Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Reaching a certain age doesn’t protect you from adult acne, a skin disorder occurring when hair follicles become inflamed due to clogged pores. Common acne can appear on the skin of your face, neck, chest, shoulders and back in the form of pimples or pustules, whiteheads, papules or blackheads. It can also manifest as nodules or large bumps just under the skin. Acne can develop for several reasons, including: Having a genetic predisposition Having an untreated medical condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Using oil-based skin or hair products Experiencing hormonal changes Taking certain medicines containing hormones, corticosteroids or lithium In adults, acne is…

Whether you’re approaching menopause or have already reached it, you may be dealing with a sensitive symptom of the transition — vaginal dryness. As the body’s production of estrogen drops, your vagina may lose some of its lubrication. That can lead to discomfort, including pain during sex. Fortunately, there are several ways to ease vaginal dryness. Why Vaginal Dryness Occurs Low estrogen can lead to some fundamental changes to your vagina. Inflammation can affect the vaginal walls, and they may become thinner and drier. In addition, the vagina may lose some of its elasticity. Collectively, these changes are known as…

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that occurs when a person or organization attempts to change the perception, sense of reality or memory of another person or group of people. The term comes from the 1938 play, “Gas Light,” which was later adapted into a movie starring Ingrid Bergman. In the film, Bergman’s character, Paula, is isolated and manipulated by her husband Gregory (played by Charles Boyer). One of Gregory’s manipulative tactics is to brighten and dim the gaslights in their home while insisting Paula is imagining the changing light. It may seem insignificant, but gaslighting is a serious…

Sometimes, emotions get the best of you. If you’re not careful, they can drive you to turn to food for comfort, even when you’re not hungry. Sound familiar? Then you need to learn how to stop emotional eating so you can lose weight or simply enjoy life. What Is Emotional Eating? Before you learn how to stop emotional eating, you’ve got to understand what it is. With emotional eating, you don’t eat when you’re hungry. You eat in response to a feeling or emotion. That feeling or emotion may be one of the following: Anger Boredom Happiness Loneliness or loss Resentment Sadness or depression Stress  Unfortunately,…

Menopause brings several changes to a woman’s body. The most noticeable — and for many women, welcome — change is the end of monthly menstruation. But the related hormonal changes, causing mood swings and thinning or drier skin, can impact both your libido and your physical ability to have sex. But there’s no reason that the end of your fertility should also be the end of your sex life. Sex after menopause is not only possible, but it can also be incredibly fulfilling. A frank discussion with a women’s health specialist at St. Elizabeth Physicians can be your first step…

Living with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, requires some adjustments, but it doesn’t mean life will be any less full or meaningful. PCOS is a collection of symptoms that occurs if your body makes too many male hormones called androgens. A variety of treatments can help you reduce the effects of symptoms so you can focus on the things that matter most, not PCOS. How PCOS May Affect You PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility because of how it can affect menstruation. Some women with PCOS stop ovulating, leading to irregular periods or none at…

Women have enough on their plates without adding depression to the mix. However, they’re twice as likely as men to experience depression, and for women who do, this condition can affect them much differently than men. Depression in women can begin at points of major life transition such as starting a family or nearing menopause, and it can often occur after being diagnosed with a serious disease, such as cancer, or chronic condition like obesity. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is key so you can get help quickly — and start feeling like you again. Depression in Women: A Disproportionate…

Despite what Hollywood might make you think, it is possible to enjoy your middle years without a midlife crisis. What is a Midlife Crisis? The term “midlife crisis” was coined in 1965 by psychoanalyst Elliot Jaques after he noticed a trend that during their middle years, people tend to realize their own mortality and that we can only do so much in our lives. On average, midlife is generally considered to be between the ages of 40 and 60, and some experts think that the average age someone experiences a midlife crisis is around 47-48, while others argue it can…

You may already know that too much stress is a bad thing. You may even know that too much stress can increase your risk for certain health issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. But did you know that women consistently report experiencing stress at higher rates than men? What Is the Mind-Body Connection? Chronic stress in women can lead to depression and anxiety, and as many as 1 in 5 women experience these negative effects of stress, according to the American Heart Association. Unfortunately, negative mental health and chronic stress can lead to an increased risk for…

When your temples are throbbing and you can’t see straight, understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing may help you find relief. Headaches occur when blood vessels and nerves inside and outside the brain are affected by triggers or events. Women are more likely than men to get migraines, but migraines aren’t the only catalyst of head pain. A headache can be caused by dehydration, sinus pain, tension, eye strain and other stressors. How Can I Understand My Headache? If you get headaches that keep you from working or enjoying everyday activities, a tracking journal can help pinpoint your triggers. …