Aging and Metabolism
Metabolism slows as we age because of hormone imbalances (too much stress, too little sleep and elevated insulin can all contribute to less-than-optimal metabolism) as well as something called sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and increased percentage of fat stored in the body.
Read moreLiving Longer, Living Better
On the whole, we are living longer, with average life expectancy hovering just below 80 years for people born in the United States in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control. By the year 2050, there were be more than 2 billion people in the world who are age 60 or older, according to an economic and social affairs report from the United Nations. However, living longer does not always mean living better.
Read moreEasing into an Empty Nest
There were probably times that you dreamed of this day – sending your last child off to college or into the world so that you could enjoy a quiet house for a change. But now that the moment is near, it’s completely normal that you might be experiencing feelings of sadness, remorse or loneliness. Empty nest is called a syndrome for a reason – it can be a real challenge for individuals and couples alike – whether you were looking forward to this time or dreading it.
Read moreWhy We Love “Grace and Frankie”
If you are not watching “Grace and Frankie,” you may want to make a date with your couch. Many of us at Clinic Sofia are hooked on this hilarious and poignant show that dives headfirst into many of the women’s issues we discuss with our patients on a regular basis. Starring Lily Tomlin as Frankie and Jane Fonda as Grace, the Netflix comedy centers around two women in their seventies who become close friends when they learn their husbands have fallen in love with each other and want to get married—leaving the women to start over.
Read moreNational Menopause Awareness Month
While a celebration isn’t the first thing most women think of when they consider menopause, National Menopause Awareness Month in September encourages women to embrace this phase, rather than just suffering from its symptoms. At Clinic Sofia, we are proud to support women at every life stage and offer resources and support for women experiencing menopause and pre-menopause.
Read moreMenopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s aging process. It marks the beginning of a new phase of freedom in life without periods or pregnancy. While the changes that happen in women’s bodies are similar, every woman experiences menopause differently. Your caregivers are here to guide you through this transformation.
Read moreBone Health
As women experience menopause, estrogen production naturally slows down. Estrogen helps support bone growth, so many women have weaker bones later in life. Some women are at risk for developing osteoporosis, which causes the bones to become extremely brittle and easily fractured.
Read moreGetting Your First Mammogram
Let’s face it: Few women are excited about having their first mammogram (or even their second, third or tenth one). However, for most women, a mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is the best way to detect breast cancer as early as possible, since it can detect lumps so small that they can’t be felt.
Read moreHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves medications that contain female hormones designed to replace those that the ovaries stop producing. Women with symptoms of menopause may discover that HRT is a good option for them.
Read moreAsk Sofia: Low Libido and Vaginal Dryness
At some point, most women have faced a health issue that they don’t feel comfortable discussing with friends or even doctors. They might be embarrassed or just unsure if it’s something that can even be treated. Read on for information that can help you feel confident to discuss issues with your caregiver.
Read moreAdvanced Health Care Directives
While your new year might be filled with travel plans, positive goals and hopes for a wonderful 2015, there is one item you might not have considered yet: the importance of an advanced health care directive, often known as a living will.
Read moreAging and the Female Body
Whether you’re noticing the outward signs of aging such as fine lines and more brittle hair or the inner signs – decreased metabolism or loss of flexibility, for example – your body continues to change with each year and each decade. Other signs of aging can include hair loss, dry eyes and skin, sluggish digestion, issues with bladder control as well as menopause. With that said, there are a variety of measures you can take to keep your body feeling young, looking good and going strong. For instance, your muscles only weaken if you let them.
Read moreWhen is it “Too Late” to Have Kids?
While there are more potential risks and complications for moms over the age of 35, first-time older mothers are also more educated and more likely to have greater resources to support their family. Healthy 40-year-olds can have easier pregnancies than younger women if they prepare their bodies for pregnancy and focus on eating well, avoiding harmful behaviors and exercising while pregnancy. While you may see your doctor more often, there is no reason you can’t have a happy, healthy pregnancy in your late 30s, or 40s.
Read moreHow Can I Boost my Low Libido?
Valentine’s Day and a low libido are not an ideal duo. Loss of desire peaks between the ages of 35 and 64, according to WebMD, particularly before and after menopause. Libido can dip due to hormonal changes, stress or lack of sleep, loss of
confidence and a host of other reasons, but it does not have to be a permanent change.
Common Concerns for Women Post-Menopause
While the hot flashes may have tapered off, women may have a new set of concerns, changes and challenges post-menopause. Following are some of the questions we hear at Clinic Sofia; please contact us if you have further questions or concerns. How will I know when I’m post-menopausal? Generally, when you have not had a […]
Read moreCommon Breast Concerns
Breasts offer function, shape and beauty, but along with those can also come tenderness, discharge, lumps, soreness and, of course, sagging.
Read morePregnancy after Age 35
Getting pregnant after 35 can be one of the biggest challenges, with declining fertility levels, but new advances in fertility treatments have made pregnancy possible for more women at all ages.
Read moreIncontinence is Not a Normal Part of Aging
Incontinence is not a normal part of aging, and you do not have to live with incontinence.
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