Latest news with #LaurenStreicher
National Geographic
10 hours ago
- Health
- National Geographic
If your menopause symptoms aren't going away, it could be this little-known syndrome
In the run-up to menopause, known as perimenopause, women typically are beset with hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep and mood disturbances, triggered by a decline in estrogen levels. With menopause's onset (officially one year after the cessation of menstrual periods), most women start to experience gradual relief until the symptoms disappear—with one glaring exception. It's called the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which refers to bothersome vaginal symptoms and urinary changes that not only don't improve but get worse as women age. Anywhere from 27 to 84 percent of women experience the problem. Yet there's a good chance you've never heard of it. 'It never occurs to women that this is part of menopause,' says Lauren Streicher, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. 'They think, 'This is just what happens with aging.'' (Could this be the end of menopause as we know it?) GSM refers to a constellation of signs and symptoms—dryness, itching, and irritation of the vagina and vulva, or outer genitals; decreased lubrication and libido; white or yellowish discharge; painful penetrative sex; and painful, burning, or frequent urination. It can also be the cause of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
10 Subtle Signs of Cervical Cancer Doctors Say You Should Never Ignore
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Cervical cancer diagnoses are quite rare, with only about 13,000 women diagnosed every year, according to the American Cancer Society (317,000 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, for comparison). One of the biggest reasons for this is that the illness doesn't present any signs of cervical cancer until the later stages. 'Cervical cancer is a slow onset cancer, so by the time someone is showing symptoms it's usually more advanced,' explained Lauren Streicher, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. What's more, when there are early symptoms, they are typically things that have other, more likely causes. 'Non-specific symptoms can mean many other things, so just because you may exhibit these symptoms, it doesn't automatically mean cervical cancer. Get them checked out, but chances are it's nothing serious,' Dr. Streicher said. About the experts: Lauren Streicher, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause; Kecia Gaither, M.D., an ob/gyn and director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health+ Hospitals/Lincoln in New York City; Christine Horner, M.D., a women's health advocate and author of Radiant Health, Ageless Beauty. In the meantime, make sure to have a yearly pap test on your calendar. 'Since the cancer is slow to develop, yearly pap tests and visits to your gynecologist can help ensure you don't have any abnormalities in the cervix,' Dr. Streicher said. But if you experience any of these signs of cervical cancer in between your annual appointments, especially if it's more than one, it doesn't hurt to get them checked out. 1. Unusual bleeding or spotting According to Kecia Gaither, M.D., an ob/gyn and director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health+ Hospitals/Lincoln in New York City, unexplained bleeding can be a sign of cervical cancer. 'Symptoms of cervical cancer are vague, and can mean many things, but bleeding in between periods, bleeding after intercourse, or after menopause can all be signs of cervical cancer,' she explained. Heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding, bleeding after a pelvic exam, bleeding after douching, or longer-than-usual menstrual periods would also qualify. 2. Abnormal vaginal discharge There are many reasons for vaginal discharge (and many forms that are completely normal), but Dr. Gaither explained that if it is watery and foul-smelling, that may be a sign of cervical cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, watery or bloody vaginal discharge that is heavy and foul-smelling can be a sign of Stage I cervical cancer, so a change in your discharge may be one of the first things you see. 3. Pain during sex Tumor growth throughout the tissue of the cervix can cause pain during intercourse for women with cervical cancer, per the Mayo Clinic, but cancer isn't the only thing that can cause pain during sex. 'Pain or bleeding from sex can mean many non-serious things as well,' Dr. Streicher said. 'It can mean inflammation of the cervix, a vaginal infection or cervical polyp—all of these are non-serious causes—which is why the general mantra is that if anything doesn't seem right and is consistent, get it checked out.' 4. Abnormal pap test results If you get abnormal pap test results, don't freak out that it's cervical cancer right away. Your doctor will review the results to see what types of abnormalities were found. Not all cell abnormalities found in the cervix are cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, abnormal pap test results could also include cells that don't look normal because of irritation, infection, or changes in hormones, lesions caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, or cells that could become cancer in the future if not treated. Depending on the results, your doctor may order further testing, such as a colposcopy or biopsy. 5. Persistent back or pelvic pain Lower back and pelvic pain can be linked to problems with the reproductive organs, which include the cervix. Dr. Gaither warned that 'persistent back pain' is what to look out for. Per the Cleveland Clinic, back, pelvic and abdominal pain don't typically arise until later stages, when the cancer may have spread. So if it's constant and you also have one or more other symptoms, speak to your doctor immediately. 6. Very little appetite or unintentional weight loss As with many cancers, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss can be a cause for concern. In fact, a 2024 study published in JAMA found that unintentional weight loss was associated with a much higher risk of a cancer diagnosis in the coming year. So while this symptom on its own does not mean cervical cancer, if you experience a wide array of these warning signs, in addition to a loss of appetite or weight loss, talk to your doctor. 7. Extreme fatigue Fatigue is a broad symptom that can come and go and shouldn't be used as a marker for cervical cancer on its own. However, like unexplained weight loss, it commonly appears before and during cancer, per the American Cancer Society. Unlike standard feelings of tiredness, you may feel tired in a way that doesn't improve with rest or sleep, sad or cranky, very weak, or like you can't focus your thoughts. If you're experiencing many of the other symptoms on this list along with extreme fatigue, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. 8. Leg swelling or pain Leg pain or swelling is a sign of cervical cancer, though it might not show up until later stages of the disease, said Christine Horner, M.D., a women's health advocate and author of Radiant Health, Ageless Beauty. "Cervical cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the area between the hip bones. Cancer cells can also stop lymph fluid from draining away. This might lead to swelling in your legs due to fluid build-up. The swelling is called lymphedema." According to the National Library of Medicine, lymphedema can also be caused by an inherited condition or an obstruction in the lymphatic system. 9. An HPV diagnosis This is less of a symptom, and more of a risk factor for cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, HPV infections cause almost all cervical cancers. HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, that are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, per the National Cancer Institute. Of the 200 viruses, two are responsible for most HPV-related cancers—but all can be prevented with vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for all children around ages 11 or 12 and all young adults through age 26 if they didn't receive it earlier. 10. Having HIV Another risk factor for cervical cancer is having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to research in The Lancet, women living with HIV have a six-fold higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Women who have HIV are more susceptible to cervical cancer because of their compromised immune system. 'The immunodeficiency status makes you more prone to catching things,' explained Dr. Gaither. While there is currently no cure for HIV, per the CDC, treatment can control the virus and reduce your risk of developing associated illnesses. There are a few reasons cervical cancer is known as a silent killer among women. For one, the disease doesn't present any symptoms until it is at a later stage. This makes the illness tricky to catch early, and complicates treatment. 'Cervical cancer is a slow onset cancer, so by the time someone is showing symptoms it's usually more advanced,' explains Lauren Streicher, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's medical school, and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. Cervical cancer symptoms are also non-specific. 'Non-specific symptoms can mean many other things, so just because you may exhibit these symptoms, it doesn't automatically mean cervical cancer. Get them checked out, but chances are it's nothing serious,' Dr. Streicher explains. The good news is that a yearly pap test can help with early detection. 'Since the cancer is slow to develop, yearly pap tests and visits to your gynecologist can help ensure you don't have any abnormalities in the cervix,' Dr. Streicher says. But if you experience any of these symptoms in between your annual appointments, it doesn't hurt to get them checked out. (Just remember: Many of these signs of cervical cancer are also signs of common, benign issues, so no need to freak out quite yet.) You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are You Eating Enough Protein In Menopause? Here's What Experts Want You to Know
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Between hormonal fluctuations and physical changes, your body navigates a lot during menopause. The things you did for your health in the past may need to be tweaked to support you though these changes. That includes rethinking your diet. 'Menopause, understandably, can cause a lot of changes for women in this time of their life,' says Shannon O'Meara, RD, a nutritionist with Orlando Health. 'Due to the changes in hormones, there can be a lot of symptoms associated, like weight gain, hot flashes, and an increasing risk for developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis.' But O'Meara says that optimizing your diet may help with some of these. Meet the experts: Lauren Streicher, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Jennifer Salib Huber, RD, author of Eat To Thrive During Menopause; Shannon O'Meara, RD, a nutritionist with Orlando Health; Gabrielle Gambino, RD, a nutritionist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center; G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, lead ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. There's one nutrient to zero in on: protein. Sure, protein has been a buzzy macronutrient for everyone over the past few years, but it actually can play a big role in your menopausal health. 'Protein is important throughout life, but certainly in menopause,' says Lauren Streicher, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. If you've been slacking on your protein intake lately or just aren't sure if you're getting enough, it's fair to ask yourself this question: Do I need to eat more protein during menopause? Loading up on protein is unlikely to magically make hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or other common symptoms of menopause go away, but it can help support other areas of your health to help keep you in peak condition as you navigate this phase of life. Here's the deal, according to doctors and dietitians. There are a few reasons why protein is your friend during menopause. Research suggests that women lose 0.6 percent of their muscle mass a year after menopause, making it important to get in plenty of muscle-building protein during this time. 'As we get older, our bodies become slightly less efficient at using dietary protein for things like building muscle,' says Jennifer Salib Huber, RD, author of Eat To Thrive During Menopause. 'Increasing protein intake can help preserve muscle and promote satiety, which can be especially important as appetite and metabolism may fluctuate with estrogen and progesterone levels.' The satiety part is important, says G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, lead ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Protein can help you feel fuller for longer, making you less likely to intake extra calories. It also helps to stabilize blood sugar, points out Gabrielle Gambino, RD, a nutritionist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The risk of insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes, increases with menopause, making blood sugar management crucial. But wait, there's more: Having enough protein in your life can help support healthy bones, too, Gambino says. 'Menopause is a time when our bone density levels drop significantly. Resistance training, coupled with quality protein intake, can keep our muscles and bones strong and prevent frailty, which is an independent factor of mortality as we age.' All these benefits, and yet, research shows many women don't eat as much protein as they should before, during, or after menopause. You've probably been bombarded with social media reminders that you're not having enough protein, so it's fair to be confused about how much you actually need. The general recommendation around protein is to aim for 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. But Huber says that should be your absolute 'baseline' in menopause. 'Research suggests that midlife and older adults may benefit from more, ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight,' she says. Instead of obsessing over protein counts, Huber suggests taking a more practical approach: have protein be the 'main character' at every meal. Meaning, start with your protein source, like a chicken breast, yogurt, or beans, and build the rest of your meal from there. Of course, if you're unsure of your individual needs, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. 'Depending on your goals and medical history, your protein intake can be higher or lower than this goal but should be evaluated by a registered dietitian,' O'Meara says. Eating plenty of protein doesn't come naturally to everyone. Dietitians recommend trying these hacks to boost your intake: Add protein to what you're already eating. Gambino recommends adding nuts to your go-to oatmeal, mixing Greek yogurt with cereal, and adding lentils to soups or rice dishes. Enhance your smoothies. 'Smoothies are also an easy way to increase your protein, especially if you're not feeling hungry enough for a full meal,' Gambino says. She suggests using a protein powder, chia seeds, flax seeds, cottage or Ricotta cheese, yogurt, or milk for your protein source. Bring legumes in your life. O'Meara suggests leaning into bean dips like hummus for snacks, or even putting beans into your smoothies (yep, you heard that right). Ever tried a chocolate banana black bean smoothie? Delicious. Use several protein sources in one meal. There's no rule that says you can only have one protein source at once. That's why O'Meara suggests doing things like adding cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs or lentils to your ground chicken. Cook your grains differently. Preparing quinoa or rice in bone broth helps infuse protein, O'Meara says. Want to know if you're on the right track? You can keep tabs on your protein intake by using a food tracking app, Gambino says. But if that feels too intense for you, think about simply listening to your body instead. 'If you feel unusually tired, struggle with workout recovery, or notice increased hunger between meals, it may be a sign to include more protein,' Huber says. If you're not getting enough protein this second, don't panic. That's an easy thing to change. You can turn your protein intake around—and support your future health—starting at your next meal. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
13 Menopause Symptoms You May Not Have Heard About
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."Certain symptoms of menopause get more attention than others. Most people are aware that hot flashes and night sweats can come with the territory, but there are other side effects to have on your radar, including ones related to your skin and even your taste buds. Let's back up a moment: Perimenopause, which is the phase leading up to menopause, and menopause, which is when you naturally stop having periods, cause hormonal changes like a drop in estrogen production. That plummet in estrogen is largely responsible for the symptoms of menopause, explains Sherry Ross, M.D., an ob/gyn and women's health expert at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms aren't discussed. That can lead women to feel uneasy when they experience 'weird' menopause symptoms that are actually quite common. Meet the experts: Sherry Ross, M.D., is an ob/gyn and women's health expert at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Lauren Streicher, M.D., is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and host of the podcast Come Again. Ife J. Rodney, M.D., is the founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics. If you're dealing with symptoms that are interfering with your day-to-day or you're just uncomfortable, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. Whether or not they're related to menopause, there may be treatment options available to help, and it's ideal to get personalized advice. But it's also key to understand what's happening in your body during this life phase, and why. With that in mind, these are some of the menopause symptoms you might experience—remember, every woman's experience can be unique—along with what you can do to help deal with them. That drop in estrogen can impact your skin's ability to retain moisture and produce collagen and elastin, which help give skin a youthful appearance, explains Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics. 'Your skin also produces less sebum (or oil), which can lead to dryness,' she says. Washing with a mild cleanser, applying moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin after you take a bath or shower and throughout the day can be helpful, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).$13.52 at A decline in the hormone progesterone in menopause, as well as hot flashes, can disrupt sleep, says Lauren Streicher, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and host of the podcast Come Again. One of the most effective ways to combat this is hormone therapy, which helps to raise the levels of estrogen or estrogen and progesterone in your body, Dr. Ross says. Following a set bedtime routine, keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, and getting regular exercise may help, too, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). A note on hormone therapy: While it can be helpful for many of these menopausal symptoms, there are a range of factors to consider, including how long ago you started menopause and your age. So, talk to your doctor to see whether you're a good candidate, and which type of hormone therapy may be best for you. Because estrogen helps support joint and muscle health, and can tamp down on inflammation, muscle and joint discomfort could arise when estrogen declines, Dr. Streicher explains. 'Keep in mind that people in mid-life are at risk for joint and muscle pain anyway,' Dr. Streicher says. While Dr. Streicher says that hormone therapy can help, she also suggests doing your best to maintain a healthy weight. 'Weight training and resistance training may help, too,' she says. There are estrogen receptors in your breast tissue, which means a drop in estrogen can lead to breast changes, Dr. Streicher says. 'Some people get increased breast tenderness and fullness during perimenopause,' she says. While there's not much you can do about this symptom, hormone therapy may counteract some of it. Many women may have a drop in saliva flow in menopause. 'Dry mouth is an under-appreciated symptom,' Dr. Streicher says. She recently did research on women and menopause, and discovered that 75% didn't realize that dry mouth was a symptom of the life stage. What's behind this? The mouth and salivary glands contain estrogen receptors, and those can be impacted by the drop in estrogen that naturally comes with menopause, Dr. Streicher says. Doing your best to stay well hydrated may help, she says. Fluctuating hormone levels can mess with your taste buds, and so can dry mouth, Dr. Streicher says. One small study even found that a 'significantly higher' percentage of women who had been through menopause couldn't identify the taste of the artificial sweetener sucralose as well as some bitter tastes compared to women who hadn't been through menopause. This is another symptom that hormone therapy may be able to mitigate. If you notice a change in the way you smell, it could be due to menopause. 'We have estrogen receptors in the skin, including in sweat glands,' Dr. Streicher says. That means your natural scent may change as your levels of estrogen drop. 'You also have people who are sweating more due to hot flashes—and that can lead to body odor,' Dr. Streicher says. Outside of hormone therapy, wearing layers that can be removed when you're hot may help, although that's not a perfect solution. Dropping estrogen levels can impact the production of keratin and collagen, proteins responsible for nail strength, Dr. Rodney says. Thyroid issues are also common in menopause, and those can impact the strength of your nails, Dr. Streicher says. Internal and external hydration (e.g. lathering up with a good hand lotion) can help with dry, brittle nails. Dr. Rodney adds that you may also want to make sure you have all of your nutritional bases covered, since some deficiencies could be at play. Talk to your doctor for personalized advice on this. Dizziness can be a sign of a lot of different health issues, making it important not to dismiss this as 'just' being due to menopause, Dr. Streicher says. But it can also be a symptom of the life phase thanks to changes in estrogen levels and insomnia, she says. 'If you have severe dizziness, I would make sure that nothing else is going on,' Dr. Streicher underscores. In other words, call or visit your doctor. Also known as paresthesia, hormonal changes in menopause like the drop in estrogen can lead to a numb, tingling feeling in some areas of the skin, Dr. Streicher says. Why? Estrogen supports healthy nerve function and, when levels drop, you can become vulnerable to nerve issues. Like dizziness, this symptom is also one of many that could be attributed to other causes and is best discussed with your doctor if it persists. Your vagina is full of hormone receptors and they're under-stimulated when you go through menopause, Dr. Streicher says. As a result, she says that 'the vaginal tissue becomes dry.' That can lead to symptoms like pain during sex, and burning or irritation. In addition to hormone therapy, using hormonal and non-hormonal vulvar and vaginal creams may help, she says. Just keep this in mind, per Dr. Streicher: 'A lot of women do require a prescription product.' So, talk to your doctor if this one is an issue for you. This is more common in perimenopause and early menopause, Dr. Streicher says. 'You have estrogen receptors throughout the brain,' she says. Going through the hormonal changes linked with perimenopause and menopause can impact your ability to think clearly as a result, she says. 'This can be treated with hormone therapy, and is a huge reason why many women take hormone therapy,' Dr. Streicher says. There are a few reasons why you may notice a change in your bowel habits. 'There are estrogen receptors throughout the gut,' Dr. Streicher says. As a result, changes in estrogen levels in your body may impact your bowel habits. But there also may be changes to your gut microbiome over time, she says. The best way to try to combat this is to focus on eating a healthy, varied diet that's high in fiber, Dr. Streicher says. While there are individual things you can do for each symptom, doctors stress that hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy, can help with many of them. 'Hormone replacement therapy is most effective in treating disruptive hot flashes, insomnia, or any menopausal symptoms negatively affecting a woman's quality of life,' Dr. Ross says. Dr. Streicher agrees. There are different forms of hormone therapy, including oral and topical formulas, Dr. Streicher points out. If you're interested in trying hormone therapy, it's best to talk to your doctor about next steps. Menopause can come with symptoms beyond hot flashes. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms, whether or not you suspect they're due to menopause, talk to your healthcare provider. They should be able to help guide you on next steps. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
