Menopause is a natural process that usually plays out over a number of years. It marks the time in a woman’s life where the ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone (the hormones that regulate menstruation). As this happens, fertility begins to decline. Periods become more erratic and ultimately stop. By the age of fifty-one…
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat menopause symptoms and help prevent osteoporosis. During menopause, the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone, two naturally occurring hormones. This change in hormone production can trigger a range of symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. How HRT works HRT works by…
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that happens unexpectedly or outside of what is considered ‘normal’ for you. It can also refer to a menstrual cycle that suddenly becomes heavier, lighter or more erratic than usual. Vaginal bleeding may be considered abnormal in some of the following cases: Menstrual periods that are particularly heavy…
Vaginal discomfort refers to any condition that causes irritability, itchiness or pain in the vagina. A number of different causes can result in vaginal discomfort but the most common include Vaginitis : A soreness and swelling in and around the vagina that is usually caused by irritation or an infection Atrophic vaginitis : Commonly experienced…
Painful and frequent urination are symptoms that are linked to Urinary tract infections (UTI) Vaginitis STDs (ie. chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes) Urinary tract infections It is estimated that around 60% of women will develop a UTI at least once in their lifetimes. A UTI is a common infection that occurs in the lower urinary tract.…
1. Breast pain Breast pain can be described as any pain or tenderness experienced in the breast tissue. This may appear as a sharp or stabbing pain in the breast. Some women may also describe the sensation as a feeling of tightness. Breast pain can be categorized as whether it is occurring in the context…
Figuring out the right birth control option to use can involve some trial and error. It will depend on a number of factors such as your family planning goals, any past experiences with different contraceptive options and your personal preference. It will also depend on your medical history and lifestyle requirements. Birth control options The…
Every year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and unfortunately a large percentage will ultimately pass away. Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women but with the increased use of the Pap test, that number has dropped significantly. The…