Was McGill prof duped or just sloppy?

The Canadian newspapers are literally abuzz over this whole Wyeth Pharmaceutical/ghostwriting scandal, particularly since one of Canada's top researchers, Dr. Barbara Sherwin, has been found to be one of the researchers who lent their names as authors of articles that were actually written by DesignWrite for Wyeth. The articles touted the benefits and efficacy of synthetic hormones (Premarin) for women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Here's the article from the Gazette, but more importantly, scroll down through the comments section---there are links to other articles, including one from The Toronto Star. I wish here in the US a little more hell would be raised over this, the news was reported several weeks ago, but largely on the back page of the business section.

Testosterone leads women to money risks

The article is from Cincinnati.com........I wonder if this applies to women who start taking testosterone therapy??? Hmmmm, while I am still very conservative with money, I did switch financial advisors last January (I had been on testosterone replacement for about 2 years at that time). Just wondering.......

Think again if you believe some herbal remedies help menopause

Here's one we could debate all day-----whether or not herbal remedies help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The article is here on Chicago Flame for your reading enjoyment. One thing that I do want to emphasize----no matter what supplements you are taking, you need to keep a complete and up to date list and share it with any doctor you consult with----supplements can cause interactions with medications and your doctor needs to be aware of what you are taking. This is not something to fool around with---make sure every health care provider treating you knows what medicines and supplements you are taking.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay area---

You might be interested in this study-----check out the details here at the Compounder's Forum. The study is looking for volunteers to use bioidentical progesterone and evaluate how it affects sleep.

Have an Affair With Your Pharmacist

From Empowher, an interesting article on developing a relationship (no, not that kind of relationship) with your pharmacist, particular important to those of us who are on, or are exploring being on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

How to Get Your Natural Desiccated Thyroid Drug Prescription Filled

I take two different thyroid medications----a compounded T3 preparation, and for my T4 thyroid hormone I take Levoxyl (and I take the brand name, I recently learned that for some people the brand name is preferable to the generic in terms of efficacy, and although it is a little more expensive----several dollars per month is all-----it's worth it). I've never taken Armour thyroid hormone, but a lot of people do, and there is widespread concern because there have been numerous problems with patients getting prescriptions filled. I asked my local pharmacist about it out of curiousity, and he just groaned and rolled his eyes-----said it was terrible having to send patients to another pharmacy because he couldn't fill all the orders coming in. Mary Shomon, who is a terrific resource to learn more about thyroid conditions, posted this article outlining tips to find ways to get your Armour prescription filled. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Health Care Fit for Animals

One of my friends is a psychologist in Syracuse, and a devotee of the NY Times. He sends me the greatest articles on a variety of issues, most lately on healthcare. This one is an important read----makes you think, no matter what side of the health care issue you are on.

Get back in balance!

As many of us know, you do not need to be in menopause to have a hormonal imbalance. This article from the Daily Online (Australia) tells one woman's story about her struggle (and ultimate victory) over hormonal imbalance. Good reading!

12 surprising signs you’ll live to 100

I thought number 6 was interesting-----------click here to read the article from NBC's The Today Show.

Aquafit Exercise and Menopause

This article hits close to home for me, as I do water aerobics at least three times a week at our local Y----it really helps keep me flexible and has strengthened my back tremendously (along with testsoterone cream----which has helped me build muscle tissue in my back and therefore stabilized it). You can read more about menopause and water exercise here in this article from Bella Online.

Sleep issues?

One of the most frequent complaints I hear from women in hormone transition, whether they are having night sweats or not, is "I can't sleep!" I know exactly how it feels, because there was a time before BHRT that I thought I would never, ever get a decent night's sleep. The hormones helped considerably, and of course, having more energy meant I was more active during the day, which of course meant more worn out at night, which I know also helped........and so on.

For years, I went from one sleeping medication to another, with very little result (and some of those meds were wickedly expensive!!!!!!) After I had been on the hormones for a month or so, my doctor suggested that I give melatonin another try--------and without a doubt, it has helped me more than any of the sleeping medications ever did.

Now, that being said, being hormonally balanced made a huge difference too, but this is one more thing to add to your arsenal of things to try out. Melatonin is cheap, and available almost everywhere (I get mine at Walgreen's when they have buy one get one free-----I think it's about $5 for a bottle of 100 tablets, something like that. Melatonin has a number of health benefits, check out this article from IHealth. Sweet dreams!

Protect Your Breasts With Vitamin D

I know many of you are fans of Dr. Christiane Northrup (she has written a number of books and has appreared a number of times on Oprah Winfrey's Show). She has just posted an article on the Huffington Post on Vitamin D and your breast health.

Are Compounded Hormones Safe--a Pharmacist Responds

I ran across this interview with a compounding pharmacist through a posting on The Compounder's Forum (and if Peter's blog isn't on your list of blogs to read---it should be, he has some great information presented in a logical, easy for lay people to understand format!). The article is a must read, and will clarify a few of the issues surrounding compounding pharmacists and compounded hormones. Oh, and when you check out Peter's blog, be sure to read his post on Wyeth and their ghostwriting practices.....good information there also.

If you live in CA and took Estratest----

You may be part of a class action lawsuit. Click here for more information......

Menopause survival kit------free!

Since I am thriving in menopause, not merely surviving, I don't need to order this, but here's the link to a site that will send you a free menopause survival kit, along with literature on peri/menopause. You will need to sign up for their free newsletter, but the site promises not to sell your information to a third party. The company involved manufactures Os-Cal, Remifem, and other over the counter vitamins and supplements, some of which are targeted toward women over 40.

Medical reference bibliography---

Caveat-----this website is part of a commercial website for a medical practice, and I know nothing about the practice, so this is not an endorsement! However, I have had a number of my readers ask me if there are references to bioidentical hormones in any of the medical journals, and lo and behold, here is a whole list of references-----for your viewing pleasure! Have a great day!

Research Shows Why Low Vitamin D Raises Heart Disease Risks In Diabetics

Article Date: 22 Aug 2009 - 1:00 PDT

From the Medical News Today website----if you or someone you love it diabetic, you need to read/pass along this article....click here to access it.

Oprah and Dr. Oz sue over false endorsements

From Newsweek (click here for article)----Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz are suing a bunch of companies that have been using their images to promote vitamins and supplements. I knew this was a big problem, a lot of people signed up for "free samples" or "trial offers" and suddenly found their credit cards charged with hundreds of dollars in fees. Acai juice and resveratrol seemed to be the two most popular products being touted.

Natural treatment for hormone related migraines

I used to get horrible headaches back in the day when I was still having periods----I always suspected they were hormonally related because they were worse at certain times of the month. This article from The Examiner discusses the relationship between hormones and migraines.

Eli Lilly pulls plug on

Drug was intended to help post-menopausal women.....click here to read the article.

Menopause Flexibility Yoga and Tai Chi

I know some of you are thinking "I can barely drag myself out of bed in the morning, and she's talking about exercise?" Trust me, I've been there, until I started on bioidentical hormones, exercising regularly would be the furthest thought from my mind! I started working out right around the time I started the hormones, and it has improved the quality of my life dramatically. I'm not setting any records, but I do two weight workouts a week, three days of swim, and 2-3 days of balance ball exercises (I have a very bad back so I need to keep my core strength up). Bella Online's menopause page today talks about incorporating Tai Chi and Yoga into your exercise regime------I want to get back to yoga classes (with some modifications) and I have never tried Tai Chi---something to look into.

At last -- a quick and accurate way of diagnosing endometriosis

This could be very exciting, many women suffer for years with endometriosis. This article from Eureka Alert discusses a new, less invasive method of diagnosing this condition in women.

Laughing is good for the soul and the body!

What does laughing have to do with hormones? Read this article-----it helps reduce stress hormones (not that we have any stress in our lives---what a laugh!)

Sleep apnea raises death risk 46 percent: study

Ran across this article from Reuters-----not necessarily hormone related, but important nonetheless. I went to a talk by Dr. Oz this spring, and he said that if you measure your neck, if it's over 17 inches, you have sleep apnea (to some degree). I know a lot of you sleep with mates who snore----an indicator of sleep apnea. Worth reading!

Intimate satisfaction late in life can be had

Many of us who are not even into our "late years"----who are simply experiencing peri/menopausal transitions are already feeling the effects of diminished hormones on the ability and/or desire to have sex, and as a society we live longer, it will be important for us to love longer also. This piece from the Nassau Guardian Online discusses why many men and women lose their desire for intimacy as their hormones wane in middle age. I hear from so many women who write to me for help in finding a doctor that they fear their marriage is in trouble because of intimacy issues. Please, talk to your doctors about this----trust me, they've heard it all before and there is help available!

From beer bellies to low libido, how women's hormones make MEN ill

From the Daily Mail Online (British paper, they spell estrogen with an O in front)----a good article on how men and women have exactly the same hormones, just in different levels. If the physiologic levels of any of the body's hormones are out of sync in eithe sex, serious health problems can develop (as I am sure many of you have already discovered!). Click here for the article, and have a great, hormonally balanced day!

Will I start menopause even though I am on the pill?

From the CNN Health News Desk--------click here to read the article.

Weight Bearing Exercise and Menopause

This morning's article is from Bella Online----talking about how important weight bearing exercise is for women in their peri/menopausal years. This is particularly important for those of you who enjoy doing water exercise---it's great and has a lot of benefits, but you need to add in a bit of weight bearing exercise also, as the water, even shallow water, makes you somewhat "weightless" (don't we wish) for exercise purposes. I do circuit training 2 days a week, and when the weather cools down, I do walks in my development 2-3 days a week. Have a great week, everyone!

Sex Hormone Levels Linked to Fractures in Men

From The Statesman newspaper...click here to read the article. The study was done on men 80 years of age and older, so this might affect male relatives of my blog readers. Another example of why getting hormones back in balance as we start to lose them in middle age is so important!

Do your research!

This article from the High Point, NC newspaper is exactly why I so strongly encourage women to check out a potential doctor ----whether you are seeing him/her for bioidentical hormones or for any other reason. This Dr. Webster was relatively well known in the Triad area of NC for bioidentical hormones, but when I looked up his credentials, he is not board certified. The article states that Dr. Webster surrendered his NC medical license after being investigated for ---inappropriate contact and conversations with patients and staff, self diagnosing and treating, and including diagnoses in billing that were not supported by medical records.

Stay cool everyone and hydrated, it's hot here in NC and I know it's pretty steamy in other parts of the country-----be safe!

Dental Health and Menopause

Our teeth and mouth health are not things we think of too much during menopause (too busy with hot flashes, irritability, etc.) but our hormones affect every system in our bodies. Good article from the Huffington Post, click here to read.....

Chocolate 'cuts death rate' in heart attack survivors

Hmmmmm, I wonder if you can take a box of Godiva Chocolates off on your taxes as a medical expense?????? Click here to read the article... And by the way, being hormonally balanced is beneficial to cardiovascular health!

Dr. Oz Show

I keep checking, but the new Dr. Oz show still does not have its own website up yet. Meanwhile, I did find this state by state listing of what channels will carry the show when it premiers September 14 (same day as the new Jay Leno Show, which is making me very happy as I love his topical and political humour!). Click here to find out where Dr. Oz's show will be seen in your area.

How to request your medical records--

I've had a lot of ladies write to me lately who want to find a new doctor, and who want copies of their medical records for their own files. I ran across this site today with a lot of information---worth checking out!

Another milestone!

The blog just hit 10,000 hits------thank you all so much for your support, this is a wonderful learning experience for me and I am so grateful to all my blog readers! Happy hormones!

5 reasons women should still take Vitamin D

This article is from US News and World Report---outlines five reasons women should be taking Vitamin D. Of note is that the article talks about the recommended doses for most Americans being too low----you need to talk to your doctor and find out what dose he/she recommends.

Saliva testing costs less than bad habits!

I am not necessarily advocating any saliva testing, nor this particular lab (I have heard good things about them but have no first hand knowledge as my doctor prefers blood work for hormone levels), but I thought this information was interesting-----it's a comparison of how much hormone testing costs versus some of the bad habits we engage in. I know in this lousy economy it's so hard to justify spending money on anything (and believe me, I am budgeting hugely carefully right now) but looking at the bigger picture---wouldn't it be worth cutting back on dinners out to feel great? Here's the pdf file----it makes you think.

The secret to great sex after 50

I can hear a chorus of voices now-----"no, really, people are actually having sex after 50??" Yes, they are----and hormonally balanced people are likely having a lot more sex than non hormonally balanced people. Click here for this article from The Examiner.......

Symptoms of PMS eased with a natural, nutritional approach

Good morning, I know that many of you are not suffering from PMS anymore----and many of you wish you were suffering from PMS because suffering from peri/menopause is a lot worse---but I thought I would share this article from The Examiner. I remember when these recommendations came out in the early 1980 about cutting out sugar, caffeine and salt from your diet to relieve PMS symptoms----at that time I had quite severe PMS but cutting out those three things would have meant I starved to death. Sigh, I am smarter about my eating habits now, although they still wouldn't win any awards.

As a side note, if you emailed me yesterday and haven't gotten a response back yet, hang in there, I'll catch up this afternoon.....we had thunderstorms most of the late afternoon and evening yesterday (bummer-----I missed my knitting group because I hate driving in rainstorms) so as soon as I get home from the gym this morning I will sit right down at the computer and get busy! Have a great day everyone!

So much for unbiased journalism-----

This article from The Thaindian News made me laugh----I'm guessing the author of the article (not named) is neither a fan of Suzanne Somers, nor very knowledgeable about bioidentical hormones. The first sentence of the last paragraph was particularly funny (the one about her being known to have regular vaginal injections of hormones)----for God's sake, just in this country alone likely hundreds of thousands of women are using estriol cream for vaginal dryness (a common menopause issue)----it's not that exotic and certainly medically indicated. That being said, I still roll my eyes every time someone talks about the 60 plus pills a day that Ms. Somer's takes as vitamins/supplements-----but then again, most of my friends are rolling their eyes at the 12-14 pills I take a day----supplements recommended by my doctor. To each his/her own!

Breastfeeding appears to reduce risk of breast cancer among women with family history

Good news for those of you who breastfed your child(ren)-----today's article is from The Medical News. This is apparently quite a big story, my newsfeeds are bombarded today.

It's very hot here in Charlotte today (and has been for a few days) so be absolutely sure you are staying hydrated! If you are feeling thirsty, you are already a little dehydrated so get that water bottle, fill it and drink, drink, drink! Now, my personal recommendation would also be to stay in with the air conditioning and knit (many of you who read my other blog Needle Notes know I am a voracious knitter)----or reading a nice light novel works too. After lunch I am going to get in a water workout in our condo pool, then take a break and catch up on emails (it was great to hear from so many of you new blog readers after yesterday's The Doctors TV show!). Stay cool, everyone!

Is/are the hormone(s) I am taking bioidentical????

Hi everyone----first of all, welcome to my newest blog readers----today The Doctors TV show rebroadcast an episode that discussed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and I have spent much of this late afternoon answering emails from ladies who are seeking help with finding a doctor and/or compounding pharmacy in their area.

I get a lot of questions about whether a particular hormone is considered bioidentical, and I have FINALLY found a chart from The Harvard Health Publications-----it lists each of the hormones by brand name, and tells if it is bioidentical or not. Click here to get to the site, and the chart is a ways down on the page, use your scroll button.

In U.S., No Comeback Seen for Hormone Therapy

This article from Health Day is all over the Internet right now, but if you read it closely you will see that it is talking about conventional hormone replacement therapy and NOT bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. I have seen a huge increase in interest in bioidentical hormones over the three years I have been taking BHRT myself (and became more aware of the news coverage). The news that Wyeth was paying ghostwriters to supply medical journals with articles supporting the efficacy and safety of Premarin (you know, pregnant mare's urine) certainly does not help the cause of hormonal health/balance ----- but I am confident that we as consumers, as we continue to demand better peri/menopausal health care, more physicians will see the benefits of replacing hormonal balance over stuffing patients full of medications. Hang in there ladies, we are making a difference, and I bless all of you daily for your support!

Testosterone-raising drug iffy

I'm sure all of you have seen commercials for Androgel ---- the commercials show men not feeling well and the voice over asking if they might be suffering from "low T" (testosterone). While the problem of low testosterone levels in men has been recognized for quite some time, last spring when the big ad campaign came out I did a bit of researching on the price of Androgel. I found it to be anywhere from $138 to $264 for a 30 day supply (I checked three online pharmacies). It is available by prescription only. I strongly suspect that if the doctors prescribing this took a hard look at the cost of a compounded prescription for testostrone, they would find it to be much less expensive---thus saving their male patients (and their insurance companies) a lot of money. If any of the men in your life are taking Androgel, pass this article from United Press on to them for reading.

Increasing doses of evidence show need to keep unwanted meds out of the ecosystem

This article from the Courier is about the fifth one I have run across on my newsfeed in the last two weeks----we routinely flush unused medications down the garbage disposal or toilet with little thought to how it affects the ecosystems. It's becoming even more of a problem since many states that did have drug disposal systems set up with local pharmacies are cutting those programs because of budget cuts, and states that were considering such programs have no put them on hold for the same reason. I have read in that one way to dispose of drugs is to crush them and mix them up with coffee grounds or cat litter before disposing. Thought it was important to share this with you in case you have any birth control pills or synthetic hormones you would like to get rid of (wink).

Botanicals Have No Effect On Hot Flashes or Cognition

A number of my blog readers have asked about black cohash and red clover as remedies for hot flashes....since I have never taken either, I had no first hand knowledge of whether they work or not. I just ran across this article from Red Orbit, and it discusses two studies done that indicate that botanicals such as black cohash and red clover do not have an effect on hot flashes or on cognition (brain function). Have a great weekend, everyone!

TV Show Alert!

I am not a regular viewer of The Doctors TV Show, but I happened to hear on my local station that Monday's show (August 10) is going to be a repeat of a show on menopause that was aired last spring. I believe it will be the same show that featured Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil's wife, her son Jay is the producer of the show). I watched it the first time and was somewhat underwhelmed, but it did have a really interesting segment on "behind the scenes" at a compounding pharmacy.

In the interest of full disclosure:

I just received the following email and I thought I would share it with you:

I think you do a disservice to women by suggesting they read Suzzane Somers' books to find out about the Wiley Protocol. It would be far better to point them to Wiley's books, especially Sex, Lies and Menopause. I also think it's very unwise to refer to the Wiley Protocol as "controversial." All BHRT is controversial. Ask any doctor who doesn't practice it. The BHRT doctors are afraid of the Wiley Protocol because it is so different from what they do. The rest of them all do essentially the same thing. This is why there is a preponderance of dissent/ No one knows what a high level of estrogen is, or how to test it. If they claim this knowledge, they are charlatans. There have been recent studies from denmark that backfill many of Wiley's observations.
I'm not suggesting you change your opinion, only that you treat other points of view fairly. The women who read your blog deserve that.
Full disclosure: I am T.S. Wiley's husband.

I sincerely thank Mr. Neil Radon for taking the time to write to me.

Ah, makes my heart sing!

A guest column from the Alternative Press---click here to read, and pay particular attention to the fourth paragraph----it just makes my day to see it in print!

Study Shows Brain Fitness Can Save Medicare Billions

Caveat--I am not advocating any particular brand of brain fitness software/program, etc., but this is a good example of how expending a little energy and effort as individuals can help cut down on health care costs. Click here to read the article from Medical News Today.

Benefits of exercise

This morning's post is from Bella Online's menopause page----listing the benefits of exercise for women in their peri/menopausal years. Although I had gotten on exercise "kicks" over the years, I never exercised regularly until three years ago when I went on BHRT. I now either go to the YMCA or exercise at home about 6 days a week, and I am so much healthier because of it. It has increased my strength, balance, flexibility, and I am certain contributed to the improvement in my bone density study results this year. It's now as much a part of my day as breathing, but I have a tough time convincing most of my friends of the benefits. Have a great weekend, everyone----don't forget to stay hydrated, it's pretty hot in most parts of the country, here in Charlotte we will be in the mid 90's through early next week. I am now off to swim in my condo pool......

Vitamin D, magnesium, other nutrients may influence cardiovascular disease risk

I know, it's very confusing----which vitamins and supplements to take?? It's a talk you need to have with your doctor---and this is very, very important----if you are seeing a new doctor for any reason (hormonally related or not) you need to be very accurate and tell him EXACTLY what medications, vitamins and supplements you are on. Just because it is over the counter does not mean it's not worth mentioning. This article from FreshNews talks about magnesium and Vitamin D and cardiovascular health.

Ghostwriting Medicine

I can just hear the name Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and I want to barf----they're the makers of Premarin (pregnant mare's urine----a synthetic hormone). Turns out they've been caught churning out some medical journal articles that are -- uh, well -- let's say questionable. Click here to read about it on Genome Web.

SimplyAgeless Believes Michael Jackson Could Have Been Going Through 'Male Menopause'

OK, everyone, I am here to inform---and if you are entertained in the process, well, so be it. This just came across my news feed, and I had to share it with you...

Press Release
Source: Simply Ageless
On Wednesday August 5, 2009, 8:00 am EDT
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In the six weeks since Michael Jackson's death, reports of anxiety, depression, insomnia and fatigue have all been tied to the cause as physical conditions that prompted his reliance on prescription drugs. But Beverly Hills anti-aging consultants Karen Norris and Eve Michaels of www.SimplyAgeless411.com say Jackson could have been suffering from male menopause for years. You heard right.

Male menopause - clinically diagnosed as andropause - is the period in a man's life when the production of a vital number of hormones, particularly testosterone, begins to decline. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, mood swings, depression, anxiety, memory loss, among others. Though symptoms vary they usually begin in the 30s and become significant between the ages of 45 and 60.

"Michael has been painted this dark, troubled soul, a fragile spirit, even a drug addict," says Norris, who authors a weekly online magazine at the SimplyAgeless411 website. "No one seems to have considered that he could have been suffering from symptoms of male menopause. The sad part is that it can easily be treated if you get to the right doctor."

Board certified physician Ryan Stanton, MD, is a hormone specialist based in Beverly Hills, and a frequent contributor and advisor to SimplyAgeless411 subscribers-only "ezine." He concedes that many dismiss the notion of a male version of menopause, but insists it is very much a genuine medical problem that requires diagnosis and treatment.

"It's sometimes called 'puberty in reverse' but that makes it seem like a mid-life crisis and diminishes the serious affects it can have on a man's physical and emotional well-being," Dr. Stanton says. "To think that it's just a phase that will eventually pass and not seek treatment for it can be dangerous."

Low hormone levels of thyroid, cortisol and testosterone are easily treated through a regimen of tablets and gels applied to the skin. For most men, the results are dramatic and immediate.
Norris says that men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are contacting SimplyAgeless411 for advice and direction on hormone therapy. "They are fed up with going to their doctors only to be told that their blood tests are 'normal' and that there is nothing physically wrong with them," she says. "A standard blood test doesn't screen all of your hormone levels and will not reveal the full scope of a man's hormonal profile."

While the world still mourns the loss of Michael Jackson, we know there are circumstances of his life none of us will have to endure. He was a man of 50 with health problems. If you're growing older and realize after taking a long hard look at the man in the mirror that male menopause might be sneaking up on you, talk to your doctor about hormone therapy.

For Dr. Stanton's full comments on male menopause, read his article on this week's edition of the SimplyAgeless411 weekly ezine which is posted to the website every Thursday.

Acupuncture, Exercise Spell Relief for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can be a big health problem for women, leading to infertility, very painful and heavy periods, and other issues. This article from Red Orbit discusses a study done on how exercise and acupuncture can affect this condition. Good reading.

Women can get first signs of menopause, should start preparing in their 30s and 40s

I often get emails from women in their 30's asking if they are possibly hormonally imbalanced, and the answer is YES! Most of the articles I run across, however, never mention this fact, and a number of younger women (in their early 40's) are bursting into flames from hot flashes, and their doctors dismiss them as not being old enough to be in perimenopause. This article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer tells us that you need to start taking care of and being aware of your hormones at an early age......click here for the article.

Onset of menopause-changes to expect

This morning's article is from the Examiner---a list of POSSIBLE changes in your body as menopause nears. It's important to note that not all women have all the symptoms of menopause. Additionally (and the article doesn't note this) many of the more debilitating symptoms can be eased/erased with the use of bioidentical hormones.

Living near mammography unit may improve outcomes

Since I have never lived in a truly rural area, I had never thought of this before, so I was intrigued by this article from Reuters on proximity to mammography units and the correlation to breast cancer outcomes for women. I know in many parts of NC, the only mammography available is by mammography units that are in motorhomes and are driven from location to location. I do worry that in this recession----with money tight and people losing health insurance---that these types of tests are not being done and possible malignancies are being missed. You HAVE had your mammogram done within the last year, haven't you?? I have always been diligent about getting my yearly mammogram done, and now it's even easier and less uncomfortable....I had very cystic breasts until I went on BHRT, and I am amazed at how the lumpiness diminished within a couple months on the progesterone cream. One more reason to be hormonally balanced.

Moderate exercise reduces bad cholesterol

This article from the India Times caught my eye this morning. While I cannot attribute it entirely to exercise, I will tell you that in the last 2 years, my total cholesterol has dropped by about 65 points, and my HDL and LHL levels are now right on the money too. I am guessing it is part exercise, part hormonal balance (remember, hormones affect every system in the body) and the supplements I take every morning. Speaking of exercise, I am off to the pool to do water aerobics---it's a gorgeous day here in NC.

FACT CHECK: Distortions rife in health care debate

This is on the Yahoo news page, and I thought it important to include in a blog that deals with health care issues. I've been following all this pretty closely, as I have had way too many dealings with insurance companies and health care finances in the last 17 years (car accident), and I have been totally frustrated with the lack of preventative measures taken in health care (including bioidentical hormones---don't get me started on that one). Click here for the complete article....

It may be vitamin D's day in the sun

I know, I know, another Vitamin D article------from the LA Times. I am hoping that when the Institute of Medicine meets this week, we can get some sort of definitive information on the paramaters of daily Vitamin D3 needed to maintain healthy levels. I have been taking 5000 IU's for three years now, but it is under a doctor's supervision----and I feel great. Talk to your doctor about how much you need to take, how to get it (big controversy now is how much if any sun is safe---and using sunscreens).

Discussion forum for bioidentical hormones!

I have posted this before (several months ago) but I have new blog readers and they may not know about this site. Women's Health America has some great information, and are another resource for finding a BHRT physician. In addition, they also have a discussion board---it's been pretty quiet lately, let's get over there and share ideas, doctor recommendations, questions, and thoughts. Click here to access the discussion area. Have a great day, everyone!

Sex at Midlife: What We Aren't Talking About

One of the most common menopausal complaints I hear from my blog readers is their lack of sex drive, and since most are in their 40's or early 50's, they have legitimate concerns and fears that they will never enjoy sex again. It can ruin marriages. This article from Third Age discusses some of the changes that women experience as they reach perimenopause and menopause. It's unfortunate that a lot of women are uncomfortable talking to their doctors about this, as sexuality is a wonderful, natural part of life, and there is so much that can be done to improve sex drive and alleviate uncomfortable physical symptoms that interfer with sexual activity.