Prenatal vitamins?
Has anyone taken prenatal vitamins and have advice on when to start? Are they something you start taking when you get off birth control and start trying for kids, or should I start before getting off birth control? I won’t see my gynecologist until my appointment to remove my iud, so I don’t know if I should be thinking about prenatal vitamins before then. Of course I’ll consult my doctor, but wanted to hear others’ experiences. Thank you!
0 Comments
Women’s health research outlook
I attended the Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) forum last week and I thought it was interesting that the keynote speaker framed the importance of women’s health as it relates to/benefits men. Does this mean that funding for women’s health in the US has to be portrayed as beneficial to men in order to get funding? I was shocked by this angle, while it made sense and is good that it benefits men, there was more of an emphasis on the importance for men than for women which was interesting. Not sure if anyone has thoughts.
0 Comments
Varicoise Veins: Advice and care
I inherited my mother's predisposition to varicose veins (my sisters didn't). Adding to that a few pregnancies, I've had several medical treatments this year.
I want to share some simple tips I gathered from talking with my doctor, the resident doctor, and others.I wish I had known them much sooner
I hope this helps:
- We should move our legs and not sit for long periods.
- Rest your legs twice a day by elevating them on a sofa or something similar.
- Stay hydrated.
- Apply lotion to your legs.
- Wearing compression stockings has been difficult for me. I haven't found the ideal size or material, and I've also been using them incorrectly.
If you need compression stockings (there's no data to support their effectiveness, according to my doctor), make sure the size is correct, that your toes aren't compressed, and that they don't bunch up behind your knees or anywhere else. It helps to wear gloves when putting them on.
Another tip I received is to spend time in the water. It's that simple. Apparently, once a day in the sea or a pool helps a lot.
I hope this has helped you. Please share any other tips you may have or your experience.
3 Comments
New gym routine needed
I just joined a gym for the first time since college and am looking to improve my strength and mobility (I’m in my 30s) I’m fairly active but my exercise mainly consists of playing sports and cardio. Any suggestions of where to start with a gym routine? Perhaps some light weights, a suggestion of a circuit to do?
0 Comments
Oura ring
Any experiences using the Oura ring for general tracking of exercise/sleep/fertility? I am considering getting one but not sure what the actual experience is like
1 Comment
Experience with GLP-1
I recently experimented with Mounjaro, a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. To be clear, I’m not the typical candidate for this medication—I’m at a healthy weight, exercise 4–5 times a week, and eat clean about 90% of the time. This post isn’t medical advice, just a personal account for anyone curious about how these medications feel, especially with the rise of Ozempic and similar treatments.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Monday: I took the injection in the morning. It was virtually painless, which was a nice surprise. By evening, I felt a subtle shift: light nausea and zero appetite for dinner, but nothing overwhelming.
Tuesday: This was the hardest day. Still no appetite, and I went to the gym fasted (as usual), but felt unusually weak and hypersensitive to smells—had to cut my workout short to avoid getting sick. I managed a protein smoothie in the afternoon, but felt incredibly full afterward. The nausea came and went, but the fullness was intense and persistent.
Wednesday–Thursday: I adjusted my expectations and ate very little. The nausea started to ease by Thursday.
Friday: I weighed myself. I was down about 3 pounds from the previous week. Not alarming, but clearly due to reduced intake. Also, since I wasn’t eating much, I wasn’t “going to the bathroom”, which felt strange given my usual regularity.
Sunday: I finally felt like myself again. That timing aligns with the medication’s weekly cycle. I chose not to continue treatment as it was more of a one-time experiment to understand how it works.
Final Thoughts
For those starting a weight loss journey, I can see how this could be a powerful tool. It’s especially effective for curbing compulsive eating behaviors as you simply don’t feel the urge to eat. That said, pairing it with a consistent exercise routine and healthy habits is key to long-term success.
Hope this helps anyone considering this type of treatment!
3 Comments
Amitriptyline for neuropathic pain
I was prescribed Amitriptyline for neuropathic pain, which has really helped my endometriosis symptoms--I have less cramping, fewer "phantom UTIs," and my leg pain (not sure how it related) went away, too. It also helps me go to sleep, which is great because I was also dealing with a bit of insomnia. HOWEVER, my GYN failed to mention to me that this medicine is traditionally created as an anti-depressant!! I have no problem with that, but I wish that had been clear when prescribed. An FYI for anyone received "pain" meds in the future.
0 Comments
Pelvic floor therapy for everyone?
I have been reading a lot about pelvic floor therapy, I wondered if anyone had a sense of the benefits and whether this addresses a specific diagnoses or if everyone should be doing this?
2 Comments
YouTube Yoga
I started following Yoga with Adriene on YouTube during covid. She has many videos at all levels and I find her really calming and warm. After a couple years doing it online I tried an in person class and felt like I had a good foundation.
4 Comments
Unusual advice for pregnant women
When I got pregnant for the first time in the late 1990s, my gynecologist gave me a list of prohibitions
Sex was allowed, but the list caught my attention.
Here are some recommendations I'd never heard of:
- No hair dye
- No painkillers unless necessary
- No dental treatment, unless it's an infection or truly necessary. Cleaning is fine
My dentist disagreed
- No unpasteurized milk or cheese
- No deli meat
- No raw meat
I think there was something about eating fish, but I'm not sure
Until then, I only knew of no drinking or smoking
I'm now wondering about the chemicals in nail polish. There are reports that manicures have health complications
After this I tell you that my mother says that she smoked during all her pregnancies
0 Comments
STD Testing
How often do you get tested for STDs? Wondering how often I should be getting tested and what the best way to get tested is.
2 Comments
Connective Tissue Disorder
Anyone have any connective tissue disorders? Which doctor diagnosed you? Also what symptoms did you have?
I had antibodies for it in 2023 and then no one seemed to pay attention. Now I'm feeling lots of random muscle pain and inflamed fingers. I have Graves Disease and am worried I might have some connective tissue now. Any advice as to how you got diagnosed/symptoms/lifestyle changes is helpful!
0 Comments
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Has anyone here been correctly diagnosed with POTS? I feel like it’s one of the more difficult conditions to diagnose, given there are so many overlapping symptoms it has with other conditions. In the past when I explained my episodes to a professional, I was told I was just having a panic attack. Now I’m not so sure. It happens to me most often while I’m working out at the gym with heavy weights, or if I stay too long in a hot shower….
2 Comments
Guided Meditations
I have depression and anxiety, and struggled with it for a long time. I started therapy 4 years ago and have seen a massive improvement. While there will always be episodes that are challenging to experience, I have found that guided meditations have really helped direct my energy during those times. My therapist recommended the app “Insight Timer” and I’ve used it pretty consistently since I downloaded it. I highly recommend it for people starting meditation, as it provides an extremely accessible foundation to build these skills. I would love to know if folks have other suggestions like guided meditations or similar apps that have helped their own mental health!
2 Comments
Skipping Your Period Every Month
I have really painful periods and was tested for endometriosis, but they discovered I had something else, which was explained so poorly to me that I still don't really understand but has something to do with my uterine wall.
They told me they could prescribe me birth control, so that I could I always skip my period. They said it wouldn't impact me getting pregnant in the future or my health in any other way.
Some of my friends do this as well, but some of their doctors told them they should get their period every 6 months.
I feel like doctors have varying opinions on skipping your period and how frequently you should do it and what the health outcomes are.
Does anyone else have this issue or been given a clear issue?
2 Comments
Hair color linked to cancer
Does dying your hair, specifically dying it in a way that touches your scalp like highlights put you at higher risk of cancer. I read an article saying that some of the chemicals used in hair dye can lead to cancer if it touches your scalp, but I also read an article disproving this.
Does anyone know?
2 Comments
Transition Lenses
Has anyone got used to wearing eyeglasses with transitions lenses. I have tried several times and the ophthalmologist says just give it more time for your brain to get used to. My brain does not get it and I have to got back to having different glasses for computer use, driving and everything else.
1 Comment
Dizziness and thyroid
I had a significant dizzy spell a few months ago and ended up being put on a low dose (25mcg) of levothyroxine (Synthroid). My TSH with Reflex to T4 was abnormally high. I haven’t had any issues with talking levothyroxine but don’t know if I’m on this now for life. Anyone have a similar experience?
2 Comments
Colposcopy
Just wanted to share an experience I had with a colposcopy I had recently. Be aware that this procedure is painful. If I had truly understood how painful it was I would have asked for pain relief before. It was explained to me as being as painless as getting your ears pierced. I have many piercings and that level of pain does not even come close. I wanted to share this so that if you are needing to get one to advocate for pain relief. A colposcopy is the most pain I have felt in my life, and I have broken bones and had other injuries.
6 Comments
Recurring yeast infections - any advice?
I have been dealing with recurring yeast infections over the past couple of years and the regular monistat or oral pill works in the short term but not in the long term. Any advice for managing this?
5 Comments
Preparing for menopause
Is there a way to prepare for menopause? I’ve heard how difficult it can be and not sure if there’s a diet or exercise or anything specific I can do to mitigate the effects of menopause when I’m older
2 Comments
Extension
Curious what people’s thoughts are on hair extensions. I’ve heard that they are bad for your hair but don’t know too much about it.
2 Comments
Good resources for best ergonomic set up?
I am really struggling to sit at my desk all day. Does anyone have good recommendations for a standing desk or desk set up that can help me with some of my shoulder tenseness and back pain?
2 Comments
Nurtrofol... Does it Work?
Does Nutrofol actually work. I have heard mixed reviews. It is also very expensive, so I only want to use it if it actually works.
Also if it does work, how long does it take to kick in?
2 Comments
Cost of freezing eggs
What are people getting quoted for egg freezing? it's super expensive! I have a friend that got her eggs frozen in Spain because it's a lot more affordable, but it feels weird to freeze my eggs so far away in another country.
3 Comments
How to get endometriosis diagnosis?
I'm pretty sure I have endometriosis or a similar condition. My doctor says that everything I'm experiencing is normal, but I don't feel like it is. I’ve read the symptoms: painful periods, pain with sex, fatigue, bloating, nausea. That’s me. How can I advocate for my doctor to take me seriously and investigate if I have endometriosis?
1 Comment
Stretches for mobility
Since I've turned 30 I have found my flexibility to be much worse. Wondering if anyone can suggest morning stretches that may be able to help!
7 Comments
Shampoo for thin hair?
Does anyone have a shampoo and conditioner they like for thin hair? I feel my hair looks weighed down.
2 Comments
Sharing your egg freezing experience?
Has anyone had experience freezing their eggs? How intense was the process? Trying to decide if this is something worth considering.
0 Comments