data from the CDC.
Where you responsible for my partner's bladder infection?
When a woman has a normal bladder infection, the most typical type of urinary tract infection (UTI), her sexual partner does not need to be checked. UTI-causing germs are not transmitted by partners. Women's small urethras—the tube that removes urine from the bladder—make them more susceptible to UTIs. The region surrounding the urethra's end is covered in bacteria. In order to infect the bladder in women, these germs only need to travel a short distance from the urethral entrance. Even though you did not spread the bacteria, you might have had some impact. After sexual activity, some women experience UTIs. This is especially true when having sex that is intense or frequent. Changing sexual positions and encouraging her to urinate immediately after sexual contact may be helpful in these circumstances.
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1 easy way to get bigger boobs
I remember back in school when my friends would go shopping for nude bras and come back with beige bras that looked off their skin colour. This is such a thoughtful brand that understands the importance of the breast pads being the same or close to the colour of your skin.
One of the most beautiful aspects of womanhood is having children. Many women long for the day when they can "show off that round belly." The first step in confirming a pregnancy is getting a positive pregnancy test, but what are the warning signs?
1. The first sign or obvious indication of pregnancy is a missed period. Be ready to dash to the pharmacy next door and grab a pregnancy test.
2. Breast Sensitivity.
The body emits a variety of pregnancy-related signals, and sore breasts are one of them. Some women have sore breasts before their periods, so it would be best to take a test at home or go to the doctor to find out if you are pregnant.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, ideally, provide health advantages regardless of where in the body they are used. There are pills and powders that can be taken by mouth and suppository capsules that are injected into the vagina that contain these microorganisms.
We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
Women screened early are less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
A new study shows that women who start testing for colorectal cancer at 45 are much less likely to get the disease than those who don't test or who start testing at 50. The study's results, which were published online by JAMA Oncology on May 5, 2022, back up new national guidelines that say colorectal screening should start at age 45 instead of 50. This is because the number of young adults with colorectal cancer has gone up by 50% over the past 50 years.
The study, directed by Harvard researchers, analyzed 111,801 women (average age: 36) from the Nurses' Health Study II who were followed from 1991 to 2017. Every two years, participants reported whether or not they had undergone a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, examinations that use a flexible tube and a camera to examine the colon and rectum. The tests allow doctors to find cancers early on and remove polyps that could turn into cancer.
The transition through menopause is indeed a time of confusion, and it can be challenging to keep up with all the ways your body is transforming. When you listen to your body, you should not disregard anything truly unusual. Specifically, you should inform your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.
Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.
Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.
Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.
Pelvic discomfort or pain. Menstrual cramps and occasional pelvic twitches are normal. However, if pain or discomfort, including bloating, worsens over time, you should speak up. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and (rarely) cancer are potential causes.
New bleeding. If you haven't had a period for at least a year, unexpected bleeding could indicate uterine cancer or another potentially serious condition. An ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary.
A biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from the body and inspected under a microscope. A doctor performs a breast biopsy to remove tissue from a problematic location so that a pathologist may assess whether the sample contains malignant cells.
Previously, biopsies were only performed by making an incision in the breast and removing the suspicious tissue as well as some normal tissue from around it. The scars from these surgical biopsies may affect the size and form of the breast.
Doctors can now frequently employ novel procedures. Fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy are two options that do not leave scars or alter the form of the breast. This is a substantial benefit because four out of every five women who have biopsies are cancer-free.
If your health care facility does not perform needle biopsies, seek to be referred to one that does, unless this operation is contraindicated for you.
What Is It Used For?
A bigger needle is utilised for a large core needle biopsy than for fine needle aspiration. Because the needle is bigger, more tissue may be extracted and inspected. Large core needle biopsy is frequently conducted using x-rays or ultrasound to ensure that the tip of the needle has reached the questionable area. It can aid in the evaluation of abnormalities revealed on a mammogram but not felt by touch.
If you have, a core needle biopsy may not be appropriate.
an abnormality at the chest wall, nipple, or breast surface particular types of calcium deposits in the area of concern very tiny breasts.
It can be difficult to obtain appropriate results from a core needle biopsy under certain circumstances. Instead, your doctor may advise you to undergo a surgical biopsy.
We're keeping an eye on the research.
According to recent research, women who enter menopause early – before the age of 40 — are more likely to develop dementia later in life than women who experience menopause later in life, around the age of 50.
The study, which was presented at an American Heart Association meeting on March 1, 2022, looked at health data from 153,291 women in the United Kingdom. Between 2006 and 2010, participants (average age 60) gave their genetic and health information to a big biological database.
The researchers looked at which of the patients went on to develop dementia of any kind, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia (caused by impaired blood flow to the brain). They then calculated the relationship between dementia risk and menopausal age.
It happens to a lot of menstruating women: you go about your daily routine until you discover you've just gotten your period. You feel frightened, vulnerable, and exposed after the clumsy search for a restroom and the ardent hope that you had a menstruation product with you. This is exacerbated by the fact that our society stigmatizes menstruation — or, for that matter, anything having to do with the uterus — and these topics are forbidden.
If you're one of the almost 22 million women in the United States living in poverty because they can't afford menstrual hygiene supplies, you're experiencing period poverty. According to a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 64% of women have had trouble purchasing period items like pads, tampons, or reusable goods like menstrual cups. And 21% said they couldn't afford to buy these items on a monthly basis. People who are homeless or incarcerated are more likely to lack proper menstrual hygiene supplies.
Why is it considered a luxury to use period products?
Menstruation is an unavoidable aspect of life. Menstrual hygiene items should be considered necessities rather than indulgences. Menstrual products are not covered by food stamps or WIC (women, infants, and children) subsidies.
Protect yourself from chronic inflammation's harmful effects.
Chronic, low-grade inflammation has been demonstrated to be a silent killer, contributing to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. From Harvard Medical School experts, learn simple ways to reduce inflammation and stay healthy.
People who have heavy periods and need to change their pads or tampons frequently experience financial difficulties since they need to buy more pads or tampons than the average menstrual person. They may have vulvar irritation and vaginal discomfort if they try to extend the life of items by using them for many hours at a time. They may also be more susceptible to toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection.
Why is it vital to talk about period stigma?
To understand and address the issues people confront when it comes to access to menstrual hygiene products, we need to eliminate the stigma around menstruation. Poverty is a reality. Period equity should also be genuine. Embarrassment or taboos may hinder people from speaking up for themselves, but if that stigma is removed — or even alleviated — we can move forward as a society to fulfil the needs of half of our population. When half of the population suffers financial and physical hardship as a result of the reproductive cycle required to guarantee human survival, there is no equality.
According to new research, routine mammograms, which are used to check for breast cancer, may also reveal information about a woman's risk of heart disease.
On mammograms, white patches or lines indicate calcium buildup in the breast arteries. This type of calcification differs from the calcification of the coronary arteries, which is recognized to be a sign of increased cardiovascular risk. Researchers tracked 5,059 postmenopausal women (ages 60 to 79) for six and a half years for this study. They discovered that women with breast artery calcification were 51 per cent more likely than women without calcification to develop heart disease or have a stroke. Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging published the study on March 15, 2022.
Infections and discomfort can be avoided by maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina. Changes in vaginal discharge that are unusual are a sign that there is a problem.
What are the benefits of vulvar and vaginal care?
Many women suffer from vaginal infections (vaginitis) at some point in their lives. The area around the vaginal (vulva) entrance can also become irritated. Some steps can be taken to relieve vulvar discomfort and prevent vaginal infections.
Some types of vaginal infections can be made worse by home treatments. If the problem persists, contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your vulvar or vaginal health or notice unusual changes in vaginal discharge.
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| Pexel image |
It's very normal to have some vaginal discharge.
It is not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by an odour, irritation, burning, or other vaginal symptoms.
Normal discharge can be...
Clear, off-white, or white in color.
🔸️Thick or thin inconsistency
🔸️Sticky or elastic in texture
🔸️Very subtle non-foul odour
Discharge is important in a variety of ways, including preventing infections and cleansing and moistening the vaginal area!
Consult your doctor.
My last menstrual period was four years ago, yet I'm still experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. Is this typical, and are there other treatments other than hormones that could help me?
A. While many women experience menopausal symptoms for a short period of time, others may experience symptoms for years after their menstrual cycles have stopped. Heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are all possible.
There are various non-hormonal approaches that may be beneficial. Those that help you stay cool are some of the greatest solutions for hot flashes and nocturnal sweats. Dress in layers so you can rapidly remove clothing to change your body temperature; put a small fan nearby that you can turn on as needed; use cool-water compresses on your skin; maintain your bedroom at a lower temperature at night, and wear light clothing to bed (ideally made of fabrics designed to wick away moisture). In addition, make an effort to exercise on a regular basis. It has been demonstrated to lower overall menopausal symptoms and may assist in enhancing your sleep quality. Also, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on what she can do, she may be able to give you more options for therapy and rule out other health problems that could be causing your pain.
Get a free consultation from the Melody Jacob Health Team. Send us an email at godisablej66@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks for reading.
Did you know that over two-thirds of the 6.2 million people in America who have Alzheimer's disease are women? This means that women are nearly twice as likely to have Alzheimer's disease as men. Alzheimer's disease is more common among women, but why is this so?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain ailment that gradually impairs memory and thinking abilities, eventually impairing the capacity to do even the most basic tasks. In the majority of patients with the condition—those with late-onset symptoms—symptoms begin in their mid-60s.
Women live longer than men.
The primary reason is that women live longer than men. When actuarial life tables are consulted, it becomes clear that a baby girl born in 2019 is anticipated to live five years longer than a baby boy: 81 versus 76 years.
Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease; the older you get, the more likely you are to get the condition. For instance, the incidence (the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease each year) varies according to age:
Each year, four out of every 1,000 people aged 65 to 74 get Alzheimer's disease.
Each year, 32 people aged 75 to 84 develop Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease affects 76 out of 1,000 adults aged 85 and older each year.
Thus, one reason there are more women with Alzheimer's disease than men is that our society has 5.7 million older women than older men, and the older you are, the more susceptible you are to having Alzheimer's disease.
However, this is not the complete explanation.
Alzheimer's disease is more prevalent in women.
Women have a somewhat higher risk of having Alzheimer's disease later in life than men. One study monitored 16,926 people in Sweden and discovered that women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease than men of the same age, beginning at age 80. Similarly, a Taiwanese study discovered that women had a larger likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease over a seven-year period than men. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of the Alzheimer's disease incidence in Europe discovered that roughly 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's disease per year, compared to only seven men.
Thus, women living longer than men cannot be the whole explanation for why women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease, as women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease even among individuals of the same age.
Women do not have a higher incidence of non-Alzheimer’s dementia than men.
One hint to the solution to this issue is that women do not have a higher risk of having dementia from causes other than Alzheimer's disease. For instance, a study of dementia rates in Sweden discovered that women and men were equally likely to develop non-dementia Alzheimer's as they aged. The fact that Alzheimer's disease rates vary by gender but not for non-dementias shows that there must be a unique connection between Alzheimer's disease and gender.
Amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease may represent a defense mechanism against infections.
Another piece of the puzzle comes from Harvard researchers, who believe that amyloid, one of the pathological components of Alzheimer's disease, is deposited in the brain to combat infections. If this hypothesis is right, we may consider Alzheimer's disease to be a result of our brain's immune system.
Tips for Self-Examinations of the Breast
How frequently do you examine your breasts, and do you know how to perform a self-breast exam properly? There is no better time than the present to learn how to perform a self-breast exam, so here are some recommendations to help you be more thorough during your self-checkups.
Breast cancer statistics and the need for screening are compelling: mammography has contributed to a nearly 40% reduction in breast cancer fatalities since 1990. Regular mammography and self-examinations can help you save your life by detecting irregularities early on.
Breast examinations also offer a secondary purpose: they help you become acquainted with your breasts. This may seem ludicrous; after all, they are your breasts, and you are inherently familiar with them. However, many women are unaware of lumps until they are detected during a mammogram. Simply stroking your breasts is insufficient; you must master the proper technique and recognize the signs.
You're likely to have come across a guide or graphic demonstrating how to conduct a self-breast inspection. While these graphics are excellent for spreading awareness on social media, they may not always convey accurate and comprehensive information.
Choose a day after your period ends to conduct a self-examination. This helps prevent your breasts from becoming sensitive, puffy, or sore. If you are not menstruating, simply choose one day per month. Begin your assessment with a visual inspection. In front of a mirror, standing topless and slowly raise your arms, elevate each breast, and inspect for any irregularities. These include the following:
Changes in size, shape, or symmetry
Dimpling
Changes in the nipples
The presence of redness, ridges, or roughness
After that, it's time for the physical examination.
After that, it's time for the physical examination. Gently massage your breasts in spirals with the pads of your fingers, beginning at the nipple and working outward. Then, with your fingers, trace the circumference of the breast up toward the collarbone. Finally, massage the sides, paying special attention to the area around the armpit.
The significance of breast examinations
Breast cancer statistics and the need for screening are compelling: mammography has contributed to a nearly 40% reduction in breast cancer fatalities since 1990. Regular mammography and self-examinations can help you save your life by detecting irregularities early on.
Breast examinations also offer a secondary purpose: they help you become acquainted with your breasts. This may seem ludicrous; after all, they are your breasts, and you are inherently familiar with them. However, many women are unaware of lumps until they are detected during a mammogram. Simply stroking your breasts is insufficient; you must master the proper technique and recognize the signs.
How to do an effective self-examination
You're likely to have come across a guide or graphic demonstrating how to conduct a self-breast inspection. While these graphics are excellent for spreading awareness on social media, they may not always convey accurate and comprehensive information.
Choose a day after your period ends to conduct a self-examination. This helps prevent your breasts from becoming sensitive, puffy, or sore. If you are not menstruating, simply choose one day per month. Begin your assessment with a visual inspection. In front of a mirror, standing topless and slowly raise your arms, elevate each breast, and inspect for any irregularities. These include the following:
Changes in size, shape, or symmetry
Dimpling
Changes in the nipples
The presence of redness, ridges, or roughness
After that, it's time for the physical examination.
After that, it's time for the physical examination. Gently massage your breasts in spirals with the pads of your fingers, beginning at the nipple and working outward. Then, with your fingers, trace the circumference of the breast up toward the collarbone. Finally, massage the sides, paying special attention to the area around the armpit.
It's happened to a lot of menstruating women: you're going about your business until you realize you've just gotten your period. You feel scared, vulnerable, and exposed as you race to find a restroom and wish fervently that you packed a menstruation product. This is exacerbated by the fact that our society stigmatizes menstruation — or, for that matter, anything having to do with a uterus — and these discussions are shrouded in secrecy.
If you're one of the almost 22 million women living in poverty in the United States who can't afford menstrual hygiene supplies, you're living in period poverty. According to a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 64% of women have ever had trouble purchasing period items like pads, tampons, or reusable goods like menstrual cups. In addition, 21% said they couldn't afford these things on a monthly basis. People who are homeless or incarcerated are more vulnerable to not having enough menstrual hygiene supplies.
Why are period (menstruation) products a luxury?
Menstruation is an unavoidable part of life. Menstrual hygiene items should be considered as essentials rather than luxuries. Unfortunately, menstrual products are not covered by food stamps or the WIC (women, infants, and children) program subsidies for groceries.
Patients have told me that they can't afford menstruation products, so they use toilet paper or paper towels instead of pads or tampons. People who have heavy periods and need to change their pads or tampons frequently experience financial difficulties since they need to buy more pads or tampons than the average menstrual person. They may have vulvar irritation and vaginal discomfort if they try to extend the life of items by using them for many hours at a time. They may also be more susceptible to toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection.
Why is it vital to talk about period (menstruation) stigma?
To understand and address the issues people confront when it comes to access to menstrual hygiene products, we need to eliminate the stigma around menstruation. Poverty is a reality. Period equity should also be genuine. Embarrassment or taboos may hinder people from speaking up for themselves, but if that stigma is lifted — or even alleviated — we can move forward as a society to fulfil the needs of half of our population. When half of the population suffers financial and physical hardship as a result of the reproductive cycle required to guarantee human survival, there is no equity.
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