DOCTOR'S ORDERS: The Tests You Should Take After 50

It's a midlife fact: once we've hit our fifties, we are more likely to need certain medical tests and exams to maintain our health. While this can be unsettling, knowing what tests are available to us can help us make better-informed health decisions. Here is a list of tests you should consider doing once you've reached your fifties: 

 

Routine Yearly Physical Exam 

Whether you are seeing a gynecologist or a family doctor for your routine checkup, it's important to know exactly what tests you need and what to expect. Routine physical checkups take time, so book your appointment in advance, making it clear that you are coming for a complete physical. If seeing your family doctor, it's best to stick with a general physical exam, screening for chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. On the other hand, see your gynecologist for gynecological exams. 

 

The following tests and exams get the best snapshot of your overall health: 

 

1. General Physical Exam

 

A general physical includes your doctor taking a detailed history to learn all about you and your family history. A head-to-toe physical exam includes your skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, chest, breast area, abdomen, rectum, and extremities (hands and feet).

 

2. Waist Circumference 

 A larger waist circumference could put you at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn can cause a cluster of medical conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which can increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Among women, an increased waist circumference can also put you at risk of breast and uterus cancer. 

 

3. BMI (Body Mass Index) 

Your BMI is another indicator of possible future health risks. However, your waist circumference and body shape make for a more reliable estimate. 

 

4. Blood Pressure 

Once you've reached 50, your blood pressure should be tested at each visit to the doctor. According to treatment guidelines, if you have diabetes, your blood pressure target should be around 120/80. 

 

5. Pelvic Exam

Your yearly visit to the gynecologist usually entails a pelvic exam. If you rely on your family doctor, you will most likely have to ask for this to be performed. A pelvic exam can determine the condition of your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and rectum. You should also ask for a rectal exam, as well as for a stool sample to be taken to test for the presence of blood. A regular pap smear will also examine your cervical cells, determining any changes or the possibility of cervical cancer. 

 

Along with your pap smear, you should also ask for the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) test. Testing positive for HPV could mean that you are a chronic carrier of the virus, which is believed to be the sole cause of cervical cancer. Consequently, additional tests for any abnormal cells caused by the virus can then be carried out.

6. Blood Work 

Your blood record contains a great deal of information about your health. By the time you hit your forties, it's important to run a complete series of blood tests. Doing so will allow you to find out about the state of your liver, thyroid, blood cholesterol, blood sugar and more. An overnight fast or fasting sample is critical. The following is an overview of what your doctor will test: 

 

• Complete Blood Count: CBC measures the number, size, and shape of the different types of cells in your blood. It may be ordered as part of a complete physical examination, before surgery or if you have unexplained symptoms. 

 

• C-reactive Protein: Women with a waist circumference of 35 inches or over should ask for this important test to determine blood inflammation and risk of heart disease. 

 

7. Blood Chemistry 

The state of your blood chemistry can be determined by a series of tests that can be conducted quickly and inexpensively. Here's what your doctor will test: 

 

• Glucose: This test will determine whether you have diabetes. A fasting glucose of less than 100 is normal, while a level of 100 to 125 is abnormal and called impaired glucose tolerance. Meanwhile, a level of 126 or greater indicates diabetes. 

 

• Blood Urea Nitrogen and Chloride: This tests your kidney function. 

 

• Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride: These are your blood salts or electrolytes. This test is especially important if you are taking diuretics (water pills) for hypertension or heart disease. 

 

• Uric Acid: Determines the waste product of all cells. If elevated, it may indicate kidney disease or gout. 

 

• Albumin: A blood protein produced by the liver. If low, it can indicate liver or kidney disease. 

 

• Globulin: A blood protein produced by your immune system. A high count can indicate chronic inflammation, infection or blood disorders such as multiple myeloma. 

 

• Calcium: A component of your blood that helps all the cells in your body function normally. A high count in your blood can point to hyperparathyroidism, which predisposes you to kidney stones and low bone density. 

 

• Serum Glutamine Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT): Determines the enzymes (proteins) produced by the liver and red blood cells. 

 

• Lactate Dehydrogenase: This enzyme is produced by many cells in the body. If high, your doctor will likely do additional tests to rule out malignancy. 

 

• Bilirubin: A chemical in bile that gives it its yellow color. If high, the bile passages from the liver to the intestine are blocked, indicating gallstones or liver disease. 

 

• Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT): An enzyme produced by the liver. Obesity and excessive alcohol use are the most common factors for a GGT increase. It may also be elevated due to liver disease. 

 

• Alkaline Phosphatase: An enzyme produced by the liver and bones. If elevated, determining the levels of GGT may help understand why - in which case, if both GGT and Alkaline Phosphate are high, the liver is likely to be the reason.

 

8. Blood fats and lipids

The levels of your blood fats and lipids determine whether heart disease is present. This is generally what your doctor should test for:

• Total Cholesterol: This determines the sum of your LDL and HDL (more on this below). High total cholesterol levels are linked to heart disease. Your total cholesterol level should be below 200. 

 

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL indicated your good cholesterol levels. Your HDL should be at least 30 percent of your total amount. In men, an HDL greater than 40 is normal, while in women, an HDL greater than 50 is normal. 

 

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): LDL determines your bad cholesterol levels. If your LDL is high, it puts you at risk for heart disease. Your doctor will likely recommend a change in diet and medication to get your LDL cholesterol below 130. If you suffer from diabetes or heart disease, your treatment goal for LDL should be below 100. 

 

• Triglycerides: This determines the form of fat in your blood. Your triglyceride levels are much more likely to be higher after a meal. Elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart disease and could also be a sign of early diabetes. Your triglyceride levels should ideally be under 150. 

 

9. Thyroid Function 

Women over the age of 50 should be tested for an under-active thyroid. A thyroid function test measures the level of the two hormones produced by the thyroid glands: thyroxine 3 (T3) and thyroxine 4 (T4), both of which regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid hormone levels are low, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) level will be high, whereas if the thyroid hormone levels are too high, then the TSH will be low or immeasurable. 

 

10. Bone Density 

An x-ray, known as the DXA scan, measures your bone density. The lower your bone density, the greater your risk for bone fractures. The most important score detected by a DXA scan is your T-score, which indicates how well your bones compare to that of a healthy 35-year-old-woman. If it falls between -1 and -2.5, you likely have mild protein and mineral loss in your bones, called osteopenia. If your T-score is -2.5 or lower, then you have osteoporosis and thus are exposed to a significantly increased risk of fractures. 

 

11. Mammogram 

This X-ray can detect breast cancer early, often before a lump can be felt. It is ideally scheduled a week after your period, a time when your breasts are least tender and glandular. Women over 50 should take this test yearly, while women at high risk of breast cancer should ask about a digital mammogram and an MRI. 

 

12. Colon Cancer Screening 

Once you've hit 50, talk to your doctor about a colon cancer screening. If colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or other cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial or prostate cancer run in your family, it is important to get screened. Have an annual rectal exam and check the stool for hidden blood once a year. Get a colonoscopy done once at age 50, then depending on your family history, once every 5 to 10 years.

13. Dental  

Every six months, get your teeth and gums checked for decay or plaque buildup as well as signs of inflammation and infection, particularly if you are at risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, or if you have a waist circumference over 35 inches. 

 

14. Vision

Getting your eyes checked on a regular basis can determine your vision, cataracts, and even glaucoma. If you suffer from metabolic syndrome or diabetes, you should have an annual ophthalmology exam done by an ophthalmologist, to check the retina too. 

 

15. Skin Examination 

Ask your doctor for a head to toe check of your skin on an annual basis. Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, that arises due to excessive sun exposure. 

 

16. ECG (Electrocardiogram) 

A baseline ECG assesses your heart's electrical activity. Be sure to get this test done by age 50, particularly if you are at increased risk for heart disease. For an accurate picture of your heart ask for a CT scan, a stress test which uses a heart ultrasound or special dye to get more accurate pictures of your heart. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor for a printout on a copy machine, which you carry with you along with your emergency health card. 

 

In case an emergency crops up in the future, your doctors will be able to compare a new ECG with your old one, enabling them to determine how best to treat you. 

 

17. Prostate Cancer Screening 

Once you've hit your 50s, it is important to discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor. If you have a family history of prostate cancer among first degree relatives, you should discuss screening at age 45. 

 

In Summary  

You know you are healthy at 50-60 if you have: 

• Waist circumference under 35 inches 

• Blood pressure <120/80 

• Blood lipids: LDL cholesterol <100, HDL > 50, TG (triglycerides) <150 

• Fasting blood glucose <100 

• ECG: baseline and CRP blood test if WC over 35 inches 

• Sleep 7-8 hours at night 

• Eat fruits, veggies, grains and healthy fats 

• Don’t smoke 

• Reduce stress in your life 

• <1 glass wine daily 

• Exercise/walk 30 minutes or more daily.                        

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

DOCTOR'S ORDERS: The Tests You Should Take After 50

 It's a midlife fact: once we've hit our fifties, we are more likely to need certain medical tests and exams to maintain our health. While this can be unsettling, knowing what tests are available to us can help us make better-informed health decisions. Here is a list of tests you should consider doing once you've reached your fifties: 

Routine Yearly Physical Exam 

Whether you are seeing a gynecologist or a family doctor for your routine checkup, it's important to know exactly what tests you need and what to expect. Routine physical checkups take time, so book your appointment in advance, making it clear that you are coming for a complete physical. If seeing your family doctor, it's best to stick with a general physical exam, screening for chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. On the other hand, see your gynecologist for gynecological exams. The following tests and exams get the best snapshot of your overall health: 

1. General Physical Exam

A general physical includes your doctor taking a detailed history to learn all about you and your family history. A head-to-toe physical exam includes your skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, chest, breast area, abdomen, rectum, and extremities (hands and feet).

2. Waist Circumference 

A larger waist circumference could put you at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn can cause a cluster of medical conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which can increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Among women, an increased waist circumference can also put you at risk of breast and uterus cancer.

3. BMI (Body Mass Index)  

Your BMI is another indicator of possible future health risks. However, your waist circumference and body shape make for a more reliable estimate.

 

 4. Blood Pressure 

Once you've reached 50, your blood pressure should be tested at each visit to the doctor. According to treatment guidelines, if you have diabetes, your blood pressure target should be around 120/80. 

 

5. Pelvic Exam

Your yearly visit to the gynecologist usually entails a pelvic exam. If you rely on your family doctor, you will most likely have to ask for this to be performed. A pelvic exam can determine the condition of your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and rectum. You should also ask for a rectal exam, as well as for a stool sample to be taken to test for the presence of blood. A regular pap smear will also examine your cervical cells, determining any changes or the possibility of cervical cancer. 

 

Along with your pap smear, you should also ask for the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) test. Testing positive for HPV could mean that you are a chronic carrier of the virus, which is believed to be the sole cause of cervical cancer. Consequently, additional tests for any abnormal cells caused by the virus can then be carried out.

6. Blood Work 

Your blood record contains a great deal of information about your health. By the time you hit your forties, it's important to run a complete series of blood tests. Doing so will allow you to find out about the state of your liver, thyroid, blood cholesterol, blood sugar and more. An overnight fast or fasting sample is critical. The following is an overview of what your doctor will test:

 

• Complete Blood Count: CBC measures the number, size, and shape of the different types of cells in your blood. It may be ordered as part of a complete physical examination, before surgery or if you have unexplained symptoms. 

 

• C-reactive Protein: Women with a waist circumference of 35 inches or over should ask for this important test to determine blood inflammation and risk of heart disease. 

 

7. Blood Chemistry 

 The state of your blood chemistry can be determined by a series of tests that can be conducted quickly and inexpensively. Here's what your doctor will test: • Glucose: This test will determine whether you have diabetes. A fasting glucose of less than 100 is normal, while a level of 100 to 125 is abnormal and called impaired glucose tolerance. Meanwhile, a level of 126 or greater indicates diabetes. 

 

• Blood Urea Nitrogen and Chloride: This tests your kidney function. 

 

• Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride: These are your blood salts or electrolytes. This test is especially important if you are taking diuretics (water pills) for hypertension or heart disease. 

 

• Uric Acid: Determines the waste product of all cells. If elevated, it may indicate kidney disease or gout. 

 

• Albumin: A blood protein produced by the liver. If low, it can indicate liver or kidney disease. 

 

• Globulin: A blood protein produced by your immune system. A high count can indicate chronic inflammation, infection or blood disorders such as multiple myeloma. 

 

• Calcium: A component of your blood that helps all the cells in your body function normally. A high count in your blood can point to hyperparathyroidism, which predisposes you to kidney stones and low bone density. 

 

• Serum Glutamine Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT): Determines the enzymes (proteins) produced by the liver and red blood cells. 

 

• Lactate Dehydrogenase: This enzyme is produced by many cells in the body. If high, your doctor will likely do additional tests to rule out malignancy. 

 

• Bilirubin: A chemical in bile that gives it its yellow color. If high, the bile passages from the liver to the intestine are blocked, indicating gallstones or liver disease. 

 

• Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT): An enzyme produced by the liver. Obesity and excessive alcohol use are the most common factors for a GGT increase. It may also be elevated due to liver disease. 

 

• Alkaline Phosphatase: An enzyme produced by the liver and bones. If elevated, determining the levels of GGT may help understand why - in which case, if both GGT and Alkaline Phosphate are high, the liver is likely to be the reason.

8. Blood fats and lipids

 The levels of your blood fats and lipids determine whether heart disease is present. This is generally what your doctor should test for:

• Total Cholesterol: This determines the sum of your LDL and HDL (more on this below). High total cholesterol levels are linked to heart disease. Your total cholesterol level should be below 200. 

 

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL indicated your good cholesterol levels. Your HDL should be at least 30 percent of your total amount. In men, an HDL greater than 40 is normal, while in women, an HDL greater than 50 is normal. 

 

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): LDL determines your bad cholesterol levels. If your LDL is high, it puts you at risk for heart disease. Your doctor will likely recommend a change in diet and medication to get your LDL cholesterol below 130. If you suffer from diabetes or heart disease, your treatment goal for LDL should be below 100. 

 

• Triglycerides: This determines the form of fat in your blood. Your triglyceride levels are much more likely to be higher after a meal. Elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart disease and could also be a sign of early diabetes. Your triglyceride levels should ideally be under 150. 

 

9. Thyroid Function 

Women over the age of 50 should be tested for an under-active thyroid. A thyroid function test measures the level of the two hormones produced by the thyroid glands: thyroxine 3 (T3) and thyroxine 4 (T4), both of which regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid hormone levels are low, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) level will be high, whereas if the thyroid hormone levels are too high, then the TSH will be low or immeasurable. 

 

10. Bone Density  

An x-ray, known as the DXA scan, measures your bone density. The lower your bone density, the greater your risk for bone fractures. The most important score detected by a DXA scan is your T-score, which indicates how well your bones compare to that of a healthy 35-year-old-woman. If it falls between -1 and -2.5, you likely have mild protein and mineral loss in your bones, called osteopenia. If your T-score is -2.5 or lower, then you have osteoporosis and thus are exposed to a significantly increased risk of fractures. 

 

11. Mammogram 

This X-ray can detect breast cancer early, often before a lump can be felt. It is ideally scheduled a week after your period, a time when your breasts are least tender and glandular. Women over 50 should take this test yearly, while women at high risk of breast cancer should ask about a digital mammogram and an MRI. 

 

12. Colon Cancer Screening 

Once you've hit 50, talk to your doctor about a colon cancer screening. If colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or other cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial or prostate cancer run in your family, it is important to get screened. Have an annual rectal exam and check the stool for hidden blood once a year. Get a colonoscopy done once at age 50, then depending on your family history, once every 5 to 10 years. 

 

13. Dental 

Every six months, get your teeth and gums checked for decay or plaque buildup as well as signs of inflammation and infection, particularly if you are at risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, or if you have a waist circumference over 35 inches.

14. Vision 

Getting your eyes checked on a regular basis can determine your vision, cataracts, and even glaucoma. If you suffer from metabolic syndrome or diabetes, you should have an annual ophthalmology exam done by an ophthalmologist, to check the retina too. 

 

15. Skin Examination 

Ask your doctor for a head to toe check of your skin on an annual basis. Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, that arises due to excessive sun exposure. 

 

16. ECG (Electrocardiogram) 

A baseline ECG assesses your heart's electrical activity. Be sure to get this test done by age 50, particularly if you are at increased risk for heart disease. For an accurate picture of your heart ask for a CT scan, a stress test which uses a heart ultrasound or special dye to get more accurate pictures of your heart. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor for a printout on a copy machine, which you carry with you along with your emergency health card. 

 

In case an emergency crops up in the future, your doctors will be able to compare a new ECG with your old one, enabling them to determine how best to treat you. 

 

17. Prostate Cancer

Once you've hit your 50s, it is important to discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor. If you have a family history of prostate cancer among first degree relatives, you should discuss screening at age 45. 

 

In Summary 

You know you are healthy at 50-60 if you have: 

• Waist circumference under 35 inches 

• Blood pressure <120/80 

• Blood lipids: LDL cholesterol <100, HDL > 50, TG (triglycerides) <150 

• Fasting blood glucose <100 

• ECG: baseline and CRP blood test if WC over 35 inches 

• Sleep 7-8 hours at night 

• Eat fruits, veggies, grains and healthy fats 

• Don’t smoke 

• Reduce stress in your life 

• <1 glass wine daily 

• Exercise/walk 30 minutes or more daily.

 This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

Navigating Menopause: 10 Key Queries for Your Doctor

Menopause is a significant and often transformative phase in a woman's life. It can come with a range of physical and emotional changes that differ from woman to woman. Although it's a natural biological process, it can be overwhelming and raise many questions and concerns.

If you're feeling confused or intimidated by the symptoms associated with menopause, don't worry - you're not alone. Symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and menstrual changes can leave you searching for answers. Thankfully, you have a trusted resource to turn to: your gynecologist. Your gynecologist is not only a specialist in reproductive health but also an expert in addressing menopausal issues. While discussing pregnancy, contraception, and gynecological infections during routine visits is critical, engaging your gynecologist in conversations about menopause is equally important. 

 

Here are some essential questions you should consider asking your gynecologist about menopause to get the support and guidance you need.

1. How do I know for sure if I’m experiencing menopause?

Menopause is medically characterized as the absence of menstrual bleeding for a continuous year. However, gynecologists say that as women approach this phase, their menstrual cycles become irregular, with a reduction in menstrual flow. In addition to these changes, women may also experience symptoms such as irritability, memory issues, hot flashes, and night sweats. 

 

An additional menopausal indicator is weight gain, which is associated with a slowed metabolism, making it more difficult to lose excess weight. Many women may find that they need to engage in more extended exercise routines to achieve the same weight management benefits. 

 

 

2. What should I do about hot flashes?

Menopausal women are probably most concerned about hot flashes during this time. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits of hormone therapy in helping with these symptoms. Additionally, your doctor might suggest alternative treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression, antihypertensive medications used to manage high blood pressure, or specific mood stabilizers. Gynecologists recommend lifestyle adjustments like reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption and increasing physical activity to help alleviate hot flashes.

 

3. How will menopause affect my sleep?

While you've enjoyed a lifetime of peaceful rest, the onset of your late 40s and 50s may bring about unexpected sleep disruptions. Is this common for menopausal women? Indeed, it is. Doctors reassure that experiencing sleep difficulties during menopause is quite common among women. Among the most common concerns are night sweats, which are similar to hot flashes but occur at night.

Coping with menopause may bring about difficulties in both falling asleep and maintaining sleep, primarily because hormonal fluctuations affect temperature regulation and can lead to nighttime restlessness. If you're facing insomnia for the first time, consulting your gynecologist about potential treatments is advisable. 

 

Before suggesting hormone replacement therapy, medications, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), your healthcare provider may encourage lifestyle changes to promote better sleep. These changes could include reducing your caffeine intake, increasing your exercise routine, or improving your sleep hygiene. They may also suggest additional tests to rule out potential sleep-disrupting disorders. Sleep difficulties during menopause can increase other symptoms such as weight gain and poor physical health, say gynecologists. 

 

 

4. Should I expect changes in my sexual drive when I reach menopause?

A lot of women experience lower libido during menopause. Hormone fluctuations can lead to a decrease in libido, and vaginal dryness can make sexual experiences less satisfying. There is, however, no guarantee that all of these multiple factors will affect your desire for sex, and not all women will experience a decrease in libido during the menopause period. 

 

When these symptoms become a concern, consider raising the following questions during your upcoming gynecologist visit: 

 

* "Could my loss of libido be attributed to hormonal changes?" 

 

* "What are your recommendations for treatment?" Medications, hormone therapy, and lifestyle modifications are all potential options for addressing a reduced libido. Moreover, your gynecologist can provide guidance on suitable lubricants, particularly if you have sensitive skin or are uncertain about which product to choose. 

 

Also, let the doctor know about any other sexual health concerns you may have, such as pain during sex or abnormal bleeding.

5. What treatments are available for vaginal dryness during menopause? 

 Gynecologists say that vaginal dryness is a common menopausal symptom, affecting both intimacy and daily comfort. If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, consider using an over-the-counter lubricant. It's best to avoid stimulating or warming products, as these may aggravate rather than relieve menopausal women's suffering. 

 

You may also find over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers helpful in relieving daily discomfort, even if you do not engage in sexual activity. If needed, consult your healthcare provider regarding various forms of vaginal estrogen, such as creams and suppositories, though these options may not suit everyone.

6. Do I still need Pap tests and mammograms after menopause?

Absolutely. It's advisable to maintain Pap tests until reaching the age of 65, unless certain risk factors for cervical cancer, like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), are present. It's important to note that even if a woman has undergone a hysterectomy, screening may still be necessary. 

 

As for mammograms, most women with a low risk of breast cancer can discontinue them at the age of 75. In both scenarios, it's essential for you to engage in an open dialogue with your OB-GYN, exchanging information, discussing your preferences, and arriving at a mutually agreed-upon screening schedule. 

 

 The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people between the ages of 25 and 65 undergo a combination Pap and HPV test every 5 years, or a Pap test solely every 3 years. They also advise yearly mammograms beginning at 45 for people at average risk of breast cancer and every two years after the age of 54. 

 

 

7. Is hormone therapy right for me?

In hormone therapy, formerly known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), estrogen is administered alone or in combination with progesterone through pills, topicals, or patches. The specific combination prescribed depends on whether a hysterectomy has been performed. This treatment can help with common menopausal symptoms, including night sweats and vaginal dryness, and it can also help with bone density loss.

 

Granted, there is an abundance of unsettling information surrounding hormone therapy and its potential ties to heart attacks, breast cancer, and more. Regardless, it's worth noting that the landmark 2002 study, which initially raised apprehensions about these risks, had certain limitations. This study focused on a specific group of older women. Presently, we have a broader understanding that hormone therapy is typically considered a secure choice, particularly for women in their 50s and younger who are experiencing menopause. 

 

If you're considering hormone therapy, talk to your gynecologist about the benefits and drawbacks, as well as if it's good for you. 

 

 

 

8. Should I take natural supplements to treat my symptoms?

Limited research has been conducted on the safety and efficacy of numerous plant and herbal supplements. The loose regulation surrounding these substances should be acknowledged, since some may contain unsafe concentrations of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. 

 

Over-the-counter supplements may also interfere with your current drugs or pre-existing medical issues. This is why consulting with your obstetrician-gynecologist before incorporating supplements into your menopausal symptom management routine is strongly advised.

9. When can I expect to regain my pre-menopausal normalcy? 

 Typically, the transition to menopause takes years rather than months. While these symptoms often last less than a decade, you may notice most of them within a one- to three-year period.

 

 However, it's important to remember that each woman's experience is different. While some women may have menopausal symptoms on a constant basis, others, according to health professionals, transition through menopause with no visible symptoms and just stop menstruating. It's worth emphasizing that both of these instances are outliers rather than the norm.

 

 

 

 

10. Is it necessary to visit an OB-GYN annually if I haven't had a period in years?

Yes, regular annual visits are vital, regardless of your menstrual cycle. While you may no longer require birth control or prenatal care, OB-GYNs provide comprehensive women's health services. These visits include cancer and STI screenings, addressing sexual concerns, and managing issues like urinary incontinence.

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

10 Of the Worst Misconceptions About Breast Cancer

We all get some things wrong, and that’s usually fine, as the majority of our misconceptions are inconsequential. But some of our false beliefs have serious risks. It is due to their potential to cause harm that health myths are so important to tackle.

In the past year alone, 2.3 million women received a breast cancer diagnosis. Given that breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world, it’s especially important for everyone, and we mean everyone, to know the most correct and up-to-date information about it. In this article, we clear 10 of the most widespread misunderstandings about this dangerous disease. 

 

Myth 1. Antiperspirants, underwire bras, and carrying a phone in your bra or shirt pockets all increase the risk of breast cancer. 

You may have heard on TV that carrying a phone in your bra or shirt pockets raises your risk of breast cancer. Deodorants and underwire bras have also been accused of tampering with the lymph nodes and causing toxic chemicals to build up in the breasts. All of these claims have no evidence to support them. 

Moreover, there is a study from 2014 that looked at the impact of bra wearing on breast cancer occurrence in 1,500 women that disproved the claim that any type of bra has an impact on one’s breast cancer risk. 

 

Likewise, there is no link between breast cancer and antiperspirants, and the overblown rumor about underarm antiperspirants causing cancer comes from studies that found aluminum in the breast tissue of women who used antiperspirants that contain aluminum or from test-tube studies in mice and hamsters. 

 

However, the presence of aluminum is not related to human breast cancer in any way, as shown by a review study from 2008 as well as a recent paper from 2021. Therefore, there’s no reason for you to stay away from antiperspirants, bras, and your smartphone in your jacket pocket if you’re worried about breast cancer. 

 

Myth 2. People with no family history of breast cancer will never get the disease.

While it is true that some types of breast cancer can be passed from parent to child, 90-95% of patients with this condition have no family history of the disease. Having a parent or distant relative who has had breast cancer, prostate cancer, or ovarian cancer is just one of the many risk factors of the disease - and it’s not even the biggest risk factor scientists know of. 

 

As Dr. Michael Zeidman, an assistant professor of breast surgery at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Medical News Today, “the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a woman. In the United States, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime.” 

 

The sad truth is that breast cancer is unpredictable and could develop in anyone, which is why every woman past age 40 is recommended to have a yearly mammogram. Those with a family history of cancer may need to start yearly screenings even earlier, so if that’s you, consult your doctor. 

 

Myth 3. Mammograms speed up the spread of breast cancer. 

A mammogram is an or X-ray image of the breast, and it’s the most effective way to detect breast cancer early on. Patients who undergo the procedure are often concerned that the compression or radiation from the mammogram can make breast cancer spread to surrounding tissues. 

 

However, there is no evidence to confirm this claim. The National Cancer Institute assures patients, “Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.” Certainly, the potential benefit of early breast cancer detection far outweighs that minimal radiation exposure. 

 

Myth 4. Sugar can spawn or speed up the spread of breast cancer. 

This myth is a bit more complicated. It comes from the correct assumption that cancer cells consume more sugar (glucose) than healthy cells. However, this doesn’t mean that sugar causes cancer or makes it spread faster. Glucose is simply the only fuel available to human cells. 

 

All cells absorb sugar from the blood and use it to sustain and develop, and cancer cells tend to develop faster, so they use up more glucose. There’s no direct and convincing evidence between sugar consumption and breast cancer, in particular. 

 

But don’t get us wrong - we’re not saying that you should go to town on sweets from now on because there’s no direct link between sugar and cancer. Excessive sugar consumption, especially from processed foods or added sugar, still increases inflammation, causes insulin spikes, and raises one’s risk of heart disease and diabetes. Diabetes, in particular, is linked with a higher risk of aggressive types of breast cancer, so so we still recommend consuming as little of it as you can. 

Myth 5. An injury to the breast causes breast cancer. 

Doctors assure that there is no link between breast injuries and breast cancer. However, a prior injury can make your doctor schedule a biopsy after a mammogram. This happens because signs of injury can look like cancer on an X-ray. As Dr. Zeidman pointed out in his statement, injuries “can cause changes in the breast that may mimic breast cancer on imaging. This process is called ‘fat necrosis,’ and it can look like an irregular mass with jagged edges on a mammogram, much like the appearance of a new breast cancer.” A biopsy is needed to distinguish between fat necrosis and breast cancer.

Myth 6. Every lump in the breasts is breast cancer.

Doctors are urging everyone to conduct a self-exam once a month and check for any lumps or masses. If you notice a persistent lump, schedule a meeting with your physician as soon as you can. In the vast majority of cases, a breast lump turns out to be something else, like a swollen lymph node or a cyst, for example, and not breast cancer. However, it’s still important to get a professional opinion, and some of these non-cancerous causes need treatment too. Long story short - when it comes to suspicious lumps, you're better off safe than sorry.

 

Myth 7. All types of breast cancer manifest themselves through a lump.

Self-exams are important and helpful, but not noticing a lump or anything unusual during a self-exam doesn’t mean you can skip your yearly mammograms. First of all, breast cancer doesn’t always feel like a lump in the breast. Some advanced breast cancers that spread to other parts of the body may not be noticeable during a self-exam. 

 

Second, early-stage breast cancer may not be noticed by simply feeling with your fingers. This is exactly why mammograms and other screenings exist - to catch these more dangerous and early-stage cancers as soon as possible. 

 

Myth 8. Only middle-aged and older women can have breast cancer.

Aging is a known risk factor of breast cancer: the average breast cancer patient is 61 years old. But the risk of developing the disease before age 40 is higher than you think. Around 5% of new breast cancer patients are in their 30s, 20s, and even in their teens. However, most of these early diagnoses are indeed linked to a family history of breast cancer, which is why those who have a genetic proclivity towards developing cancer should consider starting regular screenings at a younger age. 

 

Myth 9. IVF and abortions increase one’s risk of breast cancer.

Estrogen is a sex hormone that controls the female reproductive system, and doctors know that estrogen plays some role in breast cancer development too. Both in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments and abortions change the levels of estrogen in the body, which is why this myth that they increase the risk of breast cancer came to exist. 

 

There are over 30 years of research suggesting that IVF doesn’t contribute to breast cancer. Likewise, several large studies came to the same conclusion regarding abortions, including a massive study in Denmark that included 1.5 million women. All this evidence suggests that both procedures do not raise one’s risk of breast cancer. 

 

Myth 10. Men can’t have breast cancer.

The vast majority of breast cancer patients are female. But make no mistake, men can also have this condition, especially those with a family history of breast cancer. In 2017, for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 2,300 new male breast cancer cases, including 500 deaths, in the United States alone. 

 

Since many men are unaware that they can get breast cancer and often get diagnosed much later than women, the mortality rate of male breast cancer is higher than that of women. For this reason, self-examinations are equally important for both men and women. Make sure to point out any pain or lumps in the chest area to your doctor’s attention, no matter your physiological sex.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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