Stem Cell Treatment

One thrilling strategy to wound healing, variously explained as Regenerative medicine or Tissue engineering continues to be the utilization of platelet rich plasma either alone or in combination with stem cells. PRP got latest notoriety when it was described that Hines Ward, the Pittsburgh Steeler's superstar wide receiver had obtained this treatment for an accident prior to the Super Bowl. As it happens, PRP continues to be used for a relatively good time now, especially at our middle, to help increase the healing of problems like tendonitis, ligament strains, muscle strains, arthritis, synovitis, and cartilage defects. Platelet rich plasma is used as a matrix graft, frequently referred to as an autologous tissue graft.

This platelet rich plasma matrix is defined as a Tissue graft incorporating autologous growth factors and\/or autologous undifferentiated cells in a cell array where design depends on the receptor website and tissue of regeneration. The reason PRP is so helpful is that platelets, that are a regular blood cell, contain numerous growth factors that stimulate tissue growth. Especially, PRP encourages the growth of collagen that is the primary element of connective tissue like tendons and cartilage. These components contain transforming development factor-, fibroblast development factor, platelet derived development factor, epidermal development factor, connective tissue development factor, and blood vessel endothelial growth factor.

These growth components recruit undifferentiated cells to the website of injury and stimulate their growth. Another component of platelets, stromal cell derived element I alpha causes newly recruited cells to comply with the area. When used with stem cells gathered from the patient bone marrow, PRP Fires off the stem cells to multiply rapidly. To utilize an analogy, PRP- especially when utilized in association with stem cells- sends the process of healing into Warp drive. PRP needs to be ready in a way to ensure a maximum amount of platelets along with a high concentration of development components.

Clearly, the more growth factors that may be delivered to the website of injury, the much more likely tissue healing takes place. This regenerative strategy is diametrically opposed to the traditional approach to healing tissue injuries that has been to make use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs as well as steroid shots, which, while reducing irritation, also substantially hinder the process of healing. PRP is usually utilized in conjunction with percutaneous tenotomy. That is a procedure where there's purposeful needle discomfort of the affected region utilizing ultrasound assistance after which it PRP is then slowly inserted into the site.

Primary Care

Address the confronts many challenges, but primary among them is coping with ongoing health care concerns. From the decrease in physicians due to Baby Boomers retiring, to changes in health care legislation and health care reforms, members of Generation X must pay particular attention to health care plans as well as the state of the medical industry. As Baby Boomers retire, the number of doctors inside the country is declining. This is partly due to the population typically, there are 77 million Baby Boomers, compared with 46 million Generation X ers, as well as partly due of the fact that numerous Generation X doctors are choosing to specialize rather than working in a general practice.

Consequently, many states face a scarcity of primary care doctors and general practitioners, that causes delays in treatment while new patients wait around for primary care physicians. Due to this challenge to find a primary care doctor, Generation X members need to plan ahead. Generation X and health care challenges require that Gen X members select a primary care physician promptly upon relocating or changing health care plans, or run the possible danger of being with no physician when sickness strikes. Generation X members need to be quite identifying with health care plans, due to rising health care costs and the possible challenge of finding a health care plan to cover specific services.

As increasingly more providers become accessible, health plans decrease to pay for sets from Lasik eye surgery to optional mental wellness services. Due to this difference between providers accessible and providers covered, Generation X members need to shop cautiously for healthcare plans. Challenges faced in Generation X and health include getting a plan that covers the providers that the Generation X member needs, as well as determining when to compromise and once to keep searching for a health plan that covers specific solutions. Health Care reform is just a watchword for every political party in every selection, as well as Gen X members need to be particularly aware of health care reform as it relates to Generation X as well as health concerns. Universal health is just one possibility that Generation X members face, as well as whether that could be an asset or a tragedy depends upon who you ask. Members worried about Generation X and health must write local and state authorities to discuss legislation around improving access, decreasing cost, and increasing the array of healthcare professionals available for services.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

While you might be aware of more traditional saline along with other liquid filled breast implants, you may not have heard about the most recent innovation in breast enlargement which is more commonly known as Gummy bear breast implants. These special high strength silicone gel systems get their name from the fact that whenever they're cut they resemble the popular gummy bear candies in persistence. These devices are manufactured from a particular very dense, high strength silicone. Gummy bear implants are included of a solidified gel. So there are not any chances of leakage in the case of rupture causing connective tissue disorders.

The gummy bear choices are getting increasingly more popular as the choice for females looking for breast augmentation. The explanation for this is the newer improvements are made to maintain their form better than those that use saline. They're not as likely to change, wrinkle, fold or ripple with time that may otherwise occur with saline implants. Gummy Bear breast implants maintain their form a lot better than saline and therefore remain in a more vertical position with time. Which implies that you’ll see much less sag with time? You will not have to cope with any sloshing sound which sometimes happens with the saline choice.

It is indeed a promising option to the conventional silicone and saline filled improvements, but being cohesive in nature you'll find limited incision options connected with the procedure. The likelihood of frightening are greater with the gummy bear choice, but the long term aftereffects of the implant to preserve and keep breasts erect is worth it. The newer gummy bear kind chest implants feel quite natural to the touch. Where saline implants when overfilled may feel hard, the newer gel models do not need this issue. Ladies that had them installed report which they feel quite natural and are much closer in sense to a natural breast.

The maker of those brand new devices, Slimed, holds an ISO 9001 certification which suggests that they meet business requirements for manufacturing these medical devices. They also have an ideal FDA rating for safety to date. The common consensus between cosmetic surgeons is the new devices are effective and safe for breast augmentation. The new improvements are available in all sizes up to a far cup size of DDD. By working with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon you may determine the right size for the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnancy

Even a healthy pregnancy can be a difficult and confusing time. Your body goes through so many changes, some of which can catch you off guard! Friends and family, thankfully, have lots of advice. However, some questions can be a bit embarrassing and, when you’re at the OBGYN, you may be too overwhelmed to remember every question. Don’t worry! We have answers to your women’s health questions.

How do I tell if I’m pregnant?

Early signs of pregnancy include:

1.       Fatigue

2.       Nausea

3.       Frequent urination

4.       Change in appetite

5.       Morning sickness

6.       Breast swelling

7.       Missed period

How are due dates calculated?

The average pregnancy is 266 days from your last ovulation cycle. That is about 40 weeks. If you aren’t sure about your due date, ask your OBGYN! They will be able to tell you.

Can I have sex while pregnant?

Unless your OBGYN has specifically told you not to have sex during your pregnancy, it is absolutely safe to do so. Your baby is protected by an amniotic sac, uterus, and mucus plug in the cervix.

Do I have to take prenatal vitamins?

Yes! Pregnancy is rough on your body. You will need additional vitamins and minerals to protect your body and support your baby. It’s important that you talk to your OBGYN about what vitamins are best for you. There are many options so take some time to find what’s right for you.

Is this heartburn normal?

The combination of increased progesterone and a growing uterus can cause heartburn. There are some ways to try to prevent this however.

1.       Smaller, frequent meals

2.       Walk after meals

3.       Elevate your head and chest while sleeping

4.       Wear loose clothes

5.       Drink ginger root tea

6.       Take antacids

How do I prevent stretch marks?

Stretch marks are incredibly common in pregnancy. Around 90 percent of pregnant women develop them! If you want to avoid being part of that majority, then make sure to drink lots of water, eat a diet high in skin-supporting vitamins, and massage your stomach daily with a moisturizer.

Can I exercise while pregnant?

Unless your obstetrician specifically tells you not to, you can remain active during your pregnancy. Low impact exercises are fine. This includes things like aqua aerobics, walking, tai chi, and yoga. Exercises that involve jumping and contact sports, however, should be avoided.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes which develops in some pregnant women. It is caused by the placental hormones. In most cases, a pregnant mother’s pancreas produces around three times as much insulin as normal. This is necessary because the pregnancy hormones impact blood sugar levels. If the pancreas can’t keep up, gestational diabetes can develop.

Anyone pregnant can get gestational diabetes. However, there are some risk factors that increase your odds of developing it. These risks include:

1.       Age

·         Over 25 years old

2.       Race

·         African American

·         Native American

·         Hispanic

·         Pacific Islander

3.       Family history

·         Relative with diabetes

4.       Weight

·         Overweight

·         BMI over 30

5.       Past medical history

·         Had gestational diabetes before

·         Had a precious big baby (macrosomia)

·         Has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Why can’t I control my bladder anymore?

Urinary incontinence is very common during pregnancy. Your baby takes up a lot of space in your torso and can put a lot of pressure on your bladder. This pressure can cause an overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom. Additionally, as the muscles around your uterus stretch out, you can lose some control. Weakened pelvic muscles can cause minor leaks for a few months after giving birth as well.

What is the difference between a gynecologist, obstetrician, and an OBGYN?

Gynecologists deal with a wide range of women’s health concerns. These range from pap smears to STD screenings to breast exams. Obstetricians deal specifically with pregnancy. They will care for you from your first prenatal testing to follow-up after delivery care.

Thinking of getting CoolSculpting? Here's what you should know

Cryolipolis or CoolSculpting is a procedure performed by doctors and aestheticians to freeze fat cells at specific targeted areas in your body from where these frozen and dead cells are removed naturally. This is considered to be a better option than liposuction as it is way cheaper and gives good results without any incisions. It also, has no downtime and you can easily revert back to your office or to physical activities. The results of CoolSculpting can be seen after a few weeks and sometimes they may take up to three months.

Despite regular exercise and eating healthy, we all have the 'troubled areas' on our bodies. In fact, a lot of people have pockets of fat stored in certain regions of their body which is genetically determined.

By body contouring the size and appearance of certain parts of your body will reduce permanently. This is achieved by killing all the fat cells that exist in the problem area. Now, if there are no fat cells, they cannot expand and make the body part look bigger and out of proportion. But, it is important to note that body contouring only reduces about 20 to 25 % of fat cells from that portion of your body and around 70% of the cells are left unaffected. The fat cells that have been treated will not grow back but the remaining fat cells may expand and cause you to gain weight if a good diet and exercise regimen is not followed.

Coolsculpting is considered to be better than ultrasound and other heat-based fat reducing treatments as it explodes the targeted fat cells to remove them permanently without causing any bruising and soreness.

The CoolSculpting treatment should not be assumed to be a weight loss treatment. It is aimed at people who live an active and healthy lifestyle and require a treatment aiming at certain parts of their body and not the entire body.

Here are some important things you should know about CoolSculpting.

1.       CoolSculpting cannot be used to improve your skin laxity. If you skin is lose, this treatment will not help it, in fact, removing fat cells may cause more sagging of skin.

2.       It is one hour procedure for one part of your body. In case, of fat cells removal from the arms, it will take two hours targeting each arm separately.

3.       This procedure is not pain-free, as marketed and can be very uncomfortable during the first five to fifteen minutes of the procedure when vacuum grabs on to your fat and skin.

4.       The treated area appears to be like a stick of butter or a piece of salmon underneath your skin, right after the treatment. It gets weirder as this can easily be massaged down.

5.       To achieve a reduction of 20-25% fat from a body part only one treatment is required but if you opt for more, an additional 20-25% fat reduction can be observed each time, from that area of your body.

6.       In a number of cases, the first time of CoolSculpting may not give you visible and desired results and you might need to go for the second round of CoolSculpting to get what you want.

7.       Recovery time may vary between a few days to a few weeks depending on the patient and is accompanied with soreness and a little bit of bruising, tingling and swelling.

8.       The complete results may take up to a few months to show up varying between a few days to four to six months. This again depends on from patient to patient.

It is important to keep following a healthy diet and exercise regime even after the treatment. If you gain weight after undergoing CoolSculpting, the fat cells already present in the area where the procedure was performed may swell up and reduce the visibility of the results.

All you need to know about post liposuction care

Liposuction is surgically performed by creating incisions in your body to remove stubborn fat localised at one part of your body, that doesn't go with either diet or exercise. Liposuction incisions are minimally invasive but they still require care post operation for complete and healthy recovery. Liposuction is performed by the insertion of a cannula through an incision. It is then moved around to loosen up the fat localised in that area of the body and then it is sucked out with the help of vacuum created in a syringe.

It is important to note that liposuction cannot be substituted to weight loss through diet and exercise and hence, should not be treated as such. For tightening of loose and sagging skin and the removal of cellulite from the body, there are many other procedures that can be performed, as liposuction is not the best option for these issues.

It is absolutely vital for the patient to take measures to care for the incisions made on their body after the procedure because infection and scarring can easily occur and cause undesirable results.

Things required for the post-op liposuction care:

·         Comfortable and loose clothing

·         Dark towels for the absorption of any leaking fluids

·         Pillows are required to rest the area with incisions to rest upon

·         Bottled water

·         Soda crackers to treat nausea if any

·         Pain medication

What to expect during the first 72 hours after the surgery

1.       Body fluids will flow out on clothes and sheets you sit on or sleep on. This is very normal as this liquid is placed in your body before the procedure is performed for the safe removal of fat.

2.       Physical activities must be avoided on account of the danger of opening of the incisions.

3.       Compression garments help with swelling and also make the recovery process faster. These must be worn at all times except while taking a shower and can be discontinued after being instructed by your doctor to do so.

4.       It is important to keep moving in order to reduce swelling, reduce the formation of blood clots and to help keep bodily fluids to continue moving.

5.       As soon as the anaesthesia wears off, there will be some pain. In case it is unbearable, you must go to your physician who will prescribe some painkillers to combat the pain.

6.       Swelling is very normal and in many cases, the swelling stays on for the next few weeks (two to three weeks).

7.       A number of plastic surgeons suggest avoiding showering for five days after the surgery and wearing compression garments. After five days, you can shower without causing abrasion or scrubbing in the area of the incision. Also, going in still water (swimming pool, baths, lakes, oceans, hot tubs etc.) must be avoided.

8.       Also, be alert for any signs of infection. If they come up, you must go directly to your surgeon without any delay.

9.       Even after complete recovery, there will be scars, usually very small in the place where the incision had been made. For the most part, they are not very visible and will fade even more as time passes.

Results after complete recovery:

Cosmetic enhancement is the main reason why most people go for this procedure, despite the risks of complications and pain. A lot of patients report positively after the procedure, having obtained the look they've wanted but in a lot of cases, patients remain unsatisfied. The cosmetic result

1.       Scars at the spot where the cut is made to insert the cannula to carry out the liposuction. They are generally very small and will fade away with time but in some cases, these scars may more prominent.

2.       A wavy or bumpy appearance of the liposuction site after the liposuction procedure.

3.       The results after liposuction are very rarely permanent. In case you gain weight after the liposuction surgery and the removal of fat, it may return back to the sites from where it had been removed.

4.       The results after recovery may not be at par with your expectations which can be disappointing.

Thinking of getting a breast reduction? Here are some pros and cons

A breast reduction surgery is done to make your breasts look more proportionate as compared to the rest of your physique and it is also done when there is discomfort caused due to them. It is not always true, that beautiful breast means bigger breasts. This procedure is extremely common despite popular notion and is done to relieve any kind of physical pain and to instil confidence in the person who otherwise felt burdened due to their huge breasts.

How do you know if you need Breast Reduction?

1.       When your breasts dis-proportionally become large for your body and cause back, shoulder and neck pain.

2.       When your breasts are very heavy and have the nipples and the areolas pointed in the downward direction.

3.       If the large appearance of your breasts cause emotional burden and lowered confidence level.

4.       If one of your breasts is larger in size or is different in its orientation or shape than the other.

5.       If the large size of your breasts causes difficulty in breathing and your bras squeeze your skin to form grooves on your shoulders with your bra straps.

6.       If you have developed bad posture and are extremely unhappy with how you look overall.

Are you a Good Candidate?

1.       You suffer from one or more of the problems due to excessively large breasts from the list listed above.

2.       It is almost impossible to find bras and other clothing materials that will fit you around your chest.

3.       You are healthy and have no existing or previously existing health diseases, especially heart or lung related.

4.       Your skin has the required amount of elasticity to jump back to the reduced size of your new breasts.

5.       You must be emotionally stable because breast reduction is a major surgery and it is important that the patient is ready, emotionally for it and is patient.

6.       You must know all the facts as discussing every detail of your surgery with your doctor is very important. With knowing the facts, a realistic expectation is an important criterion for deciding if you are a good candidate for this surgery.

7.       If you want to have kids in the future, this surgery can damage the milk flowing process if not the mammary glands and cause problems. It is a complicated process and this kind of complication can occur.

8.       You must be well past puberty and not in the stage of breast development anymore, for a good candidature.

What are some of the Disadvantages of Breast reduction Surgery?

1.       You may develop problems in breastfeeding if you have a baby in the future. This procedure can easily cause damage to the milk flow system. Although, the mammary glands will not be harmed by the surgery but this can still cause issues while breast feeding.

2.       It can leave visible scars and bruising which will take a lot of time of reducing or completely vanish.

3.       A few women also complain of different sized or shaped nipples after the surgery. This unevenness may not be very prominent but this kind of complaint comes along once in a while.

4.       After the procedure, you may experience decreased sensation in areas around your nipples and areolas. This happens because breast reduction surgery can damage the nerves around your nipples.

Click Here For More Information about Breast Reduction Surgery.

Flu Season Means Urgent Care Season!

Flu season, flu season, flu season! Every year, we are inundated with messages reminding us to be cautious about flu season. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by these messages and start tuning them out. Everyone knows people tend to get sick when the weather gets cold but, in South Texas, we stay happy and warm. That means we don’t have to worry, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Flu season doesn’t match the temperature so, even though San Antonio might miss out on snow, we Texans are at risk for illness. If you are going to protect yourself and your family, you’ll need to know what you’re dealing with this flu season.

What is flu season?

Flu season is the period of time when large numbers of people come down with the flu. Unlike the traditional seasons, it is unpredictable in length since it is based on viruses, rather than weather. It also varies between countries.

Generally speaking, for the United States, flu season goes from October to May. It tends to be in full swing from December to February.

Who should get a flu shot?

Getting a flu vaccine is strongly recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months or older. However, there are some “high risk” groups who should absolutely get the flu shot. These individuals are the ones who, if not treated, could become the sickest and potentially die from the flu.

1.       Children ages 6 months to 4 years

2.       Anyone over 50 years old

3.       People who are immunosuppressed

·         Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

·         Immunosuppression caused by medication

4.       People with chronic health problems like:

·         Chronic pulmonary disorders

·         Cardiovascular disorders except hypertension

·         Renal disorders

·         Hepatic disorders

·         Neurologic disorders

·         Hematologic disorders

·         Metabolic disorders

5.       Children age 6 to 18 who are on long-term aspirin therapy

6.       Women who are pregnant

7.       Women who may become pregnant during flu season

8.       Seniors in nursing homes

9.       American Indians & Alaska Natives

10.   Anyone who is morbidly obese

11.   Healthcare personnel

12.   Caregivers for children under 5 years old

13.   Caregivers for seniors over 50 years old

14.   Caregivers of individuals with medical conditions that put them at risk for severe complications from flu exposure

Getting the vaccine is an annual event. Each year, the viruses are slightly different. Just because you got the previous year’s shot doesn’t mean you are protected this year. Preventing yourself from getting sick this flu season means treating this year as its own brand new process.

Please note that it takes two weeks after getting the shot for the treatment to become effective. Should you encounter anyone suffering from the flu during that time or if you already had the virus inside you prior to the shot, then it will not be effective.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

When you aren’t feeling well, it’s unfortunately difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. Here are the major points that you need to keep in mind when assessing your symptoms.

1.       Body aches

·         Cold: Body aches are unusual with a cold, although not impossible.

·         Flu: Almost every case of the flu is accompanied by body aches. These aches can be very severe for some people. This is a good way to identify if what you are experiencing the flu, as opposed to a cold.

2.       Congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing

·         Cold: Almost everyone with a cold ends up with some sort of nasal symptom.

·         Flu: It is not unheard for someone with the flu to have these symptoms. However, it is not a requirement of the flu.

3.       Exhaustion

·         Cold: Someone with a cold may be more tired than usual but it will not be severe.

·         Flu: Someone suffering from the flu will almost always experience extreme exhaustion.

4.       Fever

·         Cold: It is unusual, but not unheard of, for someone with a cold to experience a fever.

·         Flu: The flu almost always causes those infected to suffer a fever.

5.       Headache

·         Cold: Sometimes a cold is accompanied by headache.

·         Flu: Flus are usually accompanied by headaches.

6.       Location of symptoms

·         Cold: If you feel your symptoms above the neck, you likely have a cold.

·         Flu: If you feel your symptoms throughout your entire body, you likely have the flu.

7.       Typical duration

·         Cold: A cold will last about a week.

·         Flu: The flu will last one to three weeks.

Should I visit a doctor?

While you are still healthy and before flu season is in full swing, it is important to make the time for a quick flu shot. It’s easy to let this errand get away from you but, once you are infected with the virus, your options are much more limited. It is easier to prevent the flu from happening than it is to get rid of once it is here.

If you are concerned that you already have the flu, then you need to visit a doctor quickly. There are prescription medications that can decrease the severity of your flu. However, you must begin treatment during the first 48 hours of becoming sick. Waiting longer will mean the medicine has no impact on your symptoms and recovery time, forcing you to simply tough it out through your flu.

Whether you are still healthy or already feeling bad, an urgent care clinic can be your best friend. It’s unlikely that your primary care physician can get you in quickly enough to provide the medication you need when suffering from the flu. Most people with the flu, thankfully, don’t get sick enough to need to visit the emergency room.

Urgent care clinics fill the space between these two options. You can get in quickly for a shot or medication. There are also no shortage of urgent care clinics in San Antonio! Gonzaba Urgent Care, for instance, has three locations across the city.

Menopause: What To Expect When You Stop Expecting

What is menopause?

More than likely, you’ve already heard of menopause, especially if you are female. Menopause is the 12-month period after the end of your final menstrual period. It is the end of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, a woman can no longer get pregnant.

The process of menopause is completely natural. While no longer fertile, women are still healthy post-menopause. Aging changes everyone’s bodies. Women simply have certain health issues specific to them.

What is perimenopause?

Menopause does not happen all at once, except in cases of hysterectomies. Perimenopause is the period of time winding down the menstrual cycle. This period of time can vary wildly between individuals. In some cases, it may begin 8 to 10 years prior to menopause! In other cases, however, women go through perimenopause in a few months.

The best way to gauge what is normal for you is to talk to your family members. Everyone is an individual but the older women in your family will have a unique insight into what you can expect. Genetics make a difference! Your friends may have helpful tips and tricks but relatives know what experiences your genes may predispose you to experiencing.

During perimenopause, your ovaries will produce less and less estrogen until they finally stop releasing eggs. That is when perimenopause changes into menopause.

What is postmenopause?

After a woman has not experienced her period for a year, she is considered postmenopausal. There are positives and negatives to being postmenopausal. The symptoms suffered during menopause will lessen and a woman can no longer get pregnant, which some consider a relief. However, the lower levels of estrogen can result in some health issues for women. Osteoporosis and heart disease are both more likely for woman who have completed menopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

For most women, the major symptoms of menopause are well-known. They include, but are not limited to:

1. ·         Irregular periods
2. ·         Night sweats
3. ·         Hot flashes
4. ·         Mood change
5. ·         Weight gain
6. ·         Slowed metabolism
7. ·         Thinning hair
8. ·         Dry skin
9. ·         Vaginal dryness

Not everyone will experience every symptom. It is similar to menstruation in that, depending on your body, the instance and severity of each symptom will vary. Some women will menstruate every month until perimenopause completes; however, this is rare. It’s far more common for periods to occur sporadically throughout perimenopause. Because of this, it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause.

Who experiences menopause?

Everyone who menstruates will eventually go through menopause. While genetics play a large role in determining what is “natural” for your body, the average age for experiencing menopause is 51. If you are under the age of 40 and start going through menopause, this is referred to as premature menopause.

Premature menopause may occur for a number of reasons. The most obvious of which is if a woman has her ovaries removed in a bilateral oophorectomy. The sudden removal of ovaries will result in the immediate loss of the hormones they were producing. Due to the sudden nature of this hormonal change, the symptoms can be severe. It is especially important to keep a doctor up to date on your symptoms if you go through surgical menopause, as opposed to natural menopause.

Premature menopause may also be caused by chromosome defects, autoimmune diseases, and chemotherapy. Women who are receiving radiation treatment for ovarian cancer may stop their periods and experience fertility issues. The damaged caused to the ovaries by chemotherapy or radiation shouldn’t be underestimated so, prior to beginning those treatments, make sure to speak to your oncologist about your women’s health concerns.

Is hormone replacement therapy unhealthy?

Once, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was standard. However, that is no longer the case. Many women have heard that hormone replacement therapy is dangerous for their health. Unfortunately, there is not a simple yes-or-no answer. Every body is different. Not every woman needs hormone replacement therapy. Some research suggests that, if taken early in postmenopause, estrogen can decrease the risk of heart disease.

There are some risks, of course. Estrogen, when not balanced with progesterone or progestrin can cause growth in the lining of the uterus, increasing a woman’s risk of uterine cancer. Other risks include heart disease, stroke, blood clot and breast cancer.

However, women who experience early menopause and do not take hormone replacement therapy are at risk for anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, parkinsonism, and decreased lifespan.

You should consider hormone replacement therapy if you are healthy and experience moderate to severe menopause symptom or have experienced bone loss.

Do I need a doctor?

While menopause is a natural process, that doesn’t mean it should go unmonitored. As your body changes, you need to make adjustments for your new hormonal reality. Additionally, your healthcare provider can help ease your symptoms to help menopause hit you a little less hard. For some women, menopause isn’t a big deal but, for others, it can be rough. Do not hesitate to ask for help! Places like the Institute for Women’s Health in San Antonio, Texas can help.