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Vaginal Atrophy Is Hormone DeficiencyEThe Impact Of Heart Disease On Womenven though heart disease affects both men and women, it’s often mistakenly seen as a condition thatmostly affects men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that heart disease, namely coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death for women and those assigned female at birth. It occurs when plaque develops in the walls of the arteries and slows down the flow of blood supply to the heart and other parts of the body. Women are particularly at risk because, after menopause, hormone changes like a reduction in the production of estrogen can cause higher risk of coronary heart disease, especially in smaller blood vessels.In addition to hormonal changes after menopause, the risk factors for heart disease in women include:• Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than men with diabetes. There’s also an increased risk of silent heart attack since diabetes can change the way women perceive pain.• Mental health: Emotional stress and depression can affect women’s hearts more than men’s, as depression may compromise a woman’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.• Smoking: Smoking is another risk factor for heart disease.• Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases heart disease risk.• Inflammatory diseases: Individuals with arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory conditions may be at an elevated risk for heart disease.Learning about the warning signs of heart attack and stroke can help women stay on top of their health. Here’s what toBy Dr. Donna BeckerR ecently a woman came to me with severe vaginal shrinkage and dryness despite two procedures involving laser and an injection of something into her G-spot. She also had hot flashes and insomnia. I asked her, why didn’t you just get the problems solved with restoration of hormones? I explained that estradiol applied intravaginally would restore the natural mucoid surface, thicken the tissues, and that oral progesteronewould improve sleep.Of course, it is not so simple to solve yearsof ovarian deficiency which may produce severe physical and mental symptoms. It may take several dose adjustments and office visits. Sometimes, even in a low dose, estradiol can cause a menstrual cycle, very upsetting to doctor and patient. Every patient is different, some present with mental changes, such a irritability, insomnia, and even depression. Some patients have surprising deficiencies such as B12, Vitamin D, and elevated homocysteine, a toxic blood marker for Alzheimer’s or heart disease, that must be addressed. I spend 90 min. In the first visit to discuss 3 pages of detailed labs. I look at blood levels of thyroid, adrenal hormones, and inflammatory markers. I am not an endocrinologist and I only treat age related decline, same as sex hormones. I discuss the side effects and risks of hormone replacement and explain why I use only bio- identical hormones, which are a humancopy, not a horse copy!Ovarian failure, menopause, is adeficiency state. How do you want to live the next 50 years of your life? With slowly dissolving bones, eroding memory, shrinking and atrophy of all tissues?Dr. Donna Becker, practicing medicine for over 30 years with focus on hormone replacement for past 15 years.Affiliations include: Certification in Hormone Replacement with World Link Medical. (not recognized by TX Board of Specialties). Call for free 15 min. consult.Dr Donna BeckerSpecializes in anti-aging & health maintenance medicine.(210) 545-5224 www.antiagingsa.comlook for, courtesy of GoRedForWomen.org.Heart attack• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.• Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.• Chest pain or discomfort.Stroke• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.•Sudden confusion or trouble communicating.• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.Women mindful of the risk factors of heart disease as well as the symptoms of heart attack and stroke may be better positioned to protect their long-term heart health.KPotential Warning Signs Of Kidney Problemsidneys play an important role in the body. Kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from theblood, which are then removed through urine. Without fully functioning kidneys, dangerous levels of electrolytes and other substances in the blood can build up in the body.More than 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease, say the National Kidney Foundation. The NHS, a health service based in the United Kingdom, says many people with chronic kidney disease will not exhibit symptoms until the illness reaches an advanced stage. It is vital to recognize symptoms of kidney issues early to avoid severe complications. Here are some possible signs of kidney disease.• Feeling more tired and having trouble concentrating: When impurities build up in the blood, this can cause people to feel tired and weak and adversely affect the ability to concentrate. The NKF also says anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue, is an additional complication of kidney disease.• Vomiting, nausea and lack of appetite. All may occur from chronic kidney disease. • Swollen feet and ankles. A buildup of excess fluid may lead to swelling in the extremities.• Hypertension. High blood pressure mayHDid You Know?develop and prove difficult to control.• Chest pains. Chest pains can arise if fluid retention builds up around the lining of the heart.• Presence of blood in the urine. There may be a need to urinate more frequently, and when one does so, he or she may notice blood in the urine. This occurs when blood cells start to leak into the urine due to damaged kidney filters.• Muscle cramping. Electrolyte imbalances caused by kidney dysfunction can lead to muscle cramping.It is important to recognize any signs of kidney issues and visit the doctor at the first indication of a problem. However, kidney disease in its earliest stages may produce few to no symptoms, which underscores the significance of annual health checkups and healthy lifestyles.billions of people who look forward to their daily cup each day.A small study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that drinking black tea could improve cardiovascular function.ot tea is widely consumed across the globe, and that could be paying healthy dividends for theA separate study also found that drinking black tea and green tea could decrease risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Black tea drinkers should keep in mind that, unlike most teas, black tea is caffeinated, so moderation is best to ensure the benefits of black tea are not offset by the overconsumption of caffeine.“ Like A Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There”Serving Helotes and surrounding areas since 2001State Farm Insurance Kellie MooreMon. - Fri. 9am - 6pm • Open Sat. 9am - 1 pm • After hours by appointmentStop by for a Free quote and receive a FREE GIFT!10744 Braun Rd. San Antonio, TX 78254 (210) 688-7707 www.kelliemoore.netMarch 2024www.heloteshighlights.com9