Women with diabetes are at high risk for colorectal cancer, according to a latest research report by Minnesota School scientists. Diabetic women are 1.5 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. This was reported at the sixth annual conference of the American Association for Cancer Research. Scientists conducted study on the medical records of 45,000 women who are suffering from diabetes. They find that 50% increase in risk in diabetic women than normal women. Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in Americans. According to American Cancer Society statistics, Colorectal cancer causes more than 50,000 deaths annually in Americans. Insulin role in the cancer development: Increase in glucose levels in the body which support cell growth by supporting new blood cell growth. This sometimes may leads to cancer development. Researchers surprised to find that increase in insulin levels triggered “cancerous polyps”. But they failed to explain the mechanism behind this risk in “prediabetic women”. How to protect from colorectal cancer? Controlling diabetes by managing blood glucose levels at optimum levels is the best method in preventing cancer development. Diabetic women should follow healthy lifestyles and good diet habits. Colonoscopy for polyps (screening) is the best method to prevent colorectal cancer in high risk diabetic women. … [Read more...]
Fibroids in uterus (womb) of female
In women, tumors of the uterus (fibroids) are regarded as main causes of the problems of the health. Moreover, uterine fibroids are the main culprits, causing infertility in females. About 15 to 20% among women are having this ailment. Fibroids’ incidence is more in women who is above 35 years of age. Fibroids of the uterus are also called as-Leomyomas, Myomas and Fibromyomas. Source of occurrence: They form either from- walls of the uterus or from the blood vessels pertaining to the uterus. Appearance: Usually, they are very hard in nature and pinkish white in color. They are formed with fine cells and appear usually in round shape and are from few millimeters to centimeter in size and in weight from peas to watermelon (a few grams to kgs). Some fibroids are like pedicles (elongated and twisted) or formed with polyps. Names of the fibroids, depending on the site of development: 1. Intra-mural or interstitial tumors: They form only in the myometrium, which is a part in the uterine wall and their incidence is 75% of all the tumors that occur in the uterus. 2. Sub-serous tumors: These tumors growing gradually come out from the walls of the uterus, and their incidence is up to 10%. 3. Parasitic fibroids: Sometimes the fibroids grow bigger in size and look like pedicles in shape and get separated themselves from the uterus and grow with the support of the organs which are around the uterus. 4. Sub-mucous fibroids: Due to the movements of the uterus, the fibroids are thrown into the cavity of the uterus and remain there. 5. Sub-mucous myomatous polyps or wandering tumors (fibroids). The fibroids which slip from the uterus and go into the vagina and change into the form of pedicles are known by this name. Age and incidence: Between 15-45 years of age and it is estimated 5-20% of them are having these fibroids. Signs and symptoms: 1. Excessive bleeding either during monthly cycles 2 or 3 times in a month. 2. Pain in the lower abdomen either before or during menstruation is felt. 3. If the fibroid is very big in size, pulling of the uterus to down side is felt and patient feels that there is stone in the abdomen. 4. Increase in frequency of urination or difficult to pass urine is there and also constipation is present. 5. History of infertility or abortions is present. 6. Anemia, weakness, etc. are present. Tests for fibroids: 1. It is better to have scanning once in a year to know the progress of the fibroid. (Usually fibroid decreases itself in size after 40 years of age). 2. Other blood tests to be done. Management (treatment) of the case: It depends on the-size, site, pain and other troubles caused by the fibroids. 1. Drugs: 1. New type ‘’GNRI analogues’’ injections are now available and they make the fibroid to decrease in size. The injections are costly and cannot be given for more than six months. So it is more useful in women who are going to attain menopause in short time. 2. “Miphipristone’’ tablets also make the fibroids to shrink in size. 3. Recent procedure: The blood vessel which supplies blood to the fibroid is closed and as there is no blood supply to the tumor, it gradually decreases in size and later disappears. It is becoming popular now and there is no necessity to remove the uterus. 2. Surgery: Myomectomy: Only fibroid is removed, keeping the uterus intact, especially in women of reproductive age so that the women after marriage get pregnancy and have children. Hysterectomy:Uterus is removed in this type of operation procedure, when other methods of treatments are failed. It is more useful in women of post menopausal stage. … [Read more...]
Amenorrhea: Signs and symptoms and management
Amenorrhea is the non-occurrence of menstrual cycle (monthly menses period), in a woman. Amenorrhea is of two types: 1. Primary amenorrhea. 2. Secondary amenorrhea. 1. Primary amenorrhea: It is also naturally occurs in females due to physiological phenomenon. This is called physiological amenorrhea. I. Before menarche, there are no menstrual cycles in a female. (Menarche means occurring of M.C for the first time in a woman’s life usually at 14-16 years of age). Ii. During pregnancy. Iii. After menopause (usually after attaining the age of 45-50 years), there will be no regular M.Cs (menstrual cycles) in a woman. Normal menses helps woman in two ways: To keep a woman in normal health. Helps woman to become pregnant. 1. Primary amenorrhea: Causes: Hormones imbalance. -- Differences in chromosome pattern. --Absence of uterus or vagina since birth (congenital defect). --Closure of the vaginal opening or completely contracted. -- having a very weak body. -- Suffering from psychological problems. --Juvenile diabetes or goiter (thyroid problem). --Tuberculosis. --Polycystic ovary disease. Management of the case: The following investigations have to be done to find the cause or causes for further treatment and follow up. Depending on the cause, the treatment has to be given. i). Ultrasound scanning: Uterus, vagina and other parts of the body can be visualized, if there is any abnormality, it can be identified and rectified. ii).Genetic choreotyping. iii).Androgen estimation assays. iv). Renal function tests. 2. Secondary amenorrhea: Here, the woman has regular M.Cs. After sometime there will be no monthly periods. If there are no monthly cycles continuously for six months, then the doctor diagnoses that she is suffering from secondary amenorrhea. Causes: 1. Removal of cervix by operation –for the cervical erosion or cancer of the cervix. 2. Doing repeatedly D&C minor surgical interventions in the uterus for certain uterine causes. 3. T.B of endometrium (uterine wall). 4. Removal of the ovaries for ovarian diseases, like tumors in the ovaries etc. 5. Anorexia nervosa (loss of appetite due to not taking sufficient food) and obesity. 6. Tumors like –adenoma and Prolactinoma. 7. False pregnancy (pseudocysis) and also stress and strain leads to amenorrhea. 8. Doing heavy exercises, leads to bodily dysfunction. 9. Pyogenic infections and mumps. Investigations: --Pregnancy test and ultrasound scanning test to confirm or rule out the pregnancy. --Tests for serum prolactin levels, oestradiol levels, and positive progesterone challenge tests are to be done. -- The other tests have to be done as in the case of primary amenorrhea to find out the actual cause for amenorrhea and treatment has to be given depend upon the cause. The treatment may be either medical or surgical or sometimes both are required. … [Read more...]
Heart attack in women
Heart diseases are gradually on rise in women due to increased stress levels and irregularly diet habits. Males get heart attack with little rise in Cholesterol levels compared to females. After the stoppage of menstrual cycle [menopause] in females, the chances of getting heart attack are equal both in males and females. The probable cause is less oestrogen secretion in females. But in females, there is every danger of rising of triglycerides so easily which in turn close the blood vessels, causing trouble for the free flow of blood which leads to less supply of blood to the heart, causing heart attack. If there is a defect in F.H gene in any family, there is likelihood of rise of cholesterol in their blood. Due to this heart diseases occur very early in these families (both males and females). The signs and symptoms of heart attack are: 1. Pain in the middle of the chest, which suddenly goes to the neck side or to the upper limbs and to the hands. 2. Feeling of breathlessness while climbing the stair case. Breathlessness comes even after a simple walk or exercise. 3. Sweating in the body. 4. Giddiness [falling sensation] in the head. If you observe these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately without loss of time. How to prevent heart attacks: 1. Take minimal quantities of fatty foods. 2. Take more quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables. 3. Have a disciplined life style to reduce stress and strain on the body. 4. Try to avoid stress as much as possible in daily life. 5. Take less salt as far as possible. 6. Have a regular check of blood pressure level. High blood pressure leads to heart attacks. Advice to women: Mother’s health is family health. Take proper care and regular checkups. … [Read more...]
Heart disease in women
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in American women. 60% of women who die from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. This signifies the importance of preventing heart diaseases in women. Heart diseases kill more women than breast cancer. Generally coronary heart disease appears more in the form of angina in females. The usual signs and symptoms are: 1. Recurring pain in the chest. 2. Difficulty in taking breath. Source: 4 Woman.gov Variant angina and micro vascular angina are more in females (the peculiar thing in the above two conditions is coronary arteries are in normal state). In Micro vascular angina – in some patients- the left side of the heart does not function properly. Note: Usually heart disease occurs in females in latter age when compared to males. Women and Heart disease: Before Menopause, the heart attack rate in females is lower than males. After Menopause, the heart attack rate is equal in both males and females due to change in lipo protein levels. Oestrogen hormone protects females from heart attack before menopause. The American Heart Association does not advise women to take postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT) to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. In the 45-64 age group, one in seven suffers some form of heart disease. (Of the same aged males, one in six suffers.) More than 50% of total deaths due to cardiovascular disease are female patients. Cardio vascular disease kills about a one woman per minute. How to prevent Heart attack: 1. Meditate daily for 20-30 minutes. Breathing exercises are essential. 2. Brisk walking for 30-45 minutes. Early morning is ideal time. 3. Avoid anxiety and unnecessary stress. 4. Reduce salt and fat content in daily diet. 5. Control your blood pressure. 6. Control blood sugar levels (Diabetics). 7. Avoid smoking and alcoholism. These are the simple ways to prevent heart attack in normal people. Up to 1947, people all over the world thought heart diseases were not under control of human beings and they were caused by unknown mechanism. In 1947, Framington heart study done be a team of doctors observed the relation between heart diseases and lifestyle. If we can able to control our diet habits and stress level, we can prevent 90% of heart attacks. Contentment in life is important. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
