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Understanding the essentials about menopause

Understanding the essentials about menopause

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life.

Stages of menopause

Menopause has three different stages, as given below.

  • Perimenopause

Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes.

  • Menopause

If you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage.

  • Postmenopause

The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable. However, as the estrogen level in your body decreases, you will be more vulnerable to diseases like osteoporosis, bladder and vaginal changes, and heart disease.

Diagnosis

If you reach the right age for menopause and start to experience the symptoms, then it could be a sign that you are already menopausal. Generally, hot flashes and irregular periods are clear signs of it. However, you may contact your doctor for additional confirmation. Your gynecologist will collect your blood sample to check the estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Decreased estrogen and increased FSH levels indicate the stage you are at. The doctor will also test for the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH disorder can lead to similar symptoms as those of menopause, making it is necessary to rule that out. You can also use the home kits for an FSH test. However, they may not always be conclusive. The menstrual cycle can cause a change in FSH levels too.

Managing menopause symptoms

Menopause is a natural part of life and it cannot be prevented. However, you can manage the symptoms, so you do not have to suffer due to any related complications. The decrease in estrogen levels can result in weight gain, which causes a variety of other health issues. Hence, you must be careful with your diet to keep the weight under control. Eat healthy food, including fresh fruits and vegetables regularly, and make sure to eat when you feel hungry and not when you feel lazy. Also, avoid processed food and foods that are rich in sugar.

Being physically active is also important, during this time, to remain healthy. You should exercise regularly, including moderately intense aerobics for at least 150 minutes a week. Maintaining your bone strength is another effective way to stay healthy during menopause. Following a vitamin D and calcium-rich diet can help with the same.

Keep in mind that the key to remaining healthy during the years of postmenopause is taking good care of your overall health.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system. Some of the common symptoms of this disease include rigidity in the muscles, slowing down of movements, stooped posture, and hand tremors, among others. Parkinson’s disease sets in at different stages of a person’s life. Let us understand more about this disease to keep you informed.Stages Here are the five stages of Parkinson’s disease:Stage 1The first stage of Parkinson’s disease has very mild symptoms. Only very close family members may notice changes in your movement. Also, body tremors may be restricted to one side of the body. Stage 2The symptoms increase at this stage. Patients experience more tremors and stiffness. Also, the symptoms may extend to both sides of the body. Stage 3Stage 3 sees the worsening of Stage 2 symptoms. An additional symptom is that at this stage the patient begins to lose balance. But they can still live by themselves. Stage 4A patient with Stage 4 Parkinson’s does not have the capability to live by themself. They might require assistance to move around. Stage 5This is the most severe stage of Parkinson’s disease. A patient suffering at this stage cannot even stand on their own. They may even suffer from hallucinations and dementia. Patients can only move around in a wheelchair and require supervision and round-the-clock care. DiagnosisThere are no specific medical tests for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The disease is diagnosed through a thorough evaluation of your medical history as well as an examination of your symptoms. In addition to this examination, your doctor will also have to rule out other diseases. For this, your doctor will conduct a range of tests including CT scans, blood tests, and MRI scans. These are done to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by other diseases. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is a slow and gradual process. You may require several visits to the doctor and neurologist to get the correct diagnosis. PreventionThere are no known cures for Parkinson’s disease. Managing the symptoms is a top priority. However, some research does indicate that we can prevent Parkinson’s disease. So, let us take a look at some of these effective tips:Eat nutritious foodCertain studies show that consuming folic acid can lower your chances of getting Parkinson’s disease. Folic acid is found in spinach, asparagus, and broccoli. Certain other studies show that an increased intake of vitamin D also helps in preventing Parkinson’s disease and dementia.Increased intake of green teaGreen tea has a healthy impact on dopamine, which helps to promote healthy brain function. Additionally, green tea is also known to be anti-inflammatory in nature. Exercise frequentlyStudies show that frequent exercise is good for physical health as well as mental health, thus resulting in the overall well-being of an individual. Exercise has also known to lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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