Category: News

A Guide for Gestational Diabetes

A Guide for Gestational Diabetes

Many have heard of diabetes, but what does it mean when it’s gestational? Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Each year, up to 10% of pregnant women may experience this condition. Gestational diabetes is a manageable condition and with the right precautions, you can have a safe and healthy delivery!

What is gestational diabetes?

This is a condition where a pregnant mother cannot make enough insulin for the body. Insulin is the hormone responsible for making sure sugar is allowed to enter your body’s cells for energy. However, when not enough insulin is produced, your cells will not be able to uptake the sugar, causing there to be high sugar levels left in the blood. Typically, symptoms are not present with this condition.¹ The best way to prevent gestational diabetes is to maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise prior to pregnancy.

Testing and Treatment

Gestational diabetes develops around the 24th week of pregnancy. Your provider should request blood work around this time to check for elevated blood sugar. If results suggest gestational diabetes, it is important to continue to follow-up with your provider as suggested throughout the duration of your pregnancy. Your provider can help you develop a diet and physical activity plan best suited for your pregnancy. If needed, you may be prescribed medication to help regulate your blood sugar levels.

Other outcomes to consider

While there may not be any symptoms of gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, there are other complications associated with this condition . The mother will be at increased risk for hypertension during pregnancy and will have a 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Furthermore, the baby is at risk of higher birth weight which may require a cesarean-section and the child may also be at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life. 

While gestational diabetes is linked with other complications, there are actionable steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing gestational diabetes. At Trust Women’s Healthcare we provide counseling for women planning to conceive or in the early stage of their pregnancy. Do not delay, schedule an appointment with us!

1. CDC. Gestational Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published March 2, 2022. Accessed October 28, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html

Seeing the Similarities: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are two common sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) prevalent among those of reproductive age.  Despite the different names, these infections are quite similar. Keep reading for a comparison regarding these STIs.

What they have in common

• Similarity 1: Bacterial origin.
  Both of these infections are caused by bacteria. This is in contrast to other sexually transmitted infections, such as the human papilloma virus and Trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection.
• Similarity 2:  Mode of transmission.
  Both of these infections can be transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Thus, it is important to use condoms to minimize risk of potential infections.
• Similarity 3: Symptoms.
  As previously mentioned, it is possible to be asymptomatic despite testing positive for these infections. If symptoms are present, yellow discharge, painful or frequent urination, vaginal bleeding, and rectal discharge or bleeding can be expected. If left untreated, complications can arise such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Similarity 4: These pathogens can infect the eye.
  Infected genital fluids to the eye can lead to conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye”.

Both of these infections are caused by bacteria. This is in contrast to other sexually transmitted infections, such as the human papilloma virus and Trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection.

Acknowledging the differences

Despite having many similarities, there are differences between these infections because they are caused by different bacteria. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.  Because of this, these conditions may be treated by different antibiotic medication to ensure the infection is completely cleared. Thus, it is essential to seek regular STI testing to ensure your sexual health is managed properly. 

As stated, these infections are common and luckily there is a cure. Take ownership of your sexual health and schedule an appointment for STI screening. 

1.   Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. Accessed October 6, 2023. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/chlamydia-gonorrhea-and-syphilis
2.  Mohseni M, Sung S, Takov V. Chlamydia. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Accessed October 6, 2023. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537286/
3.   Detailed STD Facts – Gonorrhea. Published April 10, 2023. Accessed October 6, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea-detailed.htm

Pink Ribbon Chronicles: Breast Cancer Disparities

Among women in the United States, breast cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer. However, some women are at greater risk of developing breast cancer or dying from the disease. Keep reading to learn some facts about this health inequity as well as some underlying causes contributing to this phenomenon. 

1. Diagnosis. Hispanic and African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with late stage breast cancer. This can be due to limited healthcare access. For example, Hispanics in the U.S. have the highest uninsured rates, which may delay the opportunity for seeking care.

2. Cancer type. African American women are more likely to have triple negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease. Some studies suggest this may be due to the fact that African American women are more likely to be obese, however more research is needed to determine the exact causes.

3. Mortality. Black women have higher rates of mortality in comparison to white women.¹ The reasons behind this may be multifaceted. Black and Hispaniac women alike are less likely to receive care according to the standard guidelines in comparison to white women.² Furthermore, the historical exclusion of minority groups in clinical trials contributes to the lack of tailored cancer treatment for diverse racial and ethnic groups.

4. Screening. Women with lower incomes and lower educational attainment have lower rates of breast cancer screening. This may be attributed to several factors, including lack of insurance, lack of screening guidance and recommendations from providers, and challenges in scheduling screening appointments.

Unfortunately, breast cancer does not impact all women the same. Thus, it is important to make your health a priority and start screening for breast cancer at the appropriate age according to your provider. For those who are underinsured, check out the CDC’s financial assistance program. The last article of this series will give tips for optimal breast health, so stay tuned!  In the meantime, schedule an appointment to get started with scheduling your mammogram.

1.  CDCBreastCancer. Breast Cancer Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published November 29, 2022. Accessed September 25, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm
2.  Lu Chen, Christopher I. Li; Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment by Hormone Receptor and HER2 Status. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1 November 2015; 24 (11): 1666–1672. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-0293
3.  Bureau UC. Census Bureau Releases New Report on Health Insurance by Race and Hispanic Origin. Census.gov. Accessed September 25, 2023. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/health-insurance-by-race.html
4.  Siddharth S, Sharma D. Racial Disparity and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in African-American Women: A Multifaceted Affair between Obesity, Biology, and Socioeconomic Determinants. Cancers (Basel). 2018;10(12):514. doi:10.3390/cancers10120514
5.  Mutale F. Inclusion of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Cancer Clinical Trials: 30 Years After the NIH Revitalization Act, Where Are We?. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2022;13(8):755-757. doi:10.6004/jadpro.2022.13.8.2
6.  Turbow SD, White MC, Breslau ES, Sabatino SA. Mammography use and breast cancer incidence among older U.S. women. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2021;188(1):307-316. doi:10.1007/s10549-021-06160-4

Pink Ribbon Chronicles: Tips for Optimal Breast Health

Breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 women in the United States. Some risk factors may be out of control, such as aging and family history. Nonetheless, to conclude this series we will provide you with some tips to optimize your overall breast health.

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Individuals who are overweight, particularly following menopause, face an elevated risk for breast cancer. This heightened risk is associated with the ability of fat tissue to generate estrogen, a hormone that is linked with the development of breast cancer. Moderate lifestyle changes, such as taking daily walks and limiting red meat consumption, can help maintain your weight.

2. Limit alcohol intake. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation which is no more than 1 drink a day for women according to the  Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

3. Opt for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding not only provides benefits to the newborn, but also minimizes breast cancer risk. There is a lower prevalence of breast cancer among mothers who breast feed in comparison to mothers who don’t.

4. Consider your medications. Some hormonal medications used for menopause management as well as birth control may increase risk of breast cancer. Speak with your provider to discuss any potential side effects when taking these medications.

5. Keep screening top of mind. Early detection is key in ensuring a favorable outcome if diagnosed with breast cancer. Once you are 40 years of age, it is essential to speak with your provider regarding mammogram visits and frequency. However, if you are younger than 40, you can administer breast self-examinations to detect any changes in breast anatomy.

The above recommendations are a great starting point to maintain your breast health. To conclude our Pink Ribbon Chronicles, our care team strongly encourages you to make a commitment to stay up-to-date with scheduling your mammograms. Schedule an appointment with us so we can help you navigate this process!

Footnotes

1.   Breast Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Breast Cancer? Accessed October 2, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
2.  CDC. Five Great Benefits of Breastfeeding. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published September 7, 2023. Accessed October 2, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/breastfeeding-benefits/index.html

Pink Ribbon Chronicles: Breast Health Beyond Breast Cancer

For many of us, when we think of breast health, we automatically think of breast cancer. However, there are several conditions beyond breast cancer that may cause pain and discomfort in our breasts besides cancerous tumors. Keep reading to find out more about several underlying causes of breast pain.

Menstruation

Hormonal changes are the number one cause of breast pain. Typically, breasts become tender and sore for about three to five days before the start of the menstrual period and return to normal once menstruation begins. This is a result of increased levels of estrogen and progesterone just before your period, which can cause breast swelling and sensitivity.

Pregnancy

Breast soreness and tenderness is one of the first indicators of pregnancy. This discomfort is often due to the rise of hormones during the first trimester. It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience discomfort while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women are susceptible to breast infection, which includes fever and pain or swelling of the breasts. However, it is possible for women who are not breastfeeding to contract infection as well.

Medications

Prescribed medications can cause breast pain as a side effect. Some examples of these medications include birth control pills, infertility medications, and Chlorpromazine, which is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions.

Injury

Breast tissue is susceptible to injury like any other part of the body. Trauma to the breast can cause swelling and bruising. Furthermore, pulled muscles of the chest wall and rib injury can also cause breast discomfort.

Bad bras

Without proper support, the ligaments of the breast can become overstretched, resulting in pain. This may be especially noticeable during exercise. Make sure your bra is the correct size and provides good support.

Benign breast lumps

1. Common benign (non-cancerous) lumps include the following:
   • Cysts, which are sacs filled with fluid as a result of blocked breast glands. These can be drained, or resolved without treatment.
   • Fibroadenomas are painless lumps common in women in their 20s and 30s.
   • Galactocele-These are typically fluid-filled lumps that often result from a clogged milk duct.

There are a variety of reasons why you may feel breast discomfort besides breast cancer. While not all breast lumps are cancerous, it is always necessary to present these lumps to your provider. At Trust.

Women’s Healthcare, we provide comprehensive breast examinations and will help you navigate your breast pain. Do not hesitate, schedule an appointment with us.

Footnotes

1.  John Hopkins Medicine. Breast Pain: 10 Reasons Your Breasts May Hurt. Published November 1, 2022. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-pain-10-reasons-your-breasts-may-hurt

Pink Ribbon Chronicles: The Basics of Breast Cancer

Many of us know at least one person affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, following certain skin cancers. This first blog in Pink Ribbon Chronicles aims to shed light on the basics of breast cancer. 

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is when a malignant (cancerous) tumor is located in the breast tissue. Breast cancer can originate throughout various regions of the breast including the nipples, the lobules (glands that produce breast milk), and breast fat and tissue. Furthermore, there are different types of breast cancer, which are often classified according to the genes and proteins present in a sample of tumor cells.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of breast cancer is attributed to the interplay of several risk factors. Some of these factors may be out of control, such as aging, having a family history of breast cancer, and having a higher breast density. However, certain health behaviors are modifiable, or under your control. For example, lack of physical activity and being overweight after menopause has shown to increase risk of breast cancer. Alcohol is also linked to breast cancer; the more you consume, the greater your risk. Aspects of your reproductive health may contribute to higher breast cancer risk, such as deciding to have kids after age 30 or choosing not to breastfeed.

Diagnosis and Treatment 

If you notice changes in your breast anatomy, it is important to consult your provider. Various imaging procedures may be recommended to determine cancer diagnosis. Your provider may request an ultrasound of the breast, and MRI, or a diagnostic mammogram. If cancer is detected, then further testing may be done to determine the stage of the cancer, or in other words, how much the cancer has spread and advanced. Depending on the stage and type of breast cancer, your provider may recommend different treatment options. Removing the tumor through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are common treatments which may be used individually or together. Also, your provider may recommend you explore enrolling in a clinical trial in the case other treatment options are insufficient.

While this article provides a brief introduction to the complexities of breast cancer, there is so much to learn regarding breast health! Stay tuned for the upcoming articles for breast cancer awareness month. As always, if you have any concerns regarding your breast health, schedule an appointment with us.

Footnotes

1.  CDCBreastCancer. Breast Cancer Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published November 29, 2022. Accessed September 11, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm
2. CDCBreastCancer. What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published July 31, 2023. Accessed September 11, 2023.https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

UTI Unveiled: Insights into Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically bacterial infections of the bladder that can lead to pain during urination. About 50% percent of women will experience this infection at least once in their lifetime. UTIs are very common among women– so this blog may be applicable to you at one point or another. Keep reading to learn a few facts about these infections!

UTIs can affect any structure within the urinary system.

While oftentimes these bacterial infections are within the bladder, a UTI can develop in the kidneys, ureters, and urethra.

Women get UTIs more often than men.

In fact, women get these infections up to 30 times more often than men. Women are more prone to getting UTIs because their urethra (the tube connecting the bladder to where urine exits the body) is shorter compared to men, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Additionally, a woman’s urethra is positioned closer to both the vagina and the anus, which are sources of germs like E. coli. 

Pregnant women are at greater risk for UTI.

Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to changes in the urinary tract’s bacterial environment leading to infection. Pregnant women may also have difficulty completely emptying their bladder because of how the baby is positioned. This leftover urine in the bladder can cause infection.

Menopausal women are also at greater risk.

The decrease in estrogen can cause vaginal tissue to become thin and dry, making it easier for bacteria to grow.

Cranberry products are not clinically proven to treat UTIs.

Studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of cranberry products for treating infections. However, some believe that these products may hinder bacteria from attaching to the cells lining the urinary tract wall, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection. The best mode of action is to discuss the use of cranberry products with your provider.

Good hygiene practices can help prevent infection.

Wiping front to back can prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the urinary tract. Furthermore, do not hold in your urine for too long. Be sure to urinate after sex.UTIs can be easily detected with a urine sample. The good news is, UTIs  are curable with the right antibiotics! If left untreated, infection can spread to the kidneys, and in more severe, but less common cases, to the bloodstream. If you have been experiencing discomfort during your bathroom visits, schedule an appointment with us!

Footnotes

1.  Urinary tract infections | Office on Women’s Health. Accessed August 20, 2023 https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections
2. Foxman, B. (2002). Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: Incidence, morbidity, and economic costs. American Journal of Medicine; 113(Suppl. 1A): 5S-13S.

Reasons Behind Delayed & Missed Menstruals

Missed periods can cause mounts of anxiety and stress. For most women, menstrual bleeding occurs every 21 to 35 days. However, there are few reasons for delayed or missed periods–keep reading to find out!

1. Pregnancy. Menstrual bleeding will cease in order to prevent the fertilized egg from being expelled from the body. Pregnancy tests can determine pregnancy approximately 10 days after conception.¹

2. Perimenopause. This time period marks the transition to menopause, or when your ovaries start to lose function. In this phase of womanhood, decline in estrogen and overall fertility is to be expected.

3. Adolescence. For those who recently started menstruating or girls in their teens may experience irregular cycles. However, if it has been 90 days or more since the last period, it is best to seek medical attention.²

4. Polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS can lead to high levels of androgen hormones. The excess of these hormones can lead to fluctuations in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

5. Birth control. Certain birth control pills can be used to delay periods, and in some cases this is done intentionally under a provider upon patient request. With the proper dosage, continuous use of certain birth controls (vaginal rings, IUDs, etc.) can lead to delayed or missed periods.³

6. Thyroid conditions. Your thyroid is a gland that produces the thyroid hormone. When an excess of this hormone is produced, fewer and lighter menstrual cycles can be expected. 

7. Extreme dieting and exercise. Putting your body through strict caloric deficits and extensive workouts for extended periods of time can cause your body to put your menstrual bleeding on a temporary pause.

8. Stress. Stress can manifest into physical symptoms including a late period. Stress can cause a hormonal imbalance which can alter your cycle.

Hopefully you can identify one of the reasons that may be contributing to your delayed or missed period. Schedule an appointment with us to find the culprit behind your menstrual cycle irregularities and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Footnotes

1.  Pregnancy tests | Office on Women’s Health. Accessed August 25, 2023. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-tests
2.  Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign. Accessed August 26, 2023. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign
3.  Birth control lets you decide when to have your period. Mayo Clinic. Accessed August 26, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/womens-health/art-20044044

Making Meaning of Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life. The transition into menopause is not a universal experience, some are subjected to more symptoms than others. Let this blog serve as a template for overcoming the challenges of this hallmark of womanhood.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a time period that signifies the onset of menopause which typically begins in your 40’s, and for some women, as early as mid 30’s. During this time period, women may experience shorter and irregular periods indicating the natural loss of ovary function. Furthermore, less estrogen will be produced and there will be a decline in fertility. Some women during perimenopause may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night flashes, vaginal dryness, changes in sexual desire, along with other physical and emotional side effects. While treatment is not necessary, your provider may be able to prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms.

Menopause

Many mistake the perimenopause transitional period as menopause itself. However, true menopause is when a woman’s menstrual cycle completely ceases for at least one year. Post-menopause, women can expect several changes in physical and mental wellbeing. Below are a few tips you can implement into your routine to alleviate symptoms:

1. Identify your triggers. Many times hot flashes can be linked to an external trigger, such as caffeine or alcohol. Try to identify potential sources of stress that lead to your hot flashes.
2. Consider kegel exercise. Women going through menopause may experience incontinence, or have difficulty controlling the bladder. Doing kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to help with bladder control.
3. Increase calcium and Vitamin D intake. Menopausal women are more likely to experience osteoporosis, or weakening of the bones. Increasing consumption of these nutrients can help prevent this condition. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D  include salmon, oranges, and dairy products.
4. Limit smoking. Smoking can increase your risk for a host of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and may even increase likelihood of hot flashes.
5. Stay physically active. During menopause, women tend to gain weight in their midsection. Staying active can help prevent weight gain. Consider simple lifestyle changes, such as walking around your neighborhood, or opting to take the stairs instead of an elevator.
6. Stay mentally active. Memory loss and forgetfulness are common during aging. Stimulating your brain, such as learning new skills or completing crossword puzzles provides several benefits for your brain health.

The tips mentioned above can serve as a starting point to help you navigate your health and wellbeing through menopause. For a personalized treatment plan, schedule an appointment with us.