At this time the American Cancer Society estimates that 21% of the population are now smokers. Approximately 46 million adults smoke cigarettes and of those there are more men than women who smoke. Interestingly, education appears to be linked with smoking rates in those who have higher levels of education have low or rates of smoking. These numbers have declined significantly, almost in half since 1965 when 42% of the population smoked.

Despite the education about the risks of smoking and the decline in recent years nearly 1 in every three male high …

Hormones run our bodies and the menstrual cycle is not different. They control the when an egg is released (ovulation) and when the lining of the uterus is shed (menstruation). Menstruation is necessary for reproduction and is considered the hallmark beginning of the reproductive years of women. When young women begin their periods the time is called menses and at the end of a woman’s child bearing years the period is called menopause.

Many times women have questions about what is normal and what isn’t in their menstrual cycles. Sometimes, when trying to …

While it is estimated that some women can experience the onset of perimenopause and menopause beginning in their 30′s, early menopause can cause great anxiety. What are the effects of early menopause?

While most people associate menopause with older women, it can occur in younger women as well. Any women who is going through the full menopause cycle before the age of 40, is considered to be experiencing premature menopause. Imagine the emotional effect this can have on a young woman. In addition to the associated symptoms of menopause, experiencing this premature cycle can add another …

What is Yoga?

The word “yoga” means “union.” Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots that go back about 5,000 years. There is a lot more to yoga than physical postures (Asanas), or the breathing exercises (Pranayama) or even the meditation. In the true tradition of yoga the goal is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. Most people now, however, approach yoga to obtain the very real benefits of health, mental clarity, stress release and fitness. The wonderful thing about yoga is its flexibility. Practitioners can focus on the …

PMS or premenstrual syndrome affects millions of women every day.  It is a disorder that emerges up to two weeks before the onset of their menstrual period.  This disorder is thought to be due to hormonal changes in the body that is the cause of over 150 symptoms to take place.

The most common symptoms are those of fatigue and headache, but some of the other symptoms that it can cause are weight gain, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, mood swings, dizziness, tender breasts, bloating, aches, pains, and back pain, as well as many more.

A woman with …

Menorrhagia is the medical term used to describe the condition in which there is heavy menstruation. Interestingly this is a symptom of an underlying problem but not the problem itself. There can be many underlying causes of excessive bleeding for women. A gynecologist, physician who specializes in the reproductive health of women, should be consulted to diagnose the problem.

Diagnosis of irregular menstruation relies on several methods. The doctor will take a comprehensive history that will include questions such as: the age she started her period (menarche), how long the period lasts (days), …