WOMEN’S HEALTH :
Consider one of the most potent forces now marketed to rapidly
aging baby-boomers: Replacement hormone therapy. Estrogen is
touted to alleviate symptoms from hot flashes, prevent
osteoporosis (the so-called “brittle bone” disease of aging) and
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
But estrogen is not without risk. Because “pure” estrogen
increases the risk of uterine cancer, some women take a
combination pill which combines estrogen and progestin. Although
this lowers the risk of uterine cancer, some experts worry that
any replacement hormone might increase the long-term risk of
breast cancer. The long-awaited results of the Postmenopausal
Estrogen/ Progestin Intervention Trials released last November
revealed that hormones reduced the risk of heart disease but the
study was too short-term to address the possible long-term
breast cancer risk.
Estrogen or exercise?
Before you reach for a hormone pill or a patch, consider a
“wonder” therapy that you may have overlooked. It’s called
exercise.
Walking has been shown to lower high blood pressure and exercise
can help control, and possibly even prevent, diabetes. Both high
blood pressure and diabetes are strong heart disease risk
factors in women.
As for osteoporosis, weight-bearing exercises, such as walking
and lifting weights, help build strong bones. Even swimming, not
traditionally thought of as a bone-builder, may be beneficial.
Remember, though, if you have heart disease, or other medical
problems, talk to your doctor before undertaking vigorous
exercise.
If you’ve undergone a hysterectomy, have severe menopausal
symptoms or very strong risk factors for heart disease or
osteoporosis, hormones may benefit you. But whether or not you
opt for replacement hormones, you may want to join me in trying
exercise, the other “miracle” therapy.
Women’s Health Facts :
According to the experts, the most common sexual problem
experienced by female heart patients is a lack of desire.
If a woman has undergone heart surgery, she may feel undesirable
because of her incision. Or she may be afraid of taking an
active role when having sex.
Her partner may hold back out of fear of hurting her. To make
matters worse, some medications can dampen passion.
The key to a good sexual relationship is the same as the key to
any other good relationship communication. If you’re accustomed
to discussing your problems frankly, you should find it easier
to talk about those of a sexual nature.
One of the biggest fears experienced by all heart patients, male
or female, is that sexual excitement will lead to a heart
attack. Happily, this fear simply is not grounded in fact. Here
are the facts for most women:
If you are able to climb a flight of stairs without becoming
short of breath or experiencing chest pain you should be able to
resume passive sex with safety.
If you are planning to be the active partner, or anticipate
finding sex especially exciting, climbing two flights of stairs
without breathlessness or chest pain is the rule-of-thumb. If
you have concerns, talk to your doctor. An approved exercise
program can help you get into shape for anything, including sex!
A heart-healthy lifestyle should include a satisfying sex life
as well. And that’s no joke.
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