What is menopause?
Menopause is when a woman’s menstrual periods permanently end. It is a normal part of a woman's life and it happens because, as a woman ages, her ovaries make less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause is the term for the 3 to 5 years around the time of menopause and before your final period.
When does menopause occur?
The timing of actual menopause is different for each woman. The average age for women to have their last period is about 51. But it's normal for menopause to occur any time from age 40 to 59. A woman often goes through menopause at about the same age as her mother. If you stop having periods early (before age 40) your doctor can do a blood test to see if you're actually going through menopause or if there is another cause for your missed periods.
Menopause is a gradual process that can take several years. You're not really through menopause until you haven't had a period for 12 months. (During this time, keep using birth control if you don't want to become pregnant.)
Women who have both ovaries removed during surgery will go through "surgical menopause" at the time of their surgery. If the uterus is taken out but the ovaries are not, a woman will stop having periods, but she will not go through surgical menopause.
Talk to your doctor if you have:
A change in your monthly cycle
Heavy bleeding
Bleeding that lasts longer than usual
Bleeding more often than every 3 weeks
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Any blood spotting between periods
What are the common signs and symptoms of menopause?
Some women just stop having periods. Most women experience some symptoms, such as the following:
A change in your menstrual cycle. This is one of the first signs of menopause. You may skip periods or they may occur closer together. Your flow may be lighter or heavier than usual.
Hot flashes. Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause.
When you have a hot flash, you'll feel warm from your chest to your head, often in wave-like sensations. Your skin may turn red and you may sweat. You may feel sick to your stomach and dizzy. You may also have a headache and feel like your heart is beating very fast and hard.
Vaginal dryness. During and after menopause, the skin of your vagina and vulva (the area around your vagina) becomes thinner. Your vagina also loses its ability to produce as much lubrication (wetness) during sexual arousal. These changes can lead to pain during sex.
You can use an over-the-counter water-based sexual lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly) or moisturizers for the vaginal area (such as Vagisil) to make sex less painful. You can also talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using prescription estrogen cream for vaginal changes.
Urinary tract problems. You're more likely to have bladder and urinary tract infections during and after menopause. Talk to your doctor if you have to go to the bathroom often, feel an urgent need to urinate, feel a burning sensation when urinating or are not able to urinate.
Headaches, night sweats, trouble sleeping and tiredness are other symptoms. Trouble sleeping and feeling tired may be caused by hot flashes and night sweats that keep you from getting a good night’s rest.
Weight gain. Many women gain weight during menopause. A healthy diet and exercising most, if not all, days of the week will help keep you fit.
HeIlp for hot flashes
Turn your thermostat down. Sleep in a cool room.
Dress in layers, so you can remove clothing when you get too warm.
Wear cotton and other natural fabrics that "breathe" so you don't get overheated. Use cotton sheets on your bed.
Drink cool water or other beverages when a hot flash starts.
Get plenty of exercise.
Find out what triggers your hot flashes and avoid them. Spicy foods, alcohol, tight clothing and hot humid weather are some common triggers.
Does menopause have emotional symptoms?
Many women experience emotional symptoms during menopause. These symptoms may include sadness, anxiety and mood swings. For some women, symptoms can be severe. If you find that you're having emotional problems, talk to your family doctor.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment for menopause symptoms that involves taking synthetic hormones (which are made in a laboratory rather than by the body). HRT can be estrogen taken alone or estrogen combined with another hormone, progestin. Some women have found that HRT can relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and some urinary problems. However, HRT is not for everyone. New information from recent studies suggests that for most women, the risks of using HRT may outweigh the benefits. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT.
Are other treatments available?
Yes. Medicines such as estrogen cream, low-dose antidepressants, soy products and certain herbal supplements may help ease some menopausal symptoms. Discuss these options with your doctor.
Showing posts with label woman issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woman issues. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sexual Dysfunction in Women
What is sexual dysfunction?
When you have problems with sex, doctors call it "sexual dysfunction." Both men and women can have it. There are 4 kinds of sexual problems in women.
Desire disorders - When you are not interested in having sex or have less desire for sex than you used to.
Arousal disorders - When you don't feel a sexual response in your body or you cannot stay sexually aroused.
Orgasmic disorders - When you can't have an orgasm or you have pain during orgasm.
Sexual pain disorders - When you have pain during or after sex.
What causes sexual dysfunction?
Many things can cause problems in your sex life. Certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause sexual dysfunction.
You may have less sexual desire during pregnancy, right after childbirth or when you are breastfeeding. After menopause many women feel less sexual desire, have vaginal dryness or have pain during sex due to a decrease in estrogen (a hormone in the body).
The stresses of everyday life can also affect your ability to have sex. Being tired from a busy job or caring for young children may affect your sexual desire. You may also be bored by a long-standing sexual routine.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Up to 70% of couples have a problem with sex at some time in their relationships. Most women will have sex that doesn't feel good at some point in her life. This doesn't necessarily mean you have a sexual problem.
If you don't want to have sex or it never feels good, you might have a sexual problem. Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Remember that anything you tell your doctor is private and that your doctor can help you find a reason and possible treatment for your sexual dysfunction.
Return to top
What can I do?
If desire is the problem, try changing your usual routine. Try having sex at different times of the day, or try a different sexual position.
Arousal disorders can often be helped if you use a vaginal cream or sexual lubricant for dryness. If you have gone through menopause, talk to your doctor about taking estrogen or using an estrogen cream.
If you have a problem having an orgasm, you may not be getting enough foreplay or stimulation before actual intercourse begins. Extra stimulation (before you have sex with your partner) with a vibrator may be helpful. You might need rubbing or stimulation for up to an hour before having sex. Many women don't have an orgasm during intercourse. If you want an orgasm with intercourse, you or your partner may want to gently stroke your clitoris. Masturbation may also be helpful, as it can help you learn what techniques work best for you.
If you're having pain during sex, try different positions. When you are on top, you have more control over penetration and movement. Emptying your bladder before you have sex, using extra lubrication or taking a warm bath before sex all may help. If you still have pain during sex, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the cause of your pain and decide what treatment is best for you.
Can medicine help?
If you have gone through menopause or have had your uterus and/or ovaries removed, taking the hormone estrogen may help with sexual problems. If you're not already taking estrogen, ask your doctor if this is an option for you.
You may have heard that taking sildenafil (Viagra) or the male hormone testosterone can help women with sexual problems. There have not been many studies on the effects of Viagra or testosterone on women, so doctors do not know whether these things can help or not. Both Viagra and testosterone can have serious side effects, so using them is probably not worth the risk.
What else can I do?
Learn more about your body and how it works. Ask your doctor about how medicines, illnesses, surgery, age, pregnancy or menopause can affect sex.
Practice "sensate focus" exercises where one partner gives a massage, while the other partner says what feels good and requests changes (example: "lighter," "faster," etc.). Fantasizing may increase your desire. Squeezing the muscles of your vagina tightly (called Kegel exercises) and then relaxing them may also increase your arousal. Try sexual activity other than intercourse, such as massage, oral sex or masturbation.
What about my partner?
Talk with your partner about what each of you like and dislike, or what you might want to try. Ask for your partner's help. Remember that your partner may not want to do some things you want to try, and you may not want to try what your partner wants. You should respect each other's comforts and discomforts. This helps you and your partner have a good sexual relationship. If you feel you can't talk to your partner, your doctor or a counselor may be able to help you.
If you feel like your partner is abusing you, tell your doctor.
How can my doctor help?
Your doctor can suggest ways to treat your sexual problems or can refer you to a sex therapist or counselor if needed.
When you have problems with sex, doctors call it "sexual dysfunction." Both men and women can have it. There are 4 kinds of sexual problems in women.
Desire disorders - When you are not interested in having sex or have less desire for sex than you used to.
Arousal disorders - When you don't feel a sexual response in your body or you cannot stay sexually aroused.
Orgasmic disorders - When you can't have an orgasm or you have pain during orgasm.
Sexual pain disorders - When you have pain during or after sex.
What causes sexual dysfunction?
Many things can cause problems in your sex life. Certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause sexual dysfunction.
You may have less sexual desire during pregnancy, right after childbirth or when you are breastfeeding. After menopause many women feel less sexual desire, have vaginal dryness or have pain during sex due to a decrease in estrogen (a hormone in the body).
The stresses of everyday life can also affect your ability to have sex. Being tired from a busy job or caring for young children may affect your sexual desire. You may also be bored by a long-standing sexual routine.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Up to 70% of couples have a problem with sex at some time in their relationships. Most women will have sex that doesn't feel good at some point in her life. This doesn't necessarily mean you have a sexual problem.
If you don't want to have sex or it never feels good, you might have a sexual problem. Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Remember that anything you tell your doctor is private and that your doctor can help you find a reason and possible treatment for your sexual dysfunction.
Return to top
What can I do?
If desire is the problem, try changing your usual routine. Try having sex at different times of the day, or try a different sexual position.
Arousal disorders can often be helped if you use a vaginal cream or sexual lubricant for dryness. If you have gone through menopause, talk to your doctor about taking estrogen or using an estrogen cream.
If you have a problem having an orgasm, you may not be getting enough foreplay or stimulation before actual intercourse begins. Extra stimulation (before you have sex with your partner) with a vibrator may be helpful. You might need rubbing or stimulation for up to an hour before having sex. Many women don't have an orgasm during intercourse. If you want an orgasm with intercourse, you or your partner may want to gently stroke your clitoris. Masturbation may also be helpful, as it can help you learn what techniques work best for you.
If you're having pain during sex, try different positions. When you are on top, you have more control over penetration and movement. Emptying your bladder before you have sex, using extra lubrication or taking a warm bath before sex all may help. If you still have pain during sex, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the cause of your pain and decide what treatment is best for you.
Can medicine help?
If you have gone through menopause or have had your uterus and/or ovaries removed, taking the hormone estrogen may help with sexual problems. If you're not already taking estrogen, ask your doctor if this is an option for you.
You may have heard that taking sildenafil (Viagra) or the male hormone testosterone can help women with sexual problems. There have not been many studies on the effects of Viagra or testosterone on women, so doctors do not know whether these things can help or not. Both Viagra and testosterone can have serious side effects, so using them is probably not worth the risk.
What else can I do?
Learn more about your body and how it works. Ask your doctor about how medicines, illnesses, surgery, age, pregnancy or menopause can affect sex.
Practice "sensate focus" exercises where one partner gives a massage, while the other partner says what feels good and requests changes (example: "lighter," "faster," etc.). Fantasizing may increase your desire. Squeezing the muscles of your vagina tightly (called Kegel exercises) and then relaxing them may also increase your arousal. Try sexual activity other than intercourse, such as massage, oral sex or masturbation.
What about my partner?
Talk with your partner about what each of you like and dislike, or what you might want to try. Ask for your partner's help. Remember that your partner may not want to do some things you want to try, and you may not want to try what your partner wants. You should respect each other's comforts and discomforts. This helps you and your partner have a good sexual relationship. If you feel you can't talk to your partner, your doctor or a counselor may be able to help you.
If you feel like your partner is abusing you, tell your doctor.
How can my doctor help?
Your doctor can suggest ways to treat your sexual problems or can refer you to a sex therapist or counselor if needed.
Breast Problems in Women
Breast lumps, pain, discharge or skin problems can be a sign of a minor problem or something more serious, so it's important to pay attention to any changes. Follow this chart for more information about breast problems.
SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS SELF-CARE
1. Do you have swelling and tenderness in one or both breasts? Go to Question 6.*
2. Have you given birth recently?
Soon after giving birth, your breasts could become engorged with milk, causing swelling and tenderness.
Breast pain along with redness, nipple discharge, itching or a fever, could be a sign of MASTITIS, an infection of a milk duct.
If your breasts are engorged, applying warm compresses to the breast and gently expressing some milk may help.
If you have an infection, talk to your doctor. He or she may give you an antibiotic.
3. Did the tenderness start recently, and do your breasts feel fuller and heavier? You may be PREGNANT. Changes in the way your breasts feel, fatigue, nausea and frequent urination are some of the early signs of pregnancy Take an at-home pregnancy test. If it's positive, see your doctor.
4. Do the swelling and tenderness seem to occur at about the same time during every menstrual cycle? Go to Question 6.*
5. Do you feel thickened, bumpy areas throughout your breast? Your symptoms may be a result of HORMONAL CHANGES during your menstrual cycle. If you also have irritability, trouble sleeping and mood changes, you may have PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS).
Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve bloating and tenderness. Ibuprofen or naproxen may be helpful for painful periods. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and excess salt. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to relieve them.
Your symptoms may be caused by FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE. See your doctor. He or she may recommend that you avoid fatty foods and caffeine.
*6. Do you feel a tender lump, smaller than a penny, that wasn't there last month? This lump may be a noncancerous GROWTH or CYST. Carefully check this lump for a month. If it doesn't go away or it changes, see your doctor.
7. Do you feel a painless lump that is deep in your breast, possibly attached to your ribs? A painless, firm lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER. See your doctor as soon as possible.
8. Are you breastfeeding and having pain and cracking of the nipple? Persistent pain and cracking in the nipple with breastfeeding could mean INFECTION, or it could mean that your baby is not latching properly. Try a lanolin ointment on your nipple. If it doesn't help, see your doctor or a lactation consultant.
9. Have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge? These changes may be a sign of a serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER See your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Do you have a sore on your breast that won't heal? A nonhealing sore on the breast could be a sign of a serious problem. See your doctor.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS SELF-CARE
1. Do you have swelling and tenderness in one or both breasts? Go to Question 6.*
2. Have you given birth recently?
Soon after giving birth, your breasts could become engorged with milk, causing swelling and tenderness.
Breast pain along with redness, nipple discharge, itching or a fever, could be a sign of MASTITIS, an infection of a milk duct.
If your breasts are engorged, applying warm compresses to the breast and gently expressing some milk may help.
If you have an infection, talk to your doctor. He or she may give you an antibiotic.
3. Did the tenderness start recently, and do your breasts feel fuller and heavier? You may be PREGNANT. Changes in the way your breasts feel, fatigue, nausea and frequent urination are some of the early signs of pregnancy Take an at-home pregnancy test. If it's positive, see your doctor.
4. Do the swelling and tenderness seem to occur at about the same time during every menstrual cycle? Go to Question 6.*
5. Do you feel thickened, bumpy areas throughout your breast? Your symptoms may be a result of HORMONAL CHANGES during your menstrual cycle. If you also have irritability, trouble sleeping and mood changes, you may have PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS).
Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve bloating and tenderness. Ibuprofen or naproxen may be helpful for painful periods. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and excess salt. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to relieve them.
Your symptoms may be caused by FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE. See your doctor. He or she may recommend that you avoid fatty foods and caffeine.
*6. Do you feel a tender lump, smaller than a penny, that wasn't there last month? This lump may be a noncancerous GROWTH or CYST. Carefully check this lump for a month. If it doesn't go away or it changes, see your doctor.
7. Do you feel a painless lump that is deep in your breast, possibly attached to your ribs? A painless, firm lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER. See your doctor as soon as possible.
8. Are you breastfeeding and having pain and cracking of the nipple? Persistent pain and cracking in the nipple with breastfeeding could mean INFECTION, or it could mean that your baby is not latching properly. Try a lanolin ointment on your nipple. If it doesn't help, see your doctor or a lactation consultant.
9. Have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge? These changes may be a sign of a serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER See your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Do you have a sore on your breast that won't heal? A nonhealing sore on the breast could be a sign of a serious problem. See your doctor.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
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