Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. Literally meaning "porous bone," it results in an increased loss of bone mass and strength. The disease often progresses without any symptoms or pain. Generally, it is not discovered until weakened bones cause painful fractures. Most of these are fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. Though osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, women are four times more likely to develop the…

Prevalence of Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. In the United States today, 10 million individuals already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Learn more by viewing the facts below: 80 percent of those affected by osteoporosis are women. 8 million American women and 2 million men have osteoporosis, and millions more have low bone…

Estrogen Levels Declining estrogen levels associated with menopause have many side effects. They can also cause hot flashes and cause women to experience: Aggressiveness Anxiety Difficulty concentrating Fatigue Feelings of sadness Irritability Lack of motivation Mood changes Tension If you are feeling irritable and sad there is a good chance it could be related to menopause. However, the previously listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause. There are a number of…

Menopause and Osteoporosis Menopause can be a difficult time for some women, because their hormonal balance is changing. However, what many women may not realize is that their risks for osteoporosis also increase during this period. Menopausal and post-menopausal women should check with their doctors to find out their risk of osteoporosis. 8 Tips to Help Prevent Osteoporosis All women should receive counseling on the risk factors for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent risk factor for…

Estrogen Levels During Perimenopause and Menopause The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause triggers physical as well as emotional changes including depression or anxiety as well as changes in memory. Like any other point in a woman’s life, there is a relationship between hormone levels and physical and emotional symptoms. Some physical changes include: Irregular or skipped periods Heavier or lighter periods Hot flashes What Are My Options for Treating…

Hormone therapy is a treatment that is used to supplement the body with either estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone in combination. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are produced by a woman's ovaries. When the ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of these hormones, HT can be given to supplement the body with adequate levels. Why Does the Body Need Estrogen and Progesterone? Estrogen and progesterone together thicken the lining of the uterus, preparing it for the…

How Does Menopause Affect Sex Drive? The loss of estrogen following menopause can lead to changes in a woman’s sexual functioning. Menopausal women may notice that they are not as easily aroused, and may be less sensitive to touching and stroking – which can result in decreased interest in sex. Further, the emotional changes that often accompany menopause can add to a woman’s loss of interest in sex and inability to become aroused. In addition, lower levels of estrogen can cause a decrease in…

Heart disease becomes a greater risk for women after menopause. In young women who have undergone early or surgical menopause, who do not take estrogen, their risk for heart disease is also higher. Women who have gone through menopause and also have other heart disease risk factors are at even greater risk. Other heart disease risk factors include: Diabetes Family history of heart disease High blood pressure Low HDL (high density lipoproteins) or "good" cholesterol High LDL (low…

Actonel: also known as risedronate, Actonel is a drug that has been shown to build back bone density to help protect bones that are vulnerable to fracture. Actonel is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis and to treat other forms of bone mass loss in men and women. Atelvia (Risedronate) taken weekly after breakfast. Adjuvant therapy: treatment provided in addition to the primary treatment. Alternative medicine:…

Approximately 75 percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes, a condition that can make it difficult for women to sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 40 percent of menopausal women have sleep problems caused by hot flashes. How Can I Treat Sleep Problems Related to Menopause? The traditional treatment for the symptoms related to menopause has been hormone therapy (HT). HT consists of estrogen given as a pill, patch or vaginal cream, either alone or combined…

While post menopause hormone therapy (HT) is generally an effective way to manage menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, it is not recommended for everyone. The following quiz may help you determine whether or not HT is right for you. Please answer yes or no to the following questions: Do you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as extremely heavy periods, spotting between periods or missed periods?Yes___ No___ Is there a history of breast cancer in your family?Yes___…

A number of non-hormonal remedies are available for the treatment of hot flashes. Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether, but to diminish their intensity and frequency. Some of these interventions (e.g., vitamin E, black cohosh and soy products) are available over-the-counter. Others are available by prescription. Drug Dosage Side Effects Evening Primrose Oil Variable Nausea, diarrhea, blood clots. Do not use if seizure history or on…

Not all women experience menopause in the same way. For some, menopause can bring on uncomfortable symptoms. Others may experience few discomforts. Visit the listing below for helpful tips on how to cope with your menopausal symptoms. Relieving Hot Flashes Identify and avoid your hot flash "triggers." Common triggers include stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, heat and cigarette smoke. Keep the bedroom cool. Use fans during the day. Wear light layers of…

It is common to have questions about what to expect during your menopause experience. View the questions below to learn more about common concerns, or print out these questions and answers to discuss with your doctor. Can Menopause Cause a Woman's Voice to Change? The majority of women do not experience a voice change during menopause. Rarely, some women may lose the upper register of voice. What Can I Do About the Facial Hair I’ve Developed as a Result of Menopause? Although many women do…

Seeing the Light Ever see something drifting across the sky – then discover it’s actually drifting across your eye? That would be a "floater." Floaters are bits of debris in the interior of your eye that appear when you look at something white or very bright. “People describe them as cobwebs, spiderwebs, bubbles or even ‘tadpoles’,” says Arun Singh, MD, of Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Dr. Singh, an ophthalmologist, or physician specializing in eye disorders, sees patients with…

Animation and Competition Encourage Kids to Stay Healthy New fitness equipment, expanded play areas and environmental program enhancements are just a few of the ways schools are benefiting from Clever Crazes for Kids (CCK), an online wellness program for children – ages 6 to 12 – that uses animated characters, competitive games and educational challenges to encourage students to adopt healthy lifestyles. Through its incentive competition, the program has awarded $70,000 to schools so far, to…

Who is at Risk for Colorectal Cancer? Every one of us is at risk for colorectal cancer. The lifetime risk is 1 in 18 people or about 6 percent of American men and women. Most people who develop colorectal cancer have no particular risk factors. Although the exact cause for the development of pre-cancerous colon polyps that lead to colorectal cancer is not known, there are some factors that increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal polyps and cancer. These risk factors…

Comfort food at its finest! A bowl of yummy whipped potatoes can warm anyone, even in the coldest of temperatures. The cream cheese flavor sends your taste buds soaring.

By Margaret McKenzie, MD There are few life events that can compare to the 280 or so-day journey called pregnancy. The roller-coaster ride of excitement and anxiety, combined with the vast changes going on in a woman’s body can be overwhelming. But a positive experience with pregnancy is well within your reach. It’s important to understand the myriad of changes going on in your body during pregnancy. The first thing that develops when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall is the…

What are the steps to successful aging? As we age, we make choices about our lifestyle, health care, personal pursuits, and our plans for old age. A few "steps to successful aging" will help guide us to healthy and active golden years. 1) Adopt and maintain healthy habits and positive lifestyles: Avoid cigarette smoking Have no more than one alcoholic beverage in a 24-hour period Exercise regularly, maintaining the triad of weight bearing, aerobic, and balance activities Maintain a…