HealthyLife Articles

Category: Women’s Health

Fainting

Women’s Health

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness. It can last from seconds to 30 minutes.

Signs & Symptoms

Just before fainting, a person may feel a sense of dread and feel dizzy. She may see spots and have nausea. Her face may turn pale, she could go into a cold sweat, and she could fall over.

If a person falls and can’t remember the fall itself, she has fainted.

Causes

Fainting is due to a sudden drop in blood flow or glucose supply to the brain. This causes a temporary drop in blood pressure and pulse rate. Medical reasons for this include:

* Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is common in early pregnancy. It can also occur in diabetes, in persons on severe diets, etc.

* Anemia.

* Any condition that causes a rapid loss of blood. This can be from internal bleeding, such as with a peptic ulcer, a tubal pregnancy, or a ruptured cyst.

* Heart and circulatory problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, or stroke.

* Eating disorders.

* Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

* Seizures.

Other Causes of Fainting

* Any procedure that stretches the cervix, such as having an IUD inserted.

* Extreme pain.

* A sudden change in body position, such as standing up too fast.

* Sudden emotional stress or fright.

* A side effect of some prescription drugs, such as some that lower blood pressure.

* Recreational drugs or excessive alcohol.

* Being in hot, humid weather or being in a stuffy room.

Know what to do when someone faints.

Dos

* Catch the person before she falls.

* Lie the person down with her head below the level of the heart. Raise the legs 8 to 12 inches to promote blood flow to the brain. If the person can’t lie down, have her sit down, bend forward, and put her head between her knees.

* Turn the person’s head to the side so the tongue doesn’t fall back into the throat and to prevent choking on vomit.

* Loosen any tight clothing, but keep the person warm, especially if the surroundings are chilly.

* Apply moist towels to the person’s face and neck.

Don’ts

* Don’t slap or shake anyone who’s just fainted.

* Don’t try to give the person anything to eat or drink, not even water, until she is fully conscious.

* Don’t allow the person who’s fainted to get up until the sense of physical weakness passes. Then be watchful for a few minutes to be sure she doesn’t faint again.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* When you feel faint, lie down and elevate both legs. Or, sit down, bend forward and put your head between your knees.

* Get up slowly from bed or from a sitting position.

* Follow your doctor’s advice to treat any condition which may lead to fainting. Take prescribed medicines, but tell your doctor about any side effects, so he or she can monitor your condition.

* Don’t wear tight clothing around your neck.

* Avoid turning your head suddenly.

* Stay out of stuffy rooms and hot, humid places. If you can’t, use a fan.

* If you have fainting spells often, avoid activities that can put lives in danger, such as driving a car.

* Drink a lot of fluids, but drink alcoholic ones in moderation, if at all. Eat small, frequent meals.

When Pregnant

* Get out of bed slowly.

* Keep crackers at your bedside and eat a few before getting out of bed.

* Eat small, frequent meals instead of a few large ones. With each meal, have a good source of protein, such as lean meat, low-fat cheese, milk, etc. Avoid sweets. Don’t skip meals or go for a long time without eating. Drink plenty of fluids.

* Don’t sit for long periods of time. Elevate your legs when you sit.

* When you stand, as in a line, move your legs to pump blood up to your heart.

* Take vitamin and mineral supplements, as your doctor prescribes.

* Don’t lay on your back during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of your pregnancy. Lie on your left side. When you can’t, lie on your right side.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (Pid)

Women’s Health

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that goes up through the uterus to the fallopian tubes. Both females and males carry the organisms that cause PID. These can be passed on to someone else. This occurs even when no symptoms are noticed.

Signs & Symptoms

When symptoms are present, they can vary from woman to woman. PID can be acute or chronic.

Symptoms of Acute PID

* Pain in the abdomen or back. The pain can be severe.

* Vaginal discharge with a foul odor.

* Pain during sex.

* The abdomen is tender and/or bloated.

* Menstrual cramps are very painful.

* High fever.

Symptoms of Chronic PID

* Pain in the abdomen or back is less severe. This often occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle or during a pelvic exam.

* Skin on the abdomen is sensitive.

* Vaginal discharge. Change in menstrual flow.

* Nausea.

* Low grade fever.

Causes

* Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The organisms that cause these STIs spread into the internal reproductive organs. Many times, PID is caused by more than one of these organisms.

* Having had PID in the past.

* Recently having vaginitis.

* Bacteria normally found in the intestines can get into the pelvic cavity. Times this can happen:

– After sex, especially having vaginal intercourse right after having anal intercourse.

– With high risk sexual practices that increase the risk of infection. Examples are having multiple sex partners or having sex with a person who has many partners.

– After an intrauterine device (IUD) is put in or adjusted. This is a low risk, though.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of PID are a lot like those of other conditions, such as endometriosis and urinary tract infections. This can make it hard to diagnose PID from symptoms alone. Most of the time your doctor can diagnose PID with an exam and simple laboratory tests. Rarely, your doctor may need to do a laparoscopy. This is a minor surgical procedure which allows your doctor to see all the structures inside your abdomen. An ultrasound may also be done.

Treatment

Antibiotics treat diagnosed PID. If the infection is severe, bed rest and antibiotics given through an IV may be needed. Treatment for an infected sex partner is also needed. This prevents getting the infection again.

When PID is not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. If it spreads to the blood, it may threaten life.

Scarring from the infection can cause damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. It can cause infertility. Also, a woman who has had PID is at increased risk for:

* A tubal pregnancy.

* Premature labor and birth.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to keep bacteria from getting into the vagina.

* When you menstruate, change tampons and/or pads often.

* Don’t have vaginal sex right after anal sex.

* Don’t have sex with anyone who has not been treated for a current case of PID or an STI or with anyone who has partners that haven’t been treated.

* Use barrier birth control methods with spermicides. These reduce the risk of getting PID from an infected partner. These include the male or female condom, cervical cap, or diaphragm. Use these even if you use other forms of birth control, such as the pill.

* Don’t use an IUD if you are at risk for STIs. If you use an IUD, have your doctor remove it if you become pregnant and then miscarry. If it is left in, your risk for PID goes up.

* Don’t smoke.

* Don’t use douches. These can spread bacteria further up the vagina.

* After childbirth, wait until you stop bleeding to have sex. After a D & C, abortion, or miscarriage, wait 1 week to have sex. Use a latex or polyurethane condom for 2 weeks after having an IUD put in.

* If you are at risk for PID, get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every 6 months.

Resources

National Women’s Health Information Center

www.womenshealth.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fatigue & Autoimmune Diseases

Women’s Health

Fatigue is being very tired, weary, and lacking energy. Often, it is a symptom of other health problems.

Signs & Symptoms

* Feeling drained of energy.

* Feeling exhausted.

* Having a very hard time doing normal activities.

* Having low motivation.

* Feeling inadequate.

* Having little desire for sex.

Causes

Causes that need medical care include anemia, depression, heart disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome (the fatigue lasts at least 6 months). Fatigue is also a common symptom of autoimmune diseases. These include diabetes, low thyroid, multiple sclerosis, and lupus (the systemic type).

Other physical causes include lack of leisure activities or lack of sleep; poor diet; side effects from allergies, chemical sensitivities or drug or alcohol addiction; being in hot, humid conditions; and prolonged effects of the flu or a bad cold.

Possible emotional causes are burnout, boredom, and a major life change (e.g., divorce, retirement, etc.).

Treatment

Treatment for fatigue depends on the cause(s). Keep track of any other symptoms that occur with the fatigue. This helps find out both physical and emotional causes.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

If fatigue is due to a medical condition, follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s guidelines for rest, diet, medication, etc.

* Get regular physical activity. Exercise can give you more energy, especially if you sit all day at work. Exercise can calm you, too.

* Cool off. Working or playing in hot weather can drag you down. Rest in a cool, dry place as often as you can. Drink plenty of water.

* Rest and relax. Get a good night’s sleep. Relax during the day if you can, too. Practice deep breathing or meditation.

* Eat well. Eating too much and “crash dieting” are both hard on your body. Don’t skip breakfast. Limit high-fat and/or rich, sugary foods. Eat whole-grain breads and cereals and fruits and vegetables every day. Have 5 to 6 light meals a day, instead of 3 large ones. Take vitamin and mineral supplements, as advised by your doctor.

* Change your routine. Do something interesting each day. If you do too much, plan for some quiet time.

* Lighten your work load. Assign tasks to others when you can. Ask for help when you need it.

* Do something for yourself. Plan time to do things that meet only your needs.

* Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol. Don’t use illegal drugs. These trigger fatigue.

Resources

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia Information Exchange Forum (Co-Cure)

www.co-cure.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Plan For A Healthy Pregnancy

Women’s Health

To help a pregnancy get off to a good start, take these steps before you get pregnant:

* Get a medical checkup. Discuss your medical history and your family medical history with your doctor.

* Do you have a chronic medical problem, such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure? If you do, ask your doctor if changes need to be made in your treatment plan.

* Find out what medicines you can take. Ask which ones you should not take. Tell or show your doctor all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, etc. that you take. Ask if you need to change any of these while you try to get pregnant.

* Take 400 to 800 micrograms (.4 to .8 milligrams) of folic acid every day. This B vitamin can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Make sure you take folic acid for at least one month before you get pregnant. Women who have had a baby with a serious problem of the brain or spine should take the amount of folic acid their doctors advise.

* Discuss current and past birth control methods. Ask what method you should use until you decide to get pregnant.

* If you or your partner has a family history of sickle-cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, etc., get genetic counseling. Do this, too, if you are older than age 35 or if your partner is age 60 or older.

* Do you smoke? Do you take street drugs? If so, now is the time to quit. Get help if you need it.

* Stop or limit alcohol use. This will make it easier to go without it when you are pregnant.

* Get vaccines, as advised by your doctor.

* Avoid exposure to X-rays.

* Caffeine is okay for women planning to get pregnant, but limit it to 400 milligrams a day. This is the amount in about two 8-ounce cups of coffee. Follow your doctor’s advice for caffeine during pregnancy.

* Get regular exercise.

* If you are overweight, lose weight before you get pregnant.

* Eat healthy foods. These include:

– Fruits and vegetables.

– Whole grain breads and cereals.

– Low-fat dairy foods and other calcium-rich foods.

Resources

March of Dimes

www.marchofdimes.com

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fibroids

Women’s Health

Fibroids are benign (not cancerous) tumors made mostly of muscle tissue. They are found in the wall of the uterus and sometimes on the cervix. They can range in size from as small as a pea to more than 6 inches wide. With larger fibroids, a woman’s uterus can grow to the size of a pregnancy more than 20 weeks along. About 20% to 25% of women over the age of 35 get fibroids.

Signs & Symptoms

Some women with uterine fibroids do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they vary due to the number, size, and locations of the fibroid(s). Symptoms include:

* Abdominal swelling, especially if they are large.

* Heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods or after intercourse, or bleeding after menopause.

* Backache, pain during sex, pain with periods, etc.

* Anemia from excessive bleeding.

* Pelvic pressure.

* Passing urine often from pressure on the bladder.

* Chronic constipation from pressure on the rectum.

* Infertility. The fallopian tubes may be blocked or the uterus may be distorted.

* Miscarriage. If the fibroid is inside the uterus, the placenta may not implant the way it should.

Diagnosis

Fibroids are diagnosed with a medical history and a pelvic exam. Your doctor can also do other tests, such as an ultrasound and hysteroscopy to confirm their presence, location, and size.

Causes & Risk Factors

Reasons a Woman is More Likely To Get Fibroids

* She has not been pregnant.

* She has a close relative who also had or has fibroids.

* She is African American. The risk is three to five times higher than it is for Caucasian women.

The exact cause is not known, but fibroids need estrogen to grow. They may shrink or go away after menopause.

Treatment

“Watchful waiting”

Your doctor will “watch” for any changes and may suggest “waiting” for menopause, since fibroids often shrink or disappear after that time. If you have problems during this “waiting” period, you may decide that you do not want to “wait” for menopause, but choose to have something done to treat your fibroids. Problems include: Too much pain; too much bleeding; an abdomen that gets too big; the need to take daily iron to prevent anemia; and other abdominal problems.

Medication

One type is called GnRH agonists. These block the production of estrogen by the ovaries. This shrinks fibroids in some cases, but is not a cure. The fibroids return when the medicine is stopped. Shrinking the fibroids might allow a minor surgery (with less blood loss) to be done instead of a major one. GnRH agonists are taken for a few months, but not more than six, because their side effects mimic menopause and may lead to osteoporosis. In some cases, GnRH agonists can be used longer with “Add Back Therapy.” This uses low dose estrogen to make side effects milder.

Surgery Methods Include:

* Myomectomy. The fibroids are removed. The uterus is not. This can be done using a laparoscope and a laser (laparoscopy). The fibroids could also be cut out using a resectoscope (hysteroscopy). Fibroids can be removed under direct vision during abdominal surgery (laparotomy). Myomectomy methods may allow fibroids to grow back. The more fibroids there are to begin with, the greater the chance they will grow back.

* Procedures to destroy the uterine lining. These do not remove fibroids or the uterus, but stop or lighten menstrual flow from then on. The uterine lining can be destroyed using a laser, heat, or ultra cold.

* Uterine artery embolization. A catheter is inserted in a large blood vessel in the groin and sent to the level of the uterine arteries. A substance is given that blocks blood flow to the uterine arteries that nourish the fibroids. This treatment shrinks the fibroids.

* Hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus and the fibroids with it. This method is advised when the fibroid is very large or when other treatments don’t stop severe bleeding. It is the only way to get rid of fibroids for sure. A women can no longer get pregnant after the surgery. This treatment is also advised if the fibroid is cancerous. This rarely occurs.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications as advised.

* Maintain a healthy body weight. Follow a diet low in fat. The more body fat you have, the more estrogen your body is likely to have. This promotes fibroid growth.

* Do regular exercise. This may reduce your body’s fat and estrogen levels.

Resources

National Women’s Health Information Center

www.womenshealth.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Premenstrual Syndrome (Pms)

Women’s Health

Four out of 10 menstruating women have premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that indicate a disorder.

Signs & Symptoms

As many as 150 symptoms are linked to PMS. The most common ones are:

* Abdominal bloating. Weight gain.

* Anxiety. Depression.

* Breast tenderness.

* Fatigue.

* Feelings of hostility and anger.

* Feeling cranky.

* Food cravings, especially for chocolate or sweet and/or salty foods.

* Headache.

* Mood swings.

* Tension.

For some women, symptoms are slight and may last only a few days before menstruation. For others, they can be severe and last the entire 2 weeks before every period. Also, other problems women have, such as depression, may be worse with PMS. This is known as “menstrual magnification.”

Causes

The exact cause or causes for PMS are not known. A female’s response to normal monthly changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone appear to be involved. So do changes in the level of seratonin, a brain chemical. With PMS, symptoms must occur within 2 weeks before the menstrual period and go away shortly after the period begins. Symptoms are not present between days 4 and 12 of the menstrual cycle. True PMS usually stops with menopause.

Treatment

* Self-care measures.

* Regular exercise. This includes 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking or aerobic dance, at least 3 times a week.

* Medications. These include:

– A water pill called spironolactone.

– An anti-anxiety medicine.

– An antidepressant medicine, such as an SSRI (e.g., fluoxentine or sertraline). This is taken a week or 2 before the menstrual period.

– Birth control pills.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Get emotional support.

* Do aerobic exercises. Swim. Walk. Bicycle.

* Rest. Take naps if you need to.

* Learn to relax. Try deep breathing. Meditate. Do yoga. Take a warm bath. Get a massage.

* Eat carbohydrate-rich foods. Examples are whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

* Have good sources of calcium, such as skim milk, nonfat yogurt, collard greens, and kale. Choose cereals and juices that have added calcium. Get good sources of magnesium, too. These include spinach; other green, leafy vegetables; and whole grain cereals.

* Try to avoid stress when you have PMS.

* Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes 2 weeks before your period is due.

* Limit salt, fat, and sugar.

* If you need to satisfy a food craving, do so with a small serving. For example, if you crave chocolate, have a small chocolate bar or add chocolate syrup to skim milk. If you crave salt, eat a small bag of pretzels.

* The vitamin and minerals listed below seem to help some females with PMS. Ask your doctor if you should take any of them and in what amounts.

– Calcium.

– Magnesium.

– Vitamin E.

Resources

National Women’s Health Information Center

www.womenshealth.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026