Every girl is born with a definite number of egg cells. By about 45 to 55 years this stock is exhausted. Menopause is caused by drastic changes in the levels of female hormones. By the time menopause sets in, these hormones have dropped down to very low levels. The one of concern is the level of Estrogen. Estrogen has beneficial influence on heart and bone tissues besides organs of urinogenital system. At one time, it was common to replace estrogen to ameliorate the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, blushing etc. However, later investigations unearthed very serious side effects to it and subsequently routine MHT was discontinued. It is still used in extreme cases where the benefits outweigh the dangers of side effects. An active life with a balanced diet and a well instituted and religiously followed exercise regime gives relief to most of the menopausal symptoms. They subside by themselves, and consequently, the need for MHT especially in view of its serious consequences. The urinogenital system continues to suffer the effects of low estrogen.
Some women do not suffer from any serious ill effects of this and they lead regular, comfortable, normal lives. A regular sexual activity does compensate the ill effects of estrogen deficiency. Sexual activity does not produce estrogen. The compensation comes from increased blood circulation which helps keep up the health of these organs. Women who have never given transvaginal births are more prone to vaginal atrophy. The reduced levels of estrogen leads to thinning of the vaginal wall, loss of its elasticity, and even shortening.
It may after all be a good practice to keep one’s sex life as normal as possible through the transitional years for benefits in postmenopausal life. The main symptoms of vaginal atrophy are vaginal dryness due to decreased sections, vaginal burning during coitus and urination, urge incontinence, vaginal infections due to the change in pH of the vagina lack of lubrication during the sexual act, slight bleeding, increased incidents of urinary tract are some of the important ones. Surgeries like bilateral oophorectomy, the removal of both the ovaries, pelvic radiation therapy chemotherapy as side effect to hormone therapy for breast cancer, complete sexual abstinence, smoking are some of the known causes for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.
Recent research has shown fitness levels of women have a marked effect on menopausal symptoms. Those who had exercise regimes and improved their fitness levels benefited a great deal.
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Sleep number: The new name for comfort
Read moreSleep and good health are directly proportional to each other. If you sleep well, you will remain healthy. But sleep well does not mean sleeping for 8 hours or taking pills to have a comfortable sleep. Comfort comes in the best form with Sleep Number. It is the kind of bed that is adjustable. How would you feel to sleep on the bed that adjusts itself to cater to the needs of you and your partner? Sleep Number provides comfort with its wide range of adjustable beds along with a promise of firmness and support for a blissful sleep. Check out some of the top features of the bed!
Two people are never alike and nor are their choices. Similarly, they have varying comfort levels. Till now it seemed impossible to satisfy both of them in comfort, but with the new smart Sleep Number adjustable beds, both can adjust the bed according to their individual comfort and support. It has Responsive Air technology. Since your sleep number setting varies from that of your partner, you can choose the setting in a wireless remote and adjust accordingly so that there is no clash between the two and both of you get what you desire.
The flex fit adjustable base can be added to any Sleep Number bed for an experience on a greater level. With such a base, you can now enjoy your time reading a book or watching TV or surfing the internet, all in the comfort of your bed.
Snuggling in the warmth of the bed always assures the best sleep. What if the bed is pre-heated? It is true that the Sleep Number bed has a feature that pre-warms each side of the bed so that both of you are ready for a comfortable sleep. Warm beds also help you in falling asleep faster.
Tired with your partner’s snoring habits? Worry not, Sleep Number provides you with a bed that can be raised on either side to help prevent snoring.
The memory foam contours adjust for both the partners. You can experience the ultimate blissful cooling and comfort with Sleep Number adjustable beds.
The adjustable bed not only provides the comfort you need, but it also offers relief from back pain and promotes better posture. The budget is a bit on the higher side with the Queen size ranges between $3500 and $4500 approximately. However, the best things in life come with a price and make the experience priceless.
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4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis
Read moreWhen the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition.
Foods for ulcerative colitis
Nut butters
A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis.Peeled and cooked veggies
Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis.Yogurt
Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms.Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These properties are known to curb inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. Other fish rich in omega-3s include shrimp and tuna.Treatments for ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis symptoms can be managed with certain treatment options, such as:STELARA® (ustekinumab)
STELARA® is a prescription treatment for children who are six years and older and adults with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis. Patients injected with the treatment may find quick relief from their symptoms within eight weeks.Entyvio® (vedolizumab)
Adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis are given Entyvio when other treatment options do not work efficiently. The dosage is 300 mg infused intravenously over about 30 minutes as directed by the doctor.Remicade® (Infliximab)
The treatment option has multiple purposes when it comes to managing ulcerative colitis. Remicade® (Infliximab) reduces the symptoms and maintains remission. The injection also boosts intestinal healing in adult patients with moderate or severe ulcerative colitis.