HOTFLASHES | March 2024

Signs You May Have Endometriosis

March is National Endometriosis Month which is a condition where tissue very similar to the lining of your uterus grows in other parts of your body. While one in ten women are estimated to have endometriosis, on average, women will suffer from endometriosis for ten years before being diagnosed with the condition. In today’s article, we’ll go over common signs and symptoms of endometriosis and what to do if you suspect you might have the condition.

• Painful periods are very common in women with endometriosis and may start before your period and last several days after. You may also experience lower back or stomach pain.
• Pain with sex is another common symptom of endometriosis.
• Pain with bowel movements or urination are another symptom of endometriosis. While it’s possible for them to happen at any time, they are most likely to happen before or during your period.
• Excessive bleeding during your period is another symptom of endometriosis. Some women may also have bleeding in between periods with endometriosis.
• Infertility is often a common symptom of endometriosis, and many women are diagnosed with endometriosis when doing infertility tests. However, even with severe endometriosis, natural conception is possible as it’s estimated 60-70 percent of people with endometriosis can get pregnant on their own.
• Other symptoms associated with endometriosis include things like fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and/or nausea. These are more likely to happen before or during your period.

While the symptoms listed above are commonly associated with endometriosis, having one or even a couple of these symptoms on their own may not mean you have the condition. Additionally, some people with endometriosis may have no symptoms at all. However, if you suspect you do have the conditions and/or have many of the symptoms in the above list, it might be time to talk to your doctor. Endometriosis can be very challenging to manage and your care team can help, especially if it’s affecting your day-to-day life or your ability to get pregnant.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries are officially in season and if you’re looking for yet another reason to indulge in the sweet red fruit, we have six health benefits for you! Read on below to learn more!

• Strawberries contain antioxidants, which are able to reduce oxidative stress. The cells in your body are fighting oxidative stress from our environment, which is related to cellular aging and chronic illness, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, like those found in strawberries and other berries neutralize free radicals that can damage your cells and cause disease.
• Strawberries are full of vitamin C. Another key ingredient in strawberries is vitamin C, which is really beneficial for a healthy immune system. One cup of strawberries contains all the vitamin C needed in a day, which can help your overall health and help your body fight off viruses and other pathogens.
• Strawberries may be heart healthy. Because of the helpful antioxidants strawberries contain, there is some evidence to suggest strawberries could be beneficial to your heart health and other studies suggest they may help you improve your cholesterol levels, which would in turn improve your heart health. Additionally, there is some strong evidence to suggest frequent consumption of strawberries and the antioxidants they contain may lower your risk of diabetes, which is also good for your heart.
• Strawberries may support brain health. Memory loss and dementia are common in older adults, but some studies suggest strawberries may help support your brain and lower your risk of these conditions.
• Strawberries may reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a part of your body’s natural immune response, but chronic inflammation may be linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and other diseases. However, the sweet news about strawberries is with their levels of flavonoids and antioxidants, they may be able to reduce inflammation and counteract these chronic diseases.
• Strawberries are good for the gut. Another recent study found that strawberries may have compounds with prebiotic activity, which can aid in the growth of beneficial probiotic microbes in your gut.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-health-benefits-of-strawberries/

Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Stir yogurt, maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread on the prepared baking sheet into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Scatter the strawberries on top and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
3. Freeze until very firm, at least 3 hours. To serve, cut or break into 32 pieces.