Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

 Living Well With Menopause 

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 During the years leading up to and shortly after menopause, women experience hormonal fluctuations that impact their physical and emotional health. While some women hardly notice the changes, others are plagued with mood swings, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep that makes life more challenging. Living well with menopause is as simple as finding the coping strategies that work for each woman’s individual needs.

 Find Ways to Manage Hot Flashes

 Feeling the heat creeping up their neck can make women wonder if everyone else notices their rising temperature. Hot flashes can occur multiple times a day, but they tend only to last a few minutes. Women can dress in layers to have more control over their body temperature. It is also essential to drink water to keep their bodies hydrated.

 Take Steps to Address Vaginal Dryness and Incontinence

 Changes in a woman’s sexual health can be especially challenging to deal with during menopause. Vaginal dryness doesn’t have to disrupt a woman’s relationships. Instead, women can use lubricants to overcome this common issue. Women may also take oral supplements of vitamin E or flaxseed oil to encourage their body to produce more moisture. There are many treatment options available today for women with incontinence, and doing Kegel exercises is an excellent place to start with strengthening weakened muscles.

 Make Stress-Reduction a Priority

 This tends to be an emotional time for women. Not only is dealing with the physical symptoms demanding on a woman’s time and patience, but some women might also be grappling with accepting their new stage in life. Some women might grieve no longer being able to conceive having children or losing their former physical appearance. Finding ways to manage stress helps them to maintain a more positive mindset. Women can prioritize relaxation by starting a meditation practice or journaling about their experiences. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help them to reduce the effects of insomnia on their mental alertness.

 While menopause may bring many changes to a woman’s health, there is a solution for every problem. Identifying ways to cope puts women in control over their health, making it easier for them to manage this significant transition. Being able to emerge on the other side of the menopausal process more substantial and more confident is a goal that every woman can achieve with proper self-care.

The Connection Between Gender and Medical Debt 

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 The current economic situation in the United States caused by the Coronavirus pandemic’s effects makes access to quality health care difficult for most women, leading to enormous debts. The medical issues can range from inability to pay for emergency medical charges to the gradual pileup of a debt that can lead to bankruptcy and debtors’ collections. If the government fails to intervene, this issue could escalate to an extent where female patients would feel overburdened.

 According to a survey done last year, half of the women in the U.S. shared concern that it could render them bankrupt in the event of a significant health situation compared to a similar survey done in 2019 where only 47% were concerned. By February of this year, the percentage shot to 73%. The reason behind this is that health insurance covers have significantly been reduced, and the insurance premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles that consumers pay directly from their pockets have risen in recent years. The result is that even with an excellent insurance cover, women can still get large bills in the sudden event of an accident or illness, regardless of whether they receive their health insurance through the government or from the employer. It is not a surprise that women who do not have insurance have immense medical debts. 

 The wage difference between women and men could also be a reason for this vast debt gap. A survey conducted recently shows that women earn 80-82 cents for every dollar earned by men. When the covid-19 pandemic started to hit America, many women lost their jobs and health insurance. A report done in December 2020 showed that women accounted for the 140000 jobs lost. A similar report by the National Women’s Law Center indicated that about 5.4 million of the 9.8 million jobs lost in 2020 were women.

 Black and Latina women working in the restaurants, retail, and other hospitality sectors were laid off when most businesses were locked down and closed due to the covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused alarm to most Americans who fear getting medical treatment to avoid huge medical bills. Evidence shows that medical debt has increased sharply during the pandemic. A recent survey showed that most individuals would not visit a healthcare institution for even diagnosis.

Pregnancy-Related Stress and How to Handle It

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Initially, a woman is excited when she finds out she’s pregnant. However, some women begin to feel anxious as months pass and they get closer to the delivery. This is especially true for women who naturally deal with anxiety.

There are many reasons for pregnancy-related anxiety, including hormonal changes, everyday stress, and general worry about the baby. For some women, severe cases of pregnancy stress leads to both insomnia and issues for mom and baby. Luckily, there are a number of ways to cope with these symptoms and have an enjoyable, healthy pregnancy.

Talk to someone.
A support system is very important during pregnancy. Whether it’s a spouse, best friend, or a family member, speaking to someone about what’s going on brings relief. If necessary, speaking to a professional therapist can help with stress and anxiety. If they’re lucky, they can find a therapist that specializes in pregnancy-related stress.

Start a journal.
Sometimes, talking to someone isn’t an option. To avoid an anxiety attack, it often helps to take a moment and write in a journal. That way, she has a way to let go of those emotions in a healthy way. During doctor visits, they can help the mother identify and remedy anxiety triggers.

Journaling can also be a keepsake worth reading after the pregnancy. Another creative idea is creating a memory email address. Once her child turns 18, she can give them the email address and password. Then, they can read what was going through their mother’s mind before they were born.

Take a birthing class.
For some women, the thought of giving birth gives them anxiety. One of the best ways to get rid of that fear is to take a birthing class. Learning proper birthing techniques helps the expecting mother understand what’s to come and helps get rid of some of the fear associated with going into labor.

Pregnancy is a time of emotions, happiness, and of course, anxiety. Although this is a healthy emotion, too much can negatively impact the baby. Therefore, pregnant women should take steps like journaling, talking to loved ones, and taking a birthing class for some much-needed stress relief.

Importance of Cervical Cancer Awareness

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Invasive cervical cancer holds the eighth position in most occurring cancer in the United States, with more than 13,800 women diagnosed with it, where 4000 die from the disease annually. January is cervical cancer awareness month. With the help of renowned gynecologists and obstetricians, American Cancer Society, focuses in increasing public awareness and sensitization, offer the best treatment options and resources with updated information regarding cervical cancer.

Most Appropriate Time to Get Tested For Cervical Cancer

January is not only the most appropriate time to book an appointment with a gynecologist or obstetrician for a cervical screening test, but any time of the year is suitable. However, different age groups have different testing options. At 21-29 years, it’s most recommendable to go for a Pap test and wait for three years to get another test. Between 30 to 60 years, a doctor can recommend three different screening options such as HPV test only, Pap test only, or a combination of Pap and HPV test. For women above 65 years, a gynecologist can recommend not to be screened anymore, if the previous year’s results were normal or the cervix was removed through a hysterectomy.

Fundamental Vital Aspects to Understand Before Booking Cervical Screening

1. Be optimistic about the screening and Speak Up if you feel Pain.
Many women believe cervical cancer screening is painful; thus, they feel uncomfortable about the process. Therefore, it’s recommendable to be at ease while the speculum is being inserted, and in case of some pain, inform the gynecologist immediately.

2. Go for Regular Screening Even if you have Been Vaccinated.
In most instances, 10 percent to 30 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papilloma Virus subtypes, which cannot be prevented through vaccination. So, it’s good to go for an HPV test after every five years and a Pap test every three years.

3. If you are on your Period, Don’t go for screening.
It’s always recommendable to book an appointment with doctor 14 days before your period starts. If screening is carried out at this time accuracy of the results might be affected owing to blood cells shed during your periods.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

The most crucial ways to prevent cervical cancer is through regular screening and HPV vaccination if eligible. To reduce exposure to HPV, it’s recommendable to avoid sex with people who have multiple sex partners, use condom protection and reduce smoking since it lowers the risk of cervical pre-cancer.

Intermittent Fasting for Women: What to Know

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For women struggling with weight loss, they may consider utilizing an intermittent fasting regime. This eating schedule is one of the world’s most popular weight-loss trends. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between patterns of eating and fasting. This eating plan does not dictate what foods to eat, instead of when is best to eat. However, intermittent fasting poses some serious risks for women. It is essential to be educated on the topic before considering implementing this eating schedule.

 

There are a few benefits of intermittent fasting. For example, it can boost fat burns. When people eat, blood sugar rises, and insulin is released to take the glucose to cells. Any leftover glucose is stored as fat. If intermittent someone fasts for 10-16 hours, their body will begin to burn its stored fat for energy. Other studies have found that fasting can repair cells, leading to increased longevity, a lowered risk of cancer, less inflammation, and improved metabolism. However, these studies are primarily conducted with animals rather than adult women. Other research suggests that eating in line with circadian rhythm, meaning eating only when it is light out, protects the body from chronic diseases.

 

On the other hand, research has identified many negative aspects of intermittent fasting. Women of reproductive age need to be especially mindful of putting stress on their body, as their body is particularly receptive to stressors like prolonged fasting and caloric restriction. Intermittent fasting may do more harm than good, as it can potentially lead to low blood sugar regulation, increased insulin resistance, and lean muscle loss, among other things. Additionally, prolonged underrating can seriously harm a women’s reproductive system. Women can potentially lose their menstrual cycle and interfere with their fertility. Moreover, fasting can increase someone’s hunger and obsession with food, thus leading to overeating or a process of restricting and binging.

 

Intermittent fasting has many positive features and many potential negative impacts on a woman’s body. Before starting an intermittent fasting regime, be sure to read up on the eating pattern and learn how to do it best. Women need to be knowledgeable and aware of any risks associated with intermittent fasting. Be sure to consult a doctor with any questions or concerns. 

Preserving Your Mental Health During the Holidays

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The holidays may seem like the best time to be full of joy. Unfortunately, the holiday season is often the most stressful season for many people. Why? Consider the financial struggle of buying gifts and extra food, as well as the family drama that a lot of people deal with, and you have a recipe for disaster. If you are someone who deals with a lot of emotional stress over the holidays, there are ways for you to relax. Your mental health is essential, so consider the following tips the next time you feel your blood pressure rising!

  1. Keep track of your spending

It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays when it comes to gifts and goodies. However, spending more than you can afford can cause you to feel anxious and stressed out. At the beginning of the season, figure out just how much you can spend when it comes to presents, food, traveling, and other holiday expenses. Stick to your budget to avoid the stress that overspending brings.

  1. Watch your alcohol intake

Holiday parties and special occasions usually revolve around a lot of drinking! It’s easy to get sucked into another glass of alcoholic eggnog or a winter-themed beer, especially at a party or event. You may feel like you are suppressing some anxious feelings with alcohol, but alcohol is a depressant that can make stress and depression worse. Know your limits or abstain completely during this stressful time.

  1. Think about the new year

Not everyone wants to leave the Christmas tree up all year, and that is perfectly okay! If you can’t wait until you can put the holiday behind you, keep in mind that it will soon be over. When you think about yourself in the future, past this particular holiday, it can be grounding. Remember, January isn’t too far off in the future!

  1. Take some time for yourself

The holidays often revolve around parties, work, family, and activities. It can be exhausting at times, so make sure you take the time you need for yourself. Rest and recharge by practicing some self-care regimens, and you will likely feel much better about this stressful time. It’s essential to take a little bit of time every day to relax!

Why Expecting Mothers Should Take Folic Acid

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Women who are pregnant must make sure they take enough vitamins and a healthy diet that balances carbohydrates, fat,s, and protein. If they don’t, the baby may take the necessary nutrients from the mother’s body and leave her without the things she needs for optimal health—folic acid is essential during pregnancy.

What is Folic Acid?

Folate is a naturally occurring B vitamin; it is known as folic acid in its generic form. It is water-soluble, which means that it must be consumed continually as the body can’t store it. Folic acid helps the body generate new healthy cells. This is why it is an essential vitamin that everyone needs. For pregnant women, folic acid plays a significant role in the healthy development of the baby.

Why Folic Acid is so Important During Pregnancy

As the baby develops in the womb, a critical part is the development of the neural tube. The neural tube is the fetus that will eventually be the brain, and the spinal cord, so the right product is critical. If the tube does not close as it develops, it results in a neural tube defect. A neural tube defect is a severe congenital disability that causes parts of the baby to not setup correctly. The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. Taking folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid has such a high success rate at helping with babies’ development added to many baked goods, such as bread and tortillas.

How Much Folic Acid Women Should Take Daily

While trying to conceive a baby, women should take at least 400 mg of folic acid every day. After the pregnancy is confirmed, the amount should be increased to at least 600 mg per day. These vitamins should be taken in addition to eating a healthy diet.

Folic acid plays a significant role in the baby’s healthy development and the prevention of congenital disabilities. Scientists estimate that 70 percent of neural tube defects could be prevented if women took a folic acid supplement. Doing so daily can help ensure the mom is healthy and that the baby grows healthy as well.           

The Benefits of Walking in Older Women

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The human body is designed to walk, and this most basic human activity can significantly impact your health throughout life. Scientific research supports the benefits of walking in several ways, so it should be on the list as part of every older woman’s health regime to maintain suitable physical, emotional and mental health.

Walking Helps To Maintain Healthy Weight

A daily walk can help you maintain a healthy weight, so you can avoid many of the health problems related to carrying those extra pounds.

Walking Helps to Strengthen Bones

The action and pressure of walking help strengthen bones, reducing the risk for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which are common problems in the older population.

Walking Can Lower Blood Pressure

A good walk can also help to relax blood vessels, which will lower your blood pressure in some individuals.

Walking Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Colon Cancer

Walking helps to keep blood vessels flexible to carry blood and nutrients throughout the body. This improved circulation can help you to avoid cardiovascular disease and other health problems.

Walking Keeps Joints Flexible

Your walking exercise helps to keep your joints supple and healthy. Walking strengthens the muscles that support joints to experience less pressure that can cause damage to the internal joint structures.

Walking Improves Balance and Coordination

Walking requires coordinated movement and balance as you shift your weight. These are essential skills that will help you to avoid dangerous falls that often occur in older individuals.

Walking Improves Your Energy Level

A body in motion tends to remain in action, and you will find a good, daily walk gives you more energy for other tasks throughout the day.

Walking Improves Your Mood

The action of walking gets you outdoors, moving around, seeing what’s going on in the neighborhood, and encountering neighbors and acquaintances along the way, which helps to stimulate the production of “feel-good” brain chemicals that keep you in a better mood.

Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of walking per day to enjoy this natural exercise’s benefits. Whether you choose to break up your walking workout into smaller periods or extend it out, you will feel better, look better, and enjoy life more.

The Symptoms of Perimenopause

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Perimenopause, also known as menopause transitions, often begins a few years before menopause. This is the period during which the ovaries start making less estrogen. The symptoms can start when a woman is in her 40s; however, some women experience Perimenopause in their 30s.

Symptoms of Perimenopause
Throughout the menopause transition, most people may notice some changes in their bodies. Below are some of these changes:

1. Sleeping problems and hot flashes
While hot flashes are expected during the menopause transition, their length, frequency, and intensity vary. Sleep problems will be due to night sweets and hot flashes. However, sleep can sometimes become unpredictable even without the hot flashes and night sweats.

2. Changes in moods
One may experience irritability and mood swings during Perimenopause. There is also an increased risk of depression, often due to the disruption of sleep associated with hot flashes.

3. Bladder and virginal problems
With diminishing estrogen levels, the virginal tissues lose elasticity and lubrication, making penetration during intercourse painful. Low levels of estrogen also increase the risk of virginal and urinary tract infections. Loss of virginal tissue tone also contributes to urinary inconsistencies.

4. Changes in cholesterol levels
Reduced estrogen levels contribute to unfavorable changes in individual blood cholesterol levels, including increased bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein.

5. Irregular menstruation periods
During Perimenopause, ovulation becomes irregular and unpredictable. The time between one’s periods becomes shorter or longer. The flow may also become heavier or lighter while skipping some months.

6. Reduced sex drive
Changes in sexual desire and arousal are common during Perimenopause. However, for those who have satisfactory and pleasurable sexual experiences before the Perimenopause period, this is likely to continue beyond Perimenopause.

When to See a Doctor
While some women may see a doctor when they experience severe Perimenopause symptoms, others don’t experience severe enough symptoms to warrant medical attention. Since the signs are often subtle, most women don’t realize they are all connected to the rising and falling of estrogen and progesterone levels. One should seek medical help if they experience any of the below:

  • Extremely heavy periods with blood clots
  • Periods that last several days longer than normal
  • Spotting between periods
  • Periods happening closer together
  • Spotting after having intercourse

The perimenopause period lasts until menopause. With the rise and fall of progesterone and estrogen levels, most women experience the above changes. If any of the symptoms interfere with your health and daily activities, ensure you seek medical assistance.

Improving Your Sex Drive After Childbirth

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A lot of women struggle with a diminishing sex drive after they’ve given birth. This usually is completely normal as their body has just gone through quite a few changes in a short period of time. Intimacy is an important part of a relationship, and many women are looking for ways to improve their sex life. Here are some ways that women can increase their sex drive after childbirth.

 

Use Lubrication

Some women struggle with lubrication after giving birth. They may also find that their vagina and vulva are inflamed and more sensitive. Using lubrication can make sex feel more comfortable. It can also improve a women’s sex drive as she won’t feel so apprehensive about the possibility of sex feeling painful.

 

Set A Date

A couple’s life changes dramatically once they bring a new child into the world. Because of this, it can be difficult to even think about having sex. Couples often forget about the needs of their partner as they are so focused on their new baby. Women can increase their sex drive by setting a date to have sex. This will help them to remember to make sex a priority.

 

Talk To Your Partner

Many women feel quite overwhelmed when they have an infant. With so much to do for the baby and the household, they may feel as if sex is just another chore that they have to do. If they are feeling this way, they need to talk to their partner about it. She should come up with ways that they can pitch in so that she doesn’t feel so overwhelmed with everything. By having a partner that helps take care of the needs of the baby and the household, a woman may feel inclined to have sex more often.

 

If you are struggling with your sex drive after childbirth, you aren’t alone. Be kind to yourself about it as your body just brought a new life into this world! If you are wanting to try to increase your sex drive, try some of the tips mentioned above. It might also be helpful to seek the advice of your doctor. They can help you determine if there is an underlying cause behind your low sex drive.