FitSugar

Menopausal Mother

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:41:35 -0800

Has anyone gone through this? My mom is going through menopause (at least I am pretty sure..she is turning 50). And she is off the handle nuts sometimes. Raving mad at me about random stuff like 'not picking up her calls'. I always call back ALWAYS, but I happened to have missed two of her calls on two separate occasions recently, and suddenly she goes all crazy about how I can answer everyone else's call and I am on my blackberry all the time but I can't pick up her call. "Eh I was on a run mom...and you just called me 2 hours before and I missed it and I returned that call didn't it?". None of this seems to be getting through to her. Than she launches into how she isn't even allowed to express how she feels anymore and I ask her what have I done to make her feel that way, and she wouldn't even answer me...it is so frustrating, and I try to be patient and rational but I honestly can't handle hanging around her, when all she ever seems to do around me is pick me apart now, and tell me what I am doing wrong and how I am a horrible daughter.

And what's worst we have a family trip (just me and her) in less than a month...I am not sure I can deal with this irrational behaviour. Anyone have any tips on how to handle the situation?!

Sex is good for fighting cancer !

PinkNC — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:34:35 -0800

Sex is good for you: For fighting cancer to the common cold - it's just what the doctor ordered (and men benefit most!)

• By A. Magee

Making love could be one of the few pleasures in life that is genuinely good for you, say researchers.

Not only does a healthy sex life boost mood, but there is growing evidence to show it boosts your physical well-being, too - from increasing longevity to reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction and even heart attack.

Only last month, researchers at Nottingham University concluded that men who kept up a regular sex life in their 50s were also at lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

(Conversely, they found 'too much' sexual activity - more than 20 times a month - in the 20s and 30s could increase the risk.)

In fact, the research seems to suggest that men - particularly older men - benefit the most from healthy effects of sex. Feel-good hormones help explain some of the benefits, such as mood-boosting, but the explanation is not always obvious.

But one thing is clear, and this applies to both men and women: you need to be having sex regularly if you don't want to lose the ability.

'Use it or lose it' was the advice given to older men by Finnish scientists recently.

They had followed 1,000 men aged between 55 and 75 for five years and found that those who had sex less than once a week at the start of the study were twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction (see below) as those who had it at least once a week.

Those who had sex three or more times a week lowered their risk fourfold.

As women get older their oestrogen levels drop, says Dr Peter Bowen-Simpkins, consultant gynaecologist at the London Women's Clinic and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

This hormone is key to a woman's sexual enjoyment - lower levels can make sex uncomfortable, he explains.

But American research found that menopausal women who had sex every week had oestrogen levels twice as high as their abstaining counterparts.

'Regular sex increases the production of oestrogen,' says Dr Bowen-Simkins. As long as other symptoms, such as dryness, are not a problem or have been treated, having more sex can decrease the risk of vaginal atrophy which can occur with age, he says.

So what else can a regular love life do for your health?

Heart

Sex can be good for your heart. The idea that men are more at risk of a heart attack during love-making is mostly misconception, say experts.

Professor Peter Weisberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, says there is no evidence that men who have sex regularly in their 40s, 50s and beyond are at an increased risk of heart attack.

'As far as the heart is concerned, sex is just another form of exercise,' says Dr Graham Jackson, consultant cardiologist at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital and president of the Sexual Dysfunction Association.

'In fitness terms, it's equivalent is going for a mile-long walk or climbing up and down two flights of stairs.

'If you're physically fit enough for that, there should be no increased risk during sex.'

A study at Queens University in Belfast found that having sex three times a week could actually halve the risk of heart attack or stroke.

However, if you are over 50, overweight and unfit, there is a risk to your heart - just as there would be if you suddenly and vigorously took up any form of exercise.

Loving feeing: A study found those who had sex less than once a month had double the risk of dying prematurely than those who had sex twice a week (picture posed)

Prostate

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in British men, affecting 35,000 a year.

Previous research suggested that greater sexual activity was linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer, but findings from Nottingham University (published in the British Journal Of Urology International) suggest the opposite is true: that increased activity is protective for older men.

This backs up the findings of a major study five years ago by the National Cancer Institute, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Previous studies have suggested the reduced risk is due to the release of toxins from the prostate gland.

'We can't say for certain that having regular sex can protect older men from prostate cancer, because such studies don't prove the mechanism through which risk is reduced,' says Dr Geoffrey Hackett, consultant urologist at Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, and former chairman of the British Society for Sexual Medicine.

'But many men who maintain a regular sex life are also likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle in terms of regular exercise and a better diet. That's likely playing a bigger part in their prostate cancer risk reduction.'

Bones

'Testosterone levels have been found to increase during and after sex,' says GP Dr Sarah Brewer. 'This may provide some protection against male osteoporosis.'

Sexual activity can also protect you against other unwanted changes. Some scientists have linked low levels of sexual activity to structural changes in the penis or testicles which appear to reduce them in size.

'We know that men who don't have regular ejaculations or sexual intercourse have lower levels of testosterone,' says Professor Pierre Bouloux, consultant endocrinologist at University College London and the Royal Free Hospital.

And if your testosterone levels fall and you don't get erections, there is some evidence that the penile tissues can lose some of their elasticity, which in turn could make them appear smaller.

Mood-lift: The neurotransmitter serotonin is the body's key anti-depressant and a major reason people smile after sex

Mood

The evidence suggests that the 'feelgood' effect of making love could be more about chemicals than sexual ability.

'During lovemaking and orgasm, a cocktail of endorphins (the body's natural mood-lifting opiates), neurotransmitters and hormones are released,' says Professor Nadir Farid, consultant endocrinologist and founder of the London Endocrine Clinic.

'Oxytocin, in particular, is a hormone released during and after sex that has been shown to make people more generous towards their partners and can also help induce calm and sleep,' he adds.

Oxytocin is called the 'cuddling' hormone because it's released after just 20 minutes of hugging. Women produce four times as much as men, for whom production is inhibited by the prevalence of the hormone testosterone, which drives libido.

Another key neurotransmitter is serotonin, says Professor Farid. 'Serotonin is the body's key antidepressant chemical and one of the major reasons people smile and feel happy and relaxed after sex.'

Sexually active women in longterm relationships were less likely to be depressed than women who went without sex, according to a study of nearly 300 women by American psychologist Gordon Gallup and published in the Archives Of Sexual Behaviour.

Gallup speculated that semen contains several hormones which may have a mood-boosting effect when they are absorbed through the vaginal wall into the bloodstream.

Immunity

Having more sex might increase immunity from colds and flu.

Having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of immunoglobulin A, or IgA, a substance found in saliva and the nasal lining thought to help our immune systems fight colds and flu.

In one study, scientists asked 11 volunteers how often they had had sex over the previous month, then measured levels of IgA in their saliva.

Those who had sex once a week or less had a slight increase, compared with those who abstained; but those who made love more often had 30 per cent higher levels.

Professor Ron Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre and Healthcare Clinical Trials at Cardiff School of Biosciences, is not convinced, though, that sex itself is the key.

It's known that stress and anxiety can also make IgA levels go down, so according to Professor Eccles any connection between sex and colds may be related to other factors.

Cold cure? Having more sex might increase immunity from colds and flu

Longevity

One of the largest studies on longevity and sex - conducted on Welsh men - found that those who had sex less than once a month had double the risk of dying prematurely than those who had sex twice a week.

'Sexual activity seems to have a protective effect on men's health,' says GP Dr Sarah Brewer. 'This may be linked with the effects of the master sex hormone, DHEA or dehydroepiandroterone, which is made in the adrenal glands and functions as a building block of other hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

'DHEA levels rise just before orgasm and ejaculation to three times higher than normal, and some claim this is how regular sex can prolong your life.'

Fertility

For people trying to conceive, one of the biggest myths associated with fertility is that refraining from ejaculation boosts sperm mobility - the rate at which individual sperm can move forwards to penetrate an egg for fertilisation, says gynaecologist Dr Gillian Lockwood, medical director of Midlands Fertility Services.

'When sperm is hanging around in the epididymis, the long coiled tube in the back of the testes where sperm is stored, it dies off rapidly,' she says.

'Unless a man has a low sperm count, the more often he has sex, then the better the quality of his sperm.'

Preliminary results of a small study two years ago, by Australian researchers, found that in men whose sperm showed significant DNA damage, daily ejaculation reduced this damage by 12 per cent.

'When it comes to sex for fertility, having sex little and often - at least every other night - is far better than lots of it on infrequent occasions.'

And the bad news

Just when you thought you'd had the green light for more passion, the experts strike a cautionary note. Unbridled romping - particularly with a new partner and without protection - comes with bigger risks, especially for the 'Viagra generation'.

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the over 45s have doubled in the ten years since Viagra was launched, and STI rates are now rising faster in older people than they are in the young.

A study last year from University College London found that those in their late 30s and 40s were least likely to use condoms with new partners.

Other research has found that 12 per cent of sexually active over-50s did not use contraception while also not knowing their partner's sexual history.

'This is a generation that didn't have the open sex education that young people get today,' says Professor Janice Rymer, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at St Thomas' Hospital London.

'Today's 50-somethings probably know less about sexual protection than many of today's teenagers.'

Most STIs are treatable with antibiotics, said Professor Rhymer, but it's important to be aware that some, such as human papilloma virus (HPV), have been strongly linked to cervical, mouth and other cancers.

How to cope when the mechanics let you down

MEN

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: This affects 14 per cent of men in northern Europe and can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, prostate surgery, or a psychological cause such as depression.

Repeated episodes of erectile dysfunction (ED) are a key indicator of undiagnosed early cardiovascular disease, warns Dr Graham Jackson.

'Two-thirds of men with erectile dysfunction have early onset coronary heart disease, in which no other symptoms - such as chest pain - are present.'

Studies have shown that erectile dysfunction could precede the onset of heart problems by three years. This is why men with ED should seek medical advice. 'The greatest risk to your heart comes with buying erectile-enhancing drugs without prescription on the black market,' said urologist Dr Geoffrey Hackett.

Treatments for erectile dysfunction include Viagra and Cialis, which have to be taken up to an hour before sex. These work by increasing blood flow by widening the blood vessels, but are effective in only 50 per cent of men. Cialis Once-A-Day, which is prescription-only, allows men to have sex whenever they want, and so restores the spontaneity lost with other treatments.

PREMATURE EJACULATION: Up to 30 per cent of Western men experience some form of this.

Treatments include condoms with numbing agents, anaesthetic sprays for the penis, antidepressant drugs to lower the anxiety that might cause the condition and pelvic floor exercise therapy.

WOMEN

FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: Up to 43 per cent of women are said to suffer from FSD, including low sex drive and inability to orgasm.

But medical experts question this figure, and the British Medical Journal has accused drug companies of medicalising the natural loss of libido that may come with age or relationship problems.

There are no drug treatments for FSD, though 25 are in development.

MENOPAUSE: The menopause causes a woman's ovaries to slow down and stop producing hormones, including testosterone, for sex drive, and oestrogen, which can reduce lubrication, making sex painful. 'KY Jelly can be effective,' says gynaecologist Dr Peter Bowen-Simpkins.

'Or we can prescribe estradiol, a weak oestrogen applied locally through pessaries or creams to help replace moisture and acidity'.

PAIN OR BLEEDING: 'Pain can be a sign of cysts, fibroids and, in very rare cases, ovarian cancer,' says Dr Gillian Lockwood, consultant gynaecologist. Bleeding is usually caused by benign cervical erosion and is easily treatable. Rarely, bleeding during sex can be a sign of cervical cancer. If it happens more than three times, see your GP.'

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Hair Loss

D-Lee — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:12:00 -0800

20 million American women suffer from some form of hair loss. The numbers worldwide would be staggering. Why and what to do?

Hair Loss

Description & Prevention
Your hair stylist has been able to hide it so far. Those short, frizzy styles keep your locks looking full, and no one can tell the difference.

Still, it's getting hard to deny that just like 20 million other American women, you're starting to lose your hair. Now you're worried sick, checking the mirror constantly--and feeling older by the minute.

"Hair is very much part of a woman's body image", says Dominic A. Brandy, MD, medical director of Dominic A. Brandy and Associates, a permanent hair restoration practice in Pittsburgh. "Losing it can cause a great deal of stress and, in some cases, can make women lose a certain amount of respect for themselves."

It doesn't help that hair loss in women typically begins between ages 25 and 40, before you even reach middle age. "That doesn't seem quite fair," Dr. Brandy says. "You're supposed to be at your peak, and something's already happening that can make you feel older."

"The most common cause of hair loss in women is a shift in the growth cycle," says Rebecca Caserio, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh. In other words, at any given time, some of your hair is growing and some of it is done growing. Most hairs have a life expectancy of 3 to 6 years. These hairs go into a resting stage for 3 months and fall out, then new hairs are produced from the same roots.

In other words, a certain amount of hair loss is normal. Think about it: Your cat probably sheds hundreds of hairs a day without going bald. "We normally shed somewhere between 50 and 100 hairs every day," says Dr. Caserio. "But there are a whole host of life events--namely, hormone shifts from birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause--that affect growing conditions, so that we can sometimes lose hundreds of hairs a day." Rapid weight loss, severe dandruff, iron deficiency, and a low protein intake can also speed up the normal rate of hair loss by forcing hairs into a rooting stage. A serious illness or a physical stress, such as childbirth, can trigger dramatic (but temporary) hair loss in women of up to 50%, but this only occurs in extreme circumstances, says Dr. Caserio.

"Hair loss, particularly when it occurs at the crown, can also be caused by genetics," adds Dr. Caserio. Hereditary baldness is not just a male problem, she points out. Women can inherit a predisposition toward baldness from either parent.

You can use proper nutrition to prevent hair loss:

Get adequate protein. Eat a couple of 3- to 4-oz servings of fish, chicken, or other lean sources of protein every day, says Elizabeth Whitmore, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Protein is needed by every cell in your body, including the cells that make the hair. Without adequate protein, the cells in your body don't work efficiently and can't make new hair to replace old hair that's been shed.

Maintain iron levels. Since iron-deficiency anemia can also cause hair loss, make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet that includes a daily serving or two of iron-rich foods, says Dr. Whitmore. Good sources of iron include lean red meat, steamed clams, cream of wheat, dried fruit, soybeans, tofu, and broccoli.

TAKE VITAMIN B6 "I have no idea why it works, but 100 mg a day of vitamin B6 seems to decrease hair shedding in some people," says Dr. Caserio. Just don't take any more than that without consulting a doctor, she cautions. Larger amounts can be toxic, especially over a prolonged time.

www.prevention.com

Older women crave `New Moon` vampires

darktwilightrose — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:49:53 -0800

(CNN) -- They don`t call it "Twi Crack" for nothing.Lisa Hansen, for example, thought she had lost her mind the first time she read "Twilight." Partly because she`s 36."I was absolutely worried that something was wrong with me," the Utah mother of two said. "I just couldn`t put it down -- I was obsessed completely."She picked up the first of Stephenie Meyer`s vampire novels -- recommended by a teen neighbor -- with few expectations. After devouring it, she couldn`t get the images of doomed love between a vegetarian vampire, Edward, and an awkward teenage girl, Bella, off her mind. Hansen thought about the books so much she seriously wondered if she was experiencing some sort of midlife crisis. "I thought I was the only woman in the world who was my age and was just obsessed with books," she said. In reality, far from it. Hansen is just one of the thousands of women around the world who have gotten caught up in the vampire frenzy. While they resemble the youthful, squealing "Twilight" fans on occasion -- Kellan Lutz, who plays vampire Emmett Cullen in the films, admitted some of the mail he gets from older fans makes him blush -- they`re still not the typical fan girls. For starters, being so in love with "Twilight" when you`re "of a certain age" can come with a healthy dose of shame."The stigma of it being a teenager`s book was the biggest issue," Hansen said. "Everyone felt the same way I did, like, `What`s wrong with me? Why am I obsessing over this teenager thing?` "But, one by one, the women began to find each other online, relieved that they weren`t the only ones. "As grown women we know that we never forget our first love, the first time our heart was really broken," Hansen explained of the often indescribable pull of Meyer`s work. "I just think that so many women can kind of identify with the experiences and emotions and underlying message of how difficult it is to make choices in life." Since so many of "Twilight" fan sites were overrun with teenagers, adult women have erected their own digital havens for fans who could take only so much of the "OMG Edward`s so hot!!!" reaction to "Twilight." There`s Hansen`s Twilight Moms Web site, which she started for married women and mothers who want to revel in their "Twilight" fandom, and sites like 49-year-old Patricia Kopicki`s, which is for any adult "Twilight" fan, parent or not.Both of them say they get steady streams of messages from women thanking them for helping them come out of their "Twilight" closet."Many of us [fans] are happily married with kids, some as old as the male leads in `Twilight.` Some of them jokingly refer to themselves as `cougars` because of this, but it`s used as a humorous way of saying we realize we are old enough to be Robert Pattinson`s mother [and] we still find him attractive," Kopicki said. The cougar comes out of the closetHistorically, any woman nearing menopause was expected to be at home, raising kids and uninterested in sex, said Valerie Gibson, who claims credit for the concept of the "cougar.""I wrote a book about older women and younger men in 1990, and let me tell you, the world was not ready for older women having sex with younger men," Gibson said. "Older women have always been indoctrinated to believe that they would get to a certain age and they were no longer wanted and sexy and desired. I think older women who have found their sexuality have always lusted after younger men but they were never, never allowed to say so."She hopes the love and lust many of these women display for the "Twilight" characters and the much younger actors who play them will turn the stereotype on its head."We`ve got a whole new social phenomenon of older women saying, `Who told me sexuality would die? It hasn`t! Here it is still burning away, maybe not for the guy I`ve been with for 30 years, but it`s still there,` " Gibson said. "They`re embracing it now."Indeed, the "Twilight" fans are very aware of the age gap between themselves and the objects of their oft-sexy fantasies, and, when given the space to express it, they aren`t the least bit ashamed. Jenny, a 32-year-old financial administrator who runs an adults-only "Twilight" blog mature enough to make her shy away from providing a last name, said women have thanked her for being so openly crass about her love of "Twilight" because it frees them to express desires in a way they wouldn`t in real life."We love to talk about how sexy Rob Pattinson is and what we would do if we got close," she said. "We feed off each other -- we can be these racy, silly, just kind of goofy women about this. No one`s being judged for being married and saying, `I`m 54 and I think this 23-year-old is absolutely delicious.` "Jenny, who runs the "Twitarded" site from New Jersey with her 41-year-old friend Debbie, said the books and movies have given her a new creative outlet. "I get excited over things that I never have before," Jenny said. "I`ve never followed celebrities before and all of a sudden I`m talking about E! Online and Access Hollywood, and my boyfriend is like, `You don`t even watch TV.` " If Robert Pattinson is on, she does now -- and her boyfriend doesn`t mind. Neither does Debbie`s husband. These women, for the most part, aren`t desperately single and looking for love through a fictional book about teens, Debbie said. "I wouldn`t go back to dealing with teenage love in a million years. I`m happily married and I have a great relationship, so it`s not that I feel that `Twilight` is filling a void," Debbie added. "The appeal is that it`s very simple and pure and it outlines this love story of someone who`s average and normal with this stellar, amazing person who has eyes for no one but her and could save her from anything." Fans camp out for "New Moon"Edward & Bella do S&MIt`s the fantasy romance of Edward and Bella -- which all of the women acknowledge could never actually happen, a sign of maturity younger fans don`t often express -- that inspires them to put some intensity back into their real-life relationships."It`s helped relationships, because [the fans] are happier nowadays. They have more friends, even if it`s just online friends, [and] they`re racier now. We hear all the time that people`s sex lives haven`t been the same since," Debbie said. Oddly enough, there`s no sex in Meyer`s novels, at least nothing that couldn`t be replicated in the PG movies they`re based on. That hasn`t stopped the fans from creating their own sex scenes in copious amounts of fan fiction, some of which have themes like "Edward and Bella do steamy office affair," or "Edward and Bella try out S&M." "It`s a rekindling of old feelings, because when you`re married and you`ve got kids and you`re running around to the soccer and basketball and football games, [and you`ve got] work, bills ... the relationship gets pushed off to the side," explained Kopicki, herself a mother of two teenagers."Your husband may not look exactly like Edward, but just as men have their fantasies, women do too and they need to be able to express it," she added. "A book like `Twilight` has brought that out."Twilight Moms, by contrast, aims to keep things family-friendly. Hansen said she wanted the site to be something a woman can browse while in the presence of her kids. Nevertheless, Hansen acknowledges that even the more subdued older "Twilight" fans admit feeling attracted. "Edward is just in a 17-year-old body, but he`s actually 108," Hansen said with a laugh. "I have a friend who said she`s able to justify her love for Jacob because she counts his age in dog years." But when the actors are under 18, like Taylor Lautner, the 17-year-old who plays Jacob, is, all of the women agree that a line has to be drawn on the swooning. "We`re very careful about that, because even to me that would feel creepy," Hansen said. "And then we have the mothers who say, `oh my gosh he`s the same age as my son!`"But, the fans said, no one`s actually expecting to date Lautner, Pattinson or Lutz. In the end, the obsession with "Twilight" is all in the name of a good time between mothers and daughters, or new friends. "We`re having a really, really fabulous time being 30, 40, or 50. We`re very unapologetic of our age," Jenny said. "Women are saying `so what, I`m 45, I`m married, I have children, but there`s no reason why I can`t say that Robert Pattinson is hot.`"

Will You Get Breast Cancer?

starangel82 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:01:32 -0700

Considering this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I though this would be a good post.

There's no part of our bodies that we obsess about more than our breasts. Even those of us not prone to health anxiety wonder which, if any, of our everyday habits are upping our odds of getting breast cancer. And it's no wonder we're confused: New scientific reports constantly contradict earlier ones. One week, a new medical study tells us what to eat to prevent breast cancer; the next week, another tells us that diet doesn't make a difference. Is it any surprise even smart women are baffled?

"There are so many conflicting studies out there, it's hard to distinguish between what's valid and what's not," says Debbie Saslow, Ph.D., director of breast and gynecologic cancers at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta. So what are real threats to the health of your breasts-and which dangers are just myths? What actually slashes your breast-cancer risk? Redbook went to some of the country's leading breast experts to get answers. Read on and take control of your breast health today.

And remember: The key moves to help yourself stay safe are to see your ob/gyn every year for breast exams, do monthly self-exams at home (it's best to do them after your period) and follow your doctor's recommendations for mammography screening. If you have tested positive for one of the breast-cancer genes or have a strong family history of premenopausal breast cancer (two first-degree relatives have had it), these recommendations may include consulting with a breast specialist, who will counsel you about how to protect yourself, including the one thing that can prevent the disease: chemoprevention and/or double mastectomy.

Mammograms

There's a common misconception that radiation from annual mammograms causes breast cancer. But leading experts say it just isn't so. Mammograms expose you to only about 18 millirems of radiation per exam-the equivalent of two days of normal exposure to natural radiation in our atmosphere, or about four times what you'd get on a routine cross-country flight from New York to Los Angeles, according to the American College of Radiology. "The benefits of having a mammogram far, far outweigh the risks, considering how many lives it saves every year," stresses Rache Simmons, a breast surgeon at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Also, today's mammography machines emit significantly less radiation than machines of 30 years ago.

So why the scary rumors? It is true that in super-high doses (we're talking nuclear meltdown), radiation can lead to cancerous changes in breast tissue. And women who are exposed to very large amounts of radiation during their teen years and early 20s have higher rates of breast cancer, probably because developing breast tissue is more susceptible to its effects. When women in their 30s and older are exposed to radiation, the risk is not as great as it is for younger women, says Simmons. Most women don't receive their first mammogram until age 40, the age recommended by the National Cancer Institute guidelines.

Caffeine

Good news: There's no need to skip your daily java fix. Several major studies-including one published this past January in the Annals of Epidemiology-have found absolutely no link between caffeine consumption and breast cancer. The reason there have been so many studies is that researchers once suspected a connection between caffeine and breast cysts. No link between caffeine and breast cancer has been found, and "even the theory that there was a connection between consuming caffeine and breast cysts has never been proven," says Peter Pressman, M.D., professor of clinical surgery at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center and author of Breast Cancer: A Complete Guide.

Dairy

Log on to the Internet and you'll find plenty of Web sites claiming that the animal fat and hormones in dairy exacerbate breast cancer. "There are rumors that compounds in cow's milk contribute to breast cancer, but there's no evidence to support that," says Saslow. In fact, several studies-including a Norwegian study published in The International Journal of Cancer-have found that women who drank more than three glasses of milk every day had a lower incidence of breast cancer. So go ahead and keep eating good-for-you dairy products (low-fat is what most doctors recommend for overall health benefits). They may even help decrease your breast-cancer risk.

Lumpy breasts

Doctors have a scary name for lumpy breasts: fibrocystic breast disease. But although the word "disease" may induce panic, lumpy breasts are extremely common and not linked to breast cancer. "The majority of women experience lumpiness, tenderness or thickening of the breast tissue throughout the month due to normal hormonal fluctuations; it's not at all unusual," says Ruth Oratz, a breast-cancer oncologist at the New York University Medical Center Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Years ago, before doctors knew a lot about breast cancer, they used to speculate that there was a link between fibrocystic disease and breast cancer, but today we know that's absolutely not true."

In fact, leading breast-cancer researcher Susan Love, M.D., analyzed studies following thousands of women with fibrocystic breast disease and concluded that they had no higher risk of breast cancer than did women who didn't have lumpy breasts. But having lumpy breasts makes breast self-exams even more important. "You need to get a good sense of your breast-tissue texture so you can distinguish between merely fibrocystic changes and an actual new lump," says Pressman.

Bras

The bra rumor is based on the hypothesis set forth by husband-and-wife anthropologists a few years ago in the book Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, in which they claimed that bras-especially underwire bras-constrict lymphatic tissue, allowing cancer-causing toxins to build up. "When I first heard this one, I thought, You've got to be kidding," says Pressman. "Research has proven that bras-even tight-fitting ones-don't interfere with lymphatic drainage at all." There have been many large-scale studies of what increases breast-cancer risk, and none of them have found any connection between wearing a bra and breast cancer.

Having one drink (or more) a day

Women who have one alcoholic drink every day up their chances of getting breast cancer by about 9 percent from those of women who don't drink at all, according to a 1998 study done at the Harvard Medical School of Public Health in Boston. "We found that breast-cancer risk increased by about 9 percent for every daily drink consumed," explains study author and Harvard epidemiologist Stephanie Smith-Warner, Ph.D. In other words, regularly downing two glasses of wine a night increases your risk for breast cancer by about 18 percent; three a night raises your risk by 27 percent. So is it safe to drink at all? Yes, in moderation, says Simmons. "I'd recommend limiting your intake to a drink a day."

Piling on the pounds

Carrying extra weight means more than being self-conscious in a bathing suit: It may actually up your chances of getting breast cancer. "Women who are overweight tend to have higher blood estrogen levels and higher insulin levels, both of which we believe may promote the development of cancerous cells," explains Oratz. After menopause, being overweight can increase your risk for breast cancer by up to 60 percent, according to one study. (Researchers are still unsure exactly how much weight gain is too much, so check with your doctor.)

And even though menopause is very likely years away, experts say you should lose any extra weight now. "You should really avoid weight gain during your 20s, 30s and 40s, because it's likely that any weight you put on will carry into your postmenopausal years," explains Deborah Axelrod, M.D., chief of the Comprehensive Breast Center at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center in New York. You should also try to limit pregnancy weight gain to between 25 and 35 pounds: A recent Georgetown University study found that women who gained more than 40 pounds during a single pregnancy faced a 40 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. (Women who retained the added pounds after pregnancy were at the greatest risk, regardless of their starting weight.)

Being a couch potato

There's plenty of evidence that going out and breaking a sweat can help lower breast-cancer risk. One study at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles found that women who participated in at least four hours of exercise a week during their premenopausal years had a 58 percent lower breast-cancer risk than women who were inactive. Why does exercise reap such positive benefits? Most likely because it decreases the estrogen in the blood. Studies have shown that exercise may increase your body's production of cancer-fighting cells. Aim for at least three 45-minute sessions a week.

Postponing motherhood

Women who have their first full-term pregnancy after 30 or never give birth at all are at slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer, notes Saslow. "The more children a woman has, the lower her risk of developing breast cancer-probably because she's not ovulating as much (because of pregnancy) and thus her lifetime exposure to hormones is lower," she explains. Studies also suggest that breastfeeding offers a bit of protection against the disease, particularly against postmenopausal breast cancer. "The benefits may be slight, especially for those who do it for only a short time, but there are so many other health advantages to breastfeeding that we encourage women to do it if they can, for as long as they can," says Saslow.

Not eating your broccoli

A few florets a day may keep breast cancer at bay. Research at the Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York found that women who daily ate a mixture of cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) showed significant reductions in an estrogenic compound believed to cause breast cancer. "These vegetables contain chemicals called indoles, which seem to induce the body to burn off the form of estrogen that promotes breast cancer," explains Axelrod. Try to include these veggies in your diet at least two to three times a week. It doesn't matter if you eat them raw or cooked; researchers believe that their protective benefits are essentially the same either way.

Even leading experts are still scratching their heads over conflicting research in the following areas:

The Pill

A reassuring recent report in The New England Journal of Medicine found no link between Pill use and breast cancer. But other studies have found a slight connection. "It appears safe to be on the Pill for around five to 10 years," says Oratz. "But the jury is still out on long-term use."

A high-fat diet

Two recent Harvard Medical School of Public Health studies found that women who ate a low-fat diet weren't any less likely to get breast cancer than women who ate a diet higher in fat. Still other research says that eating monounsaturated fat (such as olive oil) may lower risk.

Sun exposure

Women who live in sunny areas have lower breast-cancer rates than women who don't. The likely reason: The sun's UVB rays enable your body to produce vitamin D, which may reduce breast-cancer risk. But the vitamin D-cancer connection is preliminary, and it's not clear whether you can reap the same effects from fortified foods or supplements.

Source: MSN Fitness & Health/Redbook

Be good to yourself if you’re not ovulating

PinkNC — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:34:17 -0800

**Be good to yourself if you’re not ovulating**

When ovulation stops (with the menopause), hormonal changes can affect your libido. But even if you're in the mood, sex may be physically impossible if you lack natural lubrication (due to lack of oestrogen). Experiment with the many lubricants available and encourage your partner to make these a part of your warm-up routine.

Don't be ashamed that you're having difficulities with you man. Explain the situation with him so that he will understand that you are NOT avoiding him because you don't love him. You just simply need help in trying new methods so that you will be able to get your bedroom love, back on track Avoiding him with almost no communication on the matter, may cause other problems outside of your bedroom. And you DON'T want that to happen!

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Gone too far?

cine_lover — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:24:59 -0700

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1223617/No-men-OR-women-needed-artificial-sperm-eggs-created-time.html

No men OR women needed: Scientists create sperm and eggs from stem cells

By Fiona Macrae

Human eggs and sperm have been grown in the laboratory in research which could change the face of parenthood.
It paves the way for a cure for infertility and could help those left sterile by cancer treatment to have children who are biologically their own.
But it raises a number of moral and ethical concerns. These include the possibility of children being born through entirely artificial means, and men and women being sidelined from the process of making babies.

Forever fertile? Infertile men and women could have their own biological children using the breakthrough sperm and eggs
Opponents argue that it is wrong to meddle with the building blocks of life and warn that the advances taking place to tackle infertility risk distorting and damaging relations between family members.
The U.S. government-funded research also offers the prospect of a 'miracle pill' which staves off the menopause, allowing women to wait longer to have a child.
It centres on stem cells, widely seen as a repair kit for the body.
Scientists at Stanford University in California found the right cocktail of chemicals and vitamins to coax the cells into becoming eggs and sperm.

Controversial: Britain's oldest mother Elizabeth Adeney, 67, who went abroad for IVF, is pictured here with her newborn son in June this year

The sperm had heads and short tails and are thought to have been mature enough to fertilise an egg.
The eggs were at a much earlier stage but were still much more developed than any created so far by other scientists.

More...

Down's Syndrome cases soar as women delay starting a family

The double success, published in the journal Nature, raises the prospect of men and women one day 'growing' their own sperm and eggs for use in IVF treatments.

The American team used stem cells taken from embryos in the first days of life but hope to repeat the process with slivers of skin.
The skin cells would first be exposed to a mixture which wound back their biological clocks to embryonic stem cell state, before being transformed into sperm or eggs.
Starting with a person's own skin would also mean the lab-grown sperm or eggs would not be rejected by the body.
The science also raises the possibility of 'male eggs' made from men's skin and 'female sperm' from women's skin.
This would allow gay couples to have children genetically their own, although many scientists are sceptical about whether it is possible to create sperm from female cells, which lack the male Y chromosome.
The U.S. breakthrough could unlock many of the secrets of egg and sperm production, leading to new drug treatments for infertility.
Defects in sperm and egg development are the biggest cause of infertility but, because many of the key stages occur in the womb, scientists have struggled to study the process in detail.
Researcher Rita Reijo Pera, of Stanford's Centre for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, believes new fertility drugs are just five years away.
However, safety and ethical concerns mean that artificial sperm and eggs are much further away from use.
Dr Reijo Pera said any future use of artificial eggs and sperm would have to be subject to guidelines.

'Whether one builds the boundaries on religion or just on an internal sense or of right and wrong, these are important. In this field, it is not "anything goes".'
Scientists at Newcastle University claimed to have made sperm from embryonic stem cells earlier this year but the research paper has been retracted.
Dr Allan Pacey, a Sheffield University expert in male fertility said: 'Ultimately this may help us find a cure for male infertility. Not necessarily by making sperm in the laboratory, I personally think that is unlikely, but by identifying new targets for drugs or genes that may stimulate sperm production to occur naturally.
'This is a long way off, but it is a laudable dream.'
Dr Peter Saunders, of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said that IVF should be the preserve of married couples.
'The question is, why are we creating artificial gametes (eggs and sperm) and aborting 200,000 babies a year when there are many, many couples willing to adopt?'
Josephine Quintavalle, of the campaign group Comment on Reproductive Ethics, warned that any flaws in the artificial sperm or eggs could be passed on to future generations.
Anthony Ozimic, of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said: 'The use of artificial gametes in reproduction would distort and damage relations between family members.
'There are no instances of any major medical advance achieved by abandoning basic ethical principles such as safeguarding the right to life.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1223617/No-men-OR-women-needed-artificial-sperm-eggs-created-time.html#ixzz0VHee0iN3

Not sure how to go about it

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:39:00 -0700

Hello fellow sugar members, I need some advice.

My brother has been dating his girlfriend for about a year now and they are very happy. My brother is 22 his girlfriend is my age 19. A few months ago she went to the hospital because she was having pains in her lower stomach, after spending the night at the hospital they told her she had several ovarian cysts, after further testing they found out they were cancerous. When she found out she was pretty calm about it and it didn’t really sink in. Before the surgery her doctor said they weren’t sure if they would have to remove the ovary but the possibility was small. She told them if by some chance they needed to remove one of her ovaries than do it, but she didn’t think they would need to. When she woke up after surgery they told her they did end up removing one of her ovaries. Once again it didn’t really sink in.

A few weeks later they told her that they wanted her to go through chemotherapy. When they told her this she completely lost it. In one moment everything sunk in. She is worried about losing her hair, because she doesn’t want to receive looks of pity from people. She doesn’t feel like a “real” woman anymore because she only has one ovary and she is also dealing with some symptoms of menopause. She even has begun pushing my brother away because she feels like he should be with a “real” woman. My brother told her that he loves her and that he isn’t going anywhere but she still doesn’t like to talk to him about it. She is going to therapy but she doesn’t feel comfortable opening up to someone she doesn’t know. She doesn’t really have any friends who she can talk to about her situation. A good majority of her friends are young, immature, hard partiers who also get into a lot of trouble. Pretty much her family and friends are what can be considered bad influences who live dangerous lives. Before this all happened she pretty much was just like them, always going to parties doing drugs, drinking, getting in fights and even was on probation. My brother was also like this but thankfully two years ago something happened and he completely changed his life. His girlfriend always puts up a tough front but I know deep down she is very sensitive and she only shows this to my brother. She and I are not very close but I would like to be there for her. How can I let her known I want to be there for her and that she can talk to me whenever she needs someone to talk to? In the past whenever someone tries to be there for her she feels like they just pity her and it makes her push people away even more.

Live Happier and Healthier With Herbal Vitamins

fredburfell — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:57:21 -0700

A lot of people are switching from synthetically-made prescription drugs and multivitamins to natural supplements and alternatives. The sudden shift is caused by a well-known belief that these natural health choices are indeed healthier and safer as compared to prescription drugs. True enough, the presence of chemicals on most drugs triggers dangerous negative effects when administered properly. However, these same effects are also present on herbal vitamins so caution when taking them should be observed, as well.

With more online herbal options and stores blossoming in the market; it easy to get lost on your search, even with a doctors guidance. Below is a short list of herbal vitamins and the benefits you can reap from them.

Herbal Weight Loss Products As most of us may be aware, obesity is already a common issue faced in our society. This is the exact reason herbal products that fall under this category are especially known amongst herbal patrons. This is a safe way for them to achieve the body they are aiming for. These natural alternatives are usually fat burners and laxatives. They either aid in digestion or suppress appetite thus doing the trick for dieters.
Herbal Energy Vitamins for Mind and Body Energy drinks and multivitamins are now replaced with natural supplements. These vitamins provide you extra energy for more physical activities while keeping your mind active.
Herbal Vitamins for Men and Women Men and women’s health needs are different so they are to take different herbal supplements as well. There is a huge deal for women on herbal vitamins. There are vitamins specifically formulated to help them cope with hormonal problems, menstrual, menopausal and even sexual issues. Similarly, an herbal Viagra has been designed for men’s sexual problems.
These are very basic categories. With abundant options in the market today, you should be able to find a natural supplement that will be ideal for your needs. A rule of thumb- always make sure to read the labels and know everything that you need to know about these products to ensure your safety.

Migraines

Monique Marie — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:20:08 -0700

A migraine is a severe, debilitating form of headache that typically appears as a throbbing ache near the side of the forehead. Over time, the ache often intensifies to a disabling pain. Migraines are usually a chronic condition, occurring repeatedly throughout a person’s life.

Migraines are considered a type of vascular headache because they involve blood vessels, nerves and chemicals in the brain. Although the exact cause of this type of headache is not fully understood, a number of factors that can trigger the condition have been identified. These include sensory stimulus (e.g., bright lights, loud noises, certain odors), stress and certain foods, such as chocolate or nuts.

A migraine differs from other types of headaches because it is usually more severe and often accompanied by a number of other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting. In some people, temporary visual changes such as hallucinations or blind spots may occur before the headache appears. Known as aura, these warning symptoms occur in only about one–fifth of migraine suffers. Migraine with aura (classic migraine) and migraine without aura (common migraine) are the two most common types of migraine.

A number of serious conditions, including stroke, blood clot, and brain tumor, can cause severe headaches that may be mistaken for migraines. To rule out these conditions, a physician evaluates the patient by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Diagnostic tests such as MRI, CAT scan or electroencephalogram (EEG) may also be performed.

There is no known cure for migraines. However, there are a number of methods used to control symptoms and prevent future episodes. These include headache medications, biofeedback and self–hypnosis. Patients may help prevent migraines by avoiding factors that trigger the headaches.

The National Headache Foundation (NHF) estimates that more than 28 million Americans experience migraine. The disease is more common in women, people between the ages of 15 and 55, and those with a family history of the condition.

People with other conditions are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed with migraines, but because symptoms and onset vary, some migraine sufferers go undiagnosed. The NHF estimates that even among people with complaints of severe disability from the condition, a large percentage do not receive a diagnosis of migraine.

Although they can be debilitating, migraines pose little risk of severe damage to a person’s overall health. However, patients should seek emergency medical treatment when a headache is accompanied by a symptom not experienced with previous migraines, such as speech problems or a loss of balance, as it may indicate a more serious medical condition.

Migraines are a type of vascular headache. They involve blood vessels, as well as nerves and chemicals in the brain. They are most likely caused by an abnormal trigger of chemicals that cause the blood vessels to swell. Migraines differ from other types of headaches because they often are more severe and are accompanied by other symptoms. In patients with aura, they can have unusual symptoms such as nausea or fatigue even two days before the onset of full-blown migraine.

Often described as a throbbing headache, migraines are usually felt on only one side of the head. They typically begin as a dull ache near the side of the forehead. Over a period of several minutes to hours, the ache intensifies to a disabling pain. The pain is often so severe that people may be sensitive to anything touching their head.

Without treatment, the headache may last anywhere from four to more than 72 hours. During this time, a person may experience a number of additional symptoms including nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The pain associated with a migraine is referred pain, meaning it is usually felt around the eye or temple area, but it may develop in the face, sinus, jaw or neck.

According to National Headache Foundation (NHF), more than 28 million Americans experience migraines. The frequencies in which migraines are experienced vary from person to person. Some people experience migraines once or twice a year, whereas others will experience them several times a month.

Migraine symptoms appear differently among individuals. None of the symptoms develop in all individuals, making the diagnosis of the condition more difficult. In a large study conducted by the NHF in 1999, 48 percent of the individuals with migraines reported that they had received a medical diagnosis. Even today, the NHF estimates that less than half of the people who suffer with migraines receive a medical diagnosis.

Although migraines pose little risk of long-term damage to a person’s overall health, the debilitating pain can interfere with daily life. In addition, there is a very low risk of stroke associated with severe migraines. This may result from a narrowing of the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to parts of the brain. Permanent neurological changes, such as muscle weakness, may also occur as the result of complicated migraines.

Severe headaches from a number of serious conditions may be mistaken for migraines. These headaches may be caused by:
-Stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain resulting from the rupture of a blood vessel within the head)
-Blood clot or aneurysm (an abnormal expansion or ballooning of a section of an artery)
-Brain tumor
-Concussion
-Lyme disease

As a result, patients should discuss all serious or recurring headaches with their physician and seek medical attention when a headache:
-Starts suddenly
-Is severe or persistent
-Disturbs sleep
-Occurs during activity
-Changes in pattern or intensity
-Intensifies after lying down
-Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as drowsiness or vision changes

Emergency medical treatment should be sought when:
-A headache is accompanied by unusual symptoms not experienced with previous migraines, including:
-Speech problems
-Vision abnormalities
-Numbness, weakness or loss of balance
-Difficulty moving a limb
-Fever
-Stiff neck
-Rash
-Seizures or mental confusion
-A headache occurs soon after a sore throat or respiratory infection
-A headache occurs after a head injury
-A chronic headache intensifies with coughing, exertion, straining or sudden movement
-A new type of headache pain occurs (in those over age 50 or younger than
-A new type of headache pain occurs that is severe and not contained to just one side of the head
-There is loss of consciousness

The two major classifications for migraines are:

1. Migraine without aura. Also known as common migraine, this type of migraine is characterized by a severe throbbing headache felt usually on only one side of the head. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, allodynia and sensitivity to light, sound and odors. It is the most common form of migraine.

2. Migraine with aura. Also known as classic migraine, this type of migraine is similar to the common migraine except it is preceded by warning symptoms (aura) before the headache occurs. The aura usually presents as a visual disturbance that begins 20 to 60 minutes before the onset of the migraine, but can start up to 48 hours before.
Additional classifications include:

Complicated migraine (the one that I suffer from) In some cases, warning symptoms (aura) are prolonged, or continue into or through the headache period. This type of migraine is known as a complicated migraine. Forms of complicated migraine include:

Ophthalmoplegic migraine. During this migraine, patients develop a partial or complete paralysis of the nerves needed for eye movement. The pain typically surrounds the eye. Triggered by weakness of the muscles encasing the eyes, the pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. This is a rare form of migraine that most often occurs in children and young adults. I feel like my eyes are going to pop out of their sockets and it is painful.

Retinal migraine. Also known as an ocular or ophthalmic migraine, this type of migraine is characterized by multiple episodes of blind spots or blindness related to a headache. It differs from other forms of headache because the retina (light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye) is responsible for the visual disturbances, not the brain.

Hemiplegic migraine. This form of migraine is characterized by numbness or tingling and temporary paralysis on one side of the body. Because of its similarity in symptoms to a stroke, individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they experience these symptoms. I also have parts of my body going numb, usually my left side.

Although they occur rarely, hemiplegic migraines are considered one of the most severe forms of migraine. In some cases, it may take several weeks for a patient to recover completely. In addition, patients may suffer permanent weakness after multiple episodes. In 2004, I had one of these and it took a year to be able to move my left side normally.

A rare type of hemiplegic migraine can be inherited. Known as familial hemiplegic migraine, this condition has been connected to mutations in genes on several chromosomes. Familial hemiplegic migraine is autosomal dominant, meaning it can be passed on to a child if only one parent has the abnormal gene.

Basilar migraine. Also known as Bickerstaff’s syndrome, this type of migraine is characterized by neurological symptoms related to the brainstem. It occurs as the result of a migraine affecting circulation in back of the neck or brain. Patients may experience headaches located at the back of the head, accompanied by numbness on both sides of the body and severe vomiting. Additional symptoms may also occur, including dizziness, double vision, loss of balance, confusion, slurred speech, disorientation, fainting and loss of consciousness. This condition occurs most often in children and young women.

Migraine equivalents. Also known as migraine variants, acephalgic migraine or simply migraine aura without headache, this rare type of migraine presents in a form other than head pain. A patient with a previous history of migraines may be diagnosed with this condition when the headaches have been replaced by an equivalent set of symptoms. A migraine equivalent may present in the form of visual abnormalities (e.g., blind spots), neurologic deficits or psychic disturbances without headache.

A common form of migraine equivalent is the abdominal migraine. Also known as periodic syndrome, this form of migraine most often occurs in children. Patients usually have a family history of migraines, and they often develop typical migraines later on in adulthood. The condition is characterized by recurrent bouts of abdominal pain without headache. These episodes can last for a number of hours. The condition is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, flushing and pallor (paleness).

Additional terms used to describe migraines include:

Coexisting migraine and tension headache. Also known as transformed migraine, chronic migraine and chronic daily headache, this condition is characterized by the combination of a chronic tension–type headache and recurrent migraine headaches. In most cases, patients with this condition have a personal history of migraine headaches that can be traced back to adolescence or young adulthood.

Cyclic migraine syndrome. Patients with this syndrome usually have 10 or more migraines a month, which are accompanied by typical migraine symptoms. These headaches are not classified as cluster headaches because they are long-lasting and do not have symptoms typically associated with cluster headaches.

Menstrual migraine. This term may be used to describe migraines that occur during ovulation or before, during or immediately after a woman’s menstrual period.

Nocturnal migraine. This term may be used to describe migraines that occur during the middle of the night or in the early morning. Patients experiencing nocturnal migraines are often awakened by them. They may be caused by changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters that occur during sleep.

Status migraines. This term may be used to describe a migraine that continues for more than 72 hours.

Migraine with acute-onset aura. This term may be used to describe aura that fully develops in less than five minutes.

Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity. This abnormal activity may be triggered by a number of factors. Although the exact process in which this occurs is unknown, the disorder appears to involve blood vessels, nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain.

Some researchers believe migraines are caused by imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin (a neurotransmitter that controls pain signals traveling through the trigeminal nerve) or changes in the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensory stimuli to the brain from the face, teeth and tongue. Others believe that migraines are due to central sensitization, which means that pain centers feel pain without any painful stimulus.

Serotonin levels drop during a migraine. Many researchers think this triggers the trigeminal nerve to release substances known as neuropeptides. Once released, the neuropeptides travel to the brain’s surface, where they cause swelling and inflammation of blood vessels. This results in head pain. Low levels of magnesium, a mineral involved in nerve cell function, may also play a role.

Factors that may trigger a migraine include:
-Sensory stimulus, such as bright lights, loud noises or certain odors
-Stress (physical or emotional)
-Depression
-Changes in sleep patterns, including too little or too much sleep
-Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
-Skipping or delaying meals
-Alcohol or caffeine
-Intense physical activity
-Tension headaches
-Medications that cause the blood vessels to swell (vasodilators), including some blood pressure medications
-Frequent use of pain medication (rebound withdrawal headaches)
-Allergic reactions
-Environmental changes, such as changes in weather, altitude level, barometric pressure or time zone
-Hormonal changes, including those caused by menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

A number of factors appear to make a person more likely to develop migraines. These risk factors include:
-Age. According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), migraines occur most often between the ages of 15 and 55.
-Sex. The NHF estimates that women are affected with migraines three times as often as men.
-Family history. Migraines are more likely to occur in people with migraine sufferers in their immediate family, such as a parent or sibling. According to the NHF, between 70 and 80 percent of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines.
Some studies have found increased prevalence of migraines in people with certain conditions, including epilepsy, insulin resistance, obesity, fibromyalgia and certain cardiovascular conditions

The main symptom of a migraine is a throbbing, pounding or pulsating headache. The pain, which may be dull or severe, is typically worse on the sides of the forehead. It starts on one side of the head and typically remains contained there. However, it may spread to the other side. For many migraine sufferers, the headaches start on the same side each time.

Exertion often intensifies the pain. In addition, many patients experience pain behind the eye or in the back of the head or neck.

Migraines may be accompanied by a number of other symptoms including:
-Nausea or vomiting
-Sensitivity to light or sound
-Loss of appetite
-Fatigue
-Numbness, weakness or tingling
-Dizziness or vertigo (feeling that the room is spinning)
-Chills
-Increased urination
-Increased sweating
-Swelling of the face
-Irritability

Some people who experience migraines have warning symptoms before the headache appears. Known as aura, these temporary visual disturbances are caused by transient changes in the activity of certain nerve cells. The changes may occur in one eye or in both. Aura most often occurs 20 minutes to one hour before a migraine. However, it can develop anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours before the headache appears. Warning symptoms may include:
-Visual hallucinations (e.g., flashing lights, zigzag lines, dots)
-Blind spots
-Tunnel vision
-Sensitivity to bright light
-Blurred vision
-Eye pain
Most people, however, do not experience aura. According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), only around one–fifth of migraine suffers experience aura. Some people also experience difficulty speaking, or a tingling sensation in their arm, leg or face.

Regardless of whether or not a patient has aura, there are a number of symptoms that may appear several hours to a day before a migraine occurs. Known as prodrome symptoms, these include:
-Feelings of elation or extreme energy
-Cravings for sweets
-Increased thirst
-Drowsiness
-Irritability
-Depression

There are also a number of symptoms that may remain after a migraine has disappeared. These include:
-Mental dullness (unclear or slowed thinking)
-Fatigue
-Increased need for sleep
-Neck pain

During an evaluation for migraines, physicians take the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. While collecting a patient’s medical history, physicians may ask the patient about their symptoms. They will ask if there is a family history of migraines. Typically, physical examinations performed on patients with migraines yield no findings.

The patient may be asked to complete a pain assessment form, such as the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire, which was developed to help physicians identify sufferers most in need of care.

Information provided during the evaluation can help physicians determine whether a patient’s symptoms are the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.

A number of diagnostic tests may be ordered to rule out other potential causes. These may include:
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). MRIs use a powerful magnetic field to create images of structures and organs within the body, allowing a computer to produce clear cross-sectional or three-dimensional images. This test may be ordered to rule out sinus inflammation, brain masses and a number of other causes.

CAT scan (computed axial tomography). This test allows for multiple x-rays to be taken from different angles around the patient. A computer analyzes the "slices" or cross-sectional images. Frequently after the first set of images is taken, the patient receives an intravenous (I.V.) injection of a contrast agent (dye) to better outline the body parts. Then a second set of images is taken. This test may be ordered to rule out sinus inflammation, brain masses and a number of other causes.

Electroencephalogram (EEG). Electrodes are placed on the head to measure the brain’s electrical activity. This test may be performed to exclude seizures.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). This procedure uses a needle to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from between vertebrae in the lower spine. Although this test is rarely performed, it may be ordered to rule out encephalitis, meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage or other possible underlying conditions that can cause severe headaches.

No tests are available yet to confirm the diagnosis of a migraine. As a result, migraines are often misdiagnosed as sinus headaches or tension headaches.

There are a number of treatment options available for migraines. Although migraines cannot be cured, treatments aim to control the symptoms and prevent future episodes. Patients may benefit from immediately treating their migraine as soon as symptoms appear. This may lessen the severity of the headache.

Simple treatment methods for migraines include:
-Resting in a quiet and darkened room. During a migraine, patients are often sensitive to noise and light. Silence and darkness may lessen the severity of migraine symptoms.
-Drinking fluids. This prevents dehydration, especially after vomiting.
-Placing a cool cloth on the head.
-Prescription and over–the–counter medications may also be used to prevent migraines, stop the progression of a migraine and relieve symptoms.
-Beta blockers. These drugs decrease the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure.
-Calcium channel blockers. These drugs increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, lower blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart.
-Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of antidepressants is most commonly used to treat depression. Antidepressants, however, may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that people being treated with these drugs be closely monitored for unusual changes in behavior.
-Antihistamines. These drugs are commonly used to treat allergic reactions.
To be effective, these medications must be taken every day. They are frequently recommended for patients who experience three or more migraines a month. Although they may be recommended for some patients, they are less helpful and tolerable in patients with only occasional migraines.

A variety of drugs may be recommended to reduce pain, nausea or emotional stress related to migraines. Medications given to treat these symptoms include:
-Anti-emetics to relieve nausea
-Sedatives to reduce anxiety
-Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation
-Acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever
-Narcotic analgesics (opioids) to relieve pain or inflammation

Medications used to treat migraines have variable effectiveness in different people. In many cases, a number of medications may be tried before an effective drug, or combination of drugs, is found.

As an alternative to drug therapy, patients may choose to take feverfew, MIG-99 (an extract of feverfew) or butterbur. These are herbs commonly used to treat migraines. Although their effectiveness has not been proven, some studies support their use. Riboflavin (vitamin B–2) and magnesium sulfate may also be helpful. Patients should receive their physician’s approval before taking herbs, supplements or other complementary and alternative treatments for their migraines.

Additional treatment methods include:
-Biofeedback. This method uses electronic monitoring devices to teach people how to consciously regulate their bodily functions through relaxation or imagery. Migraine suffers may use this technique to stop an attack or reduce its symptoms.
-Self-hypnosis exercises. This method requires a patient to self-induce a state of hypnosis (an altered state of consciousness). It may be used to control muscle contraction and the swelling of blood vessels in patients with migraines.
-Cognitive behavioral therapy. This technique, in which patients identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones, may benefit people with chronic pain.
-Cryotherapy. Application of cold, such as compresses or an ice pack, can numb nerves and increase the patient’s pain threshold.
-Electrical therapy. Techniques such as occipital neurostimulation (ONS), in which electrodes are placed near the base of the skull in minimally invasive surgery, have been used to ease severe migraines.
-Acupuncture or acupressure. Some people have found these Eastern treatments helpful.
People respond differently to treatment. Some may require little or no treatment and others may require the use of several medications or techniques, or in some cases, occasional hospitalization. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when treatments that were previously effective are no longer helpful.

In addition to taking medications, patients may reduce the frequency of migraines by avoiding factors that trigger the headaches. Patients may identify these triggers by keeping a headache diary. To compile this journal, patients should record certain information after each migraine occurs, including:
-When the migraine occurred
-How severe the migraine was
-Additional symptoms experienced with the migraine
-What was eaten before the migraine occurred
-Sleep patterns
-Menstrual cycles

Other common prevention methods include:
-Avoiding cigarette smoking
-Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
-Avoiding or reducing medications containing estrogen
-Exercising regularly
-Maintaining a regular diet and sleep pattern
-Using relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation

There is a great deal of research being conducted on migraines, including clinical trials and scientific studies. Many studies are focused on developing more effective treatment methods. Areas of research include:

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). This drug is commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In clinical studies, however, this form of injection therapy has reduced the frequency and the intensity of migraines in some people. More research is needed to verify the connection.

Other medications. Many combinations, new drugs and new formulations of older drugs are under study.

Nerve blocks. Performing an occipital nerve block may abort an attack, but more research is needed.

Genetics. Because migraines appear to be linked to family history, researchers are studying the possibility of a “migraine gene.”

Links to other conditions. Scientists are investigating the relationship of migraines to conditions including epilepsy, insulin resistance, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, and cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack, high blood pressure and a fairly common heart defect called patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Surgery. Nasal surgery to keep surfaces inside sinuses from touching has brought relief to some migraine sufferers. Recent research has found that some migraine patients improved after surgical removal of muscle or a minor nerve to reduce nerve compression and inflammation. Surgical treatment of PFO is being investigated as a way of controlling migraines associated with this heart defect.

Personal:
I can always tell when i am going to have a migraine because the back of my head will start to hurt a little. Within an hour the whole head hurts and within a few more hours it is a full blown migraine. When I get a migraine, I am unable to do anything, and it usually lasts 24 hours even with medications. I know I get migraines from having tight neck muscles and those are caused from stress. Also, another point I want to make about Complicated Migraines, is that you do not always have to have a migraine to experince the other symptoms.

Best thing to do in my mind is to find out what your triggers are and try to prevent the migraine and talk to a neurologist about what medications to take instead of your regular doctor. Yes, neurologists are more expensive but they specialists. Another good idea is to get a CAT scan and an MRI done to rule out other possibilities.

Sources: NHF and NIN