MILLSTONE May 2018.2

HEALTH 

 WELLNESS

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QUESTION: How does The MonaLisa Touch counteract vaginal dryness? V aginal dryness is extremely common during menopause. It’s just one of a collection of symptoms known as the increasing blood flow to the genital region and helping maintain the size of the vagina. Dr. Simigiannis is one of the leading gynecologists in the nation using this new procedure.

genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) that involves changes to the vulvovaginal area, as well as to the urethra and bladder. These changes can lead to vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, urinary urgency, and sometimes more frequent bladder infections.

For more information feel free to contact: Dr. Helen Simigiannis, MD, FACOG Antheia Gynecology 375 US Highway 130, Suite 103 East Windsor, NJ 08520 Next to the Americana Diner 609.448.7800 www.antheiagyn.com

Dr. Helen Simigiannis, MD, FACOG

These body changes and symptoms are commonly associated with decreased estrogen. However, decreased estrogen is not the only cause of vaginal dryness. It is important to stop using soap and powder on the vulva, stop using fabric softeners and anticling products on your underwear, and avoid wearing panty liners and pads. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants may help. Persistent vaginal dryness and painful intercourse should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. If it is determined to be a symptom of menopause, vaginal dryness can be treated with low-dose vaginal estrogen, or the oral selective estrogen-receptor modulator ospemifene can be used. The MonaLisa Touch is a new therapy for the treatment of vaginal dryness that is non hormonal, non medication and non surgical using a gentle laser. Regular sexual activity can help preserve vaginal function by

Adolescent & Routine Gynecology Menopause Minimally Invasive Surgery Endometrial Ablation Birth Control

Lesser-known signs of cancer you shouldn’t ignore

A constant headache that a Tylenol can’t remedy, unexplained lower back or rib pain, or a nagging cough that won’t quit, may not simply be signs of anxiety, stress or a cold or flu, but may indicate a more serious health concern—cancer. According to theAmericanCancer Society, an estimated 1,735,350newcancer cases will be diagnosed this year. However, thanks, in part, to the availability of new chemotherapy drugs and treatment technologies, more people are living with cancer as a chronic disease. But, as we all know, early detection of cancer, no matter what the cancer type, is critical, yet, many symptoms of cancer don’t always ‘appear’ the way you think they would. So, what are some of the lesser-known signs of cancer we shouldn’t ignore? 1. Changes in breast skin texture (e.g. puckering/dimpling) can indicate breast cancer 2. Swelling in the armpit or around the collar bone can signal lymphoma, a type of blood cancer

6. Unexplained weight loss can be symptomatic of a slew of cancers, including lung, pancreatic and colon cancers 7. Lower back pain could reveal ovarian or testicular cancers 8. Rib pain can signal kidney or lung cancers 9. Recurring fever can be evidence of blood, kidney, lung and breast cancers There are many other symptoms of cancer that are unfamiliar to most lay people, which include a rash, very heavy night sweats, persistent bloating, mouth or tongue sores that won’t heal, breathlessness, excessive bruising, and chronic headaches, among others. But, to not cause undue stress and worry, if you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t panic because they don’t always mean cancer, but don’t ignore them either. Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your symptoms and medical history to rule out any chance of cancer. Again, early detection is key, and the more in tune with your own body and any changes that may take place to it, are habits of good health and can possibly lead to better outcomes if cancer is determined.

3. Hoarseness can indicate lung or vocal cord cancers 4. Persistent coughing can strongly imply lung cancer 5. Bowel changes can tip off colorectal cancers

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The Millstone Times

May 2018