‘ We ’ ve come along way with honest , stigma-free dialog . It ’ s enlightening .’
Navigating Menopause : Insights and Advice from Englewood Health Experts
Duringmenopause
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mation and boosting the immune system is a recommended resource .
Thereisnoone size fits all when it comes to mitigating the symptoms . Manywomen ask about hormone replacement therapies .“ If menopause is affecting your quality of life , there are “ treatments ” available . Remember that menopause is a natural process , but not everyone experiences it the same . Many women transition well through diet modification , exercise and wearing layers ,” says Dr . Fatima Naqvi , MD , an OB-Gyn at Atlantic Health System and the medical director of Atlantic Medical Group Outpatient Obstetrics and Gynecology .“ Some women have had success using hypnosis , cognitive behavior therapy , or medicines to address specific issues while others try hormone therapy . Again , it ’ s important to discuss your individual needs with your healthcareprovider .”
‘ We ’ ve come along way with honest , stigma-free dialog . It ’ s enlightening .’
Dr . Tia Welsh , MD , MPH , CPE , FACOG , Chair of Women ’ s Health at Valley Health
Effective treatments are available for menopause management . Vaginal dryness can be treated with topical lubricants or estrogens . Medications can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes . Menopause can trigger stressors for women fora number of reasons contributing to depression , anxiety and mood swings . Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) can be prescribed to help with mood changes and hot flashes . Talk to our doctor to learnmore .
For more resources , check out www . menopause . org , the North American Menopause Society website . Look for providers who are NAMS certified forthe most up-to-date research .
Looking inward to our own mental , physical and sexual health is essential for overall wellbeing at every stage of life . Juggling multiple roles as wife , mother , daughter , sister and caregiver all while trying to hold onto our own careers , aspirations and goals requires resilience , strength , fortitude and spirit . Be kind to yourself and remember your inherent value well beyond the reproductive years .
WOMEN ’ S HEALTH
Navigating Menopause : Insights and Advice from Englewood Health Experts
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, the rapid and sustained drop in estrogen causes your tendons and ligaments to lose elasticity , making you prone to tendon ruptures and ligament injuries . You may become less flexible as you age . You mayjust notice feeling stiff or have small nagging injuries that take longer to heal .
Alandra Greenlee , DPM
“ My advice is to do one simple thing : Stand onone foot when you brush your teeth in the morning . Standing on one foot while performing another task stimulates the brain ’ s cerebellum , which controls balance . Balance , like any skill , improves with training . By working on this skill daily for one to two minutes , wecan see vast improvements , not only inbalance but also in hip strength , posture , and walking speed — with the potential benefit of reduced fall risk and fewer injuries orless severe ankle sprains .”
— Alandra Greenlee , DPM , Foot and Ankle Surgery , Englewood Health
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Autoimmune diseases predominantlyaffect women . Listen to your body and don ’ t ignore your inner voice or your symptoms — early intervention is best . Also , fatigue isn ’ t normal . There should be an explanation as to whyyou arefeeling that way . Communicate your symptoms and get evaluated early . Shernett Griffiths , MD Intervention early on can make a big difference .
“ Although autoimmune disease prevalence declines overall by age 60 , some diseases — like rheumatoid arthritis — peak again . If you ’ re starting to have joint pain and swelling that wasn ’ t an issue previously or has suddenly gotten worse , see arheumatologist . Osteoartritis will persist at this stage and beyond . There are different types of arthritis , and arheumatologist can give youadiagnosis and implement intervention .”
— Shernett Griffiths , MD , rheumatologist , Englewood Health
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