Blame It On The Hormones

We all know that hormones are responsible for cramps, mood swings and breast tenderness during menstruation or hot flashes and irritability during menopause, but did you know that they can be responsible for many other symptoms?

Your body is able to function due to a delicate balance of hormones. These chemicals control everything from your sleep-wake cycle, your appetite, your metabolism, and even your heart rate. Women have their own set of hormones that control their reproductive systems and allow them to become pregnant and have babies. The tiniest change in the balance of these female hormones can create many alarming symptoms in your body.

There are many points in a woman’s life where it is normal for her to experience hormonal changes. These changes occur every month before menstruation, during pregnancy, and the few years leading up to menopause. Here are some of the symptoms that you can expect to experience during each period:

Symptoms days before menstruation

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Difficulty concentration
• Weight gain

Symptoms during pregnancy

• Nausea
• Morning sickness
• Increased appetite or cravings
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Spider veins
• Increased hair growth
• Aches
• Clumsiness

Symptoms during menopause

• Vaginal dryness
• Depression and mood swings
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Sleep problems
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Decreased sexual libido
• Frequent urination or incontinence
• Headaches

Although it’s normal for those symptoms to happen during those periods, you can also experience them at other times. If this happens, it’s a signal that your hormones are off balance and it might be time to get checked with your OB/GYN clinic. This can happen due to your lifestyle or other medical conditions. Eating an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, long-term exposure to toxins, and smoking can all cause hormonal imbalances at any point in your life.

I’m having some of these symptoms, what should I do?

If you suspect that your hormones can be responsible for your symptoms, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN San Antonio. Your doctor will conduct some blood tests to determine the level of different hormones in your body. If there is an imbalance, he or she will further investigate to see if there is a medical condition behind this problem. You will probably also be prescribed a medication or hormonal therapy that will correct this imbalance and eliminate symptoms.

An imbalance in your hormones can produce very strong symptoms that can keep you from functioning. Many women suffering from severe depression and anxiety will find that hormones are the culprits. If you have been experiencing symptoms that doctors cannot find a cause for, consider having a blood test to see if hormones could be the cause. You don’t have to live in discomfort. There are many therapies available to correct the issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Institute for Women’s Health, our friendly staff and caring physicians are always ready to help.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/blame-it-on-the-hormones/

Period 101

You have probably seen commercials for sanitary napkins, or “pads.” These products help keep you clean when you are going through your period. There are many different types available for your specific flow and preference. There are also some smaller and lighter pads that you can use during the lighter days of your period. Tampons are another product that can be used during your period. Because tampons need to be inserted into your body, I would only recommend that you use them after talking to an adult female that you trust.

Help! I started bleeding and I’m in school.

Sometimes your period can come when you least expect it. If you’re not prepared, relax and find an adult teacher, friend, or coach and ask them if they have a pad that you can borrow. If it stained your clothes, look for a sweater or garment that you can tie around your waste while you find a change of clothes.

Why do I feel funny during my period?

Because your body is producing hormones during your menstruation, you might experience Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS. During the week or days before you get your period you might notice that your breasts become larger and they begin to hurt. You might also get abdominal pain, or “cramps,” mood swings, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and even crying spells. This is completely normal! If the cramps are too painful, you can take an over the counter pain reliever or purchase a medication that relieves cramps.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Institute for Women’s Health, our friendly staff and caring physicians are always ready to help.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/period-101/

I am Pregnant. What Should I Ask My OB/GYN?

The feeling of uncertainty, nervousness, and confusion is normal for any pregnant woman. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first pregnancy or your 5^th; every pregnancy is different. That’s why it is so important that you see an OB/GYN you feel comfortable with and that you ask the correct questions. There are many factors that often get in the way of you asking your OB/GYN the right questions or having your concerns addressed. Below you will find some of the things your can do to reduce distractions or factors that may prevent you from getting the answers your need.

Get To Know Your Doctor:

You don’t have to become best friends, but it is very beneficial for everyone if you get to know them just enough in order to find out if they are the right OB/GYN for you. It is important that you share the same beliefs with your doctor when it comes to labor and delivery.

Do Your Homework: Research and staying informed is the best way to ask the correct questions that will benefit your pregnancy and will address your concerns. There are many ways to stay informed. You can subscribe to pregnancy magazines, read blogs, books, and ask your doctor for information packages.

Write Your Questions Down: It is very important that you take with you a written list of questions that you can check off during your visit, this way you don’t go home only to realize you forgot to ask the most important question.

Minimize Distractions: Minimize distractions by not taking your kids or too many people to your visit. Taking children to your prenatal visits can put them and other pregnant women at risk. Children are often exposed to germs and viruses at school that they can spread if they don’t cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. A minor cold or virus can be very harmful to a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. It is best if you take only your partner or family members that can help you make immediate decisions.

Ask Questions: Always remember that there is no such thing as a bad question; don’t be embarrassed – chances are your doctors have heard everything. Ask the question you want no matter what. You have the right to an answer.

Below we will share some good routine questions and topics to address with your OB/GYN.

1. Ask about your weight. Have you gained weight? Lost weight? Is it normal? What can be done about it?
2. Is your uterus changing in size too fast or too slow? Those are good things to know because the size of your uterus may imply different issues or circumstances.
3. Is your blood pressure regular? Has it gone up or down? During pregnancy your blood pressure can quickly change. It is important to keep track of the numbers since serious complications can quickly arise.
4. Remember to ask about what symptoms you should be on the lookout for from now to your next appointment. It is always good to know what to expect at every stage of your pregnancy.
5. Ask your OB/GYN about any foods, activities, or medications you should be avoiding at each stage of your pregnancy. It also good to ask what foods and activities he or she recommends.
6. You also have the right to know if you are being watched for any possible complications in your pregnancy. Ask them about your progress and what is normal and what is not.
7. Ask about what emergencies can arise at your given stage and what the action plan should be.
8. Ask who will deliver your baby and how the delivery process will go about.
9. Discuss labor and delivery philosophies.
10. Don’t forget to always ask for any general tips or recommendations on how to make your pregnancy and labor more pleasant and less straining.

If you have any more specific questions or doubts, feel free to contact The Institute for Women’s Health. Our friendly staff and our caring physicians are always ready to help.

For More information about OBGYN Click Here

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/i-am-pregnant-what-should-i-ask-my-obgyn/

Common Women’s Infections and Diseases

As a woman, there’s a high probability you will get a vaginal infection (vaginitis) at some point in your lifetime. Don’t worry, it’s more common than you think and there’s usually a misconception about the types of infections and what causes them. Generally speaking, you will get symptoms like itching, burning, and a thick white discharge. But there’s so much more you should know about this common condition.

The first thing to keep in mind is that whenever you have some of these symptoms or you just have general inquiries about this matter, you should always talk to your OB/GYN  – who is fully qualified to answer any of your questions and treat any of your symptoms. Not even a thorough Internet research will ever substitute the quality and preciseness of the information you get from an experienced specialist. You should immediately call your doctor if:

• Your vaginal discharge changes color or smells different.
• You notice itching, burning, swelling, or soreness around or outside of your vagina.
• It burns when you pee.
• Sex is uncomfortable.

The most common kind of infections faced by women are yeast infections. They are easy to treat and are very similar to other vaginal and sexually transmitted infections. Nevertheless, there are more serious infections that could lead to major problems. But what causes yeast infections? Well, you should know that a healthy vagina has a balanced amount of bacteria and yeast in it, but sometimes this balance can be disrupted by:

• Hormone level changes
• Antibiotics
• Vaginal intercourse
• Pregnancy and breast feeding

The three most common types of vaginal infections are:

• Yeast Infections: It is  caused by one of the many species of fungus known as Candida, which we already have living in our bodies in small numbers. This fungus can quickly multiply and cause a vaginal infection in a moist and low ventilation environment.
• Bacterial vaginosis: When the number of lactobacilli in your reproductive organs gets too low, it can trigger a condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV). You may see a thick whitish discharge or a slippery and clear discharge. It is not likely that it will itch or burn, but the fishy odor it produces may be noticeable, especially during intercourse.
• Trichomonas: This infection is commonly called “trich” and is passed from partner to partner during intercourse. You may feel burning, irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva, with a yellow-gray or greenish vaginal discharge, possibly with a fishy odor.

The good news is that most of these conditions respond very well to mild treatment. The key is to get medical attention as soon as the first symptoms appear to minimize the discomfort they produce. If you have any additional questions please schedule an appointment by visiting The Institute For Women’s  Health.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/common-womens-infections-and-diseases/

Women and Menopause

Menopause, you may fear it or try to ignore it; but how well do you know it? The North American Menopause Society defines it as “a normal, natural event of the final menstrual period that is usually confirmed when a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months (in the absence of other obvious causes).” During menopause, your estrogen and other hormone levels lower, marking the end of your fertility. The average age for menopause is 51 and one of the most important things to keep in mind is that every woman experiences it differently.

As a woman, you are born with a definite number of eggs which are stored in your ovaries. These same ovaries are the ones that produce your estrogen and progesterone hormones. These two are in charge of controlling your menstruation and ovulation cycles. When your ovaries no longer release eggs, you have reached menopause. But facts and data aside, how do you perceive menopause? Unfortunately, there’s a negative perception towards this matter when it’s actually a natural process that your body goes through, just like many other changes we experience throughout our lifetime.

There are no treatments to stop or reverse menopause. However, there are methods and treatments that can relieve the signs and symptoms when they are severe or uncomfortable. Most women are able to manage them by themselves without medication, but other women experiencing more intense symptoms have to resort to other options. The most common treatments for menopause include:

• Hormone Therapy: This is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal hot flashes. It’s based on a low dose of estrogen, which provides relief for this symptom.
• Vaginal Estrogen: This treatment relieves vaginal dryness by applying estrogen directly to the vagina with a vaginal cream, tablet, or ring. It also helps with discomfort during intercourse.
• Low-dose antidepressants: Sometimes, women are not able to have estrogen therapy for specific health reasons. A low dose of specific antidepressants can help manage hot flashes and mood disorder symptoms in these cases.
• Medications to treat or prevent osteoporosis: These medications help reduce bone loss and lower the risk of bone fractures.

The most important thing about going through this change in life (besides feeling comfortable with yourself) is having a qualified OB/GYN that you feel comfortable with. During this time, it’s important to always be informed and correctly guided towards the right path into feeling better.

REFERENCES:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/basics/treatment/con-20019726

http://www.menopause.org/for-women/expert-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions-about-menopause/menopause-faqs-understanding-the-symptoms

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/women-and-menopause/

The Zika virus: Four things to know if you’re pregnant

You may have heard about the Zika virus, and of the case confirmed recently in Houston, Tx. Last Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommended that pregnant women postpone travel to 14 countries and territories – including Mexico – where Zika outbreaks have occurred. So what is the Zika virus, and what do you need to know if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant?

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness primarily contracted by a mosquito bite. Initially identified in the 1950s in Africa and parts of South and Southeast Asia, the first case was reported in the Americas in 2014.  In recent years, reports of babies with serious birth defects born to mothers infected with the Zika virus have increased sharply.

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

Symptoms of the Zika virus are generally mild and may include a fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. However, the CDC states that only about one in five people infected with the virus experience symptoms, so you may not even know if you’ve been infected. Even more alarming, “There’s no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus,” said Karen Carcamo, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Therefore, we recommend women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing mosquito repellant daily and clothing that covers the majority of the skin.”

How does the Zika virus affect pregnant women and their babies?

The Zika virus is believed to be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. Reports have shown poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers infected with the Zika virus during their pregnancy, including serious birth defects of the brain. In light of limited information surrounding the extent of these effects, the CDC is urging all pregnant women to avoid any non-essential travel to the countries identified on this list. “It’s important to note that, while the CDC is recommending travelers to these countries take enhanced precautions, they have a stronger set of recommendations for pregnant women,” Dr. Carcamo cautioned.   The CDC website is an excellent source for the most current information regarding the Zika virus, Dr. Carcamo added.

If you’re pregnant and think you’ve contracted the Zika virus, what should you do?

“First things first: call your obstetrician,” Dr. Carcamo stressed. “Your obstetrician can document the exposure and determine whether further testing may be necessary. Most importantly: Remain calm. The odds are likely it may not be the Zika virus, but rather an upper respiratory infection or allergies.”

Still, since no vaccine or effective treatment exists for the Zika virus, prevention is critical. The Zika virus may sound scary, but fortunately, prevention is relatively simple.

“We strongly urge women in any trimester of their pregnancy to consider postponing travel to any area affected by the Zika virus, including Mexico and the Caribbean,” Dr. Carcamo said. “If you absolutely must travel to these areas, please be diligent about strictly following the steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

Karen Carcamo, M.D., MPH, is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carcamo, please call 210.615.8585.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-zika-virus-four-things-to-know-if-youre-pregnant/

Gardasil 9: Helping to prevent cervical cancer

In late 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil 9, a vaccine that protects against nine types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Gardasil 9 covers a broader range of the HPV virus as compared to Gardasil, which protects against only four types of HPV. For those who’ve already received the Gardasil vaccine, questions arose about revaccination and the potential effectiveness of Gardasil 9 in addressing a more complex group of HPV. And a broader debate continued as to why both vaccines continue to be underused.

“HPV is an extremely common sexually transmitted disease which, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer,” said Orlando Suris, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Fortunately, the Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines have proven to be very effective in reducing the risk of contracting HPV.”

The seven types of HPV which are implicated in 90 percent of cervical cancers are covered with Gardasil 9, in addition to two types associated with genital warts.

HPV is typically detected through a Pap test, which is conducted at an annual well woman gynecologist appointment. Pap tests screen for cervical cancer and other vaginal abnormalities. Since the introduction of these tests in the 1950s, cervical cancer incidence and mortality have decreased sharply. “Still,” Dr. Suris cautioned, “It’s necessary to continue to receive a Pap test in order to detect HPV.”

The Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines prevent cancer from forming by immunizing the patient to HPV. HPV is the root cause of the majority of cervical cancers, which are traditionally extremely slow to form. “Patients whose Pap test results indicate the presence of HPV don’t necessarily have cervical cancer,” Dr. Suris said. “Further testing is necessary to determine a treatment plan.” A treatment plan for HPV or cervical cancers is most effective if HPV is detected early enough.

Vaccination against HPV is recommended for girls ages 9 – 26 and boys ages 9 – 15, ideally before they become sexually active. The vaccine is administered in three doses over a six-month period.

Since their introduction to the market, the vaccinations have been underused. Many physicians believe that the stigma surrounding the vaccination of a child for an STD while they are very young is the cause of this underutilization. To address this issue, the Centers for Disease Control launched a campaign called “You are the key to cancer prevention” in 2014. The campaign aims to educate physicians and parents about the benefits of recommending their children be vaccinated. After all, they pointed out, it’s about cancer, not sex.

When it comes to revaccinations, however, the topic is less complicated.

“If you’ve already received the Gardasil vaccine, there’s no need to be revaccinated with Gardasil 9,” Dr. Suris said. “If you’re 21 or older, just continue to schedule your annual well woman exams, and have your gynecologist order your Pap tests on the schedule specific to you.”

Orlando Suris, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suris, please call 210.494.2000.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/gardasil-9-helping-to-prevent-cervical-cancer/