Women’s health issues

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Exercise Regularly to Maintain Physical Function in Menopause

Thursday, November 8th, 2012

We all dread menopause. We can lie about our age as much as we want to friends and family, but menopause will rear its ugly head about the time we’re 55 whether or not we’re still “39.” There is obviously a wide range of side effects from menopause. Hot flashes, irritability and frequent urination are some of the most common. Unfortunately, many women also experience a decrease in their physical function when they enter menopause. This is one of the worst symptoms, because as we try to stay positive and feel young, our bodies simply can’t perform like they used to.

Researchers aren’t entirely sure why our physical abilities decrease so rapidly when we start menopause. Some studies suggest it might be because the increase in estrogen causes bone mass to decline. Others show that women in menopause tend to gain weight and lose muscle, which makes simple chores such as bringing in the groceries or picking up a baby feel strenuous. A recent study showed that three-quarters of menopausal women now have some type of physical limitation that they had never experienced before.

Luckily, we can prevent the onset of this limitation by staying physically active as menopause bears down on us. If you’re over the age of forty, it’s time to start preparing for menopause by starting an exercise routine. You don’t necessarily have to pump iron with the meatheads at the gym, but even regular walks or a class at the YMCA will help you build muscle mass in preparation for your menopausal decline. Even taking the dog out for a walk around the neighborhood on most days of the week will help. By building muscle and increasing cardiovascular function early on, it will take longer for your body to decline. Therefore, you’ll only start feeling limited when it’s a result of your old age—not your menopause.

Don’t let menopause stop you from getting a workout. Always check in with your doctor before starting a routine, but keeping your muscles as strong as possible will help you offset some of the inevitable limitations brought on by menopause. The longer you keep up your physical function, the longer you’ll be able to fool your friends about your age.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: fitness, Menopause, women's health

Infertile? It Might be Time to Go Gluten-Free

Monday, October 29th, 2012

The gluten-free lifestyle is gaining popularity in American culture. Even at some of the most mainstream cafes and grocery stores, you can find gluten-free alternatives to your favorite breads and baked goods. Many people are giving up gluten because of the known health benefits associated with cutting it out of your diet. However, some people avoid gluten for a different reason. People with celiac disease suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight gain when they eat gluten. The disease is actually fairly common, as 1 in every 133 people in the United States are afflicted with it. Unfortunately, negative reactions to gluten are not the only side effects of the disease.

Women with celiac disease are often infertile. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant within a year after discontinuing contraception. So, while you could get pregnant eventually with celiac, it will be much more difficult. If you have celiac disease, you’ve probably noticed that your periods are sometimes irregular because your body cannot spare any resources, particularly iron. This is because your body has trouble absorbing certain minerals and nutrients, especially if you’re undiagnosed and still eating gluten. In fact, women who seem to be infertile are often tested for celiac disease because the two problems are so closely related. You ovulate less frequently when you have untreated celiac disease because you are malnourished.

Luckily, diagnosing celiac is the first step in recovery. If you have been infertile for a while and realize that you have celiac disease, cutting gluten from your diet might make fertilization of your eggs easier, and you will increase your chances of getting pregnant.

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant and you’ve been experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and a general ill feeling, it’s time to get tested for celiac disease. Cutting gluten out of your diet will be difficult at first, but the benefits will be well worth the sacrifice. Besides, giving up gluten is easier now than it ever has been before. Twenty years ago, people with celiac couldn’t even think about eating anything remotely close to bread or wheat. Now, gluten-free options are bountiful. People with celiac can eat everything from cupcakes to foot-long subs thanks to the popularity of alternative baking.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Fertility & Infertility, Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: celiac disease, gluten allergy, gluten diet, infertility, women's health

Is the Media Affecting Your Appetite?

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

When you hear someone mention eating disorders, you probably think of anorexia or bulimia right away. These are more commonly discussed in the media, but in reality, an eating disorder is any type of distorted relationship with food that negatively affects our behavior. Compulsive overeating is a type of eating disorder, even though it is essentially the opposite of anorexia. Many of us have a distorted relationship with food—I myself am guilty of such a relationship. However, I’m at one end of the spectrum where it doesn’t necessarily interfere with my life. Many women, especially in the Western world, suffer from eating disorders, and numerous studies show that it is directly a cause of skinny role models in the media. Before discussing that cause though, let’s first examine the different types of eating disorders people commonly develop.

Anorexia affects one in every 200 women in America. Studies show that the cause might be linked to traumatic situations. Peer pressure is a major factor, and some studies even show that genetic factors and posttraumatic stress might contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing anorexia. It is the refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and a fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia have an unrealistic body image.

Bulimia is characterized by recurrent binge eating following by compensatory behaviors. Diuretics, vomiting, and excessive exercise often follow binge eating. Binge eating is also a disorder of its own when it is not followed by compensatory behavior, which is considered compulsive overeating. Many studies suggest binge eating is triggered by stress.

So, why do people, especially women in the United States, feel that their bodies are not good enough? In addition to the stress and trauma often behind the disorders, studies suggest that the media might have a large role in the problem. Dr. Anne E. Becker, a professor of Global Health at Harvard Medical School, completed studies to determine the relationship between figures in the media and people with eating disorders. Not surprisingly, the impossibly skinny role models currently in the media heavily influence women and their self-image.

It’s hard to ignore the beautiful women on TV and in the magazines, but it is our duty as mothers and healthy citizens to do so as best we can. Try to maintain a healthy body weight with proper nutrition, and never let the airbrushed women in the media affect your view of yourself.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Women's health issues, Women's health news | No Responses »
Tags: Anorexia, body image, bulimia, eating disorders, women's health

Found a Lump? Stay Calm.

Monday, October 15th, 2012

October is breast cancer awareness month, and it reminds us every year to practice good breast health and receive regular mammograms to protect ourselves. Early detection is always best when it comes to any type of cancer, and a simple mammogram is all we need to detect cancer in our breasts. All women are also encouraged to perform regular self-examinations to look for irregularities. If you find something unusual during one of these self-examinations or even just by chance when you look in the mirror, you’ll probably automatically assume it’s breast cancer. The truth is, it could be a number of different things, so don’t panic.

Don’t get me wrong – any changes in your breasts should be examined by your doctor immediately. However, there is no reason to get worked up over breast pain, nipple discharge, or even a palpable bump. Yes, any of these symptoms could be caused by breast cancer, but you won’t know for sure until you’ve had a diagnostic mammogram, physical exam, and ultrasound. Until then, remember that our breasts are complex and unpredictable organs.

Surprisingly, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Carefound fair evidence that breast self-examination had no benefit and good evidence that it was harmful because it increased anxiety, physician visits and resulted in higher breast biopsies for benign disease. This group concluded that among women aged 40-69 years, routine teaching of breast self-examination should be excluded from breast cancer screening. However, I believe that breast self-examination has the potential to detect breast cancer that you can feel and still should be recommended.

It’s easy to forget that breasts are not simply sitting on our chest unchanging. They are constantly active, and they are easily affected by our body’s hormonal changes at any given moment. Your breasts will change during your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and even during menopause.

Especially in women younger than 40 years of age, changes in your breasts could be caused by benign cysts, mastitis, abscesses, breast hematoma, or a wide variety of non-cancerous tumors that can form in the many areas of such a complex organ. Breast tissue changes will always be alarming, but you should try to stay calm until the results of the test come back. Breast cancer can be fatal, but the many other possible conditions are harmless and will sometimes even go away on their own.

When you notice any changes in your breast, your reaction should should not be to panic and apathy will only kill you. You should certainly call your doctor and set up an appointment right away, but you should not start calling your family members frantically without knowing the entire story. Breast cancer awareness month should remind you to stay on top of your breast health, but it should also remind you to be grateful for all of the time you’ve remained happy and healthy.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: Breast cancer, breast lump, is it breast cancer, women's health

A Simple Survey Could Determine Your Risk for Ovarian Cancer

Monday, October 8th, 2012

As women, we have to go through countless medical tests throughout our lives. Mammograms, pregnancy tests, HIV tests, and bone-mineral density tests are all par for the course when you become an adult. In fact, few women haven’t gotten all of these tests and more. Don’t get me wrong- as a physician, I genuinely appreciate our ability to screen for life-threatening conditions, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. However, as a woman, I understand the patient side of it as well. Wouldn’t it be easier if medical screening tests were simpler? According to a new study, simplicity might just be attainable.

Researchers have developed a new screening tool for ovarian cancer that can be completed in minutes by a simple survey. That’s right, no heavy machinery, foul-tasting chemicals, or drafty hospital gowns required, just a simple pen and paper. The study questionnaire that was tested was based on a symptom-screening index developed in 2006 by M. Robyn Andersen, Ph.D and co-author Barbara Goff, M.D., professor and director of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The survey asks women three questions about their current symptoms that have been most commonly associated with women that screened positive for ovarian cancer. A few of the symptoms might be passed off as menopause or menstruation symptoms, so the key in early diagnoses is recognizing the symptoms as they are happening. Some of these symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, a sensation of feeling full too quickly, and abdominal bloating. You have to admit, you’d never attribute any of these symptoms to cancer.

Traditionally, ovarian cancer is thought to have no early warning signs, such as bleeding or an abnormal Pap smear, as one sees in uterine cancer or cervical cancer, respectively. In comparison to breast cancer, which is the most frequent cancer in women, with about 212,000 new cases a year, ovarian cancer has only 25,000 new cases a year. But, because there are no early warning signs or tests to detect ovarian cancer, and the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage prior to diagnosis, the death rate is higher—about 62 percent in ovarian cancer, as opposed to 18 percent in breast cancer and 32 percent in cervical cancer. With that said, this new study takes into consideration symptoms, which are commonly dismissed by many patients and by combining them together, have proven to be significant factor in trying to diagnose ovarian cancer at an earlier stage.

Of course, these symptoms are minor and can easily be associated with other issues. However, the results are proving the survey effective so far. Of 60 women who submitted the survey with positive indication, one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Of the 1,140 women who did not claim to have the symptoms, none tested positive for ovarian cancer over the course of the following year.

The survey will also serve as a research tool for doctors. Women who take the short survey and indicate that they have all of the symptoms will also be asked to write any additional symptoms. If those women screen positive for ovarian cancer, those additional symptoms will be analyzed, and common additional symptoms might be added to the survey to further screen patients.

Early detection is extremely important in treating ovarian cancer. If you have these symptoms, talk to your physician about ovarian cancer to rule out the possibility that you might have it. If he or she thinks you should get tested, do so, as it could save your life.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in General health news, Women's health issues | 1 Response »
Tags: cancer screening, ovarian cancer, women's health

Drink Up Ladies!

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

If you were lost on a desert island, you would probably die from dehydration before you died of starvation. This is surprising for many people, since we all know how hungry we can get when we accidentally skip even one or two meals. The symptoms of dehydration are harder to pinpoint, but it’s extremely important that you get enough water every day. If hydration is so vital to our wellbeing on a regular basis, imagine the importance of it during pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant should be diligent in staying hydrated for the duration of their gestation. It is easier to become dehydrated when you are pregnant. For one thing, you are probably experiencing more nausea and vomiting than you ever have. Morning sickness is common, and every time you lose your lunch, you could become seriously dehydrated. The worst part is that you won’t have the desire to drink fluids after you’re sick, so the problem is not always remedied.

I recommend to my patients that they should drink, at least, two quarts of pure water per day. Not soda, not tea, not coffee, but good old-fashioned water. In the summer months, that amount should increase by a quart in order to compensate for the increase in perspiration and insensible loss. With the recommended quart of skimmed milk per day, I really don’t understand why there is a need for any more fluids in the form of soft drinks, etc. Becoming dehydrated during your pregnancy, even temporarily, puts your baby at risk for serious complications. When a pregnant women is dehydrated, that fluid restriction is thought to decrease the production of amniotic fluid in your womb. Particularly, in the second or third trimesters, dehydration can lead to premature labor because it triggers the same hormone that causes uterine contractions (oxytocin), not to mention the typical pains of dehydration such as headaches and muscle cramping.

The best way to prevent dehydration during your pregnancy is to drink more than enough water and stay out of the extreme heat and direct sunlight. If you experience symptoms such as dark urine, infrequent urination, headaches, dry mouth, chapped lips, and dry skin, contact your doctor immediately. It might be too late for water to solve the problem, and hospitalization might be required.

In a perfect world, we could all relax during our pregnancy and focus only on our health. Unfortunately, we are all busy people and our daily lives are often full of other concerns. If you find it difficult to keep track of how much water you’re drinking, consider keeping a log to make sure you’re always getting enough. Dehydration can be serious, so make sure avoiding it becomes one of your top priorities.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Pregnancy, Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: dehydration, Pregnancy, women's health

Prepare for Pregnancy After-Pains

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

You already know about the pains associated with pregnancy. The discomfort you feel in the months leading up to your due date don’t end once you give birth though. This is where many women are caught off guard when they learn that a week or two of healing after their delivery doesn’t leave them completely pain free.

When you consider the dramatic shift your body has experienced throughout your pregnancy, it shouldn’t be too surprising that it will take it awhile to get back to normal. Your weight isn’t the only thing that will take a while to reset though. After all that tightness, stretching, and pulling, your muscles, ligaments, and skin have been through a lot, and that will make them sore for some time. As these areas adjust, so too will your uterus, as it contracts back up into its original size and location. This process can take up to six weeks, and during that time (especially during breast feeding), you may feel after-pains from this movement. Urinating regularly can help relieve some of this discomfort. If you received any stitches, these will obviously be a bother and will take time to heal. Your swollen breasts will also be sore, and the nipples will probably get even more painful as they adjust to your child’s frequent feeding schedule. Your entire body will need to rebalance, and the if you had back pain from carrying the baby the last few months of pregnancy, it may take a couple more to ease the discomfort . Getting in shape will help speed this along, but don’t push yourself too much. You’re allowed some time to recuperate.

If you’ve already discovered these lasting pains and are trying to find ways to endure, there are a few pain relieving strategies you can try. Sitz baths, ice packs, wash bottles, and massages are supportive measures for postpartum pain. However, a new mom should not deprive herself of effective pain medication, such as extra-strength Tylenol, ibuprofen or prescription pain medications given by her doctor, even if she is breastfeeding. If you’re in very intense pain though, speak with your physician to make sure there isn’t a more serious issue. They may have advice for other safe pain relieving methods too. Otherwise, welcome to the joy and pain of parenthood!

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Childbirth & delivery, Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: after-pains, pain relief, Pregnancy, women's health

Prepare for Pregnancy After-Pains

Thursday, September 13th, 2012

If you’ve already discovered these lasting pains and are trying to find ways to endure, there are a few pain relieving strategies you can try. Sitz baths, ice packs, wash bottles, and massages [http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20041103/pain-after-childbirth-common-often-untreated] are supportive measures for postpartum pain. However, a new mom should not deprive herself of effective pain medication, such as extra-strength Tylenol, ibuprofen or prescription pain medications given by her doctor, even if she is breastfeeding. If you’re in very intense pain though, speak with your physician to make sure there isn’t a more serious issue. They may have advice for other safe pain relieving methods too. Otherwise, welcome to the joy and pain of parenthood!

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Childbirth & delivery, Pregnancy, Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: after-pains, pain relief, Pregnancy, women's health

How Safe is Your Acne Medication?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

It seems that every teen goes through skin issues because of all those hormones. However, many women suffer from acne far into adulthood. This has them using a variety of treatments to keep their skin looking nice. Unfortunately, one acne medication has dangerous side effects, including birth defects.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next year, you will need to avoid medications, including acne treatments, that could be unsafe for your baby. One brand in particular, commonly known as Accutane, can cause birth defects like cleft palate, heart defects, hydrocephaly, and microcephaly. There have been warnings issued, but many women are unclear as to whether or not their medication is dangerous or not. Take the time to check the ingredients and warning label on your acne medication boxes and bottles. You’ve likely been using it for years, so you might not have thought to check these areas once you became pregnant. Don’t just look for Accutane when weeding out your products though. The drug is also found under the name Isotretinoin. If you see either of those words on the label, you’ll need to replace it with a safer brand. These particular ingredients are normally found in pills for treating nodular acne, so there are many other safe alternatives.

Getting a handle on skin care can be frustrating, but clear skin is not worth the price your child and your family will pay if you have a baby born with defects, some of which are life threatening. As soon as you think you might want to become pregnant, take a look through all of the products you put on and in your body, because very soon, you’ll be sharing it with a very delicate new life.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Women's health issues | No Responses »
Tags: Accutane, acne, birth defects, isotretinoin, Pregnancy, skin care, women's health

Pelvic Mesh Lawsuits are on the Rise

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

If you’re considering options for pelvic organ repair or stress urinary incontinence, there are a few to choose from. Each comes with its own set of benefits and risks. Not knowing these risks, could put your body unnecessarily in danger though, which is exactly what has been happening lately with women who chose pelvic mesh as their treatment method.

As a whole, pelvic mesh has been tested and studied and is considered a common option for treatment. However, that does not mean there aren’t risks involved. Those risks could include permanent physical harm. Some women have reported injury as a result of their pelvic mesh implants and are filing suit against the companies who made the product. These suits accuse companies of underreporting the risks of using pelvic mesh implants and seek damages for the pain and suffering and medical costs associated with the injuries. These women reported injuries such as physical deformity, mesh erosion, damage to the bladder and other pelvic organs, physical deformity, pain during intercourse and other actions associated with pelvic use, and related permanent injuries. The damage they are seeking will pay for surgeries, medication, treatments, and both physical and mental pain and suffering. While the companies themselves may not have made the risks clear, the FDA did put out a statement last year warning the public of risks, including those mentioned in the suit as well as bleeding, organ perforation, neuro-muscular issues, vaginal scarring, and vaginal wall shrinkage. Though transvaginal mesh devices are common treatments for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, they are more risky than other treatment methods.

If you’re suffering from one of these conditions, you should consider an alternative treatment option before settling on a pelvic mesh device. If you already have one of these implants, pay careful attention to your body. If you feel prolonged pain or discomfort, speak with a physician immediately and don’t wait for any damage to become permanent.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Posted in Women's health issues, Women's health news | No Responses »
Tags: pelvic mesh, pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, transvaginal mesh implant, women's health