First Week

Your menstrual period starts the first week of your cycle.  The uterine lining is shed as menstruation occurs. This generally lasts from five to seven days. During this time, the pituitary is releasing FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone. This starts egg development and follicular growth.

Menstrual periods may cause fatigue as your body is cleansing itself. Cramping can be uncomfortable, but there are many pain relievers on the market that can help ease the cramps. There are also patches that provide 8 hours of non-medicated heat against your abdomen – a wonderful comfort indeed. Drink plenty of water during this time and get some rest. Why don’t you even allow yourself a nice bar of chocolate!

Second Week

Follicle stimulating hormone levels are increasing, which stimulate the growth of your follicles. The FSH levels start the release of estrogen, causing the endometrium to become thicker.  Once your estrogen levels are higher, the FSH begins to decrease, which will stop your body from maturing more eggs. When the estrogen level reaches a peak, LH or luteinizing hormone is released. thinning the follicle membrane. The follicle will rupture between 24 to 36 hours and the egg is released. If you pay close attention, you may even feel a bit of cramping when the egg is released.

When ovulation occurs, the mucus will appear clear and stringy or very similar to egg white. Also, when you are ovulating you may feel particularly attractive. This is nature taking its course.  You may find yourself preparing a special dinner for your mate with low lights and dancing to follow. During this second week, you feel beautiful, confidant and energetic.

Third Week

This is the beginning of the luteal phase in your menstrual period. The follicle that ruptured becomes a cyst and starts to produce progesterone. This helps your uterine lining to thicken, prevents more eggs to mature and then closes the cervix. If you have a fertilized egg, it will become imbedded around the 21st day. Don’t be surprised if you spot when this is happening.

Fourth Week

You can feel emotional in the fourth week, whether your period will be starting soon or you are newly pregnant. Retaining water is normal, as are tender breasts and emotional ups and downs. Some women feel surges of energy at their highest peak of PMS and get a lot of housecleaning done. PMS symptoms are related to the hormonal changes in your body. Acne flare-ups can occur during the fourth and first weeks of your cycle. If you are not pregnant, inhibin and progesterone levels fall. This causes progesterone withdrawal bleeding, otherwise known as your period.

Never feed your pet products containing xylitol. Keep these foods out of your pet’s reach. This includes keeping your handbags and purses secure, if gum or candy is kept in them.

Good sources of probiotics include kefir, acidophilus and fermented foods such as miso and tempeh. You can also purchase nutritional supplements that contain probiotics. There is a misconception that grocery store style yogurts provide a significant amount of probiotics. However, yogurt starter cultures are not necessarily resistant to the digestive properties of the body, resulting in smaller numbers reaching the gastrointestinal tract.

Probiotic Benefits

Over the centuries, probiotics have been attributed to a multitude of health benefits. They are particularly helpful for gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics slow down the growth of harmful bacteria in your digestive system. They improve vitamin absorption and food digestion and stimulate your body’s natural defense systems.

High Blood Pressure

Over 50 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. Probiotics have been associated with antihypertensive effects in both animals and adults with mild hypertension. Furthermore, many agree that taking probiotics may decrease your cancer risk. They can detoxify ingested carcinogens and produce compounds that inhibit the growth of tumor cells.

Yeast Infections

For the women, probiotics are a must when taking an antibiotic. The antibiotic kills the bacteria causing your infection but while it kills the bad bacteria it is also killing your “good” bacteria. This results in an uncomfortable yeast infection and even more medicine to take. If you take probiotics while on an antibiotic regimen, you may avoid the inevitable trip to the drug store for a yeast infection treatment. Both men and women can benefit from probiotics during a
round of antibiotics if they suffer from diarrhea during the course.

Probiotic Sources

There are several ways you can include probiotics into your diet:

• Kefir – Kefir grains can be purchased in a live form or dried. Kefir looks a bit like a cottage cheese lump, and is fermented in milk at room temperature for about a day at a time. The kefir is strained and the milk is ready to drink. The grains are then placed in a new container of milk with a bit of the previous milk included. The taste is yeasty and milky, and can be either taken plain or mixed with honey, in smoothies, mixed with beans or more. Kefir contains more good bacteria than yogurt and also provides a complete protein, essential minerals and B vitamins.
• Acidophilus Milk- Acidophilus milk is whole milk with an added acidophilus culture. It is thicker than milk and contains this beneficial bacteria.
• Fermented Foods – Foods such as miso and tempeh contain probiotics. Fermented foods do not contain as much healthy bacteria as kefir and acidophilus milk, and therefore may not survive the entire intestinal track providing less benefit but certainly still beneficial.
• Probiotic Dietary Supplements – Bacteria can be purified, concentrated, dried and placed into powders, capsules or tablets.

If your fireplace is neglected, your family is at high risk for a potential chimney or flue fire. Residue (called creosote) builds up from use and is highly flammable. To prevent a possible fire, schedule to have your fireplace cleaned. It is very important to have your fireplace cleaned by a professional.

Get your furnace and vents checked by a professional this time of the year to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. They will check for cracks and leaks before you start using it. An annual tune-up can also reduce your heating costs by five percent!

Small leaks around your doors and windows can add to your heating costs. Add or replace worn weather-stripping and caulking. When necessary, replace worn doorstops at the bottom of doors. Weather-stripping and caulking will alleviate drafts and help your home to feel warmer during the coldest winder months. To help find the source of cold air, use a container of talcum powder. Take the container to the window or door seams and squeeze. Watch where the dust blows. That’s where you want weather-stripping.

It is recommended that women begin a yearly Pap smear regimen beginning at 18 years old or at the beginning of any sexual activity. Do not use any vaginal medications and do not douche at least 42 hours before a Pap smear. Do not have intercourse at least a day before, as this may change the results of your test. For best results, schedule it for the middle of your monthly cycle. A Pap smear cannot be given while you have your period.

Before your test, your doctor will probably look over your medical history and ask you about your cycles. Be sure to tell him or her about any problems or changes you have seen with your cycle or your periods. If you have experienced any vaginal pain, odor, discharge, cramping or spotting, be sure to let your health provider know.

The actual Pap smear procedure is quick. You will be asked to lay on your back with your bottom at
the edge of the table. Your feet will probably be placed in stirrups. A lubricated speculum will be inserted, which may give you a feeling of pressure. Your doctor will examine your vagina and cervix. A swab will be used to scrape the surface of the epithelial layer of the cervix. These cells are placed on a slide and are sent to a pathology lab for assessment.

Normally the cells on the cervix have a dense and small nucleus without the presence of a keratin layer. Pre-malignant cells are referred to as dysplasia. If left untreated, dysplasia can turn into cervical cancer. Minor changes of the cervix can be detected with a Pap smear, allowing the physician to look further for the reason and possible treatment.

If your Pap smear is normal, you may be notified by mail. If it is abnormal and shows changes in the cells, you will most likely be diagnosed with dysplasia. If you have a Pap smear performed annually, these cell changes are less likely to have become cancerous, making the dysplasia very treatable. If your test reveals a sexually transmitted disease or infection, you will be asked to come in for further examination and treatment.

Pap smears will become routine if you go annually for a physical by your gynecologist.  They are not
normally painful, although you may feel pressure and a moment of discomfort. The benefits greatly outweigh any embarrassment or discomfort you experience, so be sure you have an appointment already made for your annual physical.

Non-menopausal women develop cysts naturally. Your ovaries are located on either side of your uterus. They produce your hormones and eggs. Sometimes a cyst will form on one of your ovaries. The cysts are filled with either fluid or semi-solid matter. They are called functioning cysts and occur during ovulation. These cysts generally shrink on their own by three months time. Those who take the epilepsy drug Valporate can develop ovarian cysts as well, as can women with endometriosis, PID or bulimia. Some women have an ovarian cyst and are not even aware of it. Others may feel aching on one side of the abdomen, pain during intercourse, vomiting, increased facial hair or irregular periods.

Non Malignant Ovarian Cysts

There are four types of non-malignant cysts:

• Follicular Cyst:

  This occurs when a normal follicle (the sac that releases the egg) doesn’t shrink after releasing an egg. The cyst fills with clear fluid, which may eventually burst, causing pain and cramping. More often than not, the follicular cysts will disappear on its own over a few months. If the follicular cyst is causing you discomfort or irregular periods, your doctor will follow its progress.

• Corpus Luteum Cyst:

  This less common type of cyst can cause discomfort or pain. It develops when an egg is released followed by bleeding in the follicle. If you have a corpus luteum cyst, you may have a late period. If the cyst ruptures, it can bleed into the abdomen and require surgery.

• Theca Luteum Cyst:

  This is the least common of the functional cysts. A theca luteum cyst often develops in both ovaries when there is an abnormal pregnancy. Once the pregnancy is terminated, the cysts usually disappear on their own.

• Polycystic Ovaries:

  Polycystic ovaries are a grouping of clear, fluid filled cysts in both of your ovaries. These can occur when you have hormonal imbalances and menstrual cycle problems.

Ovarian Cysts – Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects an ovarian cyst, he or she will give you a sonogram. This can be done vaginally or across your abdomen. This is painless and usually takes less than half an hour. You may also receive a blood test to determine the level of the protein CA-125 in your body. This can help to determine if there is a possibility of cancer and is often performed in women with a high risk of ovarian cancer.

Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

Surgery may be performed if your cyst does not go away on its own after several months. This is especially true if the cyst grows larger and appears abnormal. If you are menopausal, your doctor will probably want to remove the cyst with surgery and test it for ovarian cancer. This is a rare cancer, but should be investigated any time a cyst is abnormal or will not go away on its own.

Over 28 million Americans suffer each year from migraines. The symptoms vary from person to person, and can be triggered by a number of things. Interestingly, three fourths of adult migraine sufferers are women. This reveals a possibility of hormonal patterns playing a part in the onset of a migraine.

Migraine Triggers

Some people are able to recognize an impending migraine before it occurs. Signals can include sparkling flashes of light, blind spots, zig zags in the individual’s vision, tingling in the arms and legs, weakness and possibly speech problems. Milder signals include cravings for sweets, thirst, drowsiness, irritability, depression or extreme elation and energy.

A migraine is a disease, unlike a normal headache. During a migraine, the serotonin levels decrease. Doctors believe this then causes the trigeminal nerve to release neuropeptides, which travel to the outer covering of the brain. The neuropeptides cause the blood vessels to dilate and become inflamed, resulting the migraine’s pain.

There are several possible triggers for a migraine. Some of these are:

• Stress – Increased stress levels can lead to a migraine. This can occur when you have a particular amount of stress and then have downtime, such as a weekend.
• Foods – Some food and drink items can lead to a migraine, such as red wine, aged cheeses, chocolate, pickled or marinated food, aspartame, caffeine, msg and processed meats.
• Medications – Some medications can bring about a migraine.
• Lights – Bright lights or sun can be a trigger. Strong odors and perfume can as well.
• Physical Exertion – Exercise and strenuous activity can begin a migraine.
• Hormones – A woman can get a migraine depending on the phase of her cycle. Furthermore pregnant women have reported that their migraines worsen during pregnancy. Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy are migraine triggers.

Migraine Treatment

There are two forms of medications that can be used to treat migraines. These are pain relieving and preventive. If your migraines often disable you, talk to your physician about preventive measures you can take to reduce the frequency in which they occur.

Some useful over the counter pain medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (not for children), ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You can also get a prescription from your doctor for a stronger pain relieving medication.

Triptans are often used for pain relief as well. These bind to serotonin receptors and cause the blood vessels to restrict. Ergots are pain medications that can be used for migraine pain, but can be
coupled with side effects such as muscle weakness, dizziness and nausea.

Preventive medications can reduce your number of migraines as well as their severity and length. These include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and other cardiovascular medications. It is not known
why medications that are meant for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease work in migraine prevention, but this is normally the first prescription used.

Some antidepressants work to reduce migraines and their severity. Anti-seizure drugs such as Depakote, Depakene and Topamax can help to prevent migraines, as can the antihistamine Cyproheptadine.

Migraine Tips

If you are a migraine suffer, avoid things that trigger your headaches.  Exercise regularly, quit smoking and avoid medications that contain estrogen.

Menopause occurs when you have not had a period for one year. Your body may begin to prepare for this as early as your thirties, or as late as your 50′s. Menopause is not a disease or condition. It is simply nature taking its course. It begins with perimenopause, which can be a few years before your last period, on through the year after your period stops. Once the year is complete without periods, you have been “through menopause.” Then the rest of your life is considered “postmenopause.”

Perimenopause Symptoms

As the “change of life” begins, the ovaries stop making estrogen. The estrogen levels then drop in your body and your period begins to stop. Although the average menopausal age is 51, you may start to notice signs years before.

There are signs of an upcoming menopause:

• Changes in your menstrual cycle such as longer or shorter periods.  They can also be lighter or heavier.
• Many women going through menopause experience hot flashes. These occur due to the changes in your estrogen hormone levels. Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to ten minutes. You will feel an overwhelming heat and may become flushed and even blotchy. Be prepared for sweat during the hot flash and possibly chills afterwards. Some women wake up in the middle of the night with sweat-soaked sheets.
• Unfortunately, as your estrogen levels decrease, your genital area can become dryer and thinner. This may make sexual intercourse painful. Talk to your doctor about personal lubricants if you experience discomfort or pain. If you experience general discomfort during the day, your doctor can prescribe a long lasting personal lubricant.
• Vaginal thinning can lead to urine leakage as well as infection. You may find that sneezing, jogging, coughing or laughing may cause you to leak.
• Mood changes are common during menopause. You may become depressed or feel stress due to your changing hormone levels. This can also be occurring because you are beginning to see results of your age, yet you may also find a new sense of freedom with the elimination of your periods.

Post Menopause

Once you have reached postmenopause, there are a few things you should keep in mind about changes in your body. Estrogen helps to control bone loss. Your body has less estrogen, so be sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet. Talk to your doctor about ways you can prevent osteoporosis.

Women are at greater risk for heart disease after menopause. Have a regular physical and get your cholesterol levels checked with each one. Exercise on a regular basis and eat healthy for a healthy you! Remember, menopause does not have to be the end of your life but can be a new and exciting beginning.

When you think of somewhere like Greece, you may immediately think about olive oil. This oil has nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic benefits. It can make your skin supple and is also a part of a healthy diet that can even lower cholesterol. Olive oil contains antioxidants that reduce the event of clogged arteries, lower cholesterol levels as well as reduce the rate of chronic disease including cancer.

The Mediterranean diet is low in saturated fat. The total fat ranges between 28 to 40 percent of the total calories. The majority of the daily intake is from plant foods There is more iron and vitamin B in the Mediterranean diet than many other countries.

But olive oil is not the only factor working for the Mediterraneans. They also eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, fish, olives, beans, breads and cereals. This diet does not include a lot of red meat and tends to steer clear of animal fats. The Mediterraneans eat very few eggs and do not consume a lot of dairy. Of the dairy they do enjoy, one of greater used products is yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics, or healthy bacteria that are known to stabilize the gastrointestinal tract and reduce infection.

In addition to eating well and cooking with olive oil, people in Mediterranean counties get more exercise than Americans. They do not tend to “jump in the car” to get a simple loaf of bread down the street. And if you visit Greece, you will immediately notice the great amount of stairs they climb every day.

A traditional Mediterranean diet contains a greater amount of Omega-3 fatty acids than other diets. Omega 3′s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that can only be obtained from food. They can increase your HDL (your good cholesterol) and decrease your triglycerides, which is the fatty material found in blood. It is believed that Omega-3′s improve your cardiovascular health and may help in warding off cancer.

If you would like to eat more like those in Mediterranean countries, start using olive oil when you cook. Eat darker breads and avoid white bread as much as possible. Choose fish and chicken over red meat. Eat more vegetables at dinner than the meat, and eat fresh fruit for dessert, maybe even dipped in yogurt laced with a bit of brown sugar. Reduce your dairy intake, choosing other calcium rich foods over milk and other dairy
products.

An example of a nice Mediterranean breakfast may include a fruit and whole grain bread. A healthy lunch can include whole wheat pita bread filled with spinach, chicken and an olive oil and vinegar dressing. Perhaps a squeeze of lemon would brighten up the pita sandwich! Choose fish for dinner lightly browned in olive oil, or steamed with olive oil and lemon drizzled over for taste. Eat fresh fruit with it and plenty of steamed vegetables. If you like, vegetables are delicious saut’ed in olive oil with parsley and garlic. Good cheers and happiness.

The annual mammogram a healthy woman receives is called a screening mammogram. A screening mammogram is used on women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. This test can detect tumors that have not been felt previously as well as micro calcifications, which are little deposits of calcium in the breast.

A diagnostic mammogram is given to a woman who mayhave a lump or other sign that may indicate breast cancer. Some of these symptoms can include a lump, breast pain, discharge from the nipple, a thickening of the skin or a change in the shape of the breast. The diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram. The technician will take multiple pictures at various angles, and may even take magnified pictures of
particular areas.

Breast Cancer Risks

As a woman gets older, her chances of developing breast cancer increase. Some factors that may increase any woman?s risk for breast cancer are:

• A family history of breast cancer, including a daughter, sister or daughter.
• A personal history of breast cancer.
• Two or more irregular but benign masses in the breast.
• Childless or had the first child after 30.
• Long term hormonal therapy.
• Went through menopause after 55 years of age.
• Previous radiation therapy.
• Took diethylstilbestrol between 1940 and 1971.
• Obesity.
• An inactive lifestyle.
• Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption.

Mammogram Statistics

Statistics show that 13 percent of women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer later in life. The greatest risk factor of any woman is age, making it important to receive a mammogram yearly after 40.The majority of breast cancer incidents occur in women over 50.

The most effective way to detect breast cancer is through a yearly physical exam and mammogram. Self breastexamination is also important, but does not take the place of any form of examination by a physician.

There are some limitations in breast cancer screening. Even if a lump is detected, if it is a fast growing cancer, the mammogram’s early detection does not ensure a cure. Mammograms can miss up to 20 percent of the lumps that are actually present in women, making the test a false negative. Also, older women have denser breasts, making lumps harder to detect. A false positive occurs when the radiologist reads a test as abnormal when there is actually no cancer present.

A mammogram generally costs between $50 and $150. Insurance company deductibles will vary, as will each diagnostic unit’s price.

Women 40 and over who are on Medicare are allowed regular mammogram screenings. Furthermore, some State programs allow free screenings to particular groups of women such as those on a low income. So find the time to have a mammogram. It just may save your life!