Risk Of Antidepressants During Menopause!

Recent study stated that older women who take antidepressants are at greater risk of stroke and death when compared to women who are not on the antidepressant medications.

The study also stated that depression itself is a risk factor for early death, heart disease and various other illnesses. But, the study doesn’t mean that women should stop taking antidepressants. It is just only informative purpose about the risks and benefits of medications for older women.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Prozac are now replaced with tricyclic antidepressants, which can harm the heart. Postmenopausal women with SSRIs are at increased risk for both heart disease and depression.

Researchers found that women taking SSRIs had a 45 percent increase in risk of stroke and a 32 percent increase in risk of dying from any cause during follow up, compared with nonusers. Use of older tricyclic antidepressants wasn't linked to stroke, but it did increase by 67 percent the risk of death during follow up.


7 Self-care Tips For Bad Vaginal Odor!

An imbalance in the types of bacteria that are naturally found in a woman’s vagina leads to the foul smelling vaginal discharge.

During normal conditions, there are different types of bacteria present in your vagina.

The main symptom of this condition is abnormal vaginal discharge that tends to have an unpleasant odor.

Foul smelling vaginal odor can also be due to a sexually transmitted disease such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.

Here are few self-care tips that help to reduce abnormal vaginal odor:

1. The fabric you use:

You should wear cotton panties. Cotton panties help to keep your vaginal area dry and allow air to pass through. When the vaginal area is dry, then there is a less chance for occurring the foul odor.

If you wear synthetic fabrics, they can trap the moisture in and promote odor by allowing the bacteria to develop that can lead to foul odor and infections.

2. Douche or not to douche:

Usually, douching affects the natural pH balance within your vagina. Frequent douching kills the healthy bacteria that can help in fighting against unhealthy bacteria, which cause infections. So, it is better to wash your vagina by using unscented, gentle soap and water.

3. Use panty liners:

Panty liners can help to absorb the moisture at your vaginal area. You will find them in scented and unscented forms and they greatly help you to stay dry and also odor free. As they are smaller in size, they do not cause any discomfort.

These small, discrete pads fit snugly right inside your panties. You can wear them anytime of the month and they simply help absorb any excess moisture. If you have fishy vaginal odor, you can use scented pads.

4. Holy hygiene:

Bad hygiene is the great cause of vaginal odors. So, daily bathing and washing your vagina twice a day can prevent the vaginal odor. Even you skip these for one day; it can lead to bad odor. Most of the women can get sweat in their groin area. It is also a major cause of vaginal odor. So, you should wipe this sweat daily to prevent vaginal odor.

5. Period perils:

Period is the most discomfortable time for every woman. The odor that comes along with the period can make the existing vaginal odor even worse. So, to prevent this from occurring, you should wash the vaginal area twice a day and change the pads or tampons regularly.

6. Chemical hygiene products:

Actually, using chemical sprays and scented hygiene products can lead to bad vaginal odors. Some chemical products cause itching or irritation around the vaginal area and also to the mucus membranes. Using these products can kill the healthy bacteria in your vagina and make it more prone to infections.

7. Check for bad vaginal smells:

You should know that bad vaginal smells can also be due to a condition like bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms of this condition include: a gray or white thin vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor, itching or burning sensation. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.

Vaginal odor is a problem that plagues countless women and can reoccur every few months. There are effective treatments for the condition that don't just mask the odor, they actually treat the problem and eliminate it.


Does Obesity Cut Your Lifespan?

Researchers said that your lifespan could be shrinking in proportions to your growing waistline. Obese people die ten years before they should. Also, moderate obesity cuts your lifespan by three years.

Studies showed that people with BMI of 30-35 will die three before than they should and people with BMI of 40-45 will die ten years before.

If you are becoming obese or overweight, it is advised to avoid further weight gain for adding years to your life. Studies said that people should put a conscious effort against piling on the pounds, which most often happens between 25-50 years of life.

Obesity is linked with high risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the international BMI scale, BMI above 25 is considered as overweight and above 30 is considered as obese.

Even you have low BMI, having high body fat can also cut your lifespan. It is found that death ratio is lowest in those who were on the high part of obesity on the normal range and had a BMI from 23-24.

Also, studies showed that people with BMIs less than 22.5 have a higher risk of during than those who weighed slightly more, largely because of respiratory illnesses, such as lung cancer. The researchers say this is probably the result of skinny people who were smokers.

Link Between Infertility And Breast Cancer!

Recent studies stated that mutations in the BRCA1 gene that is gene linked to early beginning of breast cancer seem to be connected to a premature diminishment of egg reserve. This discover finally explain the relation between infertility and breast cancer or ovarian cancer risk.

Patients with BRCA mutation-positive, there was low ovarian response rate that is considerably more as thought to patients with BRCA mutation-negative and also with BRCA-untested women.

Each mutation-positive low patient seemed to have BRCA1 mutations, but low response could not be seen in women who were just BRCA2 mutation positive. As opposed to controls, BRCA1 mutation but not BRCA2 mutation-positive women is believed to have generated lesser amount of eggs.

It is established that, in the common inhabitants, around 1 in every 1,000 women is actually BRCA mutation positive and this rate could be as high as 2.5% in particular racial group.

Irrespective of major mechanisms of early diminishment of egg store in BRCA1 mutation-positive patients, the end result could have deep suggestions for the future fertility of a vast amount of women in the population.

Also, the study stated that there may be a new connection between low response to ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs and BRCA1 mutations. It could propose a possible connection between infertility, and breast cancer or ovarian threats.

The examination of the BRCA gene in the women with infertility and low response to ovarian stimulation could be valuable, particularly if there is a history of breast and/or ovarian cancer.



5 Alternative Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection!

Urinary tract infection occurs when the microorganism invades your bladder or urethra that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body.

Finally, it leads to burning or pain during urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine and lower back pain.
Proper sanitation and drinking lots of fluids are very much essential for preventing urinary tract infection.

Here are alternative medicine choices for treating urinary tract infection:

1. Juice therapy for treating urinary tract infection:

Drinking lots of fluids can help to flush out the bacteria that lead to urinary tract infection. Some fluids are even better than the others. For example, cranberry juice is probably the best, because it helps prevent bacteria from anchoring to bladder walls. It is best to take real cranberry juice, but not cranberry juice cocktails. This juice is rich in vitamin C and quinolic acid, which help to prevent UTI.

If you won’t find real cranberry juice, you can get cranberry juice concentrate, which you can mix with water. Researchers suggested that drinking 16 ounces of cranberry juice a day can help to prevent the problem. To get delicious taste, you can mix it with some fresh apple juice.

2. Aromatherapy for treating urinary tract infection:

Make essential oil by mixing equal parts of tea tree, juniper, sandalwood, frankincense, and bergamot. Thoroughly mix all these ingredients and apply over your bladder area and rub. Continue rubbing with this mixture for 3-4 days until the symptoms will subside.

3. Vitamin C to prevent urinary tract infection:

Daily intake of vitamin C in your diet will increase the acidity content of the urine and prevent bacterial growth. Women who are suffering from urinary tract infection, a daily intake of 1000mg of Vitamin C can prevent the disease from reoccurring.

4. Herbal remedies for treating urinary tract infection:

Herbal remedies such as goldenseal root, uva ursi and Echinacea when consumed three to four times a day can help to prevent urinary tract infection. Goldenseal root is a power antimicrobial agent, when consumed in the form of tea made from 1 tsp of dried herb per cup of hot water or as a tincture or in capsule form can help to prevent UTI.

Uva ursi is a powerful antiseptic agent that has soothing and strengthening properties. You can drink it in the form of tea or take as a tincture.

Echinacea contains substances that can help to fight infections such as UTI. You can drink Echinacea in the form of tea once a day or in the form of capsule once a day.

Some other herbs that help to prevent UTI include:

• Marshmallow root: It is a soothing agent.
• Corn silk: A soothing diuretic
• Usnea Lichen: It has wonderful soothing and antiseptic properties.
• Buchu: It is a soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system.
• Usnea Lichen: It is an antiseptic and soothing agent.
• Horsetail: It is an astringent and mild diuretic with tissue healing properties.

These herbs don’t cause any side effects when used at the suggested doses. But very rarely they can cause mild headache and stomach upset.

5. Homeopathic remedies for urinary tract infection:

You should consult a trained homeopathic practitioner to prescribe a deep acting and constitutional remedy. Do not take any remedy longer than a day or two without consulting a homeopathic practitioner. Here are some homeopathic remedies often prescribed for UTI:

• Sarsasparilla: Helps to relieve pain that comes after urination has stopped.
• Cantharis: For treating frequent urination that is associated with burning sensation.
• Staphysagria: Helps to treat UTI that is the result of sexual intercourse.
• Apis mellifica: Helps to treat stinging pain that becomes more severe with heat.

16 Risk Factors Of Heart Disease In Women!

Women are at high risk for heart disease and stroke when compared to men.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women above 65 years of age.

The American heart association has found that various factors can increase the risk of heart disease in women.

The greater the risk factors a woman have, the more her risk of getting a heart attack.

There are certain risk factors that you can not control, such as advancing age, gender, family history and race.

Also, you can alter certain risk factors to lower the risk of heart disease.

Risk factors of heart disease that you can’t control:

1. Gender: Every year, about 60,000 more women when compared to men have heart disease. More than 60% of the total stroke deaths occur in only women.

2. Advancing age: Usually, women develop heat disease 10-15 years later than men. Until you enter into the menopause stage, your ovaries can produce enough estrogen and it protects you against building the plaque in arteries.

But, once you enter into menopause, your ovaries stop production of estrogen thus increasing your risk of heart disease.

Not only menopause is the only reason for heart attack, but as you age, arteries become stiffer and thicker thus keeping at risk.

3. Family history: Woman whose father or brother had developed heart disease before 55 years of age is at greater risk and woman whose mother or sister had developed heart disease before 65 years of age is also at risk.

4. Race: Black women have higher risk of heart disease than white women. Compared to white women, African-American women are more likely to die of heart attack.

5. Ethnicity: African or South Asian people are more likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure and therefore are at high risk of heart disease and stroke than general population.

6. Prior stroke: Women who have had a heart attack are at greater risk of having another attack.

Risk factors of heart disease that you can control:

7. High blood cholesterol: It is a major risk factor of heart disease and also increases the occurrence of stroke. Research showed that women have high blood cholesterol when compared to men from age 55 onwards.

High LDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack, whereas high HDL cholesterol levels decrease the risk.

8. Physical activity: Lack of exercise is a risk factor for heart disease and also increases the risk of heart attack. Inactive and dull women are at high risk of heart disease than active women.

Also, overeating can lead to high levels of blood cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and finally increase the risk of heart disease and heat attack.

9. Diabetes: Diabetic adults are 2-4 times at higher risk of heart disease when compared to adults without diabetes. Often diabetics have high cholesterol and blood pressure and are overweight keeping them at higher risk.

10. Tobacco smoke: Smoking is the major cause of cardiovascular disease among women. Smoking women are at high risk of ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Also, smoking women who use birth control pills are even at greater risk of stroke.

11. High blood pressure: It is the major risk factor for stroke. Obese women who have family history of high blood pressure, take birth control pills and enter into menopause are at high risk of heart disease.

12. Obesity: High fat levels, particularly if they are located in the waist area can keep you at greater risk for heart disease.

13. Depression: Depression is twice as common in women as in men. It increases the risk of heart disease by two to three times when compared to women who are not depressed.

14. Excessive alcohol consumption: Moderate drinking can decrease the risk of heart disease, but drinking excessively and binge drinking can make you obese and increase triglyceride levels and finally lead to heart attack.

15. High levels of triglycerides: It is a type of fat in your body. High triglyceride levels indicate that you have high LDL levels and low HDL levels thus keeping you at risk of heart disease.

16. Stress: Stress also has a major role in the development of heart disease. High stress levels can make you to develop unhealthy habits like overeating and smoking.

Good News For Diabetics!

There are many coffee and tea lovers. For some extent, it is good to drink coffee and tea, especially for diabetics. Coffee and tea protect you against the disease.

A recent study showed that drinking an extra cup of coffee or tea a day may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by 7%.

People who consume three to four cups of coffee or tea a day are at 25% less risk when compared to those who drink between zero to two cups.

People who drink three to four cups of tea a day are at one fifth lower the risk of diabetes when compared to those who don’t drink tea. But, the study didn’t seem to be linked to caffeine.

Another Australian study conducted on 458,000 people showed that drinking three to four cups of decaffeinated coffee a day reduce the risk of diabetes by 33% than those who drank none.


Is Trichomoniasis Curable?

Trichomoniasis is the most common STD in women when compared to men. Also it is the most common curable STD in young and sexually active women.

Approximately 174 million people throughout the world are infected with this parasite each year.

Trichomoniasis is mainly due to single celled protozoan parasite named as trichomonas vaginalis. Vagina is the most common infected area in women.

This parasite is transmitted during the sexual intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.

Up to one third of the infected women have no symptoms, however the most common signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis that you experience include: frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor.

This infection can also lead to pain during sex, painful urination, itching and irritation of the genital tract, excess of white blood cells seen on a wet mount preparation of vaginal discharge, and vaginal pH above 5.

During certain instances, you can experience lower abdominal pain. Usually, these signs and symptoms appear within 5-28 days after exposure to the parasite.

Pregnant women with trichomoniasis can give birth to low birth weight babies and also premature births. During certain cases, you may experience infection or rupture of the placenta.

Genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can increase your susceptibility to HIV if you are exposed to the virus.

Usually, treatment for trichomoniasis includes antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole prescribed by your doctor. People taking them should avoid alcohol immediately after treatment, because a chemical reaction causing nausea and vomiting can result.

Side effects of these drugs include: headaches, abdominal cramping and nausea. In some rare cases, Seizures and neurological disorders can result.

Also, there are some alternative therapies available, but there is no rigorous scientific evidence that support the use of these therapies.

Osteoporosis Drugs Reduces Breast Cancer Risk!

A recent study conducted at New York stated that women who are taking common class of drugs such as bisphosphonates for osteoporosis are significantly at reduced risk of breast cancer than women who are not using the bone-strengthening pills.

Now you can find Fosamax in the form of alendronate. Some other most commonly used medicines from the same class include Actonel and Roche's Boniva. Women who were taking bisphosphonates are one-third less likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not take them.

Drugs, such as Fosamax and Boniva, are some of the most popular drugs for women to help prevent bone loss, but a government health study found those taking the drugs for osteoporosis were also 32 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Researchers said that the medications used for osteoporosis may make it more difficult for
tumors to develop.

10 Endometriosis Natural Treatment Options!

Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition, in which the tissue that lines the uterus, also called as endometrium starts growing outside of the uterus.

Most often, these tissues grow on ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining or in some rare cases outside of the pelvic area.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain or painful periods, it is essential to consult your doctor and get proper diagnosis.

Here are few endometriosis natural treatment options:

1. Endometriosis natural treatment – Foods to avoid

Women who want to avoid surgery or using hormones can try various endometriosis natural treatment options.

Still it is not certain that which hormones can cause endometriosis.

But, researchers found that woman’s reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a major role in developing endometriosis.

So, it is essential to avoid some foods to maintain proper balance between these two hormones. In place of them, it is best to add organic foods. You need to consume foods such as: all dairy products, red meat, processed or prepared foods, excessive salt, wheat, coffee, soy, tea, farmed fish or shellfish and sodas.

2. Endometriosis natural treatment – Reduce chemical intake

Studies showed that chronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and environmental toxins are associated with increased risk of endometriosis. Reducing high fat diet is one of the ways to reduce the chemical intake. Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Follow a whole food diet, being mindful of carbohydrates, to support healthy insulin metabolism and thereby support overall hormonal balance. This includes limiting alcohol intake.

3. Endometriosis natural treatment – Fruits, vegetables and flaxseeds

Studies proved that a set of plant chemicals such as flavones can reduce aromatase, which is the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens. Some good sources of flavones include: celery and parsley.

Cauliflower, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and bok choy are high sources of indoles that help to improve estrogen metabolism. Onions and pineapple help reduce inflammation; garlic lessens inflammation and fights fatigue, as well.

Flaxseeds are good sources of fiber and lignans that are very helpful for estrogen related conditions.

4. Endometriosis natural treatment – Omega-3 fatty acids

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: sardines, salmon, anchovies, and mackerel. You can also get them in the form of fish oil capsules. Studies proved that omega-3 fatty acids are very helpful for women with endometriosis.

Compounds such as EPA and DHA in fish oil can greatly help to reduce the pain by decreasing levels of inflammatory chemical called as prostaglandin E2. Also, fish oils slow down the growth of endometrial tissue.

5. Endometriosis natural treatment – Vitamins

Most of the patients with endometriosis are suggested to take multivitamins with mineral supplements every day. Consume fiber rich foods along with:

• 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C each day, divided into three doses


• 400 to 800 I.U. of vitamin E daily


• At least 50 mg per day of the B vitamins


• Supplement with phytotherapy to gently normalize hormone levels
  

6. Endometriosis natural treatment – Juice therapy

Try juice therapy. Dark grape, mango, papaya and pineapple juices are recommended. These are helpful to reduce the discomfort associated with endometriosis.

7. Endometriosis natural treatment – Ice pack

Apply an ice pack or a heating pad on your lower abdomen area to reduce the pelvic pain and various other discomforts of endometriosis.

8. Endometriosis natural treatment – Green tea

Drink green tea to reduce nausea that occurs with endometriosis

9. Endometriosis natural treatment – Reduce stress

Increased stress levels can increase a hormone called as cortisone, which decreases the levels of progesterone thus leading to hormone imbalance. Take vitamin B, C, zinc and magnesium to balance cortisone. You can also practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, relaxation techniques and deep breathing.

10. Endometriosis natural treatment – Progesterone cream

It helps to slow down the growth of endometrial tissue. It helps to reduce pelvic pain and period pain. Consult your doctor to know about the recommended dosage of progesterone cream.

6 Essential FAQs About Endometrial Cancer!

Endometrial cancer is the cancer that develops in the tissue lining the uterus.

Most of the endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas, a cancer that begin in cells that make release mucus and other fluids.

This is one of the most common cancers in American women.

Sometimes, endometrial cancer can also be referred as uterine cancer, however there are various other cells in your uterus that can become cancerous, such as myometrial and muscle cells.

Endometrial cancer can be detected very easily, because it causes vaginal bleeding in between your menstrual periods or even after the menopause. If the cancer is detected early, surgical removal of uterus can eliminate the cancer completely.

1. What causes endometrial cancer?

Usually, healthy cells can grow and divide in an orderly manner for proper functioning of your body. But, sometimes, these cells become mutate and grow out of control. The process of cell division continues even it is not necessary. Sometimes, these abnormal cells can become infected and destroy nearby tissues. They also spread to various other body parts and start going there.

The main reason for the growth of these cells is still unknown, but researchers believe that abnormal levels of estrogen play a role in the development of endometrial cancer.

2. What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?

Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer. The first sign to observe is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Here are symptoms of endometrial cancer that you experience:

• Pelvic pain


• Bleeding after menopause


• Pain during intercourse


• Unexpected weight loss


• Prolonged or bleeding between the menstrual periods


• Abnormal and nonbloody discharge from the vagina


• Difficult or painful urination
  

3. What are the risk factors of endometrial cancer?

Usually, women produce two hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Each month, the balance between these two hormones alters. If the balance slightly changes and causes more estrogen production, then it stimulates the growth of the endometrium, which is a major cause to develop endometrial cancer.

Here are some risk factors for endometrial cancer:

• Menstruation for too many years –That is menstruation started before the age of 12 or menopause began too late.


• Not having been pregnant


• Obesity


• Irregular ovulation


• Diabetes


• Consuming high fat diet


• Estrogen replacement therapy


• Ovarian tumors


• Women older than 55 years


• Race – Black women are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer


• History of breast and ovarian cancers
  

4. How to diagnose endometrial cancer?

Your doctor will perform a physical and pelvic examination. If your doctor feels any lumps or alterations in the uterus size, then there can be a problem. Here are various tests performed to detect endometrial cancer:

Endometrial biopsy: During this procedure a cell sample or tissue from uterine lining is taken from inside of your uterus for laboratory analysis.

Pap smear: A cell sample from your cervix is taken for observation. Usually pap smear is performed to detect cervical cancer.

Transvaginal ultrasound: This test helps to observe the lining and thickness of the endometrium, by inserting a transducer into your vagina.

Dilation and curettage: During the procedure, tissue is scraped from the lining of your uterus and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

You will need to undergo some more tests, to detect cancer in other parts of the body. They include: chest X-ray, CT scan and blood test.

5. How does the condition treated?

Surgery is the most common treatment. Your doctor recommends either surgical removal of the uterus or surgical removal of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Also, it is essential to remove lymph nodes including other tissue samples.

If you have severe form of endometrial cancer or cancer that spread to various other body parts, then you need to undergo more treatments. They include: radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

6. How to prevent the condition?

Most of this cancer cases can’t be prevented, but there are certain ways that decrease the risk of developing the cancer.

Usage of birth control pills – Women who take oral contraceptives for longer years are at decreased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Undergoing hormone therapy along with progesterone – As estrogen stimulates cancer growth, taking progestine can cause the lining of the uterus to shed. This type of combination therapy lowers your risks, but not all the effects of hormone therapy are positive.

Maintain balanced weight – As obesity is one of the most common risk factors of endometrial cancer, maintaining healthy weight can decrease your risk.

Exercising – Women who exercise everyday are at half the risk of developing endometrial cancer than women who do not exercise.

Loneliness May Raise Breast Cancer Risk!

New research found that stress of loneliness increases the hormone levels that trigger the tumor growth which finally lead to cancer. So, to reduce the breast cancer risk, it is essential to reduce the feelings of loneliness.

As your stress levels raise, the levels of stress hormone called as corticosterone may get raised and finally it affects the cell growth and thus leading to tumors.

Overall, research in humans does not indicate that there is a direct link between stress and breast cancer. But it's possible that stressful situations could indirectly affect the risk of cancer by making people more likely to take up unhealthy behaviours that increase their risk.

Finally the study suggested that stress that come from isolation may increase the number of breast cancer tumors. So, to reduce the risk of breast cancer, reduce your stress levels as much as you can.

8 Diet Tips To Prevent Irregular Periods!

Irregular period or oligomenorrhea is a most common problem in many women. It may be either late period or early period. Also it may be bleeding between two periods.

The major cause of irregular periods is estrogen, but it may also be due to poor diet, hormonal imbalances, stress, too much weight loss or gain, usage of birth control pills or any other medical condition.

There are four types of irregular periods:

• Shorter periods


• Very light periods


• Very heavy periods


• Skipped or less frequent periods
  

Here are 10 diet tips that may help to prevent irregular period:

1. Try some juices:

• If you are suffering from the problem of irregular periods, then try carrot juice for about 3-4 months. This is a natural way to regularize your periods.


• Grape juice can also be beneficial.


• Also, drinking 75 ml of parsley juice daily can prevent irregular periods.


• Take juice of holy basil leaf with honey and black pepper powder twice a day for 4-6 weeks.


• Grind dried almond peel, then mix with water and honey and drink for several days.
  

2. Omega-3 fatty acids:

This is the most preferred food for irregular periods. Food rich in Omega-3 fatty acid can help in promoting menstrual flow. It restores your irregular menstrual cycle. Various sources of omega-3 acids include: salmon, flax seed oil, herrings, mackerel, fish, etc.

3. Aloe vera:

Experts believe that aloe vera is a female tonic. The emmanagouge property of aloe vera can help to regulate your menstrual flow. Take Aloe Vera juice daily to help with your irregular periods.

4. Have some fenugreek seeds:

Fenugreek seeds are very helpful for menstruation related problems. You can also consider funnel seeds to relieve from menstrual problems.

5. Bamboo leaves:

Emmanagouge property of bamboo leaves can improve and promote menstrual flow. Not only these leaves can restore your normal menstrual cycle, but also they can relieve pain or discomfort during the periods. Made decoction with these leaves and take 2-3 times a day.

6. Drink more and more water:

Everyday drinking 8 glasses of water is essential. Water removes the wastages from your body thus keeping the whole system healthy and clean. It can put a positive effect on your menstrual cycle.

7. Don’t take foods that cause constipation

During the last week of your menstrual cycle, don’t take the foods that cause constipation such as sour foods, fried foods, spicy foods, protein rich pulses, etc. Also, avoid excess of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and other sweetened products.

8. Include these foods in your diet

Your diet should include foods like cucumber, drumsticks, pumpkin, papaya in liberal amount, dates, bitter gourd. Eating green unripe papaya can help you with delayed periods.



Ultrasound Along With Annual Mammograms!

Recent study conducted by Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) stated that adding ultrasound to annual mammograms helps to detect early stage breast cancer in women who are at higher risk developing the disease.

Instead of using mammography alone, using mammography along with physician-performed ultrasound annually for three years can help to find 29% of more breast cancers and 34% of more invasive cancers.

Study showed that when you undergo mammography along with ultrasound for only one time can increase the detection rate of early breast cancer by 4.2 per 1,000.

Also, the study said that most of the cancers determined with ultrasound were the small invasive cancers that are likely to spread and could ultimately kill a person.

Also using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can even increase the chances of detecting breast cancer during the initial stages only. MRI is even more sensitive when compared to ultrasound and mammogram.

But, the major drawback of including MRI or ultrasound to annual mammography was an increase in number of false positive results.

What Does A Missed Period Mean?

Several reasons can cause a woman to miss her period between the ages of puberty and menopause. But the most common cause for a missed period is an undiagnosed pregnancy.

When you consult your health care provider about missing the period, the very first thing he or she going to do is pregnancy test.

If the test result is negative, then there are various factors to take into consideration, such as: stress, medications, illnesses, increased physical activity, change in your eating habits, weight gain or loss. Any of the above changes can cause a woman to miss her period.

Anxiety and various other kinds of emotional stress can also take their toll on affecting a woman’s usual ovulation and menstruation.

Another factor that results in missed period is using steroidal oral contraceptives. Contraceptives are very low in estrogen content thus making the endometrial lining of your uterus to become thin.

As a result, your menstrual periods will become very light and also result in a skipped period. Contraceptive named as Depo-povera can stop having your periods altogether. Drugs like the pill, work by intentionally disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian hormonal balance and thereby suppress ovulation.

Some other causes include estrogen and progesterone imbalances, a malfunctioning corpulsteum, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemia.

Everybody should note that apart from pregnancy period, women may occasionally miss their periods. No need to worry, this is totally normal. If you miss 2 or more consecutive periods, then it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor.



Cervical Cancer Vaccination Is Available!

Recent studies showed that cervical cancer vaccination gives you protection against the virus for at least six years without any need of a booster.

Cervarix, the name of the cervical cancer vaccine protects you against the virus that causes 80% of the cancer. Girls of ages 12 and 13 are now being offered with the vaccine as an element of the Government’s plan to reduce the number of women developing cervical cancer.

Eight among ten girls are getting this offer. A recent study conducted which comparing the number of girls who are infected with HPV strains 16 and 18 and vaccinated with cervarix with the people who were not received the vaccine.

This vaccine protected these girls 100% from the HPV strains for about 6.4 years. This vaccine is safe to use. There is still study going on to confirm the long-term effects of the vaccine.

To achieve maximum benefits, girls need to be vaccinated before the sexual activity begins because the virus is passed on through intimate contact.

Emergency Contraception For Unwanted Pregnancy!

Discovering you are pregnant when you don’t want to be can be one of the most terrifying moments in your life.

Then various questions can pop in your mind, such as what to do, what are the options, should I keep the baby, should I give the baby for adoption or should I abort the baby?

If you want to abort the baby, then you can consider emergency contraception, also called as morning after pills.

It is a birth control method that prevents pregnancy after having sex, so it is called as “the morning after pill”.

You can use emergency contraception immediately or up to five days after having sex.

Emergency contraception makes much less likely you will become pregnant. But, they are not as effective as the birth control methods that are used before sex such as condoms or pills.

There are two kinds of emergency contraceptive pills. Both these pills have same type of hormones that a normal birth control pill contains. You can safely use emergency contraceptive pill if you miss your everyday birth control pills.

Types of emergency contraceptive pills:

1. The first kind of emergency contraceptive pills contain a hormone called as progestin. It is the only type of pill that is available in US, usually with a brand name called as Plan B.

Plan B and various other most popular emergency contraceptive pills can reduce your chance of getting pregnant by 89%. Even if you become pregnant, these pills are less likely to cause any side effects on your baby.

It doesn’t mean that 11% of women become pregnant by using these pills. It just means that, they prevent 89% of the pregnancies that would happen when you don’t use birth control or the contraception fails.

For example, if 100 women have unprotected sex in the second or third week of their menstrual cycle, then 8 women can become pregnant. If the same women use emergency contraception, only one can get pregnancy.

Plan B contains emergency contraceptive pills. Each pill contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel and you need to take these pill 12 hours apart. You can these emergency contraceptive pills within 72 hours after having sex. Simultaneously, you can also use your every day birth control pill.

Women of age 17 years or under should need prescription for plan B. even if you take both plan B pills at a time; it doesn’t decrease its effectiveness or increase the side effects. Not taking plan B pills within five days after having sex can cause you to become pregnant. These emergency contraceptive pills work much better the sooner you take after having sex.

2. The second kind of emergency contraceptive pills contain both progestin and estrogen hormone, so they can be also called as combined emergency contraceptive pills. These pills can reduce your chance of becoming pregnant by 75% and there is a great chance to experience side effects like nausea and vomiting.

For example, if 100 women have unprotected sex in the second or third week of their menstrual cycle, then 8 women can become pregnant. If those 100 women use combined emergency contraceptive pills, only two can get pregnancy.

When you take birth control pills as emergency contraception, you must take the pills in two doses and 12 hours apart. The number of pills in each dose depends on the brand of the pill you use. You must use the same brand of pill for each dose.

After you take emergency contraception, it's normal for your next period to be different from usual.

• It may be earlier or later than usual.


• It may be heavier, lighter, more spotty, or the same as usual.

Antiretroviral Drugs To Cut AIDS Risk!

Recent studies confirmed that taking antiretroviral drugs or ARVs can reduce the risk of AIDS transmission up to 5% or less from breast-feeding mother to child.

Also, latest studies stated that pregnant women who take ARVs as early as 14 weeks and continue throughout the breast-feeding period can lower the risk of AIDS transmission. These two recommendations are suggested by World Health Organization (WHO).

In earlier days, WHO recommended ARVs to pregnant women with HIV-positive during their third trimester at 28 weeks to reduce transmission of virus from mother to child.

Getting antiretroviral therapy for adolescents and adults can boost their immune system thus reducing the risk of HIV-related deaths and also reduces the transmission of virus and tuberculosis.

WHO recommended taking ARVs during breast-feeding period can improve your child’s chances of survival.

An estimated 33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with some 2.7 million new infections each year. Worldwide, HIV/AIDS is the most leading cause of death among the women in their reproductive age. Worldwide, about 45% of the pregnant women are now getting treatment to avoid the passage of HIV on to their children.



Does Obesity Cut Your Lifespan?

Researchers said that your lifespan could be shrinking in proportions to your growing waistline.

Obese people die ten years before they should. Also, moderate obesity cuts your lifespan by three years.

Studies showed that people with BMI of 30-35 will die three before than they should and people with BMI of 40-45 will die ten years before.

If you are becoming obese or overweight, it is advised to avoid further weight gain for adding years to your life. Studies said that people should put a conscious effort against piling on the pounds, which most often happens between 25-50 years of life.

Obesity is linked with high risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the international BMI scale, BMI above 25 is considered as overweight and above 30 is considered as obese.

Even you have low BMI, having high body fat can also cut your lifespan. It is found that death ratio is lowest in those who were on the high part of obesity on the normal range and had a BMI from 23-24.

Also, studies showed that people with BMIs less than 22.5 have a higher risk of during than those who weighed slightly more, largely because of respiratory illnesses, such as lung cancer. The researchers say this is probably the result of skinny people who were smokers.