A myriad of symptoms accompany the menopause transition, yet some are more comfortable to discuss than others. We tend to be most familiar with side effects like hot flashes and fatigue. And as unpleasant to experience as they are, there’s a host of menopause-related symptoms often left off the list: bowel problems. Yes, we’re talking […]
One look at a graph depicting women’s hormones during menstruation and perimenopause confirms we do ride a hormonal roller coaster. From puberty to menopause, women experience fluctuating hormones every month and varying physical and mental side effects of said roller coaster. Brain fog and insomnia, anyone? But what hormones are responsible for these twists and
Burning. Itching. Throbbing. Whether it’s mild or intense, vaginal pain is something that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes and treatment options for this common but uncomfortable condition. Recognizing vaginal pain At first, you might not think the mild discomfort you’re experiencing
Probiotics, foods, or dietary supplements that contain good, live bacteria, can help you maintain a healthy gut and vagina. Yet, as more women’s health products with varying claims enter the market (including probiotics), how do you know what’s right for you? And, perhaps the bigger question: Do you need a probiotic to support your vaginal
Sweaty palms. Racing thoughts. Incessant worrying. These are just a few of the symptoms that some of us may experience during perimenopause and menopause – even those of us who have never battled anxiety before. So, what causes this increase in anxiety levels during menopause, and how can we get back to feeling like ourselves
Nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. The good news? Cancer-related deaths are declining. Following are some of the most prevalent cancers among women and how to best prevent them or spot the signs early. Skin cancer Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting American women. Up to age
A healthy sex life is an important part to any romantic relationship and throughout our lives, we have been given a lot of messages about how our sex life should look, feel, and be experienced. Conversely, we aren’t given a lot of information about how to normalize the inevitable ebbs and flows of the intensity
Healthcare professionals often present hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as the gold standard to minimize perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms—and for good reason. Decades of research and testimony affirm its efficacy in relieving the uncomfortable effects of fluctuating and declining hormones. However, women with breast or ovarian cancer, a history of cardiovascular disease, and blood clots may
If there’s one body part that women are overly concerned about keeping clean, it’s our vaginas. This is because we’ve been taught that our vaginas are stinky, dirty, and gross – something to be ashamed of. As a result, we’re often searching for a solution when we get that “not-so-fresh feeling” that society and marketers
It’s an insidious fact of life that even in a democratic society like ours, disparities continue to exist. And the U.S. healthcare system is not immune by any stretch. Where menopause care is concerned, disparities can have serious health consequences. Biological disparities set the stage for post-menopausal health challenges Black women go through menopause 19
Up to 60% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at least once in their lives, and the risk increases with age. Among women over 65, 10% develop a UTI an average of once per year. Read on to learn how to prevent and treat this pesky—and potentially serious—infection. The main cause of
Food cravings during menopause are just as frustrating as those PMS cravings we thought we finally moved on from. It sometimes feels like a never-ending battle. So, what can be done about these menopausal cravings? Why do we have food cravings? Have you ever craved something sweet, followed by something salty, and then something savory