5 Myths About Menopause Which Need To Be Deconstructed

Menopause is a time in female reproductive cycle when menstruation stops. It usually occurs at an average age of 51. There are several symptoms and signs of menopause; however these vary among women.

It is true that menopause affects a woman’s health and body in a number of ways.

However, not all cases are bad. Several women enjoy a period of wellness and perfect health during the time.

We have decided to deconstruct the myths associated with menopause to help you understand what really happens during this period.

1.    Menopause begins after 50

The average age of menopause is 50 or 51. However, this does not mean that menopause begins at this age for all women. In fact, it may occur in your thirties as well as in your sixties. Perimenopause, the time when you still have period, but begin experiencing menopausal symptoms, can last up to thirteen years!

So yes, it is completely normal to experience menopause earlier or later than the average age.

2.    Everyone gains weight during menopause

Weight gain is natural during perimenopause and menopause. This is because the body’s hormones fluctuate during these periods. However, due to these fluctuations, it becomes difficult to control your weight gain. Hence, most women end up gaining at least a few pounds.

But this does not mean that weight gain can’t be prevented. A healthy diet and exercise can help you remain fit as well as maintain your weight.

3.    Sex drive decreases

Hormonal imbalance can have an effect on your sex drive. Some women lose interest in sexual activities. Additionally, almost 50% of women experience vaginal dryness. This can make intercourse painful. However, this is not always the case. So no, a decrease in libido is not certain. You can still enjoy intercourse after menopause.

4.    Hot flashes are the first sign

Hot flashes are not always the first sign but they are usually the first noticed sign of menopause. Why? Because other symptoms are so common, we hardly notice them. Other signs include fatigue, irregular periods, anxiety, depression, cravings among others.

5.    Hormone replacement therapy is the only solution

When it comes to your health during menopause, there are several options to choose from. Hormone replacement therapy is just one of them. It comes with its particular benefits and potential side effects.

You can also choose to go with supplements or other alternative forms of therapy. For example, acupuncture Brisbane for perimenopause and menopause is a favoured by most women.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers perimenopause and menopause treatment with personalised nutritional and stress management plans to help women sail through these years. You can book an online appointment with them today.

Diagnosing Arthritis - How To Know If It’s The Real Culprit Behind Your Joint Pain

Arthritis is common in Australia with approximately 3.85 million people affected. People from all ages experience chronic pain and disability due to arthritis.

With an increase in population, the number of people living with arthritis will also increase. It has been estimated that almost 7 million Australians will be suffering from some form of arthritis by 2050.

While several different types of arthritis are common, its diagnosis is often delayed because individuals neglect the pain, thinking it’s temporary.

Here’s a brief guide regarding the diagnosis of arthritis:

1.    Medical History

Medical history implies all information pertinent to this condition as well as your overall health. It includes the level of pain, if these symptoms come and go and if anything relieves the condition.

Questions related to your health habits and current and past health will also come up. You will be inquired of your recent illness (if any), travels, sport activities, job profession among other things. Substance abuse, healthy weight maintenance, diet and physical and mental stress will also be taken into consideration.

This is done to eliminate the chances of any other causes for your pain.

2.    Family History

A family history of arthritis is a major indication. Arthritis usually runs in the family. If your parents, grandparents or siblings have developed this condition, you are at risk too.

History of other rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders are also taken into account to make sure you aren’t suffering from any of those conditions.

3.    Physical Exam

A hands-on joints evaluation is a must. Visible signs of stiffness, redness and swelling are noted. Finger pain is an important indication for arthritis.

If several joints are involved, a pattern is investigated. For example, wrists of both hands or knees of both legs may be involved.

Moving the affected joints determine if there is swelling or restricted movement. Tender areas are also felt near or on these joints. Reflex action, temperature and other physical exams can be included to confirm the diagnosis.

4.    Lab or Imaging Tests

Blood tests may be conducted to check for blood cell counts, liver function and inflammation. These reports can indicate if some other disease is causing the symptoms. Joint fluid can also be drawn for further testing.

X-rays are more frequently used; however, ultrasounds and MRI exams may also be performed to diagnose arthritis. These tests highlight a number of physical features such as bone deformation or soft tissue damage.

Diagnosis of arthritis can be simple in many cases. Most don’t involve these lab or imaging testings. While arthritis can severely affect a person’s routine life, you don’t have to live with pain. Naturopathy Brisbane is an alternative treatment which is effective for treating arthritic pain.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers naturopathy services for arthritis and a number of other health conditions. You can book an online appointment with them for a personalised treatment plan.

Can You Differentiate Between Hypo And Hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland positioned at the base of your throat. It produces hormones that travel to various parts of your body and control various routine activities.

These hormones help maintain brain, heart and several other organs, and control metabolism too.

The thyroid gland can sometimes dysfunction, affecting all these activities. There are two types of medical problems which can occur to your thyroid.

First, overgrowth of the gland or nodules can occur as well. Thyroid disorders more frequently occur in women than in men.

Second, the hormone production may go awry, resulting in hypo and hyperthyroidism. Here’s how we differentiate the two:

Definition

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in hormone production which is insufficient for normal function. The gland is thus called an underactive thyroid.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces more hormones than are necessary to maintain organ function. Such a thyroid gland is also called an overactive thyroid.

Causes

Both, hypo and hyperthyroidism, are caused by autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disease is the one where the immune system becomes activated against body’s own cells.

An underactive thyroid is a result of Hasimoto’s disease, a state in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland itself.

This results in organ failure and its inability to perform routine functions. Other causes include removal of the gland, radiation treatment for particular cancers, and treatment for hyperthyroidism.

In contrast, thyroid becomes over activated because of Grave’s disease. Here, the immune system excessively stimulates the gland to produce hormones.

Symptoms

Symptoms of both conditions develop slowly. Thus, these signs are difficult to notice in the beginning.

A person with hypothyroidism may generally feel a bit tired. Later on, other symptoms develop, including weight gain, muscle and/or joint pain, increased cold sensitivity, pale skin, depression, hoarse voice, puffy face and excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Hyperthyroidism can result in unhealthy weight loss, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, irregular sleep pattern, muscle weakening, excessive sweating and less frequent menstruation.

Treatment

Treatment is possible through medication. Thyroid removal through surgery is a viable option for hyperthyroidism. It is usually conducted through an incision just underneath the collar bone. In case of hypothyroidism, hormones are supplemented through medicine.

Naturopathy can also help people suffering through these conditions. These treatments, along with conventional medical therapy, can assist in managing the condition as well as reducing associated symptoms.

A number of different healthcare clinics offer these treatments. Brisbane Livewell Clinic has experienced naturopaths and nutritionists who treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with a holistic approach. You can reach them online here.