For Women Only
Young women who have both ovaries removed may double their risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) later in life, according to a new study. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., tracked 1,202 women who had both ovaries surgically removed (bilateral oophorectomy) and 1,283 women with one ovary removed for 25 to 30 years. In the experimental group, there were 51 cases of parkinsonism (a disorder similar to PD), 25 of which were PD. In the control group, there were 29 cases of parkinsonism, 18 of which were PD. The risk was almost double in women with bilateral oophorectomy, compared to women who did not have surgery. The suspected cause is the loss of naturally occurring estrogen early in life that occurs after removal of the ovaries. Women facing a possible hysterectomy should consider other options, if available, and ask their health care providers about estrogen-replacement therapy using biologically identical hormones. For more information, visit www.collegepharmacy.com or call (800) 888-9358 to request the free booklet, What You Should Know About Hysterectomy...But Didn't Know You Should Ask.
For Men Only
About 40% of men between the ages of 40 and 60 will experience some symptoms of male menopause (also called andropause) including lethargy, depression, increased irritability, mood swings, insomnia, decreased libido, loss of lean body mass and bone mass, and impotence. Declining testosterone levels generally are the culprit; by age 80, most male hormone levels decrease to prepuberty levels. This hormone deficiency may be aggravated by excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, hypertension, medications, poor diet, lack of exercise, and psychological problems. If you believe you may be experiencing male menopause, ask your health care provider if biologically identical testosterone is right for you.
Healthy and Fit
Two British studies call into question the wisdom of taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, with results showing no bone-strengthening benefit or fracture protection. Published in The Lancet online, a hospital-based study included more than 5,000 participants in 21 hospitals around the United Kingdom who had at least one fracture in the past 10 years. The second study, published in the British Medical Journal, followed more than 3,000 women living in the community. In both studies, the supplements had no effect. Both men and women tend to lose bone density as they age and may develop osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones thin and fracture easily. Adequate testosterone levels have been tied to bone health.
Quote of the Month
"The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days."
- Robert Leighton
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Q&A
Q: I like to eat more salads in the summer as part of my weight-loss strategy. Does salad dressing defeat the purpose?
A: Choose a salad dressing with some fat to help absorb the nutrients in your salad, but choose the right kind. Possibilities include balsamic vinaigrette with canola oil; olive oil and red wine vinegar; sesame oil and rice vinegar; and herb-flavored soy oil with lemon juice.
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Remember Sex?
Related to our story above about male menopause, many men turn to drugs including Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra as a remedy for erectile dysfunction. These drugs work by blocking a natural enzyme in the body (PDE-5) that enables a man to maintain an erection. Precautions are in order for all of these medications. According to the Food and Drug Administration, men who take medicines containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, risk lowering their blood pressure dangerously if they use ED drugs. Men with sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma also are advised to avoid these products. Other possible side effects include headaches, flushing, back pain (Cialis), stomach upset, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea, and dizziness. To avoid these risks, consider the role of hormones, diet, exercise, and possibly counseling in maintaining a healthy, happy sex life.
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