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Reasons to Look Forward to Menopause

Most people associate menopause with hot flashes and getting older. However, women may be surprised about the positive changes menopause can bring to your life.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Treatment North of Houston, TX

Most women experience postpartum depression after having a baby, and it is considered a normal part of early motherhood.

Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a serious condition that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It’s often brought on by changes in hormone levels, but other issues can increase the chance of women getting postpartum including:

  • Having a history of depression
  • Poor support from your partner, friends or family
  • Increased amount of stress in your life
  • Having a sick or colicky baby

Things Every Woman Should Know About PCOS

Also known as PCOS, this syndrome affects more than five million women in the United States. If you suffer from onset adult acne, are having trouble getting pregnant or if your hair is beginning to fall out, you may have PCOS.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur from a hormonal imbalance. Often times, it causes women to produce more male hormones than normal. It often causes women to have one of three conditions:

  • Limited ovulation
  • An increase in androgen levels
  • Fluid-filled cysts on ovaries

The Dos and Don’ts for a Healthy Pregnancy

Birth defects sometimes happen, but there are things prospective parents can do to give themselves the best chance to have a healthy baby. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and it’s an opportune time to help people get the facts about healthy pregnancies and birth defects prevention.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Pregnant Women

The holidays are an exciting time; and they’re even more exciting when you’re expecting! Here are some great holiday gift ideas for pregnant women.

1. Nook Body Pillow

The gift of a great night’s sleep is high on every pregnant woman’s list. The Nook Body Pillow is filled with memory foam and has a stain-resistant pebble cover, making it the perfect gift for an expectant mother.

2. Monogrammed Diaper Bag

A monogrammed diaper bag is a gift that every mom-to-be will love. Not only will she be able to check something off her list of baby necessities, but it’s a thoughtful, personalized present!

3. Spa Gift Card

Every expectant mother needs to be pampered. A spa gift card is the perfect way to help a mom-to-be relax before the baby arrives.

4. Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothes can be expensive, so it’s a great idea to give pregnant women gift cards for their favorite maternity stores.

5. Cleaning Service

All pregnant women and new moms will appreciate any help. Even if you pay for one day of cleaning, it will give expectant mothers the opportunity to relax.

Tips For First-Time Mothers

First-time mothers often struggle throughout the pregnancy. They aren’t aware of the little tips that make pregnancy easier. Following these few simple pieces of advice can make your first pregnancy not only more enjoyable, but it can also make it cheaper!

Don’t Limit Yourself to Maternity Clothing

With the new, stylish maternity clothes and excitement of having a baby bump, new mothers can get wrapped up in buying only maternity clothes. Later in the pregnancy it may be necessary to shop solely at maternity stores, but for the first few months it can save new mothers a pretty penny if they just buy larger-sized clothing.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.

In 2013, an estimated 232,340 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, while 64,640 will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer. With early detection and treatment, women can fight back against breast cancer.

Diagnosed with Breast Cancer? Here Are Your Treatment Options

  • Breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy. An operation to remove the breast cancer, but not the breast itself.

  • Total mastectomy. The entire breast is removed. Many celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Christina Applegate, Kathy Bates and Sharon Osbourne, have spoken out about their choice to receive a double mastectomy.

You Are Not Alone in Your Fight Against Breast Cancer

Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming. Hearing the perspective of others who have survived cancer can give you a better perspective on treatment and survival.

Here are a few quotes from famous faces who won the battle against breast cancer:

  • “Having had cancer, one important thing to know is you’re still the same person at the end…most people come out the other end feeling more like themselves than ever before.” -Kylie Minogue

  • “I look at my cancer journey as a gift: It made me slow down and realize the important things in life and taught me to not sweat the small stuff.” – Olivia Newton-John

  • “Cancer gave me the gift of being fearless.”- Today show co-host Hoda Kotb

  • “I was diagnosed with breast cancer two months ago and am recovering from a double mastectomy. I don’t miss my breasts as much as I miss Harry’s Law.” – Kathy Bates

What Can I Do To Show My Support in the Fight Against Breast Cancer?

“With over 3 million women battling breast cancer today, everywhere you turn there is a mother, daughter, sister, or friend who has been affected by breast cancer.” -Betsey Johnson

Even if you don’t suffer from breast cancer, you most likely know someone who is. Show your support by:

  • Donating to charities

  • Participating in walks and races that give proceeds to breast cancer foundations. Some of the most popular races include the Race for the Cure, Three-Day Walk for Breast Cancer and “Tour De Pink.”

 

Do your part in the fight against breast cancer.

 

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is ovarian cancer awareness month. Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly women’s cancers, affecting approximately 22,880 women each year. During ovarian cancer, one or more malignant cancerous cells are found in the ovaries, which are almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect because the symptoms aren’t obvious and the ovaries are deep within the abdominal cavity. The common ovarian cancer symptoms include:

  • Bloating
  • Frequent urination
  • Trouble eating
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Changes in menstruation
  • Upset stomach or heartburn

5 Rules of Safe Pregnancy Exercise

Exercising during pregnancy offers a variety of benefits, including preparing you physically for child birth and increasing your endorphins. Though it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, there are a few things to keep in mind before starting an exercise plan.

Dealing with PMS and PMDD

Every woman has used the excuse “I’m PMSing” in their lifetime. However, recent studies show that PMS and PMDD aren’t just excuses but medical conditions that can have an impact on a woman’s daily life.

What is PMS?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. Though the length of time PMS occurs depends on the woman, the symptoms usually occur one to two weeks before menstruation begins. Some of the most common symptoms for PMS include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Headaches and backaches
  • Trouble with concentration
  • Anxiety and depression

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 85 percent of women show at least one of these symptoms before menstruation. However, one in 20 women can suffer with a severe form of PMS, also known as PMDD.