Private health

Q:

I’m 46. Years ago, I was told I had fibrocystic breasts, but lately they’ve gotten more painful. It’s happening at an especially bad time since I recently sold my home and relocated to start a new job— changes that have left me stressed out. What can I do?

A:

Many women with fibrocystic breasts (a condition marked by excess fibrous breast tissue and tender or painful cysts) experience symptoms like this during perimenopause, when levels of progesterone—a hormone produced by the adrenal glands—dip, creating a relative estrogen overload that contributes to cyst formation. And since stress can exhaust the adrenals, worsening hormonal imbalances that trigger breast swelling and soreness, it’s likely contributing to your problem.

Fortunately, supplements can help. I advise taking 50 mg. to 100 mg. of vitamin B-6 daily. It’s Called the “antistress” vitamin because it helps the body withstand the effects of stress, and studies show it can also reduce breast pain severity by 33% within two cycles—though many women find relief starts within four weeks. And since shortfalls in iodine are linked to larger, more painful breast cysts, consider sprinkling iodinerich kelp flakes on food or taking a supplement (like Nature’s Way Kelp, Vitacost.com). In a Canadian study, women who increased their iodine intake reduced cyst size and pain by up to 74%. But if you have thyroid issues, check with your doctor before taking iodine, as too much of the mineral suppresses thyroid hormones.

Finally, try cutting back on salt, which causes breasts to retain fluid that can add to soreness, and caffeine, which taxes the adrenal glands and dilates blood vessels, increasing breast swelling and pain. Duke University scientists found cutting caffeine intake lowered fibrocystic breast pain in 61% of women—and eliminated it for some.

Are my meds ruining my sex life?

Q:

Since I started taking medication for high blood pressure (I’m 54), sex has become less satisfying— even uncomfortable. Help!

A:

More than half of postmenopausal women have high blood pressure, and research shows that as many as 41% of those who take medications (such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers) to control it report less sexual pleasure. The reason: The drugs can reduce blood flow to the genitals, decreasing vaginal lubrication to trigger discomfort and hinder sexual satisfaction.

To combat these effects, try using a vaginal moisturizer like Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer (available at drugstores), which adheres to vaginal walls to replenish moisture. And since dehydration can impede blood flow and worsen vaginal dryness, I also suggest drinking plenty of water and using a waterbased sexual lubricant. But if these steps don’t help, your doctor may be able to adjust your medication, as well as recommend other strategies.

Q

I get a few yeast

infections a year, and when I mentioned it to a friend, she said there’s a purple liquid that can help. What is it?

A

Your friend is talking about gentian violet (GV), an antiseptic that’s been used as a yeast infection remedy for decades—and it works. In a study at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, GV was twice as effective against problematic candida yeast as fluconazole, an antifungal used in many OTC yeast treatments.

If you want to try it, I suggest using a diluted product that’s alcohol-free (like De La Cruz Gentian Violet, Amazon.com). To do: Pour 2 tsp. into a glass, soak a tampon in the solution and wear the tampon for up to three hours. Repeat morning and night for three days. Note: The purple hue will stain skin (the color will fade in a few days) and clothing, so consider wearing disposable gloves when applying and a pad to protect your underwear. But if your infection doesn’t clear up in three days, see your gynecologist.