Women’s Health
Menopause: Why Too Soon?
Statistics shows that natural menopause comes, on the average, at the age of 50. However, statistics has also shown a gradual change in figures that is largely attributed to several factors like genes and science. Premature menopause, as it is commonly known, now happens to a lot of women who are not even in their 40’s yet. Thus, many women in their mid-30’s nowadays deal with problems on how to cope with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, not to mention dealing with several other emotional stresses and physical concerns. Particularly, a woman who marries in her 30’s and starts to plan on having a baby at such age would likely to find an early menopause a big problem.
The Symptoms
Basically, the symptoms of menopause can be explained by the gradually lessening of the production of estrogen in the ovaries. Early menopause, as in natural menopause, is characterized by irregular or unusually missing periods, heavier or unusually lighter periods, and the dreaded hot flashes that spreads to the upper part of the body and gives that sudden warm feeling.
Other menopause symptoms that women should also watch out for are vaginal dryness, bladder irritability or incontinence, sudden mood swings, and a drastic decreased appetite for sex.
The above symptoms of menopause, when experienced by women under 40, who also have had certain conditions or who have undergone some medical treatment, should prompt them to see their physician. This advice goes for those whose family has a history of premature menopause, those who have had chemotherapy, those who have tried but failed to become pregnant at least a year, or those who has a disorder like lupus.
The Diagnosis
A physical examination to determine the occurrence of menopause usually starts by ruling out other likely conditions like pregnancy or a thyroid problem. Subsequently, an estradiol test is made to figure whether or not the woman’s estradoil level falls under 36 which signals that one is already in the menopause period. Ultimately, a blood test is conducted to diagnose an increase in a woman’s follicle stimulating hormones. A woman is in menopause when the follicle stimulating hormones reaches more than 30 or 40 mIU/mL because it indicates that the ovaries have slowed down in its production of estrogen.
Other Health Issues Related to Premature Menopause
Women who experience premature menopause are likely to incur higher risk of other health conditions such as osteoporosis, colon and ovarian cancers, cataract problems, tooth loss, and gum diseases (periodontal). These conditions are largely caused by the decreased production of estrogen hormones by the ovaries. Thus, women who experience premature menopause are at a higher risk of contracting these menopause-related health issues since they do not enjoy the protection and benefits of their ovary-secreted estrogens.
Treatment of Premature Menopause
Basically, an early menopause condition is addressed the very same way that natural menopause is treated, considering that the symptoms and risks are perfectly the same. Women who have tried but failed to get pregnant for a over a year should discuss with a doctor the options or measures to take, especially in the advent of an early menopause. One should bear in mind that time is of the essence in cases of infertility since premature menopause is an irreversible process.
Menopause: How the Cope with Menopause
Finding the right formula for menopause treatment can be a very tough ordeal since it takes more than just a change in one’s diet. Medication and regular exercise must also be added to the equation in order to achieve significant results. However, doctors emphasize that menopause treatment is very difficult to achieve. Rather, what is plausible is a shot at relieving the signs and symptoms of menopause, as well as preventing and lessening the severe conditions that usually goes with aging. Thus, the following are some valuable treatments that could help one cope with menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
The most effective treatment to the signs of menopause is Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy which specifically works to relieve hot flashes. Before undergoing this kind of therapy, one should always have a doctor take a peek into the health history of the person in order to determine the appropriate amount of doses needed to achieve menopause relief.
Helpful Drugs
Hot flashes which are the most common woe of women in their menopause period can actually be addressed by several numbers of helpful drugs. Anti-depressants, particularly venlafaxine (Effexor), when taken in low doses has actually proven to decrease hot flashes. The same thing goes with other serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Drugs used in treating seizures and high blood pressures, like gabapentin (neurontin) and clonidine (catapres), respectively, can also be useful in reducing the occurrence of these hot flashes.
Nonhormonal menopause medications are also available such as those that also help in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. While these menopause medications reduce bone loss and the risk of easily fractured bones, they likewise replace estrogen which is the basic treatment for women with osteoporosis. On the other hand, there are also selective estrogen receptor modulators that mimic the beneficial effects of estrogen minus the usual risks of estrogen-based drugs.
Small amounts of estrogen are also used in treating vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse and urinary problems which are some symptoms of menopause.
Remedies at Home
One good news that anybody dealing with menopause symptoms should know is that those symptoms are not there to stay. Thus, a few steps to reduce or prevent menopause’s ill effects should be helpful in coping with this difficult period.
Avoiding hot drinks, spicy food, and anything that gives your body warmth like alcohol and too much meat can help cool the dreaded hot flashes. Including lots of fruits and vegetables is also helpful to keep the body cool and fat-free.
Menopausal relief can be found in regular exercise, which also gives more benefits than meets the eye such as strengthening bones, lowering cholesterol, lessening the risks of heart disease and osteoporosis, and reducing insomnia and mood swings. Certainly, exercise does the trick in giving menopause relief as long as it is not done before bedtime.
Discomfort when having sexual intercourse can be addressed by using vaginal lubricants, or by simply keeping yourself sexually active.
Risks and Benefits
As in any other medical conditions, one should always remember to confide with a doctor as regards the risks and benefits of each of the suggested menopause treatments since not all of them may necessarily be good for everyone.
Menozac is one of the most effective products for managing menopause symptoms.
Yeast Infection Up Close
Candida albicans is a fungus that causes yeast infection in the vagina. 3 out of 4 women is estimated to have this kind of vaginal infection in a lifetime condition which is worsened by pregnancy and diabetes, as well as by the use of oral contraceptives, antibiotics, and steroids.
Studies also show yeast infection’s connection with a woman’s post menopause stage during which the vaginal walls become thinner due to plummeting levels of estrogen. Yeast infection in the vagina causes a lot of trouble for women. It is often characterized by vaginal or urinal itching and burning, thick-white discharges, and painful sexual intercourse.
Remedies of Yeast Infection
One of the most popular remedy for vaginal yeast infection is probiotics which are tiny live microbes that naturally inhabits the digestive system and the vagina. This friendly bacteria, most common of which is Lactobacillus, suppresses and blocks the spread of harmful microorganisms. Probiotics usually come in the form of oral supplements, although vaginal suppositories also exist but are hard to find.
Boric acid is another chemical substance commonly used to address yeast infection. It is a natural and milder remedy that has both antiseptic and antifungal characteristics.. Studies have shown that it is as effective as sporanox, a kind of antifungal drug.
On the other hand, as compared to topical or oral medications, boric acid suppositories proved to be more effective by a margin of more than 50%. However, the use of this natural remedy for vaginal yeast infection carries a caveat that such should not be taken by mouth, not be applied on open cuts or wounds, and not used excessively. Its side effects could include burning or irritation in the vagina. Thus, pregnant women and infants should avoid using this on the skin.
Another natural remedy for yeast infection, otherwise known as candidiasis is tea tree oil. It is used by diluting it and applying it to the vaginal area that has infection. Applying it to the body without first diluting it is not advised since the full strength of the substance may be harmful to the sensitive skin of the vagina.
Although the compound terpinen-4-ol is said to be the key ingredient in treating candidiasis, this remedy for vaginal bacterial infection is not recommended since there has been very few studies that concluded its effectiveness for humans.
Get a Proper Diagnosis
Serious vaginal infections, although easily treatable by natural over-the-counter home remedies for yeast infection, should not be let to chance. One should make sure of the risks or gravity of the condition so as to employ the appropriate remedy.
This warning should be stressed to some particular individuals such as those who have had a history of similar vaginal infections, those who have tried self-medication but the symptoms persist, those who have had cancer treatments, those who have other afflictions, and those who have are promiscuous in their sexual relations since the symptoms of yeast infection could be similar to sexually transmitted diseases.
Discover the Secrets to Getting Rid Of Your Yeast Infection Fast and Naturally!
Yeast Infection Basics
Of the 20 plus species of the microscopic fungi called Candida, Candida albicans is the most common that causes the vaginal infection known as candidiasis.
Numerous Candida albicans usually inhabit in areas of the body where it is warm and moist like in the underarms and the vagina. While our skin usually blocks yeasts, a cut in the skin allows them to penetrate. As one grows older, varied kinds of yeast infection may be had such as around the gums, below the breast or the abdomen, and underneath other folds of the skin.
However, the later kinds of yeast infections are merely superficial and easily go away with proper treatment. The 2 kinds of yeast infections that are much more resistant to ordinary treatment are mouth and vaginal yeast infections. Recurrent yeast infections may spell more serious diseases like diabetes, sexually-transmitted diseases, or leukemia.
How Yeast Infection Develops
Yeasts in the vagina, which usually grow with the changes in its environment, could cause vaginal burning, itching, and discharges. Use of antibiotics, birth control pills, and steroids also encourage the growth of yeasts, as well as pregnancy, diabetes, menstruation, and the presence of sperms. Yeast infection is also a common occurrence after menopause.
Yeast infection that spreads widely throughout the body can also have life-threatening impact for people whose immune system’s resistance has been weakened by cancer treatments because the cuts that results in the skin become gateways through which the infection enters. This is aggravated by the constant use of antibiotics that kill the good bacteria that are supposed to fight yeast infection.
In addition, cuts in the skin that allow the yeasts to enter the body could also include catheters and IV’s that directly bring the yeast infection to the bloodstream and tissues. Key organs of the body frequently suffer especially the lungs, spleen, and liver where candidal fungus can also grow. People suffering from AIDS also very likely have inflammation of the throat which is likewise caused by candida fungus.
Seeking Medical Help
Medical help is always the next rational thing to do when self-help medication fails or when, instead of getting better, the symptoms of yeast infection worsen. Vaginal discharge that goes beyond one week should prompt one to see a doctor. Recurring candidiasis is usually an indication of a more serious health problem that lies underneath the surface.
More especially for people who have undergone serious cancer treatments like chemotherapy, any form of yeast infection should be dealt proactively since it may indicate a poor functioning of the immune system.
Some cases, though, need to be taken aggressively by admitting oneself to a hospital in order to promptly inquire as to the gravity of the condition. More serious cases of kidney infections, inflammation of the pelvis, or appendicitis are just few of these cases whose symptoms could be confused with that of serious yeast infections, but rather carry more serious and life-threatening consequences when simply ignored or when mistaken to be some other less serious condition.
Vaginal Yeast Infection: What Women Should Know
Candida albicans is widely present in the human body, but in relatively small amounts. In fact, some areas of the body have this fungal organism without the individual even knowing it since some women (or men) may not exhibit symptoms of yeast infection, especially when its number is not large enough to cause even the slightest infection.
The vagina, more specifically, is a unique environment that allows these candida fungi to survive and grow. Recurring yeast infections that are, at first, thought to be mere simple yeast infections could actually be a sign of a sexually-transmitted disease or an underlying serious condition that needs to be more aggressively treated.
It should be noted that while candida is not a kind of sexually-transmitted disease since it is present in a perfectly healthy vagina, it is likely for men to have it after having sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. In fact, studies show that carriers of candida albicans experience few or no symptoms at all.
The presence of vaginal yeast infection is characterized by painful body rashes, itching and swelling in and around the vulva, painful sexual intercourse, vaginal odor and thick discharge, and painful burning urination, among others. These general yeast infection symptoms may not necessarily be similarly experienced by all women having yeast vaginal infection.
However, there are yeast infection symptoms that would indicate a more serious condition than yeast infection. Pelvic pain or a feverish feeling, for instance, would indicate that a woman should get professional medical care.
Relief can be provided by pills and creams where medication of such can last for a week or more, depending on the gravity of the condition. Some may need a doctor’s prescription, while others are easily bought over-the-counter.
Yeast infections, particularly in the vagina, can be prevented by keeping the genital areas clean and dry. Cotton crotches in the underwear or pantyhose would also help, as well as the wearing of soft loose pants or slacks. Bathing suits and gym clothing should not be worn wet or moist for long periods and should be washed every after use. Since yeasts feed on sugar and carbohydrates, lesser intake of food rich in sugar should be avoided such as sodas, candies, and fruit juices.
Vaginal infections are very treatable. However, it should not be ignored nor should it simply be self-medicated since it could lead to an even worse problem such as when the severity of the infection cannot be accurately determined by the patient. For example, use of antibiotic could eliminate the good bacteria and could further add to an already severe condition.
The most accurate way of determining whether or not one has yeast infection is by undergoing a microscopic analysis or culturing where the doctor takes a sample specimen from the infected surface of the walls of the vagina. This process is a fast and accurate diagnosis. This course of action is also advised during women’s first encounter of yeast infection so that she could get the proper diagnosis.
