Women's Health Archive

Articles

Calcium beyond the bones

Calcium can accumulate in our bodies where it doesn't belong. Is too much calcium intake to blame?

Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the human body. Almost all of it — 99% — is stored in the skeleton, where it serves to maintain healthy bones and teeth. But that's not all it does. Calcium is also essential for the normal functioning of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Tiny amounts are dissolved in the fluid inside and outside every cell in the body. Too much or too little calcium can be deadly to those cells, so the body carefully controls its blood levels.

Managing postmenopausal vaginal atrophy

Vaginal dryness is one of the most irritating symptoms of menopause. Here are some ways to relieve it.

Within a few years of menopause, roughly 50% of women develop symptoms related to vaginal atrophy, also called atrophic vaginitis — the deterioration of vaginal tissues due to loss of estrogen. The most common symptoms of vaginal atrophy are dryness, irritation, and pain during intercourse.

Although menopause is the most common cause, vaginal atrophy can result from anything that lowers estrogen production. That includes chemotherapy, radiation, removal of the ovaries during hysterectomy, and use of anti-estrogenic therapies such as aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen (Nolvadex), and drugs like leuprolide (Lupron) and nafarelin (Synarel), which are used to treat fibroids and endometriosis. Unlike hot flashes, which usually subside with time, vaginal atrophy is likely to persist and become worse without treatment.

Dealing with the symptoms of menopause

You could argue that the physical and mental changes that occur during menopause aren't really "symptoms." The term is usually associated with a disease, which menopause is not. Also, it is often hard to say which changes are a direct result of a drop in hormone levels and which are natural consequences of aging. Some of the symptoms overlap or have a cascade effect. For example, vaginal dryness may contribute to a lower sex drive, and frequent nighttime hot flashes may be a factor in insomnia.

Hot flashes and vaginal dryness are the two symptoms most frequently linked with menopause. Other symptoms associated with menopause include sleep disturbances, urinary complaints, sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and quality of life. However, these symptoms don't consistently correlate with the hormone changes seen with menopause transition.

By the way, doctor: What can I do about strep B vaginitis?

Q. I'm 61 and recently began to have a vaginal discharge. It's not itchy, but sexual intercourse is painful. My doctor diagnosed it as strep B vaginitis and prescribed amoxicillin, which helped. But the discharge returned within a week. What do you recommend?

A. Some vaginal discharge is normal. It helps to protect against vaginal infections and provides lubrication for the vaginal tissues. The discharge consists of vaginal skin cells, mucus, and fluid, as well as Candida (a type of yeast) and vaginal flora, the bacteria normally found in the vagina. Strep B, or group B streptococcus, is one possible constituent of the vaginal flora. Most of the time, vaginal flora and Candida co-exist peacefully. But a change in the balance and in vaginal pH (acidity) may result in vaginal inflammation, or vaginitis.

Genetic test for breast cancer

If you are considering getting the genetic test for breast cancer, Dr. Julie Silver explains what they look for and who should get it. Learn more now.

Vitamins and dietary supplements

Your daily diet should be the best source of the vitamins and minerals you need, but not always. Dr. Howard LeWine explains when vitamins and dietary supplements can be a benficial addition to your diet.

What to look for in moisturizers

Dry skin can become a greater issue as we age, prompting the desire to fight back with a good — possibly expensive — moisturizer. Dr. Clarissa Yang explains what to look for in moisturizers and how they work to help your skin.

The safe route to lip augmentation

If you want them, fuller lips can be safely achieved, but you must do your homework first. Dr. Clarissa Yang explains the lip augmentation procedure, what to expect and what to steer clear from.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.