Women’s Health Care: Diabetes in Women

by Melanie Remy | Nov 25, 2024 | Wellness

Diabetes is a serious health issue. In the U.S., an estimated 34 million people live with diabetes. This is a chronic disease that can shorten your lifespan without proper treatment and management from your women’s health care team. What many people don’t know is that diabetes can affect women a little differently, which can increase health risks and can delay diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we’ll focus on diabetes in women and what you can do to improve your health.

What is Diabetes?

Most people have heard of diabetes before, but you might not know exactly what it is. Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar is higher than normal. For people with type 1 diabetes, this is because your body attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin, which is a hormone that allows your cells to use sugar in your blood and turn it into energy. Because your body doesn’t produce insulin, your cells are unable to turn sugar into energy. This means the sugar simply stays in the blood instead.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 95% of cases. This is where your cells become less sensitive to insulin over time. Because the cells are somewhat resistant to insulin, they are unable to use as much sugar in your blood for energy, which increases the glucose (sugar) in your blood.

In addition, you can also have prediabetes, which is a condition where your blood sugar levels are elevated, but not to the same extent as someone with diabetes. This is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Many people with untreated prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, it can also be treatable to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes with early intervention.

It’s important to talk to our women’s health care providers about diabetes, including your risk and how to prevent it. Getting regular blood sugar tests can also help with early detection so you can take steps to improve your health and prevent complications.

Hidden Signs of Diabetes

There are many symptoms of diabetes that you may experience. Some symptoms of diabetes for both men and women include:

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive hunger
• Frequent urination
• Weight changes
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing wounds
• Numb or tingling hands and feet
• Increased number of infections
• Breath that smells fruity, sweet, or like acetone

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to come into our women’s health clinic to discuss them with our providers.

Symptoms of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes often come on gradually, which makes it harder to notice the symptoms. Several of the symptoms are also easy to explain away as getting older or living a busy lifestyle, like feeling fatigued or extremely hungry. However, ignoring symptoms can delay diagnosis and treatment from our women’s health care providers. So, we recommend making an appointment as soon as possible if you notice these issues.

Diabetes Symptoms Specific to Women

In addition, there are several diabetes symptoms that are unique to women. Some of these symptoms include:

• Increased number of yeast infections
• Increased number of urinary tract infections
• Sexual dysfunction
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Low sex drive
  • Fewer orgasms
  • Lower sexual satisfaction

There are several reasons why you might experience these symptoms of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the cardiovascular system, which can reduce circulation. Poor circulation to the vulva and vagina can cause dryness and also make infections worse, as blood flow is necessary for healing. High blood sugar levels can also act as food for bacteria and yeast germs, which can help them grow more quickly and lead to yeast infections and UTIs. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage (neuropathy), which can reduce feeling in your vulva and vagina, which may also account for sexual dysfunction in diabetic women.

Also, many people don’t know that female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect blood sugar levels in women with diabetes. For instance, many women notice their blood sugar levels rise around the luteal phase of their period, which is about two weeks before the start of their period. In menopause, hormone fluctuations and low hormone levels can cause unpredictable increases and decreases in blood sugar. Therefore, this is another way that diabetes can affect women differently.

Risks Women Face with Diabetes

Our women’s health care providers can help you manage your health.

Diabetes is a serious health condition that comes with many health risks and complications. Therefore, it’s essential to make an appointment at our women’s health clinic if you think you might have diabetes. Our team can help you find underlying causes of your symptoms and test for diabetes. Once diagnosed with diabetes, we also offer treatment and ongoing treatment monitoring to help you feel your best and stay healthy.

As many as one in nine women in the U.S. have diabetes, which translates to about 15 million women. Yet, many of these women go undiagnosed and are unaware of the dangers to their health. We’ll go over some of the common symptoms of diabetes in a later section so you can see if you have common signs of the disease. Getting annual health exams can also help with early diagnosis and treatment, as during these appointments we look for common signs of health conditions that might be easy to overlook.

Everyone who suspects they have diabetes should get treatment as soon as possible because of the potential health risks. However, women may be particularly at risk for complications. While diabetes is more common in men, women are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease and kidney disease.

Women with diabetes are about four times as likely to suffer from heart disease, while men are two times more likely to develop heart disease if they have diabetes. As heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, this is a serious concern. Heart disease increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. In addition, women with diabetes are more likely to die due to heart disease compared to men.

Diabetes can also increase your risk for kidney disease, as the kidneys work in overdrive to get rid of excess blood sugar. Over time, your kidneys can become damaged from all the extra work and they can’t filter your blood properly. This can lead to major health complications, including kidney failure. Both men and women with diabetes are at risk for kidney disease, but kidney disease is often more severe for women with diabetes.

In addition, women with diabetes have higher risk for other complications, such as blindness and depression. Diabetes can damage your circulatory system, including the sensitive blood vessels in your eyes, which can eventually lead to vision loss and blindness. Diabetes is also linked to higher rates of depression. Therefore, there are many risks associated with diabetes, which is why you should get help from our women’s health care providers if you think you might have diabetes or have an increased risk for diabetes.

Women’s Health Care for Prediabetes and Diabetes

If you develop prediabetes, there are often several things you can do to treat your elevated blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Our women’s health care providers can test your blood sugar levels and create a personalized treatment plan for you. Oftentimes, these treatments include weight loss, improving your diet, and getting active. We may also recommend quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight and losing even a small amount of weight, such as 10% of your total weight, can help reduce blood sugar levels significantly.

If you have diabetes, there are several ways our team can help. While there is currently no cure for this condition, diabetes management can help you reduce your symptoms and health risks. Typically, diabetes treatments involve a mixture of lifestyle changes, like losing weight and beginning an exercise program, as well as medications. Insulin is one of the most common medications for people with diabetes, however there are also other medications that may work better for you. Our women’s health care team works with you to find treatments that work well for your diabetes and your lifestyle.

Visit HerKare: A Women’s Health Clinic that Cares

Like many other health conditions, you might have a higher risk for developing diabetes due to certain risk factors. For instance, if you have a family history of diabetes, you might have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes. Some other risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

In addition, other health issues can also increase your risk for diabetes. Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are more likely to develop diabetes because it can cause insulin resistance.

Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically goes away soon after birth.

It’s important to discuss your risk factors with our women’s health care providers. This helps you understand your risks and what you can do to help prevent diabetes. Our team may recommend lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or losing weight to reduce your risk for diabetes. Depending on your risks, we may also recommend more frequent screenings to help with early detection of diabetes and prediabetes.

Addressing your whole health is easy with our team at HerKare. We are dedicated to empowering women through top quality health care services from providers that listen and care about you. Our team offers personalized treatment solutions and ongoing monitoring for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, menopause, high cholesterol, and other common health issues. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations!

Alcohol Can Affect Your Hormone Balance

by Elizabeth Garcia | Feb 22, 2024 | Wellness

Our bodies are constantly adapting and responding to internal and external influences. We may not even realize how much these influences impact our hormonal balance, leading to a range of symptoms that seemingly appear out of nowhere. That’s why women’s hormone care is such a critical part of caring for your overall health.

Understanding how hormones influence our health empower us to make informed choices. One factor often underestimated in its hormonal impact is alcohol consumption. Like the food we eat or how much we exercise, it’s a good idea to aim for moderation in all aspects of our health, including how much alcohol we consume. Individual factors like genetics, overall health, and lifestyle will influence how alcohol interacts with your hormones. 

There are many factors that affect your hormonal balance. Lifestyle choices are just one of them. Pre-existing health conditions and your environment can significantly affect your hormones, too. 

We’re here to help you restore your hormonal balance, no matter what the cause. For women’s hormone care you can trust, rely on our team at HerKare. Schedule an appointment with us now to get your hormone levels checked. 

Alcohol Can Impact Estrogen Levels

Alcohol interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis—a series of glands and hormones orchestrate reproductive functioning. The HPG axis operates on intricate feedback loops that synchronize hormone production and release. 

By interrupting this synchronization, alcohol can disrupt the normal timing and levels of estrogen secretion, interfering with everything from the timing of your cycle to your ability to sleep soundly. 

In the short term, this can lead to noticeable fluctuations in estrogen levels, causing symptoms like fuzzy memory and excess fatigue. Over time, chronic alcohol use can lead to more sustained reductions in estrogen, increasing your chance of health risks such as increased blood pressure, fertility issues, and weaker bones and joints.

Impacts at Different Stages of Life

Your age is one of the biggest factors that impacts your hormonal health. For example, in your 20’s and 30’s, alcohol can delay reproductive development, disrupt menstrual cycles, and potentially affect fertility. In your 40’s and 50’s, when your hormones start to naturally decline, alcohol can exacerbate symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. During menopause, it may increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease due to further reductions in estrogen. 

Symptoms of Low Estrogen

With women’s hormone care, you should feel empowered to make the best lifestyle choices that affect your hormonal balance.

Symptoms of low estrogen are telltale signs of a potential hormonal imbalance that can influence overall health and wellness. These symptoms, ranging from physiological changes to emotional fluctuations, often signal the body’s reaction to a hormone shift. 

If you have imbalanced hormones, you can experience these symptoms at any age. They include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats are characterized by sudden feelings of warmth and intense sweating, often disrupting sleep patterns.
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods are a common symptom of a decrease in estrogen levels.

• Poor skin and hair health, resulting in reduced skin elasticity and hair loss.
• Vaginal dryness, leading to discomfort and pain during intercourse.
• Mood swings and depression may arise due to hormonal imbalances, impacting emotional well-being and mental health.
• Difficulty concentrating and memory lapses are cognitive symptoms that can affect focus and memory retention.
• Decreased libido or sex drive is often linked to hormonal changes impacting sexual desire.

The effects of a prolonged hormone imbalance reach far beyond just feeling uncomfortable, possibly increasing the likelihood of long-term, severe health issues. For instance, estrogen plays a pivotal role in bone density maintenance, and its prolonged insufficiency can precipitate osteoporosis, a condition marked by weakened bones and heightened fracture risk. 

Hormonal imbalances may also elevate the risk of certain forms of cancer, particularly breast and endometrial cancers, as estrogen levels play a critical role in cell growth regulation. There is also a link between hormonal fluctuations and cognitive decline, which could potentially increase your risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Positive Lifestyle Choices for Hormonal Health

Ultimately, understanding how alcohol affects our hormonal health is about empowerment, not restriction. It allows us to make informed choices, embrace healthy habits, and prioritize our well-being throughout life. 

The good news is we have the power to influence our hormonal well-being with women’s hormone care like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and healthy lifestyle changes. Support your hormonal balance by adopting a balanced approach to your daily choices, such as:

Eat a Healthy and Nourishing Diet

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support hormone production, metabolism, and overall health. Think of it as giving your hormones the building blocks they need to function optimally.

Prioritize Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity helps your body process hormones efficiently, reducing symptoms like mood swings and fatigue. Plus, exercise strengthens your bones, which can be especially important when estrogen levels dip. 

Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can impact estrogen levels, causing a range of frustrating symptoms and increasing your risk of long-term health problems. 

Explore Supportive Measures

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a personalized approach under medical guidance. It can help address specific hormonal concerns by restoring depleted hormone levels and helping reduce troublesome symptoms.

Every woman’s body and needs are unique, so consult with a women’s hormone care professional for personalized guidance.

Experienced Women’s Hormone Care for You

Navigating your hormonal health may seem complex, but remember, you hold the power to influence your well-being. While genetics and life stage play a role, embracing healthy habits lays the foundation for hormonal balance, especially when combined with medical measures like HRT. 

Remember, small changes add up, empowering you to create a lifestyle that supports your unique hormonal needs and overall well-being. It’s not about perfection, but about choosing healthier options most of the time. We’re here to support you on your health journey—schedule an appointment now to get the essential hormone care you need.

Can Low Estrogen Cause Plaque Buildup in Your Arteries?

by Elizabeth Garcia | Sep 7, 2023 | Wellness

Prioritizing women’s hormone care can help prevent unexpected and dangerous plaque buildup in your arteries.

Most of us are familiar with what causes plaque buildup in our arteries: eating foods high in saturated fat or cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. But even if you are a healthy and active woman, you can develop plaque buildup due to an unexpected source: low estrogen. Because of this, women’s hormone care is more critical than ever.

Research shows there is a strong correlation between decreased estrogen and an increased risk of plaque buildup in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This seriously raises your chances of developing arterial blockages or other heart-related health issues. 

If you are struggling with the symptoms of hormone imbalance, it’s important to consider options like hormone replacement therapy to prevent low estrogen levels from leading to future health problems. Read on to learn more about how your hormones impact your cardiovascular health and how women’s hormone care can help. Protect your health now—book an appointment with our team to get your hormone levels checked.

Estrogen Does Many Important Jobs in Our Body

Estrogen is primarily associated with our reproductive health, but it actually does a lot more than just regulate our menstrual cycle. In fact, it plays a vital role in many different bodily processes for women. It is a crucial hormone for our overall health and wellbeing.

Estrogen contributes to bone health, thermoregulation, and endocrine function. It is linked to mood, memory, and even cognitive abilities, and fluctuating levels of estrogen can be associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Estrogen also protects overall cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and constriction in our blood vessels. 

What Happens When Plaque Builds Up in Our Arteries

An estrogen deficiency can lead to a dramatic increase in your risk of developing a serious condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fats and cholesterol, called plaque, in and on the artery walls. If left untreated, it can have severe consequences, like a heart attack or stroke. 

The buildup of fatty plaque in your arteries puts pressure on your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow to your organs. Reduced blood flow in the body can cause numerous health problems, including chest pain or angina. This condition occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen due to a reduced blood supply. The severity of the pain associated with angina can range from mild discomfort to a crushing pressure that feels like an enormous weight is sitting on your chest. 

Plaque Buildup Can Lead to Serious Diseases

Plaque buildup in arteries is a common cause of several diseases that can impact various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys. These small, fatty deposits can build up in your arteries over time, narrowing the passage of blood to vital organs like your heart and brain. These may include:

• Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque buildup up in the arteries of your heart, causing chest pain and potentially leading to a heart attack.
• Peripheral Artery Disease: A buildup in the arteries of the legs, arms, or pelvis, leading to limb pain and decreased blood pressure in the affected area.
• Carotid Artery Disease: A buildup in your neck artery that causes reduced blood flow to your brain, which can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA). This is signaled by sudden numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping muscles in your face.
• Renal Artery Stenosis: Plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys, preventing them from cleaning your blood efficiently and potentially leading to kidney failure.
• Vertebral Artery Disease: A buildup in the vertebral artery that supplies blood to the back of your brain, the neural area that controls the automatic bodily functions that keep you alive. 
• Mesenteric Artery Ischemia: Plaque buildup in the arteries that lead to the intestines, reducing blood flow and causing intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.

When a plaque bursts, it can have devastating consequences for your health. The rupture can cause a blood clot to form that may block the artery entirely. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke, two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Ensure you seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. 

Hormone Replacement Can Help Prevent High Risk Health Concerns

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your heart and overall health. Women’s hormone care, such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, can help regulate fluctuating hormone levels that can impact your cardiovascular health. 

Hormone imbalance can lead to numerous symptoms, including insomnia, weight gain, and mood swings. Not only can treatment relieve these uncomfortable symptoms, but it can reduce your risk of future health problems. So if you’re looking for a way to manage the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance while also taking care of your heart, consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When managed properly, HRT allows you to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while minimizing the effects of hormonal changes.

Research has shown that increasing estrogen levels can have a positive effect on blood vessels, making them less reactive and more relaxed. Additionally, estrogen can help stabilize the amount of plaque being produced, which means your body can process it normally instead of allowing it to build up. 

Women’s Hormone Care from HerKare

Taking proper care of your hormones helps improve your health and quality of life. We are here to provide you with care you can trust. Take charge of your well-being today—contact us now to schedule an appointment and take an important step toward protecting your heart health for years to come.