The field of obstetrics is actually a very focused realm. Those who practice within this specialty are medical doctors who specialize in pregnancies and any other occurrences that take place in the reproductive tract while the individual is with child, planning to have a child or have just given birth to one. It is safe to say that this field is all about getting, being and just been pregnant. Those who practice this are called obstetricians and it is tightly connected to gynecology. In fact, many of those who specialize in it are also gynecologists.

Planning

Many people want to have kids and they usually consult a medical professional who is well versed in obstetrics and gynecology to achieve this. In most cases, the couple would have had some difficulty conceiving a child for a few years already before they consult a doctor. The doctor discusses the couple’s or the individual’s need or want to have a baby and may want to be privy to their private lives and daily routines and activities. The discussion will be of the intimate sort and the medical professional will make recommendations regarding what to do in order to achieve readiness to conceive. Tests will be done to check the couple for any issues.

Pregnancy

A pregnant woman should also consult an obstetrician in order to monitor the health of her unborn baby. Obstetrics is all about the entire duration that the child stays in the womb and then some. Monthly visits are encouraged by the doctor in order to regularly check on the progress that both mother and fetus are making. The weight of the woman is checked as well as any other issues that she may have before or during the pregnancy. Recommendations connected to her health and that of the child are made early on especially concerning her diet and activities while she is with child. As she nears the time when she is estimated to give birth, the doctor may recommend visits weekly, especially if there are underlying problems during the pregnancy. Close monitoring will tell the obstetrician what possible types of childbirth methods she might need to do as well as other safeguards during the last few months as well as the childbirth itself. When it is time to give birth, the obstetrician will deliver the baby and take care of the mother.

Post Pregnancy

The expert in obstetrics will regularly check the mother immediately after childbirth in order to closely monitor her health and well-being. The woman will also be requested to visit the doctor’s clinic for the first few months after giving birth. The obstetrician will also recommend birth control if the couple or the woman wishes to do this. These are just recommendations and the person is not obliged to actually follow them.

This is the general overview of the obstetrics field that usually has both obstetricians and gynecologists. There are more sub specialties under this broad field. The doctors under this field of practice are qualified to perform surgery, focusing on childbirth methods and other techniques related to gynecology.

The news has again been filled with reports of the dangers of hormone replacement therapy. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on October 20, 2010 looked at the same people from the infamous Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). The news isn’t that different, they just followed the study participants longer and found the cancers to be more aggressive.

Here’s a perspective:

• The women in the WHI were given 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) (synthetic) and 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (synthetic progesterone otherwise known as progestin).

• CEE is available in much lower doses and bioidentical estradiol is available in both patch and oral form. The patch allows hormone to be absorbed through the skin and does not increase clotting.

• Progestin was implicated in cancer risk and we now have pharmaceutical bioidentical progesterone known as Prometrium or it can be compounded by a compounding pharmacy. There is a difference between synthetic progestin and bioidentical progesterone which is the same chemical structure made by your body.

• The average age of those in the study was 63, and most were well past menopause when they started hormone replacement therapy.

• Reports from the most recent North American Menopause Society meeting in Chicago indicate that there was a statistically significant reduction in mortality and a positive benefit to risk ratio for women started on hormone therapy in the first decade after onset of menopause when data from the two Women’s Health Initiative hormone therapy trials were pooled.

• The deaths due to breast cancer were 2.6 per 10,000 women and women who were not on hormone replacement therapy also developed breast cancer at the rate of 1.3 deaths per 10,000 women.

• Dr. Andre Lalonde, Executive Vice-President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada stated, “The increased risks for breast cancer in users of combination hormone therapy is about the same risk women accept when they drink alcohol, don’t exercise regularly or gain weight after menopause.”

So many women suffer and both doctors and patients are fearful of hormone replacement therapy. The point is, that it is time for a new large scale study using bioidentical hormones at the beginning of menopause. I suggest you read the press release from Dr. Andre Lalonde which can be found on the home page of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, talk to a doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and get a perspective of the risks and benefits.

An imbalance in the body’s pH levels is a big contributor to women’s health issues such as bacterial vaginosis. When your pH becomes unbalanced, specifically too acidic it creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and fungus to thrive in. Subsequently it also creates an environment that your normal flora (good bacteria) cannot survive in, so really you are opening the door to infection simply from creating an acidic environment in your body. There are multiple factors that can contribute to this imbalance, the most common of which are diet, medications and hygiene practices.

Eating foods that are high in acid properties can certainly cause your pH levels to drop, don’t worry about one meal but if you are constantly eating something in your diet that is acidic such as coffee or acidic fruits, this could be your culprit to vaginal itching and other feminine hygiene infections. Foods that are very helpful in restoring your body’s pH levels are broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, spinach, celery, lima beans and rhubarb. These are all medium alkaline foods and can be beneficial in pulling you out of an acidic funk. Think salad foods, when trying to remember what foods are alkaline.

Medications are another very common source of pH imbalance. Specifically antibiotics which not only eliminate the harmful bacteria in your body, but also kill off any normal flora (good bacteria) leaving you exposed to infection in the lady parts if not properly maintained This is kind of a tricky one because antibiotics are designed to keep you healthy yet this is one of the more popular causes of feminine health issues. What happens is women will be taking the antibiotics for something other than a feminine hygiene issue such as a nasty cold or sinus infection and suddenly will develop symptoms such as vaginal itching. If you’re taking such medications be sure to be extra thorough in proper feminine hygiene practices.

This leads us to the third most popular cause, hygiene practices or maintenance. Improper cleaning of this area can absolutely lead to infection and something as simple as not wiping from front to back is a huge risk to contracting a condition you don’t want. The vagina is self cleaning for the most part, just be sure to cleanse after intense perspiration activities and never douche as this removes all the normal flora that is there to protect the vagina from conditions discussed here. Look to these sources first if you are experiencing reoccurring vaginal itching and related symptoms.

Eating healthy food is important to good health. Women have specific nutritional needs that are different from men. There is a higher sensitivity to the chemicals and artificial hormones found in many processed food products. Additionally needs for nutrients such as iron are different due to menstruation and reproductive concerns. To keep your body healthy and strong it is important to have the adequate amounts of vitamins and nutrients that your body requires. There are a variety of specific foods that can be very beneficial to women’s health.

Calcium Rich Foods: This is needed to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. There are various foods high in calcium. They include dairy products and dark green leafy vegetables. Kale: This is a vegetable that is a great choice for women. It’s high in calcium as well as folate which are important to women’s health. Kale also has vitamin C and B for additional nutritional value. Other good choices are broccoli and brussel sprouts. Too much dairy is not healthy. Limit it to healthy portions with foods such as yogurt. This will give you the additional benefit of the probiotics found in yogurt. This is good for a healthy digestive system. Avoid the premade yogurts that are full of sugar and use the plain ones instead. You can just add some fresh fruit and nuts for added flavor and nutritional value.

Nutritional tips for women:The best food choices are plant based. You should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. When selecting produce use organic as much as possible to avoid the pesticides that are often sprayed on non organic items. Include fiber based foods as well. Beans and healthy whole grains will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Alcoholic beverages should be limited. One glass per day should be the maximum intake. Drinking wine is a good choice due to the healthy benefits of the resveratrol. Enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. This is a heart healthy habit. Caffeine is also fine in moderation, with one cup per day being a good standard to follow. Caffeine can affect hormonal balance in some women as well as decrease calcium levels if consuming excessive amounts.

Keep protein levels in moderation as well. The popular high protein diets are not healthy long term. A well balanced diet approach is the key to good health, energy and weight management. You need the healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and dark leafy vegetables on a regular basis. Excessive protein can also deplete calcium levels over time, potentially leading to osteoporosis later in life. Healthy snacks for women include nuts such as walnut and brazil nuts. They contain monounsaturated fats which help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. One ounce per day is a good serving size.

Fiber Rich Foods: Foods high in fiber include beans and whole grains. They are a very affordable, filling and healthy food choice. They help maintain a healthy digestive system and may prevent problems in this area from occurring. Green leafy vegetables such as kale are high in fiber. Whole grains such as brown rice and whole wheat bread are also fiber rich choices to include in your diet.

Iron Rich Foods: Women have unique needs when it comes to iron. A high quality multivitamin made for women should contain the adequate amount of this very important mineral. Women also need more iron during their monthly cycle as it becomes depleted. Some good food choices for iron include beef, dark meat poultry, spinach and swiss chard.

Omega Rich Foods: Women need adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. This is important for proper brain functioning. It also protects against heart disease and inflammation which can lead to a multitude of disease conditions. Foods such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are very good sources. Symptoms that you are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids include dry skin, joint pain, fatigue and depression.

You should aim for 2-3 servings of omega rich foods weekly. Omega 3 fatty acids contain two very important forms known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA and EPA are the omega-3 types that are found in seafood. Other omega-3 forms such as ALA or alpha-linoleic acid, is found in foods such as flax seeds, walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables.

Folate Rich Foods: Women also need to have an adequate amount of folate in their diet. Folate is important to building red blood cells. Some women have a tendency to become anemic and folate is important to preventing this from occurring. Symptoms of a folate deficiency may include confusion, mental fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Sufficient folate is very important for women during pregnancy. The RDA recommendation is 400mcg daily. Foods such as broccoli, lentils, asparagus and oranges are all great sources of folate.

Healthy eating is so very important for everyone. Women in particular have specific needs in this area and therefore should include foods that will help them maintain energy. The variety of gender specific concerns women face such as pregnancy, pms and menopause can all be helped with correct food choices. Foods that contain the key nutrients needed for these areas can help women to feel better, manage stress and control weight. It is very important to always consult with your medical doctor before undertaking any changes in your diet or lifestyle, particularly if you are currently taking prescription medications or have been diagnosed with any disease.

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Vaginal dryness is a condition which is usually accompanied by menopause due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body during this trans-menopause period. This problem will affect almost every woman at some point in her life. Things like itching and burning in the vagina are indicators of dryness in the vagina. There are more than 70% women suffering from this condition all over the world hence it is very important to know more about the causes of vaginal dryness and some of the remedies which are helpful in lubricating a dry vagina.

Causes and Symptoms

The main reason behind a vagina becoming dry is the low-level of estrogen in the body which is usually seen during menopause. A woman who has normal levels of estrogen will have a vagina which is strong, moist and elastic in nature but thinning of vaginal walls due to lack of estrogen cause vaginal dryness, burning and itching which leads to painful sexual intercourse. Apart from this cause habits like smoking, allergic reactions, use of harmful chemical hygienic products, radiation therapy can also lead to vaginal dryness.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

It is well-known that lack of proper lubrication leads to drying up of a vagina hence using some simple home remedies can easily help in moistening up a vagina and provide relief from vaginal dryness. Here are some tips which can help in treating problem of dryness in the vagina-

1 Sex.

This is the best remedy to provide lubrication to the vagina because when a woman indulges in sex natural fluids flow to the vaginal walls for ease of penetration. Hence women who indulge in sex frequently and make their partner get involved in a lot of foreplay will have a properly lubricated vagina.

2. Use Mild Soaps

The vaginal area is highly acidic in nature hence use of regular soaps to this area should be completely avoided as it can cause allergic reactions and cause lot of discomfort.

3. Vagina Tightening Creams

There are herbal vaginal tightening creams available in the market which apart from making the vagina tighter also act as lubricating agents. Instant virgin spray is one such herbal formula effective in providing lubrication to the vagina.

4. Vaginal Dryness Creams

There are also herbal creams made specifically for making a vagina moist like femalube which is made from herbs like aloe, wild yam along with essential oils of rose and neroli. Regular use of these creams like femalube can easily help in keeping vagina lubricated and provide comfort from other problems like burning, itching and allergic reactions.

Birmingham at bottom of list for women’s health, magazine says

Birmingham women are the unhealthiest in the nation, according to Women’s Health magazine’s January/February issue.

The magazine looked at 30 categories of health for women in 100 U.S. cities — from obesity and breast cancer rates to commuting times and hours spent working out. Birmingham was number 100.

The other bottom cities, from 91 to 99, were Tulsa, Okla.; Kansas City; Jackson, Miss.; Cleveland; St. Louis; Toledo, Ohio; Philadelphia; Detroit; and Memphis.

The top 10 cities for what Women’s Health calls “the fittest, happiest females” were Raleigh, N.C.; San Jose, Calif.; Madison, Wisc.; Boise, Idaho; Burlington, Vt.; Plano, Texas; Virginia Beach, Va.; Portland, Maine; Austin, Texas; and Minneapolis.

In some of the individual health categories, Raleigh was highest for Pap smears and mammograms for women older than 40, Madison women were the happiest, Austin women had the healthiest diets and Minneapolis women were low in heart disease and stroke.

The low ranking is in step with those the city has received from Men’s Health magazine, which last year named Birmingham one of the 10 most sedentary cities and one of the 10 saddest cities.

Statins linked to higher diabetes risk

Millions of people taking statin medications to lower their cholesterol are at a slightly higher risk of diabetes, a new study suggests.

Study authors advise patients not to stop taking their medications without talking to a doctor, because statins’ proven power to prevent heart attacks and strokes outweighs any potential increase in type 2 diabetes risk. But the results — a nearly 50% increase in diabetes among longtime statin users — should throw cold water on the idea of prescribing these drugs to healthy people, which some have recommended as a way to prevent disease, says co-author JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. In recent years, statins’ success in preventing heart attacks — even among people without high cholesterol — has led some doctors to joke about “putting them in the water supply.”

In the study, 6.4% of women who didn’t use statins developed diabetes during the eight to nine years of follow-up, Manson says. That rate rose to 9.9% among statin users.

“I don’t think there’s any debate remaining, particularly in the higher doses, about whether statins slightly increase the risk of developing diabetes,” says cardiologist Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, who wasn’t involved in the new study. Yet Nissen notes that statins, which sharply reduce the risk of heart attacks and death in people with heart disease, are “among the best drugs we’ve got.”

Patients taking statins should ask their doctors to monitor them for signs of diabetes, however, says Manson, a principal investigator in the long-running Women’s Health Initiative, a study of 161,000 postmenopausal women launched in 1993, on which the new analysis is based. People taking statins also should be aware of some of the common early warning signs of diabetes, such as increased thirst and urination, as well as fatigue, says Carolyn Ecelbarger, an associate professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, who wasn’t involved in the new study. About one in four Americans over age 45 take a statin, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

“These studies shouldn’t be a cause for alarm,” says Manson, co-author of the study, in today’s Archives of Internal Medicine. “But the findings do raise concerns.”

Although statins have been used since 1987, this kind of side effect can take time to become apparent, says Robert Eckel, past president of the American Heart Association. Manson says the link to diabetes may appear more clearly in the Women’s Health Initiative because the study was so large and the women were followed for such a long time. Doctors currently write 255 million prescriptions for cholesterol-lowering drugs each year, according to IMS Health, which monitors the pharmaceutical industry.

An increased risk of diabetes among statin users was first seen in 2008, in a randomized controlled trial of the drug Crestor, says Vivian Fonseca, the American Diabetes’ Association’s president for medicine and science. A 2011 analysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association and a 2010 analysis in The Lancet also found an increased risk of diabetes among statin users.

Fonseca says scientists still don’t understand why statins appear to increase the risk of diabetes. But he says that other important drugs, such as the diuretics used to treat high blood pressure, also are known to increase the risk of diabetes.

“Every medication has risks and benefits,” Fonseca says. “But you don’t want people to have heart attacks because they are so worried about getting diabetes.”

For example, Eckel says a 62-year-old woman who had a heart attack six months ago is still better off on a statin, even if she has diabetes in her family or impaired blood sugar levels.

Manson says it’s important for researchers to figure this out, however, because that might help drug companies develop statins that don’t increase diabetes risk.

Manson speculated that her study could help doctors understand why statins reduce the heart attack risk in people without pre-existing heart disease, but not the overall risk of death. Maybe that’s because a statin’s benefits for preventing heart attacks are canceled out by the increasing diabetes risk, Manson says.

Use of statins among people older than 45 has increased tenfold in the past two decades, from 2% in the years 1988 to 1994 to 25% in the years 2005 to 2008, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Americans spent nearly $19 billion on them, according to IMS Health, which researches the drug market.

Nearly 26 million Americans — or 8.3% of the population — have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Experts say the obesity epidemic is the primary driver of the increase in diabetes.

Women in America are tired. Between jobs, housework, children, husbands, errands, cooking, we’ve got a lot on our plates (not that we’re complaining, of course). We never seem to get caught up on our rest and sleep because there’s always so much to do.

But what if you get plenty of sleep and you still feel tired? As it turns out, it’s not the amount that affects us so much as the quality. Poor-quality sleep interferes with our energy and keeps it vibrating at a low level, which shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Although we’re desperate to rest and sleep, we never fully turn off. There’s always that to-do list running through our minds, like background music. We’re like computers in sleep mode-not fully awake, but not fully asleep either.

One factor that affects women’s sleep quality is motherhood. Even after our children stop waking at night (even after they move out of the house!), we continue to sleep with one eye open and stir at the slightest sound. We conditioned ourselves when our kids were infants to spring to their aid. Now that we don’t have to spring anymore, we still are in mama-bear mode, mostly because it never occurred to us that we’d have to recondition ourselves all over again, to do the opposite.

But first, how can you improve the overall quality of your sleep? In this wired age, the trick is to completely turn off and let our bodies go into repair and restore mode. In other words, we have to give ourselves permission to let go and fall into deep, restful sleep, instead of our usual light, restless, watchful sleep. Below are some tips to maximize your sleep effectiveness.

Establish a bedtime routine. Go to bed at roughly the same time every night. Your body will respond by getting the message that it’s time to sleep and will fall into a deeper sleep.

Don’t watch any stressful or stimulating TV shows for two hours before bedtime.

Before bed, give yourself some time (even if it’s just 15 minutes) to read, meditate, pray, do yoga or tai chi. Make a rule that during this time, you’re not allowed to think about what you need to do tomorrow, what you left undone today or what you should be doing right now instead of taking care of yourself.

Before your relaxation time, prepare yourself by emptying your mind of all the have-tos and chores. Get a notebook specifically for this purpose. Each night before your quiet time, write down everything that you need to do the next day. This will give your brain permission to let these chores go, because otherwise your brain believes it has to be alert to remember the list.

In a separate section of the notebook, write down everything that’s bothering you. Then let it go. In another section, write down everything that you’re grateful for.