Managing Memory During Menopause

Menopause isn’t just a thing that happens to your reproductive system. It brings on changes in your entire body – including your brain.

Brain fog is a very real symptom. A 2013 study found that around 60% of middle-aged women experienced concentration and cognitive difficulties.

Different factors can affect brain fog. Researchers identified connections between vascular symptoms and insomnia and a change in cognitive ability. Women going through their first year of menopause seemed to have the most noticeable changes concerning attention, memory, motor function, and verbal learning.

There’s no reason to worry too much, though. The data also shows that the problem is usually temporary. Women in one study found that their memory improved over time.

Forgetting basic things can be frustrating. There are techniques you can use to overcome brain fog (or at least lessen its effects). Start by living a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet, enough rest, and exercise.

Engage in brain exercises. These can be fun activities, like crossword puzzles or Sudoku. You can even enroll in a class or learn a new language or instrument. Treat your brain like a muscle and keep it toned!

Try to account for memory hiccups by keeping a pen and paper nearby. You can jot down notes, like what you needed to buy at the store, so you don’t come home without it. There are even smartphone notetaking apps that can help (and who leaves the house without their phone these days?).

When Is Brain Fog Something to Worry About?

Brain fog is normal. However, you should be aware of the symptoms of dementia. There can be some overlap, so it’s important to not dismiss changes without consulting a doctor. Contact Women’s Health to schedule an appointment.

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A healthy pregnancy begins before conception. There are things you should do in advance to lower risk factors and provide your child a strong start in life. If you plan on having a baby, then you should take the following steps now.

• Consult Your OB/GYN and Your Dentist

The best thing you can do for your baby is to consult an OB/GYN. A doctor can make sure you are doing the right things at the right times. They can provide advice and monitor for signs of complications. Your obstetrician should be included every step of the way.

It is also best to schedule a dentist appointment and get a cleaning if you are due for one. Hormone changes during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to gum disease.

• Begin Taking a Prenatal Vitamin

At least a month before conception is the time to start taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid. Some obstetricians recommend starting at least three months prior. Doing so will lower your baby’s risk of birth defects. Folic acid supplements or prenatal vitamins can be purchased over the counter.

• Improve Your Lifestyle and Habits

If you smoke or drink, now is the time to stop. You should also reduce your caffeine intake. This is also the best time to get fit. Obesity can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage and diabetes during pregnancy.

• Talk to Your Partner

Sit down with your partner and make sure you are both in agreement about this major life change. This should include discussing what will happen after baby arrives, how you will handle childcare, and expectations as parents. You should also discuss finances to ensure that you are in agreement on how you will support a growing family. Covering everything with your partner now will help reduce stress while you are pregnant.

• Lower Your Risk of Infection

You should avoid infections during this time. That includes removing certain foods from your diet – like unpasteurized dairy products and cheeses, undercooked or raw fish, or cold deli meats. These can contain listeriosis which can cause stillbirth or miscarriage.

We can help you learn more about what to do before you get pregnant. Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield today to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN.

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A woman’s body goes through many changes as she ages. It can be difficult to know when we’re starting a new phase in our lives since we are experiencing it for the first time. Most women go through menopause around age 45 to 55 but it can start earlier. For some, the change can begin as early as their 30’s. And for others, it may wait until they are around 60. So how can you tell if you have begun the transition into menopause?

• You Begin Having Irregular Periods – Your period may become irregular. It could be lighter or heavier and come more or less frequently. The duration may also change.
• You Experience Night Sweats and Hot Flashes – Hot flashes make you feel warm or hot suddenly for no reason. Your heartbeat may quicken, and your skin may become red. This is sometimes followed by feeling cold.
• You Begin Waking Up at Night – Many women notice difficulty sleeping when menopause begins. You may wake up during the night or have trouble falling asleep.
• Your Mood Changes – You may feel moody for unexplained reasons. Hormone changes can also make anxiety or depression more severe during menopause.
• You Forget Things More Often – Everyone forgets things. However, you may notice memory lapses. These are usually not serious and include things like forgetting a word or where you left something.
• Your View on Sex Changes – Some women notice a lower sex drive and difficulty becoming aroused. Others find the experience more enjoyable because they don’t have to worry about pregnancy.

You should talk to a gynecologist about any changes you notice. A medical professional can help you understand what’s happening and how to deal with the symptoms. Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center today to schedule an appointment.

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Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman’s life. There are an estimated 200 million cases worldwide. Approximately one in ten women in the United States suffer from endometriosis. Despite those high numbers, many cases go undiagnosed.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue grows outside of the uterus. The condition can affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic lining. In rare cases, it can spread further.

The tissue functions as it normally would by thickening and breaking down during each cycle. Since it is not where it is supposed to be, it has nowhere to go. This can lead to irritation, scar tissue, and abnormal bands of tissue that causes organs and pelvic tissues to stick together.

Signs of Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be a very uncomfortable condition. Pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle is the most common symptom. Patients may also experience:

• Painful intercourse both during or after sex
• Dysmenorrhea or painful period cramping
• Excessive menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating and nausea
• Infertility

Endometriosis Treatment

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical advice. A gynecologist can diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of action. Living with undiagnosed endometriosis can negatively affect your life. Getting treatment can help you find relief.

An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may be recommended for cramping. You may also be advised to undergo hormone therapy. Contact Women’s Health today to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.

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Tubal ligation, also known as having your “tubes tied,” is a type of permanent birth control. This sterilization procedure is done to prevent future pregnancies, but it can also help a woman in other ways. Incisions are made in the abdomen and parts of the fallopian tubes are sealed by destroying or blocking them with plastic clips or rings. Is tubal ligation a good choice for you?

The Risks of Tubal Ligation

As with any surgical procedure, tubal ligation comes with some risks. Infection could occur if the incisions do not heal properly. There can also be damage to the bladder or bowel. If the procedure fails, you could end up with an unwanted pregnancy. Women are at a higher risk for complications due to tubal ligation if they:

• Are obese
• Have diabetes
• Have a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery

The Benefits of Tubal Ligation

Many benefits come with tubal ligation. First is permanent sterilization. This is ideal for women who are done having children or do not plan to have children. It is a safe procedure that is performed often with little to no complications. Other benefits include:

• It works immediately and can be performed after childbirth
• It doesn’t cause hormonal imbalance like other contraceptives
• Eliminates the need to monitor schedules for pills or cycles
• Studies indicate that tubal ligation may lower the risk of ovarian cancer

Should I Get a Tubal Ligation?

Tubal ligation is only one of many ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. You should consider your health status, lifestyle, and the risks before deciding if this is the best choice for you. A medical expert can discuss the procedure with you and provide advice. Contact Women’s Health located in West Bloomfield today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced OB/GYN’s.

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