MILLSTONE June 2018

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

Are Redheads More Sensitive to Pain? By Pam Teel Everyone struggles with pain at some point of his or her life, but did you know that, according to some researchers, studies have shown that redheads are more sensitive to pain than others? Can we truly believe that a person’s hair color can have something to do with their amount of tolerance to pain? Researchers have found that people with natural red hair are more sensitive to certain types of pain than those of other hair colors. They have found that redheads require more pain killer medication for it to be effective and tend to use more anesthesia during surgery and general procedures. This may be due to a mutation in a gene that affects hair color and affects ones perception of pain. The amount of red pigment in hair can be determined by one gene. (MC1R) Mutation in the (MC1R) gene results in the production of a substance called Pheonmelanin that results in red hair and usually fair skin. The (MC1R) gene is also expressed in small amounts in the brain where pain signals are interpreted and perceived. Studies that started just 18 years ago with the (MC1R) gene and its association with the brain is still not fully understood and still in its early stages. Up until a while ago, it was unclear just how many redheads were out there in the world, but research has shown that redheads make up 2 percent of the population. Research on redheads and sensitivity have yielded some conclusions: - Redheads typically have a low tolerance to cold weather - At a greater risk of developing sclerosis and endometriosis - Lack vitamin D as they tend to stay out of the sun more for fear of burning more easily - More prone to certain skin cancers

- They are less receptive to anesthesia - Less tolerant of inflammatory pain - More sensitive to dental work On the other hand, other researchers have found that redheads were: - Tougher when it came to handling pain. - Less sensitive to stinging pain

- More noticed by the opposite sex. When a redhead walks into a room, there’s a good chance they will be noticed. - Redheads can tolerate hot and spicy food better

- Have thicker hair and skip over the gray hair stage and go from light copper to white hair. Are redheads are more affected by some things and less affected than others? Only a true redhead can tell you for sure!

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