New guidance on the management of infertility in PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility and appearance. The cause is unknown but the balance of hormones produced by the...
Should we stop wearing a bra?
I have often wondered about this. I personally cannot stand wearing a bra and it often comes off as soon as I get in from work. When I was younger and had smaller breasts, I used to love not...
Should we talk to strangers?
We always tell our children not to talk to strangers. I think this is good advice for children but for adults – we can have a very impersonal and lonely environment if no one talks to each...
Do you take vitamin supplements?
Vitamins are organic compounds that we need in small amounts for our bodies to function. They are essential for growth and development. We need to obtain vitamins from our diet as the body cannot...
Do you keep in touch with old friends?
There is evidence that those who keep in touch with friends and family to create a nurturing network are happier and healthier. The Mayo Clinic reports that friendship can “increase your sense of...
Vaginal douching linked to ovarian cancer risk
A new study carried out by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the US and published in the journal Epidemiology, has examined 40,000 women and found that those that practised...
Menopause makes women’s bodies age faster
Two papers just published from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences report that the menopause causes women’s bodies to age faster, which increases women’s risk...
Deep vein thrombosis: be aware if taking a long haul flight
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by blood clots (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in your legs, that can break lose and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow. If left untreated, about 1 in...
What are the three things you hate doing – but have to do?
We all have to do things we do not want to do. They can put us in a bad mood, stress us out and affect our wellbeing. The three things that I hate doing the most are shopping, cooking for the kids...
Can the menopause be reversed using platelet-rich plasma treatment?
Preliminary data was presented this month at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual meeting in Helsinki, Finland, which claims to have reinitiated menstruation and enable egg...
Gene tests to determine your nutritional and sports response
There are a growing number of companies offering tests to determine your specific genetic makeup which may have an affect on how we metabolise nutrients, deal with toxins and react to different...
Holistic care for a healthy menopause
This week the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) published a new position statement advocating a holistic model of care for a healthy menopause. As women are living longer and more...
Are you a glass half full or glass half empty person?
Perception is someones interpretation of reality. It reflects how people view the same situation and can determine someone’s outlook on the world – negative or positive. The glass...
How much TV do you watch?
Research indicates that ~80% of American adults watch >3 hours of TV per day and multiple studies have demonstrated a link between excessive TV time and poorer health. A recent study that looked at...
Are you happy in your home environment?
Is your home environment relaxing and happy? I am writing this post as this week I finally had my garden decking finished, three years after my extension was built. And I am amazed at how happy...
Cardiovascular disease is higher if you have an early menarche and early menopause
I attended the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual conference this week. Dr Iliodromiti from the University of Glasgow presented data on the risk of cardiovascular...
Why you should give your daughters the HPV vaccine
A study based in Alberta, Canada investigating the efficacy of the HPV vaccine was published yesterday. The study implemented a HPV vaccine in schools in 2008 for girls aged 10-11 years old as well...
Do you practice mindfulness?
Mindfulness is defined as ‘a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily...
