Talk of vulvas often gets merged with vaginas, and vice versa. Yet women’s vulvas and vaginas perform quite different, though essential, reproductive functions. Why the common misconception? A general lack of understanding of women’s anatomy may contribute to the tendency to use vagina to reference most of a woman’s reproductive system. Vulvas, pubic hair and […]
It’s that time of the year again when everyone is talking about their New Year’s resolutions. A new year offers a new start – a blank slate. However, we need to remember that we can’t jump straight in with grandiose goals. Though they are important to think about, these goals tend to be too ambitious
The thyroid – a tiny organ with a huge impact on our metabolic health. Thyroid disease is fairly common. It also tends to affect women more than men – 1 in 8 women have a thyroid disorder. In addition, it often shows up during perimenopause and menopause. In this article, we’ll explore what the thyroid
It’s one of the most common symptoms of menopause and fluctuating hormones, yet one that faces significant stigma. Any guesses? You got it, we’re talking about vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness develops in a majority of women who undergo the menopause transition. And, for some women, vaginal dryness can occur as a medication side effect or
Perimenopause and postmenopause can mask symptoms of high blood pressure. However, for women undergoing the menopause transition, the risk for high blood pressure increases. Why does this happen, and what can you do to manage and lower your blood pressure during menopause? Hormonal changes and blood pressure: how menopause impacts women’s heart health People often
When you think of the term “beneficial bacteria”, your first thoughts might be about their important role in digestive health. And while that’s true, they also do so much more. These tiny allies that reside throughout our bodies, known collectively as the microbiome, or probiotic bacteria, provide benefits for virtually every system in the body.
‘Red flags’ in a relationship are considered warning signs that indicate unhealthy and toxic behavior. Red flags can be subtle or overt and can either be a personality trait or how the person reacts to a situation. Self-awareness around red flags and possible toxic behavioral traits can help you stay safe in your relationship. Here
Hyaluronic acid is a viscous substance naturally found in the body that attracts and holds onto large amounts of water, making it an excellent biological lubricant. However, with the aging process, production of hyaluronic acid decreases. For menopausal women, the loss of hyaluronic acid in addition to decreasing estrogen levels is a double whammy that
Few women’s health treatments elicit such strong reactions as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some healthcare professionals cite its risks as too high for any woman, yet others tout the symptom reduction menopausal women experience on HRT as worth the supposed risks. Why the division? Results of a 2002 study by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)
Navigating menopause involves more than just hormone balance; it’s also a crucial time to pay attention to the health of your hair, skin, and nails. These aren’t just aesthetic features; they’re key indicators of your overall well-being. During menopause, these areas often show signs of aging or stress, like dryness, loss of elasticity, and thinning.
The impact of a chronic illness, disease or diagnosis on caregivers is enormous emotionally, relationally, financially, logistically, sexually, and soulfully. There are many illnesses that impact a relationship each affecting the individual, couple, and family differently depending on many variables. Cancer, Parkinson’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme, and heart disease are only a few of the
When it comes to skincare, most of us are familiar with routines for our face and body. But what about our intimate areas? Just like the rest of your body, your vaginal and vulvar areas require special attention and care to stay healthy and comfortable. In this article, we’ll explore what an intimate skincare routine