Archives for April 2014

April 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Perimenopause: The Change Before “The Change”

Tired woman

The skinny on menopause has made the rounds.  You know about the hot flashes, mood swings and that any reference to “the change” is likely to bring your favorite middle-aged woman out swinging.  But did you know that most women experience perimenopause prior to menopause?  Similar to an opening act at a concert, perimenopause is the body’s way of saying “Batten down the hatches – the storm is coming.”

Perimenopausal symptoms are not much different from menopausal symptoms.  Common symptoms are hot flashes, breast tenderness, decreased libido, fatigue, urine leakage, mood swings and insomnia.  Less common symptoms are vaginal dryness, incontinence, memory lapses and uterine bleeding.

The average length of perimenopause is about four years but there are outliers.  Some women may only have it for a few months while others can have it for a decade.  Onset usually occurs in the 40’s but some women may go into perimenopause in their late 30’s.

During perimenopause, estrogen levels are on an infinite roller coaster.  Menstrual cycles may be affected and periods may become longer, shorter, heavier, lighter or just more irregular.  The declining estrogen levels signal the body to stop producing eggs and the erratic hormone supplies cause a mass of confusion.  Pregnancy is still possible during menopause.

So aside from a lovely preview of your menopausal years, what do you get out of this?  Admittedly, not much.  The symptoms have during perimenopause are likely to mirror the symptoms you’ll have in menopause.  It’s important to note that perimenopausal symptoms can mimic other issues like thyroid dysfunction.  Consult with your physician to get an accurate diagnosis.

Thankfully, there is help.  Gynecologists may prescribe hormone replacement therapy in the form of oral medication or topical creams.  Adjustments in diet, supplementation and exercise may help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.  Working out strategies to deal with symptoms during perimenopause will better prepare you for “the real thing.”  Knowing ahead of time what you’ll be dealing with should give you a little… pause.

Enjoyed this article?  Try reading these as well . . .
What Causes Hot Flashes? Ask Your Brain
Hot Tips For Menopausal Women with Hot Flashes

Hot Flashses CTA

Filed Under: Women's Health
April 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Diabetic Etiquette

Diabetes etiquette

For most of us, the thought of having to prick our fingers and give ourselves daily injections is downright scary.  For diabetes sufferers, it’s a simple fact of life.  Before you find yourself searching for what to say (or what not to say), consider these tips: 

Keep your advice about nutrition to yourself.  The diabetic knows what he or she can and cannot eat.  They’ve worked out the details with their trusted physician and know what they’re doing, thankyouverymuch.

Be supportive.  Don’t push diabetics to eat certain things or abandon the diet that works for them.  Understand that managing diabetes is a slippery slope and more than likely, they’ve “got this.”

Keep your scary stories to yourself.  Don’t share the story about Great Aunt Bertha who lost her foot to diabetes.  It’s not helpful.  Besides, managing stress is an integral part of managing diabetes so keep your horror stories to yourself.

Recognize that managing diabetes is a lot of hard work.  It’s a lot of effort to keep track of nutrition, insulin levels, medication, exercise, stress, and sleep.  Put yourself in their shoes.  It’s a full time job with a paycheck of not dying.

Control your own reactions. Do not be grossed out when your friend needs to test her blood sugars or give herself an injection.  It’s okay to say, “I’d like to learn more about this process if you’re willing to share” or “I’m incredibly needle-phobic so I’m going to look away but I’m still listening.”  It is not okay to run screaming from the room or say “HOW DO YOU DO THAT TO YOURSELF EVERY DAY?”  Remember the sandbox rules.  Be nice.

Ask how you can help.  Don’t assume things that may seem obvious.  Ask how you can support their efforts to stay healthy and balanced.

Don’t downplay the severity of diabetes.  While it could be worse (and let’s face it, it could ALWAYS be worse), don’t trivialize a very serious disease that has more than likely forced radical life changes upon your friend.

Don’t comment on any readings they may get in your presence.  Ask them what the numbers mean and refrain from “helpful” suggestions like “You probably shouldn’t have had dessert.”

The bottom line is simple.  Be diplomatic and polite.  Unsolicited advice can make anyone feel a bit prickly but is especially insensitive to someone who has undoubtedly spent years finding ways to manage diabetes that work them.

Enjoyed this article?  Try reading these as well . . .
2 Steps to Treating Type 2 Diabetes without Medication
Metformin: Top Side Effects of the Popular Diabetes Medication
Diabetes: Control Your Blood Sugars through Smoking Cessation

Diabetes Clinical Research

Filed Under: Diabetes
April 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Is it Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Protenium Clinical Research

You’re dealing with abdominal pain and cramping. Maybe you have constipation or maybe you have diarrhea. You sometimes experience heartburn, nausea, and fatigue. What is going on in your body?! It could be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The symptoms of IBS vary greatly among affected individuals and often seem to have no pattern. Because of this, IBS is not easy to diagnose. Doctors often confuse the condition with celiac disease, endometriosis, bowel cancer, and Crohn’s disease. Many IBS patients undergo a large battery of tests and examinations before they are finally given a correct diagnosis.

However, in the past few years, the medical profession has made great strides in diagnosing IBS. They are beginning to see patterns in IBS symptoms and are improving the way they test for bowel irregularities.

If you think you may have IBS, be sure that your gastroenterologist is up-to-date with the most recent research and diagnostic methods concerning the condition. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), a properly trained doctor will be able to diagnosis IBS by evaluating at your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and running a few tests.

Evaluating the symptoms                   

Gastrointestinal specialists have created a specific set of specifications for IBS symptoms called the “Rome Criteria.” Since 1990, they’ve revised this criteria three times and now have a very detailed list of physical symptoms associated with the condition:

  • IBS patients have reoccurring abdominal pain during at least three days of each month for a period of three months or longer. With this pain, IBS patients will experience two or three of these other symptoms:
    • The pain improves when the patient empties the bowels.
    • When the pain starts, there was a change in the frequency of bowel movements.
    • When the pain starts, there was a change in the way the stool was formed (i.e. diarrhea or hard stool)

On the other hand, there are some gastrointestinal symptoms that are not usually related to IBS. These symptoms often signal a different health condition:

  • Fever
  • Blood in the stool
  • Anemia
  • Weight loss
  • Symptoms that start after the age of 50
  • Family history of gastrointestinal diseases

Testing

After speaking with you about your symptoms, your doctor will want to run some medical tests. A few tests are necessary to diagnose IBS and rule out other conditions. But remember, your doctor shouldn’t be running every gastrointestinal test that exists!

  • Blood tests: These simple tests can make sure that you are otherwise healthy. The results will show if you have anemia, an infection, or excessive inflammation. A blood test may also be used to diagnose celiac disease.
  • Stool test: The lab will check your stool for signs of infection, parasites, or blood.
  • Colonoscopy: This test is done by inserting a scope internally and viewing the entire colon. The doctor will look at the inside of your intestines to look for signs of cancer, ulcers, or bleeding. Alternatively, the doctor may choose to perform a sigmoidoscopy, which is only looks at the lower part of the colon.

This revised method of diagnosing IBS is so much simpler than the old routine. It takes less time. It’s less taxing on the patient. It is less expensive for everyone. And, most importantly, it means that you can get the right treatment as soon as possible.

Enjoyed this article?  Try reading these as well . . .
Don’t Be a Victim of Your Symptoms: Talking to Your Doctor about IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Does Your Bowel Need A Towel?

 Irritable bowel syndrome study

Filed Under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome