Women's Health City

Fixing Sleep Problems May Help Prevent Fibromyalgia

2010-05-01T09:05:00.002+01:00

Which came first, poor sleep or fibromyalgia? The answer – and remedies – may surprise you.
By: Carol Weeg
Medically reviewed by Ed Zimney, MD

Disturbed sleep is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, and now research indicates that it may also be an underlying cause of this painful muscular condition. In fact, a study at the University of Washington found that when 12 healthy women were deprived of deep, restorative sleep three nights in a row, they developed increased musculoskeletal pain as well as overall discomfort and fatigue — classic symptoms of fibromyalgia.

In some cases, chronically disrupted sleep appears to lead directly to fibromyalgia, especially in people with a family history of the condition. "Sometimes mothers who are up night after night with colicky babies go on to develop fibromyalgia," says Dr. Stuart Silverman, clinical professor of medicine and rheumatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center UCLA. More often, poor sleep is part of a cascade of fibromyalgia-precipitating events. "If you have chronic pain, which then disrupts your sleep, you may develop a phenomenon called central sensitization — increased sensitivity to pain signals in the brain, and that can be a pathway to fibromyalgia," explains Dr. Silverman.

Pinpointing Sleep Issues: If you are at risk for fibromyalgia or even newly diagnosed with it, identifying sleep problems and getting regular rest becomes all the more important in becoming symptom-free. If the quantity or quality of your sleep isn't what it should be, start by talking to your doctor, who may refer you to a sleep specialist. "We try to find the causes of a person's interrupted sleep," says Dr. Ana Krieger, sleep specialist at New York's Weill Cornell Medical College, "so we may ask patients to keep a sleep diary or come to a sleep center so we can observe them overnight."

Experts find there are certain conditions that commonly rob people of the rest they need. And when these disorders are effectively treated, sleep problems improve. Among the most common sleep-related problems are:

Restless legs syndrome: Many people with fibromyalgia have restless legs syndrome, (RLS), a neurological disorder that causes a powerful urge to move your legs when you're sitting or lying down. This can interrupt your sleep repeatedly. Lifestyle changes may help, such as avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine, all of which can aggravate the symptoms. Moderate exercise during the day and relaxation techniques at bedtime may also calm your restless limbs. If these strategies aren't enough, there are medications that can help reduce RLS symptoms.
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Sleep apnea: If your sleep partner complains that you snore, or if you wake unrefreshed even though you're apparently getting enough sleep, the culprit may be sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops for short periods during sleep. This can happen 20 to 30 times an hour, each episode waking you, but so briefly that you don't remember it in the morning. Sleep apnea not only leaves you drowsy during the day, but, left untreated, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke, and some research suggests that it may be related to fibromyalgia as well. Treatment involves weight loss if obesity is the cause, and using a device called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine when you sleep.

Following Good Sleep Hygiene: In our 24/7 world, getting the rest you need can be a challenge. "We think of sleep as a luxury, so we're busy up to the minute we go to bed, but it takes a while for the body to shut down," says Dr. Krieger. You can set the stage for a good night's sleep with simple changes to your lifestyle and bedtime routine.

* Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid heavy eating for at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed, and limit your caffeine intake to the morning only.
* Keep to a regular schedule, both bedtime and wake time, and stick to it — even on weekends.
* Limit daytime naps. Although you may feel very tired, sleeping during the day often will make it harder to fall asleep at night.
* Wind down at night by taking a warm bath, reading, or listening to soothing music.
* Learn to relax. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try a relaxation technique such as meditation or deep breathing.
* Create a sleep-promoting environment. Keep your bedroom dark and cool, and use a fan or "white noise" machine to block noise, if necessary.

Bottom line: If you have chronic sleep problems, it's important to get them diagnosed and treated. Sound sleep will not only give you the energy to carry out daily activities, it could help you avoid developing fibromyalgia.

Seven Healthy Skin Secrets

2010-01-28T13:13:00.001+01:00

Take action now to reverse the signs of aging.

By Anne L. Fritz

Medically reviewed by Rosalyn Carson-Dewitt

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Perhaps you’ve noticed that your skin is dry and tight, or that your hands are starting to look thin-skinned and wrinkled. If so, don’t just resign yourself to prematurely aged skin: Take steps to halt the damage. “At any age, knowing how to protect, hydrate, and moisturize your skin is key,” says Leslie Baumann, MD, author of The Skin Type Solution. “If you use sunscreen, include antioxidants in your diet, and learn how to protect and moisturize your skin, the chances are excellent that you can moderate your skin’s tendency to wrinkle.”

1. Get a good night’s sleep
The most important thing you can do to improve your skin is to get more sleep. Aim for eight hours of rest a night, says Dennis Gross, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist. The reason: Chronic lack of sleep — and to a lesser extent, the occasional sleepless night — sets off the body’s fight-or-flight response because fatigue creates a mild state of physiological emergency. In turn, this triggers the production of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline), which prompt the body to divert a disproportionate amount of blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients away from the skin to major internal organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. When skin is deprived of the optimal amount of fuel in this way, it can become dull, pale, and lifeless.

2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
“When the arteries become clogged from an excess of fat in our diets, all of the tissues of the body, including the skin, receive less blood, oxygen, and nutrients,” says Dr. Gross. As a result, skin can appear dull, have less elasticity, and be unable to readily repair itself. For healthy skin, Gross recommends eating foods that are high in vitamins C and E and lycopene, such as citrus fruits, chard, sunflower seeds, and tomatoes. These antioxidant-rich foods destroy free radicals, which can harm skin’s collagen and elastin, and they are beneficial for overall health.
In addition, Dr. Baumann recommends regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and fortified eggs, as well as in supplement form. These essential fatty acids are crucial for bolstering the skin barrier, which holds in moisture.

3. Exercise regularly
Exercise improves circulation, ensuring the optimal flow of blood and nutrients to the skin, which imparts a radiant glow. And sweating helps release any water that your body may be unnecessarily retaining. Just be sure to go without makeup while exercising, and wash your face immediately after a workout to remove oil, sweat, and grime, which can clog pores and cause irritation.

4. Modify your daily skin care routine
There are many easy tweaks you can make in your daily habits to benefit your skin. Here are a few suggestions:

(a) Wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or doing yard work.
(b) In the winter, keep showers and baths shorter than 10 minutes, and use warm water, not hot.
(c) Choose cleansers that don’t completely strip skin of its natural oils. Creamy, nonfoaming cleansers are best for those who have dry skin.
(d) Apply moisturizer to dry areas of skin after showering and before bedtim

5. Protect skin from the elements year-round
Safeguarding your skin against the sun is the single most important thing you can do for your skin’s health and appearance, says Gross.

(a) It’s not enough to wear sunscreen daily — you need to make sure you’re using enough. It takes about 2 to 4 ounces of sunscreen to cover your face and body, depending on your size. You can also purchase clothing with built-in sun protection.
(b) Skin should be protected in the winter, too. Always wear gloves and protect your neck, face, and head with a scarf and hat, because cold air can aggravate dry skin.
(c) Wear sunglasses year-round to shield the thin skin around the eyes from damage. Tinted lenses also work as a physical barrier to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can increase the likelihood of certain cataracts and other kinds of eye damage.
(d) Regardless of the season, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

6. Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can otherwise make skin thicker, rougher, and less radiant. An additional benefit is that regular exfoliation of the body and face allows moisturizer to be absorbed more readily. To exfoliate dry skin, use a clean washcloth and apply very light pressure to skin using a circular motion. If your skin is normal or oily, try a moisturizer, cleanser, or serum that contains alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy (salicylic) acid to exfoliate more aggressively.

7. Take measures against dry air
Many skin conditions worsen in the winter because there is less humidity in the air, both indoors and out; skin also tends to dry out more quickly because of harsh weather conditions.

(a) To alleviate winter dryness, apply an intensive daily moisturizer and use a cool-mist humidifier at night.
(b) In summer months, stay out of the sun and avoid prolonged swimming in pools or the ocean, which can dry out skin. If you live in a very dry climate, you may want to use a humidifier in the summer months.
(c) If you fly frequently, moisturize before, during, and after travel because airplane cabins are have very low humidity levels.

Hitting the Road with Sinus Pain

2010-01-01T08:19:00.008+01:00

Traveling can be an exciting adventure! However, if you are suffering from sinus pain and discomfort, it can make your journey less enjoyable. From cabin pressure changes to dry, allergen-filled hotel rooms, your travel itinerary may include many possible irritants for your already sensitive sinuses. If postponing your travel plans is not a possibility, try the sinus solutions below to make your travels more comfortable. Bon Voyage!
	Stay hydrated. Airplane cabins are typically dry and can cause sinus irritation for those with allergies, asthma or head colds. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and avoiding coffee, colas and alcohol from the drink cart. Also, try using a natural saline solution nasal spray on an hourly basis to keep nasal passages moist and sinus pain at bay.
	Relieve pressure. When altitude changes quickly during ascent or descent, you may feel a sensation known as "popping ears." To relieve this pressure in your ear canals and sinuses, try swallowing frequently, chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop.
	Wear ear plugs. To block your sensitive inner ears and ear drums from potential damage due to cabin pressure changes, try wearing ear plugs. The ear plugs allow the air pressure to change very slowly and assimilate to the appropriate pressure.
	Use a hot compress. If you are suffering from sinus pain or pressure, ask your flight attendant for a hot washcloth to place over your nose and eyes before takeoff. The heat will help your sinuses to drain and prepare for changes in cabin pressure.
	Close the window on sinus irritants. If you are travelling by car, avoid sinus irritants by keeping car windows closed during pollen and allergy season, and using your air conditioner to cool down. Try to avoid travelling during non-peak traffic hours when levels of exhaust fumes are lower and air quality is better.
	Create humidity. If the air in your hotel room is too dry, drape wet towels around the room or turn on a hot shower for a few moments to fill the room with steam and keep your nasal passages moist.

Treating Sexual Pain

2009-12-18T02:08:00.000+01:00

You don't have to put up with pain during sex. Read on to learn about possible causes and solutions.

By Connie Brichford
Medically reviewed by Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD
______________________________________________

Painful intercourse, described medically as dyspareunia, is not uncommon. An estimated 20 to 50 percent of women experience some form of sexual dysfunction, including pain during sex.

"The term 'dyspareunia' means pain during sex, and it covers a huge category of symptoms, with a huge range of possible causes," says Edwin Huang, MD, a gynecologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Those causes commonly range from, easily remedied issues such as allergic reactions or infections, to more complex, psychological issues.

Signs of Sexual Pain
For women, the symptoms of dyspareunia include pain in the vagina during sexual activity, either at the entrance of the vagina or further inside. Some women experience vaginismus, which means that their vaginal muscles involuntarily contract during penetration, making the experience painful. Dr. Huang says that some women with vaginismus not only have pain during sex, but they may also feel pain during routine gynecological exams.

Causes and Treatment of Sexual Pain
Because there are so many possible causes of dyspareunia and vaginismus, Huang says, it is difficult to talk generally about treatment options. But, he says, "finding the source of the issues is more than half the battle." Huang says the first step for a doctor in treating dyspareunia is to compile a thorough and complete medical and sexual history of the patient, to identify possible causes. These could include:

Allergic reactions. The skin in the vagina can be irritated if you have an allergic reactions to a soap, detergent, a douche product, or perfumed tampons or maxi pads. Switch to unscented products with fewer ingredients if you suspect allergies may be involved Huang does not recommend douching because it can irritate the skin in the vagina.
Vaginal itching.Yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and some sexual transmitted diseases cause itching and burning sensations in the vagina. Having sex while you are suffering from one of these conditions can be unpleasant and can cause dyspareunia. UTIs and yeast infections are treatable, and most sexually transmitted diseases can be treated or managed.
Vaginal dryness. As many as 20 percent of women report lubrication difficulties, which can lead to pain during sex. The hormonal changes that accompany menopause can also lead to vaginal dryness. Huang says that using water-based lubricants and engaging in more foreplay before sexual intercourse can help with vaginal dryness.
Vaginismus. The involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles during penetration, or vaginismus, can be caused by physical and psychological factors, Huang says. Identifying the cause of vaginismus is essential for developing a treatment plan.

Other Causes of Sexual Pain

Though dyspareunia is often caused by easily treatable conditions, sometimes it can be a sign of more serious issues.

Health conditions.Sometimes, dyspareunia is a sign of other health conditions, including hemorrhoids or endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus starts growing in other places in the body. All of these conditions are treatable.
Psychological causes. Psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression, can adversely affect sexuality and bring on dyspareunia. Women who have been sexually abused may find that their relationship to sex has changed dramatically. A sex therapist or counselor can help you address these root psychological causes and work with you to cultivate a healthy and positive sexuality.

Bottom line on sexual pain: Recognize your symptoms and seek advice. If you experience pain during intercourse, talk to your gynecologist. Sexual pain does not have to be part of your life.

10 Ways to Get Flexible!

2009-12-12T04:48:00.004+01:00

When it comes to the Big 3 of exercise—cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training—it’s pretty clear which one can get overlooked. After all, while we prize cardiovascular and strength training for their role in helping us lose weight, build muscle and get fit, the benefits of flexibility training are less immediately alluring.

However, as the population ages, more of us are learning to appreciate the rewards of stretching. Staying limber can offset age-related stiffness, improve athletic performance, and optimize functional movement in daily life. Research shows that flexibility training can develop and maintain range of motion and may help prevent and treat injury. In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine has added flexibility training to its general exercise recommendations, advising that stretching exercises for the major muscle groups be performed 2 to 3 days per week.

How can you include an effective flexibility workout in your fitness program? Here are some guidelines:

1. Think Serious Flexibility Training, Not Just Brief Stretching
Squeezing in one or two quick stretches before or after a workout is better that nothing, but this approach will yield limited results. What’s more, generic stretches may not be effective for your particular body. The more time and attention you give to your flexibility training, the more benefits you’ll experience. A qualified personal trainer, physical therapist, or health professional can design a functional flexibility program specifically for you.

2. Consider Your Activities
Are you a golfer? Do you ski,run, or play tennis? Do your daily home or work routines include bending, lifting, or sitting for long periods? Functional flexibility improves "the stability and mobility of the whole person in his or her specific environment," says physical therapist Deborah Ellison. She recommends an individualized stretching program to improve both stability (the ability to maintain ideal body alignment during all activities) and mobility (the ability to use full, normal range of motion).

3. Pay Special Attention to Tight Areas
Often the shoulder, chest, hamstrings, and hips are particularly tight, but you may hold tension in other areas, depending on your history of injuries and the existing imbalances in your muscle groups. Unless you tailor your flexibility training to your strengths and weaknesses, you may stretch already overstretched muscles and miss areas that need training.

4. Listen to Your Body
Stretching is an individual thing. Pay attention to your body’s signals and don’t push too far. Avoid ballistic stretching, which uses bouncing or jerking movements to gain momentum; this approach can be dangerous. Instead, slowly stretch your muscles to the endpoint of movement and hold the stretch for about 10 to 30 seconds. Older adults, pregnant women and people with injuries may need to take special precautions.

5. Get Creative
Varying your flexibility training can help you stick with it. You can use towels, resistance balls, and other accessories to add diversity and effectiveness to your stretching.

6. Warm Up First!
If you’re stretching on your own, don’t forget to warm up your muscles before you begin. Walking briskly for 10 to 15 minutes is a simple way to do this.

7. Find a Flexibility Class that Works for You
Classes that include stretching are becoming more popular and more diverse. Some combine cardiovascular and strength components with the flexibility training; others focus exclusively on stretching.

8. Stretch Yourself—Mind and Body
Did you know that your emotional state may affect your flexibility? If your body is relaxed, says Ellison, it will be more responsive to flexibility training. Listening to music and focusing on your breath can help you relax as you stretch. You also may want to explore yoga or exercise inspired by the work of Joseph Pilates. In addition to stretching, classes in these disciplines may include relaxation, visualization and other mind-body techniques designed to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

9. It’s Not Just for Wimps
Forget the idea that stretching is just for elderly, injured, or unconditioned people. Many Olympic and professional athletes rely on flexibility training for peak performance.

10. Do It Consistently
It doesn’t help to stretch for a few weeks and then forget about it. Integrate regular stretching into your permanent fitness program. For inspiration, look to cats and dogs—they’re dedicated practitioners of regular stretching!

Pregnancy Miracle - Your Solution to Infertility & Barrenness

2009-10-19T10:38:00.001+01:00

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Fibroid and How to Stop It

2009-10-03T10:38:00.006+01:00

By: Gina, Delaware

What Is It?

A fibroid is a lump or growth in the uterus that is not cancerous. Fibroids can be as small as a pea to as large as a basketball. They are usually round and pinkish in color, and they can grow anywhere inside or on the uterus.

About 30% of women older than 30 years have fibroids, and they usually appear between the ages of 35 and 45. Some women are more likely to get fibroids, including black women, women who have never been pregnant and women who have a mother or sister with fibroids.

The cause of fibroids is unknown. However, the female hormone estrogen seems to play a role in stimulating the growth of some fibroids.

Fibroids and Back Pain

Q: I have three fibroids; can they be the cause of my lower-left back pain?
A: Fibroids can definitely be the source of lower back pain. Depending on the location of a fibroid and its size, it can compress the sacral or pelvic nerves and cause pain. In addition, the enlargement of the uterus caused by your fibroids can cause pain. Fibroids can also cause increased menstrual bleeding. The main reasons to remove a fibroid are severe bleeding, pain, and progressive anemia. Rarely, fibroids can become cancerous, so the size of a fibroid should be followed carefully, especially in women over 50.
Given your symptoms, you should undergo a full evaluation and discuss treatment options with your physicians. Today there are ways to remove fibroids without removing the entire uterus. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might want to consider such options.

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If fibroids are small and are not causing any symptoms, they do not need to be treated. Your gynecologist may do a pelvic examination every six months to a year to make sure that your fibroids are not growing rapidly. In some cases, medications can be prescribed to control any abnormal bleeding and temporarily shrink the fibroids.

Medications used to shrink fibroids, such as leuprolide (Lupron), create a temporary menopause by stopping the ovaries from making the female hormone estrogen. While estrogen levels drop and menstrual periods stop, menopausal hot flashes appear and fibroids stop growing and slowly shrink. This helps to stop blood loss from heavy, prolonged periods. However, when the medication is stopped periods return, hot flashes disappear and fibroids that have not been removed will start growing again. These medications usually are given by needle injection in a large muscle.

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Obese Middle-Aged Women Face Unhealthy Future

2009-09-30T10:49:00.001+01:00

TUESDAY, Sept. 29 (HealthDay News) -- If excess weight doesn't kill you by old age, it could make your life miserable in the form of chronic health problems and impaired mental fitness.
According to a new study, women who are obese in middle age are almost 80 percent more likely to have multiple health problems by the time they reach age 70.

Dieting Secrets"Those who gained weight [in adulthood] actually suffered reduced odds of healthy survival," said study author Dr. Qi Sun, a research associate at the Harvard School of Public Health's department of nutrition.
"The key message is that women really need to keep a healthy weight from early adulthood to midlife to enjoy a healthy and long life," he added.
Sun added, however, that the women in the study had nonetheless survived to their eighth decade, meaning they remained healthier than the general population.

The study findings were published in the Sept. 30 online edition of the journal BMJ.
Previous research had focused on how excess weight affects survival, rather than how healthy that survival looks in older adults, said Sun.
The new study is well-timed, given that the U.S. population is not only aging rapidly but ballooning rapidly. Two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, up from 14.5 percent in 1976, when this study started.
The study authors analyzed data on 17,065 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study. Volunteers were, on average, 50 years old when the study began with no major chronic conditions or major mental or physical problems.

Twenty years later, only about 10 percent of women had "healthy survival," and obese women were 79 percent less likely to have healthy survival than the slim minority.
Overweight as early as age 18 affected healthy survival the most, although women who were lean in their late teens who later gained weight still had lower odds of healthy survival, the study found.

Every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of extra weight lowered the odds of healthy survival by 5 percent, according to the study.

"We typically see this struggle not only in middle age but even as teenagers. If you struggle as a teenager, you're going to struggle for the rest of your life," said Eugenio Lopez, a registered nurse with the Texas A&M Health Science Center Coastal Bend Health Education Center in Corpus Christi.

And women may be starting out at a disadvantage, Lopez added.

"We typically see more women than men in diabetes programs. Women outnumber men 4-to-1 or 5-to-1," Lopez said. "They're genetically predisposed to hold more fatty cells than men are."
"The data is following common sense," added Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of the bariatric surgery program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Why do people die? Of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and women die of colon and breast cancer. What has been linked to obesity? Breast cancer, colon cancer and cardiovascular disease."

More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on healthy aging or Get help here

Making the Most of Midlife

2009-08-23T11:35:00.000+01:00

Many factors can come together to make you feel like your heading for a midlife crisis, and certain women's health issues complicate the emotional picture.

By Madeline Vann, MPH

Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Somewhere between the ages of 40 and 60 you may hit what is commonly termed a "midlife crisis." This can be a big turning point in your life related in part to the normal changes that take place for all women, or it may pass with little fanfare.

Midlife Crisis: Understanding Triggers
“I think there is something to the idea that women and men both are working so hard to move their lives along in their 20s and 30s and 40s that, whatever the [midlife] catalyst is, something comes along and the person says, this is my life, this is it,” says Elena Moser, LCSW, a therapist in private practice and clinical director of the Women’s Therapy Center in El Cerrito, Calif. That realization can spur growth … or it can trigger anxiety and depression as a response to stressful events.

Common stressful life issues that seem to trigger a midlife crisis include:

Children leaving home
Death of a loved one
Caregiving for older relatives
Loss of a job or approaching retirement
Signs of declining physical health

For many, says Moser, a midlife crisis may simply result from the realization that you are 50 and haven’t yet written that novel or achieved another long-held dream.

Midlife Crisis: The Impact on Women’s Health
As women reach middle age, they begin to experience some expected bodily changes, like menopause, but may also suddenly face new, serious medical issues. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, cancer, or osteoporosis, are just a few conditions that are more common to women during and after midlife. These women’s health concerns can trigger the depression and anxiety that characterizes a midlife crisis.

Although researchers are still looking into whether and how the emotions accompanying a midlife crisis can affect your physical health, it is known that some women develop (or revisit) an eating disorder as they try to cope with midlife issues.

Midlife Crisis: Cutting Through Stereotypes
“Not all women experience a midlife crisis,” says Moser. “I think the idea that all women go through a midlife crisis is probably rooted in the stereotype of women being mothers and then, with children going away from home, being left with ‘nothing to do.’”

The reality is that many women adjust to the empty nest and report feeling good about watching their children mature and about having the chance to redefining their own peer-to-peer friendships. Moser points out that since so many women now work outside the home throughout their adult lives, having children leave home is not quite as disruptive today as it was when women had little else going on in their lives.

Midlife Crisis: How to Cope
A midlife crisis may sneak up on you.

“For different people, that [midlife crisis] can spiral into a depression or states of anxiety or intense questioning or reflection,” says Moser.

Sometimes a sign of a midlife crisis is doing something completely out of character, and wanting to do it with a great sense of urgency, such as:

Leaving your marriage
Changing your job or career path
Smoking more, drinking more, or seeking other escapes, such as shopping, to feel better

Moser cautions that wanting to change your life isn’t necessarily a bad thing: Thoughtful changes can lead to growth. But reckless changes may lead to poor decisions that cause heartache later, so you should recognize the possibility that your desires are related to your temporary emotional state.

“I think a good way to get through a midlife crisis is to really think about what you want for your life and talk about it with somebody,” says Moser.

Therapy can be very beneficial at this point. “The goal of therapy is to have a conversation with another person, with the two of you putting your heads together to talk about your life,” says Moser, who also suggests joining a support group for women facing midlife issues.

With some individual guidance and the company of other women, chances are you will sail gracefully through midlife, and perhaps even find renewed meaning and purpose for the next chapters of your life.

Coping with Cold Sores

2009-06-07T12:48:00.000+01:00

Most people who suffer from cold sores can spot the signs from a mile away, but managing a sore when it comes along is another story.

There are two types of herpes simplex viruses. HSV-1 is the main cause of oral herpes, or cold sores. HSV-2 causes most cases of genital herpes, although HSV-1 can cause it, too.

More than 90 percent of people have been exposed to HSV-1 by the time they reach their 40s. It is transmitted by kissing or other contact with saliva. The first sign of a cold sore is pain, burning, or tingling followed about 24 hours later by a tender bump, which quickly becomes a blister. Within a week, the blister opens, leaving a shallow ulcer that crusts over and heals.

About 45 million people in the United States have genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease that usually spreads through kissing, contact with infected skin, and intercourse. Small, itchy, burning blisters form in the genital area and, in some people, around the mouth. A pregnant woman with HSV infection can pass the virus to her baby during delivery, causing infections of the baby's skin, mouth, lungs, or eyes.

Symptoms of both may occur just once or in recurrent bouts. Cold sores usually appear for no apparent reason, but they can be triggered by intense exposure to sunlight, fever, skin trauma, menstruation, and emotional distress. Once you are infected with a her pes simplex virus, it remains in the body for the rest of your life.

Symptoms of herpes simplex:

Tender bump or cold sore that develops into a blister on the lips or inside the mouth (oral herpes)
Small blisters in the genital area (genital herpes)
Itching, burning, and soreness (oral and genital herpes)
Pain during urination from contact (genital herpes)
Enlarged or painful lymph nodes in the groin (genital herpes)
Headache, fever, and generally sick feeling (genital herpes)

Pregnancy Diet

2009-02-13T15:32:00.000+01:00

Your easy-to-follow guide to the healthiest way to eat for the next nine months.

By Heidi Murkoff, author of "What To Expect When You're Expecting"

Curious about carbs? Concerned about calories? Puzzled by protein? Now that you're eating for two (or more), you need to make sure you're getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. The Pregnancy Diet is designed to make achieving that balancing act easy — or, at least, easier.

The Pregnancy Diet is built around a few basic principles (which are actually pretty similar to the basic principles of healthy eating at any time in life): Avoid empty calories and junk food, provide your baby with a regular supply of good nutrients, and eat the right quantities of the right foods each day. The "right" foods fall neatly into 12 categories, and the ideal day (read: the one where you're not so queasy that you're only able to eat the same three foods over and over again) would include a certain number of portions from each. (Keep in mind that many foods overlap in two or more of these "daily dozen" categories, cutting down on the amount of food you need to eat from each.)

Of course, it's the rare woman who will follow the Pregnancy Diet every day, week in and week out, for all 40 weeks of her pregnancy. (Who could? What world does that woman live in?) Don't stress about it, and don't feel guilty about it — the diet is a framework for healthy eating, not a strict curriculum to follow (and you're not being graded). Follow it as closely as you can, as often as you can, to have the healthiest, most nutritious pregnancy possible.

What to Eat
While there’s no single must-have nutrient for expectant moms, there are some—folate (folic acid), iron, calcium, omega-3 fats and fiber—that play important roles in a healthy pregnancy. Folate-rich leafy green vegetables, beans and citrus fruits are high on our list, along with iron-rich lean red meats, fish, poultry and dried fruits and calcium-heavy, low-fat dairy. Certain fish provide safe amounts of omega-3s, and whole grains and legumes supply the fiber.

What to Avoid

During pregnancy, foods to avoid are soft, raw or unpasteurized cheeses like Brie, Camembert, feta or goat cheese, high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, and alcohol. As always, go easy on saturated fats, sodium, caffeine and empty sugar calories. And ask your doctor about prenatal supplements, and about any changes to your diet or exercise program.

The Pregnancy Diet:

Calories: 300 extra daily
Protein: 3 servings daily
Vitamin C & Calcium
Vitamin A,
The Green, The Yellow & The Leafy
Whole Grains and Legumes
Iron-Rich Foods
Salty Foods
Other Fruits and Vegetables
Fluids
Tonic,
Fats

Sexual Foreplay - Getting Comfortable With Sex?

2009-02-03T04:00:00.000+01:00

About Dr. Berman

Laura Berman, LCSW, PhD, is assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University and director of the Berman Center in Chicago.

Ask Dr. Berman a Question

Q: Even at age 49, I still get embarrassed talking about sex. I truly don't know what a good orgasm is, and I have never masturbated or used a vibrator. I am going through a divorce now, but I never enjoyed sex with my spouse. Can you give me any advice to help me start getting comfortable with sex and with my body?— Arlene, Florida

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A: There are many things you can do to become more comfortable with sex and your body. First of all, it is important to become knowledgeable about your own anatomy, sexual response, and sexual desires. If you don't know your own body, it will be very hard for you to help a partner learn about it. Masturbation and vibrators are great ways to begin to understand your body and what makes you feel good.

If you have never done so before, I recommend that you examine your genitals with a hand mirror. The clitoris, which is located inside the labia right below the pubic bone, is the focus of stimulation for most women. While stimulating this spot — either manually or with a vibrator — simply try to relax and enjoy the sensations. (If you are considering purchasing a vibrator, the Hitachi Magic Wand is a good tool for beginners!) Also, try to spend at least ten minutes a day fantasizing about sex — thinking about sex is a good way to boost your libido and will help you feel more comfortable in the bedroom. Finally, be sure that you are physically healthy as well — good nutrition, plenty of sleep, and exercise are key for a healthy sex life.

If you continue to have misgivings, shame, or guilt about sex even after trying these suggestions, you may want to talk to a professional about these anxieties. As long as you are dedicated to having a great sex life and are willing to put in a little work, you should reach your goal of sexual satisfaction!

Foreplay Suggestions

There is no good or bad method of foreplay, and you don't have to spend hours cuddling, stroking, and kissing before you can move on to sex. A few minutes of foreplay may be all you need. "Foreplay should last at least 10 minutes to give people's bodies enough time to warm up," Herbenick suggests. What's important is to "focus on the stomach and inner thighs and breasts and kissing, but not to dive in too quickly to the genitals," says Herbenick.

To get your minds and bodies warmed up for sex, try these suggestions for foreplay:

Play a game. Have fun with cards, dice, and other sex games that offer tips and rules on what to do to each other.
Talk dirty. Say what you're feeling, what you want your partner to do, and what you're thinking.
Be together. You can dance together or shower together, but touch, hold, and enjoy.
Use oils and flavored products on the skin. Give each other back, foot, or full body massages with an oil or lotion. Pour chocolate, whipped cream, or other tasty delights on your partner's skin, and take your time licking it off.
Touch each other. Caress your partner's face, run your fingers through the hair, gently tickle the insides of the arms, the stomach, and the thighs. Rub against each other or lightly tickle — whatever feels good.

Figuring Out Foreplay

You can't know what your partner likes and wants during foreplay if you don't talk about it. "People don't spend enough time just talking to each other when they're not having sex," says Herbenick. So, ask your partner questions about how they want to be touched, stroked, kissed, and caressed, but talk about it outside of the bedroom.

"Getting very specific information about how they want their bodies touched when they're in foreplay is very helpful, but it's easier to have those conversations when you're not about to have sex," says Herbenick.

Foreplay can help keep partners connected physically and emotionally, and make for even better sex. Foreplay should help you both be more comfortable and get more pleasure out of sex, so figure out what's the most fun and effective foreplay in your bedroom.

Challenges of MENOPAUSE

2009-01-05T12:13:00.003+01:00

ausBy:Adams Rich

Growing up as a woman entails so many phases. Beginning from puberty and the signs it brings with it, like : fully conscious of your body, wanting to look beautiful, feel attractive, have full life booming in you, through period when you crave for sex, you start having children (menstruation, pregnancy, lactation) to the time when these activities begin to decrease and eventually stop.

This phase is known as 'Menopause', another experience that you feel and events that occur completely different from the former you. Menopause simply is the transition period in a woman's life when the 'ovaries' stop producing eggs, menstrual activity decreases and eventually ceases and the body decreases the production of the female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. During menopause, ovulation stops, and menstruation that comes normally once in a month decreases gradually and completely stopped. you can no longer become pregnant.
Menopause affect individual women differently and it is a very natural event so there is no way to prevent it only that it is best that you understand and know about it and learn to live and take care of yourself well also to prevent it early occurrence.
Research show that it usually occurs between the age of 45 and 55. The fundamental cause of menopause is aging, which leads to the outcome or signs stated above.

TREATING MENOPAUSE:
The popular treatment for menopause is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and it involves a series of drugs designed to artificially boost hormone (estrogen or progesterone) level, HRT is not only good for Menopause but it also r educes the risk of heart disease and bone fractures from osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). However the results of a major study - The Women's Health Initiative (WHI have proven that HRT is BAD and should not be recommended to anyone because any woman woo want to take estrogen must take balanced amount of progesterone to prevent endometrial cancer. such balance between these two hormones is vitally important but s very difficult to achieve and their risks of breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and dementia are greatly HIGH.
Therefore if you want to avoid life threatening and stay healthy for a long term, do not consider HRT nor take any artificial hormone drugs. Only involve yourself in light work or labour, engage in exercise, take plenty of sleep, have a wholesome and balanced diet, and consult your physician who will prescribe the best therapy to improve your health and make menopausal symptoms less severe, putting you on close supervision.

How to Recognize Yeast Infection Symptoms?

2008-12-21T23:21:00.003+01:00

Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step to getting treatment.

By Marijke Vroomen-Durning, RN

t’s a feeling that many women recognize right away: the vaginal itching and burning that accompanies a vaginal infection likely caused by yeast.

Yeast infections are a very common form of vaginal infection, but even if you’ve had one before, how can you really be sure that you're experiencing yeast infection symptoms rather than symptoms of another type of vaginal infection altogether?

Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms

Not all women exhibit noticeable symptoms when they have a yeast infection, especially if the infection is mild. However, typical yeast infection symptoms include:

Itching in the vaginal area and around the vulva (the opening of the vagina)
Burning in the vaginal area
Swelling of the vulva
White/gray vaginal discharge that may be thick (sometimes described as looking like cottage cheese)
Burning during urination
Pain with sexual intercourse

Most vaginal yeast infections do not produce a strong vaginal odor; a fishy odor is more common with bacterial infections.

Vaginal Infection: The Pitfalls of Self-Diagnosis

As straightforward as it might seem, most doctors will discourage you from diagnosing and treating a yeast infection yourself. This is because vaginal infections caused by bacteria, as well as some sexually transmitted infections, may have symptoms very similar to those caused by yeast, but they require different treatments.

Since yeast infection treatments have become available over the counter, many women simply opt to visit the closest drugstore and buy an anti-fungal cream. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost two thirds of these products are being bought and used by women who think they have a vaginal yeast infection but actually don’t.

This misdiagnosis of vaginal infections is an important issue. Just as some bacteria are becoming resistant to certain antibiotics, yeast that normally lives in the vagina can become resistant to anti-fungal medications. If this happens, it can become very difficult to treat a yeast infection when one actually does develop.

Because of this, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that, for a first episode of a possible yeast infection, women should see a physician to get a proper diagnosis. If a woman has had a physician-diagnosed yeast infection in the past and feels certain that her current symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, it’s reasonable to ask her doctor about self-treatment with an over-the-counter medication. However, if symptoms don’t improve or they come back again, an office visit is warranted.

Vaginal Infection: What Doctors Look For

At your doctor’s office, you’ll be asked about your symptoms and possibly about your overall health. A gynecological exam will be done so your doctor can check for redness, swelling, discharge, and odor.

As Rosanna Gray-Swain, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in St. Louis, Mo., explains, “Vaginal yeast and bacterial infections are both common and difficult to diagnose based on symptoms. Both cause discharge and itching, plus or minus an odor. To determine the type of infection, the doctor takes a sample of discharge from the vagina and looks at it on a slide under a microscope to directly look for the yeast or bacteria. Rarely, a special culture needs to be sent to the lab.”

Once the cause of your infection is accurately determined, you’ll be on your way to getting the right treatment and, more importantly, relief.

Medical Conditions That Cause Vaginal Yeast Infections

Many women get their first yeast infection when they are pregnant or are on birth control pills. Some women get vaginal infections from yeast overgrowth when they have their periods. This may be because hormonal changes contribute to changes in the vagina’s acid balance.

If you have diabetes, you may also find that you experience frequent yeast infections. This is especially likely to happen when your blood sugar is not well controlled. Illnesses that lower your immunity, like HIV/AIDS, can also lead to frequent yeast infections.

Medications That Cause Vaginal Yeast Infections

Some antibiotics are known to encourage yeast overgrowth by making the vaginal environment less acidic. This may be because they kill off normal genital bacteria, making it easier for yeast to thrive.

Steroids are another type of medication that can cause women to develop a vaginal infection from yeast. The higher the dose and the longer you use them, the greater the risk, but even low-strength topical steroid creams may make yeast infections more likely.

The good news about yeast infections is that they are usually quite treatable with over-the-counter medication. If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection, speak with your doctor to discuss your treatment options.

Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

2008-12-15T10:55:00.000+01:00

Keeping track of your menstruation can help you with family planning and pregnancy prevention.

By Alyson McNutt English

When your doctor asks you for the first day of your last period, are you someone who can tick the date off without thinking, or are you like most women who stare blankly at the doctor’s calendar, guesstimating the date?

If you’re in the second group, you probably aren’t tracking your menstrual cycles on a regular basis. But keeping a menstrual calendar can be helpful for most women, even those not thinking about pregnancy.

Keeping a Record of Your Periods
Tracking your menstrual cycle simply means keeping a record of when you’re menstruating and other information related to your cycle. The best way to get started is to begin with a regular planner or calendar, says Marjan Attaran, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

“I tell patients the best way to keep track of menstruation is to mark the first day of the period on a calendar,” Dr. Attaran says. “At the time of their gynecology appointment they can then count from the beginning of the one period to the next to figure out their cycle lengths.”

Your gynecologist can help you figure out the length of your menstrual cycle so you can keep a menstrual calendar. For most women, the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, though it can range from 21 to 35 days in adult women and still be considered “normal.”

Tracking Your Menstruation: How It Helps Your Reproductive Health
Knowing your cycle length can be helpful for many reasons. For women who are trying to conceive, or for women who are trying to avoid pregnancy, understanding the rhythm of their menstruation can help.

For women trying to avoid pregnancy who have very regular cycles, the calendar rhythm method can be an effective means of birth control, says Attaran.

“The calendar rhythm method has been used for generations for family planning purposes,” she says. “In someone who is highly motivated and has regular cycles, this method may be helpful to try to avoid pregnancy.” Attaran notes, however, that it does have a high failure rate for many different reasons, including that it can be rather complicated to figure out exactly what days to avoid sexual intercourse. She also adds, "This method will definitely not work for people who have irregular periods."

“The goal of keeping track of your periods is to determine the length of the menstrual cycle and extrapolate the probable timing of ovulation,” Attaran says. In order to avoid pregnancy, you can abstain from intercourse for several days prior to ovulation and a few days afterwards, she says. Because it is difficult to know exactly when you ovulate, it is best to use an additional type of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, understanding the timing of your cycle can be critical, as well. Because ovulation generally occurs 14 days before the start of your period, it’s important to know what day your period is supposed to begin.

Helpful Tools for Tracking Your Periods
There are many tools available to help you in keeping a menstrual calendar. Online, you can try resources such as:

For your mobile phone, there are applications including:

Fertility Friend, an iPhone application
iMensies, also for iPhone or iPod Touch
LadyTimer, which sends text alerts regarding your cycle to your cell phone

You can also go with less technologically advanced methods, like marking a calendar on the first day of your period, or wearing a bracelet with beads that you can move according to where you are in your cycle.