New research indicates that a long-maligned menopausal treatment is safer than previously thought, showing that it doesn’t increase breast cancer risk in women with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is considered a first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. However, many … Read more
This is T-rrific news for some men. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been historically difficult to get because it requires proof of consistently low testosterone levels along with symptoms like fatigue, low libido or erectile dysfunction that’s not just from aging. Now, a US Food and Drug Administration panel is recommending loosening testosterone restrictions by declassifying these … Read more
For nearly three decades, Viagra has helped men rise to the occasion. The little blue pill increases blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and keep erections. But women have been left out in the cold, with no real pharmaceutical fix for low libido — until now. In a sultry twist, Viagra’s … Read more
Elizabeth Fleurisma tears up as she runs her fingers over the scars that map her scalp. The Long Island mom was stunned to discover at the age of 30 that she had a brain tumor the size of a lime. She survived a 16-hour surgery and weeks of radiation — yet a piece of the tumor … Read more
So much for love handles! The “happy weight” phenomenon suggests that content couples tend to soften up because they’re Netflix and chillin’ with ice cream instead of sweatin’ it out at the gym. But new UCLA research reports that high-quality marriages may actually protect against obesity, meaning that a strong emotional bond may be just … Read more
Brian Lewis Gonzalez spent most of his life trying not to be seen. Growing up in Brooklyn, he kept to himself, slouching and layering to disguise the excess breast tissue that made him the target of schoolyard taunts. “There were summers that I would wear two shirts just to feel comfortable enough to go outside, … Read more
Blockbuster weight-loss shots are undergoing a major makeover. Drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy have already taken the US by storm — with the number of Americans using them to slim down more than doubling over the past 18 months. And Big Pharma’s not done cashing in on the weight-loss boom. Drugmakers are readying a new … Read more
Move Over, Tylenol. New research suggests that a common — but often overlooked — pregnancy complication may increase your chances of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The good news? If you treat it, the risk doesn’t seem to rise. Researchers are exploring how various prenatal conditions might affect the risk of autism. … Read more
“Nature’s Ozempic” may sound too good to be true. But a recent scientific review of research found that certain plant sources can replicate the effects of GLP-1, the naturally occurring gut hormone that Ozempic and sister drugs mimic. “GLP-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels,” researchers at Heliopolis University in Egypt … Read more
Shiver me thinner! Forget frostbite, high energy bills and frozen pipes — there’s at least one upside to colder weather. When temperatures drop, we burn more calories to maintain our internal temperature, a process known as thermogenesis. Winter weather provides an unlikely opportunity — the ability to burn calories through shivering. luismolinero – stock.adobe.com Our … Read more
Stephanie Pastor and her family were trudging up a hill at Rockefeller State Park last fall when her young son let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m having a hot flash,” PJ, then six, announced, sending his parents into a fit of laughter. But as their amusement faded, Pastor, now 48, was struck with a realization: … Read more
Take a chill pill, momma. Stress can affect pregnant women in several ways, from high blood pressure to heart disease and even premature birth before 37 weeks, a leading cause of newborn death and disability. And new research indicates that stressed-out soon-to-be moms may be aging their babies faster in one unexpected way. Stress can … Read more
What the pluck? As if your 40s weren’t maddening enough, your hair starts having its own midlife crisis — graying, thinning and popping up in the oddest places. Hair today — and still there tomorrow. Unwanted strands can crop up in unexpected places during menopause due to hormonal changes. Vitalina – stock.adobe.com “It is completely … Read more
Shilpa Gajarawala struggled with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems and brain fog. But given her history of breast cancer, treating these menopausal symptoms with hormone therapy wasn’t an option. “For two years, I tried to kind of power through,” said the 58-year-old physician assistant from Jacksonville, Florida. But doctors say women like Gajarawala don’t need to suffer. Here … Read more
This slaps! You’ve tried yoga, meditation and long walks to reduce stress — but have you taken a whack at spanking? “While it may sound counterintuitive, for some people, ‘impact play’ like spanking can actually help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety through pain, or as many players would term it, ‘intense sensation,’ ” Lisa … Read more
Does “nature’s Ozempic” exist? One protein-packed product may be worthy of the title, as research suggests that consuming it before certain meals could mimic the effects of the popular slimming drug. Eating one type of food could result in similar effects as Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Siam – stock.adobe.com While it’s not quite … Read more
The lengthy “black box” warning on menopause treatments is finally undergoing some changes. Research published in 2002 had shown that menopause hormone therapy carried a risk of cancer and other serious conditions — which had naturally scared off many patients from taking it, as well as doctors from even describing it. But new research in … Read more
Is your house a hidden health hazard? A longevity doctor wants you to remove four common items from your home immediately, warning that they could be quietly sabotaging your body from the inside out. “If you care about your hormones, your sleep, your long-term health, these things matter more than you think,” Dr. Shayne Keddy … Read more
Libido at zero? Horniness — or the lack thereof — can be a key indicator of overall well-being. Tennessee Williams wrote that “the opposite of death is desire” — and it would seem that the playwright was onto something, as experts agree that a low sex drive can indicate a slew of concerning health issues. Though … Read more
Dan Greenfield has a lot on his plate. One glance at his calendar and it’s easy to see why. As The Post’s chief of staff, he spends his days racing between meetings, settling office disputes and juggling high-level projects far above my pay grade as a wellness reporter. “I’ve been stressed my entire adult life,” … Read more