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31 07, 2025

Facts About DCIS – HealthyWomen

By |2025-07-31T21:32:28+03:00July 31, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a very early form of breast cancer that makes up about 1 out 5 cases of breast cancer.

While any cancer diagnosis is scary, DCIS is noninvasive and very treatable. With appropriate treatment and follow-up care, the outlook is excellent. And the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with DCIS is 98%.

What is DCIS?

DCIS is the earliest stage of breast cancer, sometimes called stage 0 breast cancer.

The name ductal carcinoma in situ is a bit confusing. Here’s what it means:

  • Ductal: The cancer is in the cells lining the milk ducts. It might be in one or both breasts.
  • Carcinoma: These ductal cells become abnormal (cancerous).
  • In situ: The cancer stays “on site” where it started. It might spread to more ductal cells, but it does not spread to other areas.

DCIS is noninvasive, meaning it has not spread from where it started, but it still needs to be treated. Although DCIS itself has a great prognosis, research does show that people diagnosed with DCIS have a higher risk of developing invasive cancer later. Anywhere from 20 to 50% of DCIS cases might be a precursor to a higher stage of breast cancer.

Healthcare providers can’t tell which cases will progress. So the safest approach is to treat all cases of DCIS quickly. Treating DCIS intensively leads to better outcomes and lowers the risk of invasive cancer down the road.

Symptoms and diagnosis of DCIS

DCIS usually doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Some people might notice a lump in their breast, skin irritation or itchiness, a sore or discharge from the nipple. But this isn’t common. Most of the time, DCIS is caught by a mammogram — those regular screenings are important!

If you have DCIS, the mammogram might show microcalcification clusters. These clusters are calcium deposits in the breast. They might be there for many reasons. In fact, they’re pretty common in women over 50. However, certain patterns of microcalcifications can indicate an early stage of cancer. So, if these are spotted on your mammogram, you’ll need more imaging done.

If you have signs of DCIS, your healthcare provider (HCP) may request one or more of the following:

  • Diagnostic mammogram: Provides more detailed X-ray images of the breast than a screening mammogram, often from different angles or positions.
  • Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to get images of the breast tissue. Sometimes an ultrasound is used to guide a biopsy.
  • Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than a mammogram or an ultrasound.

After imaging, the next step is a biopsy: a small piece of tissue is taken from the breast, then analyzed by a pathologist. The analysis determines what kind of DCIS is present and the best course of treatment.

Different types of DCIS

DCIS is categorized by something called nuclear grade. This scale “grades” or compares how the cancer cells look in comparison with normal breast cells. The cells might be low, intermediate, or high grade. A higher grade means the cancer cells are more abnormal and fast-growing.

It’s also important to determine the hormonal makeup of the cancerous cells. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment approach. Some cancer cells have hormone receptors for estrogen or progesterone, or both. Having these receptors is favorable. It means the cancer grows more slowly and depends on hormones to survive. Most cases of DCIS are hormone-receptor positive.

How is DCIS treated?

Treatment for DCIS is usually straightforward: surgery, often followed by radiation therapy. The radiation ensures that all cancerous cells are removed. In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended. Chemotherapy is not used to treat DCIS.

Surgery

A lumpectomy is also called a partial mastectomy or breast-saving surgery. The surgeon removes tissue from the breast. The tissue includes the cancerous cells and some healthy tissue around the area. The breast itself is not removed.

A mastectomy is a surgery that removes all tissue, or the entire breast. Patients might opt to have breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy.

Which surgery is needed depends on the DCIS spread. If the cancer is in a small, contained area, a lumpectomy is usually possible. If the cancer hasis spread out or scattered through the ductal cells, a mastectomy will be needed.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, usually X-rays, to kill cancer cells that were not removed during surgery. It’s associated with a lower risk of recurrence.

Hormone therapy

If the cancer cells have hormone receptors, your healthcare provider might recommend hormone therapy to help prevent recurrence. If you have a mastectomy, hormone therapy is usually not needed.

Does DCIS recur?

While DCIS can come back, its recurrence rate is low. For people who have a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy, it’s less than 15%.

The DCIS grade also has an effect on the recurrence rate. A lower grade equals a lower risk of recurrence. However, the risk of recurrence is higher for Black women than for Asian, Hispanic, or white women. That may be because white women benefit from more follow-up imaging surveillance. These systemic racial/ethnic disparities have fatal consequences: the rate of breast cancer mortality after DCIS is higher for Black women.

Read: Why Do Women of Color Have Worst Breast Cancer Outcomes? >>

Regular mammograms help catch DCIS so it can be treated quickly. After treatment for DCIS is complete, regular screenings help spot any abnormalities. With good follow-up, you’ve got everything on your side to stay healthy after a DCIS diagnosis.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.

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30 07, 2025

How to Be a Good Emotional Support Friend

By |2025-07-30T17:16:26+03:00July 30, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


August 1 is National Girlfriend Day.

My best friend Jessi has always told me, “I only have fun with you.”

Of course, I love when she says that, even though I know it’s not true. Jessi has an awesome life in Michigan — she’s surrounded by people who love her — and she dog-sits for a sweater-wearing English bulldog named Tucker, which is like the definition of fun.

 

  Tucker

 

While it’s true that we’ve had an infinity loop of laughter over our 20-plus years of friendship, we’ve also had to deal with a lot of tough stuff like death and cancer and younger brothers.

Through it all, Jessi has been my emotional support human. And science shows that emotional support is a top priority for women when it comes to friendship. And women are more likely than men to lean on friends during stressful situations.

Read: Someone Who Likes You: The Importance of Girlfriends for Mental Health >>

“Emotional support is the most important element that can help a person going through a hard time,” said Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D., a Los Angeles-based psychologist who specializes in life transitions and relationships. “You don’t feel alone. You don’t feel like you’re isolated from people. You don’t sink as far into depression or sadness or anger because you can vent if you trust somebody and you know they care.”

The key, Thomas said, to good emotional support is to offer a safe, judgement-free zone so your friend feels vulnerable enough to share and fully vent about their feelings and concerns. Sharing your own experience with tough times can help your friend feel less alone — but just make sure you’re not trying to turn the conversation around to focus on you. “People can do that without meaning to,” Thomas said.

No friendship is perfect and no two relationships are the same. But no matter how close you are, it can still be hard to know what to say or do when a friend is going through a rough time. (Friendly tip: If you’re going to DoorDash ice cream to your friend, make sure they’re home. Ants never make any situation better.)

We asked Thomas for advice on what to say and how to emotionally support your friend when times are tough.

Here are her tips for how to support someone through 5 common difficult situations.

1. A health condition diagnosis

What to say: “I’m here for you. You can always talk to me — you’re not a burden. I want to help you the best way I can.”

Being diagnosed with a disease or illness — no matter how severe — is scary and overwhelming. Some people may retreat or try to hide their feelings because they don’t want to seem needy or burden people with the reality of their situation.

Let your friend know upfront that you want them to lean on you and not to feel guilty (providing that’s really how you feel). And if they ever think they’re relying on you too much to check in with you because odds are that’s not the case.

2. Death

What to say: “I am so sorry for your loss. What can I do to help you?”

After a loved one dies, most people tend to feel numb or in shock, so it’s a good idea to ask questions to try to understand what your friend may need during this time. And, because they may not be thinking straight, try offering suggestions that may help ease stress. For example, can I bring over dinner? Can I call anyone for the funeral arrangements? Do you need your laundry done?

The same can apply to emotional needs. Do you want to talk about your loved one? Do you want me to stay over? Do you want space to grieve on your own?

Grief is complex, and what your friend wants/needs might change from day to day, so it’s a good idea to check in with them regularly even if it’s just a text or a voicemail to let them know you’re there when they are ready.

Read: Expert Advice on Getting Through Your First Holiday Season After the Loss of a Loved One >>

3. Loneliness

What to say: “I’m so glad you told me. It’s not easy, but you’re not alone. Everyone feels lonely at some point in their lives.”

First things first: If your friend tells you that they are feeling lonely — commend them. Let them know that you appreciate how honest they are and that loneliness is common — too common these days.

Ask your friend how they would like for you to be there for them. Maybe it’s scheduling a weekly FaceTime or planning walks after work or meeting for lunch on weekends. Or if they’re interested in dating, offer to be a wing person. If you’re both down to mingle, try double dates.

Admitting loneliness is the first step, and figuring out what to do about it can help your friend break the cycle and connect back to the things they enjoy in life.

4. Relationship problems

How to Be a Good Emotional Support Friend

iStock.com/Antonio_Diaz

What to say: “I’m sorry you’re going through this — I’m here to listen.”

Maybe your BFF had a big fight with their partner. Or things are getting separation-bad. Of course, it’s natural to want to karate kick anyone daring to upset your friend, but in this case you don’t want to say (or do!) anything that may jeopardize your friendship down the less-rocky road.

Let your friend know that you’re there for them, but ultimately it’s their boo, their relationship and you don’t want to influence any major life decisions.

Staying in your lane may also mean suggesting couples therapy or individual therapy to help your friends figure out the best way forward without taking sides.

5. Family drama

What to say: “Tell me what happened.”

Everyone’s family is a little messy. And you don’t have to be season-two-episode-Fishes-of-The-Bear-bad to know that family dynamics can be complicated.

Listening to your friend’s side of the story can help you both gain some perspective. And follow-up questions like, “Did you do or say anything by accident that caused the response?” can help, too.

If your friend is honest with themselves, they can take a moment to reflect on their role — if any — in the drama.

You’ve got a friend in me

Friendship isn’t easy. It takes a lot of hard work and effort and sharing inspirational memes to create a bond that tracks through everything life throws at you.

But if you’re like me, you know it’s an honor to even be part of the support team.

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29 07, 2025

What Women Really Need to Know about Creatine

By |2025-07-29T17:05:12+03:00July 29, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


Creatine sounds like something your gym-buff ex-roommate used to take by the scoopful. But lately, it’s showing up in wellness routines that have nothing to do with six-pack abs or maxing out on squats.

This compound is having a moment, being touted for everything from brain fog to bone health. Social media is buzzing about the benefits, and with that, people have a lot of questions: Is it safe? Will it make me bulky? Does it really help with menopause brain?

Here’s the scoop on what creatine is, what it does, and what women should know before adding it to their supplement shelf.

What is creatine?

Creatine is a substance your body makes naturally — mostly in your liver, kidneys and pancreas — and stores in your muscles. It helps your muscles make quick bursts of energy by recycling a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy source for all living cells. So when you’re lifting something heavy, sprinting to catch the bus or busting a dance move, creatine acts like a backup power source.

Certain foods also contain creatine, especially red meat and seafood. But some people don’t get enough through diet alone to see any performance or health benefits, which is why supplements are so popular. This is especially true for women, who have only 20% to 30% of the creatine in their bodies as men, and research shows getting more may be beneficial.

Creatine monohydrate is the most common form and has been studied for decades and considered safe and effective. Most of the research has been done on creatine monohydrate in powder form, so that’s what’s typically recommended. Other versions, like gummies and capsules, may work too, but they haven’t been studied as much yet.

Newer versions of creatine have recently hit the market, like creatine hydrochloride (HCl), but monohydrate is still the gold standard when it comes to research and results.

Why do people take creatine?

iStock.com/jacoblund

Creatine is one of the most widely used supplements in the world, particularly popular among gym-goers. The most common reasons people take creatine are to:

  • Build strength and muscle
  • Boost high-intensity exercise performance
  • Speed up recovery between workouts
  • Lessen fatigue during short bursts of activity

Creatine is popular with athletes, active adults and increasingly among older adults who want to combat muscle loss as they age. It’s also gaining traction in rehab settings, where it’s being studied for helping people bounce back from injury or illness.

Because of the recent hype and new research, more people are taking creatine to help with focus or mood, but most still use it to feel stronger, recover faster and get better results from their workouts.

What are the potential benefits of creatine?

Once it’s in your system, creatine can help in several ways. Most of the benefits stem from how it helps your body create energy faster. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

  • More strength and lean muscle

Creatine helps your muscles work harder during short bursts of activity, like lifting something heavy or walking up stairs. Over time, this can lead to more strength and muscle. You don’t have to be an athlete to see results — one study found that women who took creatine saw minor improvements in lean body mass even without following a workout plan. But you’ll see the best results using creatine in combination with resistance training.

  • Faster recovery between workouts

Creatine helps your muscles quickly regain energy, which means less fatigue between sets and faster recovery after workouts. Some studies suggest it also reduces muscle damage and inflammation after intense activity.

Your brain uses a lot of energy, and creatine can help give it a boost. A review of 16 studies found that creatine may help with memory, focus and reaction time, especially when you’re sleep-deprived, stressed or doing hard mental work. In one small study, people with Alzheimer’s disease took creatine for eight weeks. They had more creatine in their brains and did better on tests for memory, focus and reading. Scientists still need more research to know how much creatine helps with brain aging and Alzheimer’s.

Evidence suggests that creatine might make depression treatments work better, especially when taken with antidepressants. Some studies show that people, especially women, feel better when they take creatine with their antidepressant medication. Experts think creatine helps the brain use energy more easily. It may also lower brain inflammation and support mood by helping balance serotonin and dopamine.

  • Menopausal health and aging

Emerging evidence suggests creatine’s benefits can support your body through the ups and downs of midlife. As you age, taking creatine along with regular strength training may help keep muscles and bones strong. It may also help improve balance, strength and everyday activities like walking or getting up from a chair.

When estrogen levels decline, many women experience changes in energy, mood, memory and body composition. Early research shows that creatine may help manage these changes by supporting brain function and energy in cells.

One review found that postmenopausal women who took creatine had lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels in their blood after meals. When they used it during a 5-week strength program, they also lost less bone in their hips. Their bone strength stayed steady too, which might help lower the risk of breaks. More research is needed to understand long-term outcomes and, again, the best gains are found when creatine is taken in combination with resistance training.

What are the creatine side effects?

What Women Really Need to Know about Creatine

iStock.com/Djavan Rodriguez

Creatine is one of the most-researched supplements out there. For most people, it’s safe when taken as directed, with very few side effects reported in clinical trials. Any side effects that do occur are usually mild and short-lived. These can include:

  • Temporary bloating
  • Stomach discomfort (especially when taken on an empty stomach)
  • Muscle cramping or tightness
  • Mild water retention in the early days of supplementation

If you notice you feel a bit puffy when you start creatine, it’s just water being pulled into your muscles. Longer studies show no lasting changes in body water levels, especially when taken at recommended doses.

And despite online rumors, creatine does not cause hair loss. A recent clinical trial found no increase in hormones linked to hair thinning.

One other common misconception is that creatine can cause kidney damage, but according to the National Institutes of Health, a large body of research over the last 20 years has found no evidence to support this when taken as directed.

How much creatine should you take?

Experts recommend taking 3 to 5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily. You can do a short loading phase (around 20 grams per day for five days), but it’s not necessary. The key is consistency. Creatine works best when taken every day, not just on workout days.

Some studies suggest taking higher doses based on body weight — around 0.10–0.14 g/kg/day, for bone and metabolic benefits after menopause. But for most people, the standard dose is plenty.

Be sure to drink your creatine right away after mixing, as it can become less effective if you let it sit in liquid for too long.

As with any supplement, it’s smart to check in with your healthcare provider before adding creatine to your routine.

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29 07, 2025

Información verificada de la colangitis biliar primaria (CBP)

By |2025-07-29T00:56:35+03:00July 29, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

La colangitis biliar primaria (CBP) es un trastorno autoinmunitario que afecta principalmente a mujeres y a personas que tuvieron asignación femenina cuando nacieron (AFAB, por sus siglas en inglés). La CBP afecta el hígado y, si no se trata, puede causar problemas graves, tales como cirrosis e insuficiencia hepática.

Las buenas noticias son que hay tratamientos disponibles que podrían ser útiles para reducir los síntomas y frenar el progreso de la enfermedad.

Nos comunicamos con Nancy Reau, M.D., directora adjunta de trasplantes de órganos sólidos y jefa de la sección de hepatología del centro médico de Rush University, para obtener información verificada y consejos para controlar la CBP.

¿Qué es la CBP?

La colangitis biliar primaria (CBP) ocurre cuando tu propio sistema inmunitario empieza a reaccionar en tu contra y ataca conductos biliares pequeños en el hígado. Esto causa una acumulación de bilis y un bloqueo del flujo biliar (colestasis), lo cual hace que los conductos biliares se inflamen y que las células hepáticas se deterioren. Este deterioro causa cicatrices, lo cual se denomina fibrosis. Con el tiempo, el tejido de las cicatrices reemplaza al tejido saludable (lo cual se denomina cirrosis) y los ductos biliares se deterioran, lo cual causa daño al hígado que empeora con el tiempo.

¿Cuáles son los factores de riesgo de la CBP?

No comprendemos todos los factores, pero antecedentes familiares de CBP o de trastornos inmunitarios son probablemente los factores más importantes. Tradicionalmente se pensaba que la CBP era exclusivamente un trastorno que solo afectaba a mujeres de raza blanca de mediana edad, pero estamos encontrando CBP en hombres, en personas de varias razas y también en personas jóvenes y de edad avanzada. Sin embargo, la CBP todavía es más común en mujeres que en hombres.

¿Cuáles son los síntomas de la CBP?

Muchas personas con CBP no tienen síntomas que sean específicos para ese trastorno, y cuando los tienen, los síntomas varían para cada persona. Los síntomas iniciales más frecuentes son comezón (denominada prurito) y fatiga. Personas con CBP también podrían padecer dolor abdominal; oscurecimiento de la piel; protuberancias pequeñas amarillas o blancas bajo la piel (xantomas) o alrededor de los ojos (xantelasmas); sequedad en la boca y los ojos; y dolores de los huesos, músculos y articulaciones.

Otras señales y síntomas podrían incluir al síndrome seco, que es una sequedad crónica de los ojos y la boca y niveles altos de colesterol.

Muchas personas que padecen CBP no tienen síntomas aparte de la comezón y la fatiga en las primeras etapas del trastorno. Si tienes síntomas de CBP deberías hablar sobre eso con tu proveedor de atención médica (HCP, por sus siglas en inglés).

¿Cómo se diagnostica la CBP?

Podría ser difícil para proveedores de atención médica emitir un diagnóstico de CBP inicialmente puesto que el trastorno puede presentar síntomas no específicos tales como comezón y fatiga. Pero hay varias formas en las que se puede diagnosticar la CBP.

Pruebas de sangre pueden detectar mayores niveles de una enzima llamada fosfatasa alcalina y bilirrubina, así como un indicador inmunitario llamado anticuerpo antimitocondrial.

La CBP se diagnostica cuando pruebas de sangre de una persona muestran niveles elevados de fosfatasa alcalina debido a cambios del flujo biliar (denominados colestasis) así como la presencia de anticuerpos antimitocondriales.

Si los resultados de las pruebas de sangre son ambiguos, una biopsia hepática u otras pruebas del sistema inmunitario podrían realizarse para diagnosticar el trastorno si hay alguna preocupación de insuficiencia hepática (debido a niveles altos de bilirrubina).

¿Cuáles son los tratamientos para la colangitis biliar primaria?

Hay algunos medicamentos aprobados que son útiles para controlar la CBP. La mayoría de planes terapéuticos empiezan con la terapia de primera línea, lo que quiere decir que es el primer medicamento que tu proveedor de atención médica probará. Tu doctor comúnmente esperará ver una mejora en las pruebas de sangre para confirmar que el medicamento funcione. Si hay una reacción bioquímica inadecuada a la terapia de primera línea después de 12 meses, tu doctor podría considerar opciones terapéuticas adicionales. En algunos casos, en función de criterios clínicos y de tendencias individuales de las pruebas de sangre, se podrían considerar otras terapias a los 6 y 12 meses. Los tratamientos de segunda línea, que pueden usarse en combinación con opciones de primera línea o individualmente, han demostrado mejoras de los niveles de las enzimas hepáticas y podrían ser útiles para aliviar los síntomas, tales como la comezón. Tu proveedor de atención médica siempre debería tomar decisiones terapéuticas en función de tu perfil clínico específico.

¿Hay cambios del estilo de vida que podrían ser útiles para mantener tu salud si vives con CBP?

Cada paciente debería hablar sobre los métodos terapéuticos y de atención con su proveedor médico, pero, en general, motivamos a personas con CBP a que se enfoquen en un estilo de vida saludable, incluyendo ejercicio en forma regular y una dieta rica en alimentos integrales, fibra y proteínas magras. Las personas que viven con CBP también deberían concentrarse en su salud ósea porque osteopenia y osteoporosis son más frecuentes en personas con CBP. También se recomienda dejar de fumar y limitar el consumo de alcohol.

Lee: Vivir con colangitis biliar primaria >> 

¿Qué consejos son útiles para manejar tu salud si tienes CBP?

Primero, debes cuidar tu salud. Conoce qué medicamento tomas y si funciona. Esto realmente es difícil para la CBP porque han habido cambios significativos en lo que se considera una “buena reacción al tratamiento”. Es decir, asegúrate que tú y tu doctor tengan información actualizada. Cerciórate de que encuentres un proveedor médico que escuche lo que dices y con quien te puedas comunicar efectivamente en lo que se refiere a las metas terapéuticas. Tus pruebas hepáticas serán útiles para determinar si el tratamiento funciona, así que asegúrate de entender qué niveles son buenos para ti y para tu proveedor de atención médica.

También deberías hacer que se evalúe tu función tiroidea una vez al año y monitorear tu salud ósea debido a un mayor riesgo de osteopenia y osteoporosis.

Vivir con CBP también puede ser difícil desde el punto de vista emocional. Así que es importante tener un buen sistema de apoyo para cuidar tu salud mental. Además de familiares y amigos, grupos de concientización de pacientes y comunidades virtuales pueden proporcionar consuelo, consejos y apoyo emocional.

Por último, habla con tus familiares. Aunque esto no se establece firmemente en las pautas actuales, recomendamos que propongas a tus familiares de primer grado (hermanas, hijas y madres) que hablen con tu proveedor de atención médica para que las examine porque sabemos que tienen un mayor riesgo. Aunque la CBP es menos frecuente en los hombres, ellos también deberían hablar con sus proveedores de atención médica si tienen síntomas.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Gilead.



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28 07, 2025

Información verificada de la colangitis biliar primaria (CBP)

By |2025-07-28T20:54:52+03:00July 28, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

La colangitis biliar primaria (CBP) es un trastorno autoinmunitario que afecta principalmente a mujeres y a personas que tuvieron asignación femenina cuando nacieron (AFAB, por sus siglas en inglés). La CBP afecta el hígado y, si no se trata, puede causar problemas graves, tales como cirrosis e insuficiencia hepática.

Las buenas noticias son que hay tratamientos disponibles que podrían ser útiles para reducir los síntomas y frenar el progreso de la enfermedad.

Nos comunicamos con Nancy Reau, M.D., directora adjunta de trasplantes de órganos sólidos y jefa de la sección de hepatología del centro médico de Rush University, para obtener información verificada y consejos para controlar la CBP.

¿Qué es la CBP?

La colangitis biliar primaria (CBP) ocurre cuando tu propio sistema inmunitario empieza a reaccionar en tu contra y ataca conductos biliares pequeños en el hígado. Esto causa una acumulación de bilis y un bloqueo del flujo biliar (colestasis), lo cual hace que los conductos biliares se inflamen y que las células hepáticas se deterioren. Este deterioro causa cicatrices, lo cual se denomina fibrosis. Con el tiempo, el tejido de las cicatrices reemplaza al tejido saludable (lo cual se denomina cirrosis) y los ductos biliares se deterioran, lo cual causa daño al hígado que empeora con el tiempo.

¿Cuáles son los factores de riesgo de la CBP?

No comprendemos todos los factores, pero antecedentes familiares de CBP o de trastornos inmunitarios son probablemente los factores más importantes. Tradicionalmente se pensaba que la CBP era exclusivamente un trastorno que solo afectaba a mujeres de raza blanca de mediana edad, pero estamos encontrando CBP en hombres, en personas de varias razas y también en personas jóvenes y de edad avanzada. Sin embargo, la CBP todavía es más común en mujeres que en hombres.

¿Cuáles son los síntomas de la CBP?

Muchas personas con CBP no tienen síntomas que sean específicos para ese trastorno, y cuando los tienen, los síntomas varían para cada persona. Los síntomas iniciales más frecuentes son comezón (denominada prurito) y fatiga. Personas con CBP también podrían padecer dolor abdominal; oscurecimiento de la piel; protuberancias pequeñas amarillas o blancas bajo la piel (xantomas) o alrededor de los ojos (xantelasmas); sequedad en la boca y los ojos; y dolores de los huesos, músculos y articulaciones.

Otras señales y síntomas podrían incluir al síndrome seco, que es una sequedad crónica de los ojos y la boca y niveles altos de colesterol.

Muchas personas que padecen CBP no tienen síntomas aparte de la comezón y la fatiga en las primeras etapas del trastorno. Si tienes síntomas de CBP deberías hablar sobre eso con tu proveedor de atención médica (HCP, por sus siglas en inglés).

¿Cómo se diagnostica la CBP?

Podría ser difícil para proveedores de atención médica emitir un diagnóstico de CBP inicialmente puesto que el trastorno puede presentar síntomas no específicos tales como comezón y fatiga. Pero hay varias formas en las que se puede diagnosticar la CBP.

Pruebas de sangre pueden detectar mayores niveles de una enzima llamada fosfatasa alcalina y bilirrubina, así como un indicador inmunitario llamado anticuerpo antimitocondrial.

La CBP se diagnostica cuando pruebas de sangre de una persona muestran niveles elevados de fosfatasa alcalina debido a cambios del flujo biliar (denominados colestasis) así como la presencia de anticuerpos antimitocondriales.

Si los resultados de las pruebas de sangre son ambiguos, una biopsia hepática u otras pruebas del sistema inmunitario podrían realizarse para diagnosticar el trastorno si hay alguna preocupación de insuficiencia hepática (debido a niveles altos de bilirrubina).

¿Cuáles son los tratamientos para la colangitis biliar primaria?

Hay algunos medicamentos aprobados que son útiles para controlar la CBP. La mayoría de planes terapéuticos empiezan con la terapia de primera línea, lo que quiere decir que es el primer medicamento que tu proveedor de atención médica probará. Tu doctor comúnmente esperará ver una mejora en las pruebas de sangre para confirmar que el medicamento funcione. Si hay una reacción bioquímica inadecuada a la terapia de primera línea después de 12 meses, tu doctor podría considerar opciones terapéuticas adicionales. En algunos casos, en función de criterios clínicos y de tendencias individuales de las pruebas de sangre, se podrían considerar otras terapias a los 6 y 12 meses. Los tratamientos de segunda línea, que pueden usarse en combinación con opciones de primera línea o individualmente, han demostrado mejoras de los niveles de las enzimas hepáticas y podrían ser útiles para aliviar los síntomas, tales como la comezón. Tu proveedor de atención médica siempre debería tomar decisiones terapéuticas en función de tu perfil clínico específico.

¿Hay cambios del estilo de vida que podrían ser útiles para mantener tu salud si vives con CBP?

Cada paciente debería hablar sobre los métodos terapéuticos y de atención con su proveedor médico, pero, en general, motivamos a personas con CBP a que se enfoquen en un estilo de vida saludable, incluyendo ejercicio en forma regular y una dieta rica en alimentos integrales, fibra y proteínas magras. Las personas que viven con CBP también deberían concentrarse en su salud ósea porque osteopenia y osteoporosis son más frecuentes en personas con CBP. También se recomienda dejar de fumar y limitar el consumo de alcohol.

Lee: Vivir con colangitis biliar primaria >> 

¿Qué consejos son útiles para manejar tu salud si tienes CBP?

Primero, debes cuidar tu salud. Conoce qué medicamento tomas y si funciona. Esto realmente es difícil para la CBP porque han habido cambios significativos en lo que se considera una “buena reacción al tratamiento”. Es decir, asegúrate que tú y tu doctor tengan información actualizada. Cerciórate de que encuentres un proveedor médico que escuche lo que dices y con quien te puedas comunicar efectivamente en lo que se refiere a las metas terapéuticas. Tus pruebas hepáticas serán útiles para determinar si el tratamiento funciona, así que asegúrate de entender qué niveles son buenos para ti y para tu proveedor de atención médica.

También deberías hacer que se evalúe tu función tiroidea una vez al año y monitorear tu salud ósea debido a un mayor riesgo de osteopenia y osteoporosis.

Vivir con CBP también puede ser difícil desde el punto de vista emocional. Así que es importante tener un buen sistema de apoyo para cuidar tu salud mental. Además de familiares y amigos, grupos de concientización de pacientes y comunidades virtuales pueden proporcionar consuelo, consejos y apoyo emocional.

Por último, habla con tus familiares. Aunque esto no se establece firmemente en las pautas actuales, recomendamos que propongas a tus familiares de primer grado (hermanas, hijas y madres) que hablen con tu proveedor de atención médica para que las examine porque sabemos que tienen un mayor riesgo. Aunque la CBP es menos frecuente en los hombres, ellos también deberían hablar con sus proveedores de atención médica si tienen síntomas.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Gilead.



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24 07, 2025

Preguntas y respuestas relacionadas con los tratamientos de migrañas

By |2025-07-24T21:57:44+03:00July 24, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

English

Los episodios de migrañas no son solo simples dolores de cabeza. Son parte del trastorno de migrañas, un trastorno neurológico, y traen consigo una amplia variedad de síntomas que pueden incluir episodios intensos de dolores de cabeza, particularmente en un lado de la cabeza; sensibilidad a la luz, a los sonidos y a los olores; cosquilleo o adormecimiento en tus brazos o piernas, cambios de estado de ánimo y fatiga intensa, entre otros síntomas.

Esta condición crónica puede ser difícil de tratar, pero hay muchos tratamientos diferentes de migrañas disponibles. Nos comunicamos con Jessica Ailani, M.D., FAHS, neuróloga y directora del centro de dolores de cabeza de Georgetown, para obtener más información sobre las opciones terapéuticas para personas que viven con trastornos de migrañas.

¿Qué tipos de tratamientos puedo usar para el inicio de los síntomas de un episodio de migrañas? (sin y con receta médica)

Los tratamientos que se usan cuando empiezan los síntomas de migrañas se denominan tratamientos de crisis. Estos incluyen medicamentos sin receta, AINE (antiinflamatorios no esteroideos) que incluyen aspirinas, ibuprofeno, naproxeno, y paracetamol, tratamientos combinados como aspirinas, paracetamol y cafeína, dispositivos y medicamentos con receta.

Para algunas personas compresas frías y masajes con hielo también son útiles durante un episodio. Si bien no hay muchos estudios que respalden esto, a menudo personas que padecen trastornos de migrañas aplican hielo en sus cabezas y cuellos durante un episodio.

Si los tratamientos sin receta no son efectivos, debes hablar con tu proveedor de atención médica (HCP, por sus siglas en inglés) acerca de medicamentos con receta.

Los dispositivos de neuromodulación son un método sin medicamentos para tratar un episodio de migrañas después de que empieza pero también podrían requerir recetas médicas. Los dispositivos funcionan de varias formas diferentes para reducir la señalización anormal del cerebro que ocurre durante un episodio de migrañas. Los dispositivos para tratamientos de crisis para la prevención de migrañas, autorizados por la FDA [Administración de medicamentos y alimentos], incluyen sTNS [neuromodulación transcutánea supraorbitaria] (Cefaly), neuromodulación eléctrica remota (Nerivio), EMTpu (e-Neura), eCOTs [sistemas de neuroestimulación occipital y trigeminal externa] (Relivion) y ENVni (gammaCore).

Los medicamentos con receta más comunes que se prescriben para las migrañas son los triptanes. Estos son medicamentos que se usan tal como se requiera para un episodio y funcionan bloqueando químicos que se liberan durante la fase de dolor de un episodio de migrañas. Los triptanes pueden ser comprimidos que pueden tragarse, comprimidos que se disuelven en la boca, aerosoles nasales e inyecciones que el mismo paciente puede aplicar.

Las varias modalidades diferentes son importantes porque las migrañas pueden causar náuseas y vómito. Si las náuseas o la sensación de que no puedes comer o beber durante un episodio es común para ti, es importante que uses un medicamento que se aplique por la nariz o mediante inyecciones. Los triptanes no deberían utilizarse más de 10 días al mes o podrían causar algo que se conoce como cefalea de rebote o cefalea por abuso de medicamentos (CAM). Tampoco funcionan bien en fases tardías de episodios de migrañas.

Otra categoría de tratamientos de crisis son los gepantes. Los gepantes también se usan específicamente para episodios de migrañas y pueden aplicarse como comprimidos, comprimidos orales solubles o aerosoles nasales. Tienen menos efectos colaterales que los triptanes y pueden usarse en una gama más amplia de poblaciones, pero es posible que no sean tan eficaces como los triptanes para ciertas personas. Los gepantes bloquean una proteína denominada PRGC involucrada en el proceso de episodios de migrañas. Se ha demostrado que un gepante funciona si se toma durante la fase de pródromo o de aura (antes de que el dolor de la migraña empiece). No se piensa que los gepantes causan cefaleas de rebote y pueden ser beneficiosos para personas que tienen episodios más frecuentes.

Una tercera categoría de tratamientos de crisis son los cornezuelos de centeno. Los cornezuelos de centeno bloquean una mayor cantidad de químicos involucrados en las migrañas, así que a veces pueden ser efectivos cuando otros tratamientos no lo son. Los cornezuelos de centeno pueden aplicarse como aerosoles nasales o inyecciones y pueden funcionar en etapas tempranas o tardías de episodios de migrañas.

¿Hay tratamientos para prevenir las migrañas? (sin y con receta médica)

Para reducir la frecuencia de los episodios de migrañas y la discapacidad, se usan tratamientos preventivos. Los tratamientos preventivos incluyen terapias de comportamiento, suplementos vitamínicos, dispositivos de neuromodulación y medicamentos que profesionales clínicos pueden recetar.

Las personas que tienen migrañas deberían considerar cambios de sus estilos de vida. Estos incluyen:

  • Horarios regulares para dormir y despertar
  • Horas regulares para comer
  • Buena hidratación con agua, bebe agua si tienes sed
  • Ejercicio regular, mueve tu cuerpo todos los días incluso si estás teniendo un episodio de dolores de cabeza. Prueba estiramientos estáticos o mantener una postura de yoga relajante.
  • Controla el estrés: medita, practica técnicas de respiración profunda, haz ejercicio y mueve tu cuerpo en forma regular, escribe un diario, escucha música relajante y evita situaciones negativas.

Pueden usarse intervenciones del comportamiento individualmente o además de medicamentos para reducir la frecuencia de las migrañas. Las mejores técnicas de comportamiento que se han estudiado para reducir los episodios de migrañas frecuentes incluyen la biorretroalimentación, la relajación muscular progresiva y terapias de comportamiento cognitivas si experimentas ansiedad generalizada o angustia por tus episodios de migrañas o si tienes dificultades para lidiar con el dolor crónico. Hay otros tipos de intervenciones que se están estudiando, incluyendo terapias de conciencia plena, aceptación y compromiso.

Los suplementos vitamínicos para los cuales hay buena evidencia en lo que se refiere a la prevención de migrañas incluyen la riboflavina, el magnesio y la petasita. La petasita debería usarse según las instrucciones de un proveedor de atención médica porque si se usa incorrectamente podría ser peligroso para tu salud hepática. Hay otros suplementos que se usan para la prevención de migrañas, pero los estudios no son tan robustos como para saber si son eficaces.

Hay muchos medicamentos disponibles para prevenir las migrañas. Hay tratamientos específicos para migrañas que bloquean la PRGC, que es una proteína involucrada en el proceso de migrañas. Comprimidos que bloquean la PRGC pueden administrarse diariamente o cada dos días. Pueden administrarse, mensual o trimestralmente, inyecciones de anticuerpos monoclonales que bloquean la PRGC. Es posible que para ciertas personas sean más convenientes los comprimidos, pero una inyección mensual o trimestral podría ser incluso más fácil de administrar. Para tomar una decisión acerca de qué medicamento podría ser mejor para ti, sería bueno que mantengas una conversación con tu proveedor de atención médica para que evalúes los efectos colaterales potenciales.

Lee: Cómo una toma de decisiones compartida puede promover una mejor atención médica >>

También hay medicamentos que son más antiguos y baratos porque han estado disponibles por décadas y se ha demostrado que son eficaces para reducir la frecuencia de migrañas. Estos incluyen algunos medicamentos para la presión arterial, medicamentos anticonvulsivos y ciertos antidepresivos.

Para personas que tienen migrañas crónicas (más de 15 días con migrañas al mes durante tres meses, de los cuales ocho días hay dolores de cabeza con características de migrañas), inyecciones con onabotulinumtoxinA (bótox) es una opción terapéutica aprobada por la FDA. Un inyectador debidamente capacitado sigue un protocolo específico para las inyecciones para aplicar el tratamiento cada 12 semanas para reducir la frecuencia de migrañas y la discapacidad.

Por último, hay los dispositivos de neuromodulación que se mencionaron anteriormente.

¿En qué situación debería considerar usar terapia preventiva?

Si tienes seis o más episodios de migrañas al mes, deberías considerar implementar terapias preventivas.

También deberías hablar de terapias preventivas con tu proveedor de atención médica si tienes dos o más episodios de migrañas al mes y si no puedes ir a trabajar o a otros eventos importantes de tu vida, si no tienes un buen tratamiento de crisis que funcione para tus episodios o si tienes crisis relacionadas con síntomas graves (tales como debilidad muscular durante los episodios de migrañas).

¿Cómo puedo determinar qué tratamiento funcionará bien para mí?

Actualmente, no hay un buen método para saber qué tratamiento funcionará para ti sin probar varias opciones y ver qué funciona.

¿Hay terapias alternativas, tales como terapias cognitivas de comportamiento (TCC), acupuntura o biorretroalimentación, que deba considerar?

Hay bastante evidencia que indica que la biorretroalimentación reduce el número de episodios de migrañas que las personas experimentan y la gravedad de sus episodios de migrañas en comparación con personas que no reciben terapia, pero dicha evidencia no indica que sea más útil que medicamentos o que TCC, alternativas que cuentan con mucha evidencia que respalda su eficacia. La acupuntura cuenta con evidencia mixta, pero la recomiendo a pacientes a quienes les interesa (y pueden pagar su costo y pueden ausentarse del trabajo) probarla porque puede ser útil para reducir la frecuencia de los episodios.

¿Debería asistir a una consulta con un especialista de dolores de cabeza? ¿Cómo puedo encontrar uno?

Un buen lugar para empezar el tratamiento es con tu proveedor de atención médica o con un neurólogo general, puesto que hay pocos especialistas de dolores de cabeza en EE.UU. Si sientes que no hay mejoría o si tienes varios tipos de enfermedades o trastornos de cefaleas junto con tus episodios de dolores de cabeza, entonces un especialista de dolores de cabeza sería el siguiente paso.

Para encontrar un profesional certificado y especializado en medicina de dolores de cabeza, puedes utilizar el directorio de subespecialidades neurológicas de United Council.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Pfizer.

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24 07, 2025

Signs of Preeclampsia – HealthyWomen

By |2025-07-24T19:56:03+03:00July 24, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

Morning sickness, exhaustion, weird food cravings, mood swings, and a super sensitive sense of smell (not a super power, trust me).

If you’ve ever been pregnant — or in the vicinity of a pregnant person — you probably recognize these as pretty typical pregnancy symptoms. And, while annoying, they’re usually nothing to worry about.

But there are some pregnancy symptoms that may be cause for concern and possibly even a sign of a pregnancy-related condition called preeclampsia — and it’s important to know what they are, so you can alert your healthcare provider (HCP) ASAP.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Sometimes it occurs with protein in your urine and it can also sometimes affect your organs — usually the kidneys or liver.

It can happen to any woman or person assigned female at birth, and it usually occurs after 20 weeks or pregnancy and can also happen up to six weeks after giving birth. And it’s a serious disease that can lead to maternal or infant death if it’s not treated. In fact, preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death around the world — accounting for more than 70,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths globally each year. And preeclampsia affects Black women more often — and with worse outcomes — than white women.

Recognizing the signs of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can develop gradually or come on suddenly — but getting treated quickly is important to ensure the best outcome for mother and baby. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.

Having symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have preeclampsia, but if you’re pregnant and have any of the following symptoms, contact your HCP right away:

  • Swelling of the hands and face
  • Shortness of breath
  • Gaining more than five pounds in a week
  • Severe or persistent headache that doesn’t go away with medication
  • Vision changes, like seeing spots, flashing lights or any loss of eyesight
  • Nausea or vomiting, especially after your morning sickness has gone away
  • Pain in your upper right abdomen, usually under the ribs

A note about swelling: The majority of pregnant women have some swelling during the summer, but call your HCP if it increases significantly, especially if you’re having any of these others symptoms along with it.

Some women don’t have any symptoms of preeclampsia, and the only way to know is for your HCP to monitor your blood pressure and urine. So that’s just one more reason to keep all of those prenatal appointments — which actually is a super power if you ask me.

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24 07, 2025

What No One Prepares You For After Birth And How to Get Ahead of It

By |2025-07-24T11:51:16+03:00July 24, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


Giving birth is a monumental event. Whether your experience is full of euphoria, exhaustion, or a bit of both, everyone talks about the baby registry — but not enough people talk about what happens to you after delivery. Despite all the prenatal checklists and baby gear must-haves, postpartum recovery is one of the most overlooked aspects of childbirth preparation. Here’s what no one prepares you for after birth, and more importantly, how to get ahead of it.

1- You Might End Up in the ER After Birth:

One of the harshest realities many new parents face is the possibility of an unexpected postpartum emergency. From hemorrhaging and blood clots to intense pelvic pain and high blood pressure, complications can arise long after you’re discharged from the hospital. It’s essential to recognize that postpartum symptoms can shift quickly from normal to urgent.

How to Get Ahead:

  • Learn what red flags to look for postpartum: heavy bleeding, chest pain, extreme swelling, high fever, or vision changes.
  • Keep your postpartum paperwork handy and your doctor’s number saved in your phone.
  • Don’t second-guess your instincts. If something feels off, seek medical attention.
What No One Prepares You For After Birth And How to Get Ahead of It

2- Postpartum Bathroom Woes Are Real:

Going to the bathroom after birth can feel like a battlefield. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, the first few bowel movements can be painful or even terrifying. Constipation, hemorrhoids, and perineal soreness are common but rarely talked about.

How to Get Ahead:

  • Start taking stool softeners right after delivery (ask your provider for a safe option).
  • Stock up your postpartum bathroom on a peri bottle, witch hazel pads, and a sitz bath.
  • Hydrate and eat fiber-rich meals to support digestion.

3- Postpartum Gas Is No Joke:

It’s not glamorous, but gas and bloating after birth can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially in the first few days postpartum. Trapped gas is especially common after a C-section but can affect anyone, thanks to the shift in abdominal organs and the slowing of digestion.

How to Get Ahead:

  • Gentle movement, like walking, can help get things moving.
  • Belly massage (clockwise motion) may offer some relief.
  • Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint may help ease bloating.
Prepares You For After Birth
A new Mother sits up in her hospital bed shortly after delivery as she holds her newborn out in front of her and studies his features. She is wearing a hospital gown and is laying in her hospital bed with the inafnt.

4- You Won’t Feel Like Cooking:

Between feeding your baby, healing your body, and trying to sleep, cooking a meal may feel like climbing Everest. But your recovery depends on nourishing, healing foods—not cereal bars and coffee (though those have their place too!).

How to Get Ahead:

  • Prepare frozen meals during pregnancy that you can reheat easily.
  • Consider a postpartum meal delivery service that specializes in nutrient-rich, warming foods.
  • Ask friends or family to contribute to a meal train instead of baby clothes.

5- Postpartum Recovery Takes Longer Than 6 Weeks:

While your 6-week postpartum checkup may mark the official “cleared” point, your body and mind may still be healing for months. Hormones continue to shift, muscles are rebuilding, and mental health can ebb and flow. The idea that you’ll “bounce back” by six weeks is a myth.

How to Get Ahead:

  • Give yourself permission to rest and recover on your own timeline.
  • Seek postpartum support from a doula, therapist, pelvic floor specialist, and craniosacral therapist.
  • Set boundaries to protect your rest and emotional space.

Bio: Shari Stamps is a consultant, freelancer, podcaster, and the founder of Navigating Parenthood, where she combines her expertise in postpartum, lactation, myofunctional therapy & airway, oral ties, craniosacral therapy, maternal mental health, and sleep & wellbeing to offer integrative wellness sessions, courses, and digital downloads to expecting and postpartum families. As a mom of 6, she’s always learning something new. Join the journey via social at @navigatingparenthood.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.



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23 07, 2025

Facts About Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)

By |2025-07-23T17:40:49+03:00July 23, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease that affects mostly women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). PBC harms the liver and, when left untreated, can lead to serious problems, such as cirrhosis and liver failure.

The good news is that treatments are available that may help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

We reached out to Nancy Reau, M.D., associate director of solid organ transplantation and section chief of hepatology at Rush University Medical Center, to get the facts and tips for managing PBC.

What is PBC?

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) occurs when your own immune system starts to react against you and targets the small bile ducts in the liver. These attacks lead to a buildup of bile and a blockage of bile flow (cholestasis), leading to the bile ducts becoming inflamed and the liver cells damaged. This damage results in scarring, called fibrosis. Over time, scar tissue replaces healthy tissue (called cirrhosis) and the bile ducts are destroyed, which causes damage to the liver that gets worse over time.

What are the risk factors for PBC?

We don’t understand all of the contributing factors, but a family history of PBC or immune disease is probably the most important. Traditionally, PBC was thought to be a disease that only affected middle-aged white women, but we are finding PBC in men, people of various races, and younger and older people as well. However, PBC is still more prevalent in women than men.

What are the symptoms of PBC?

Many people with PBC have no symptoms that are specific to the disease, and when they do, the symptoms vary from person to person.The most common initial symptoms are itching (called pruritus) and fatigue. People with PBC may also report abdominal pain; darkening of the skin; small yellow or white bumps under the skin (xanthomas) or around the eyes (xanthelasmas); dry mouth and eyes; and bone, muscle and joint pain.

Other signs and symptoms may include sicca syndrome, which is chronic dryness of the eyes and mouth, and elevated cholesterol levels.

Many people with PBC do not have symptoms other than itching and fatigue in the early stages of the disease. If you’re having any symptoms of PBC, discuss them with your healthcare provider (HCP).

Read: Living with Primary Biliary Cholangitis >>

How is PBC diagnosed?

HCPs may have difficulty making a PBC diagnosis initially since the disease can present with non-specific symptoms like itching and fatigue. But there are several ways to diagnose PBC.

Blood tests check for increased levels of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin, as well as an immune indicator called an antimitochondrial antibody.

PBC is diagnosed when a person has blood work that shows elevated alkaline phosphatase levels due to changes in bile flow (called cholestasis) as well as the presence of the antimitochondrial antibody.

If the results of the blood tests are unclear, a liver biopsy or other immune tests can also be done to diagnose the condition if there is concern for liver damage (based on high bilirubin levels).

What are primary biliary cholangitis treatments?

There are several medications approved to help control PBC. Most treatment plans start with the first-line therapy, which means it’s the first medication your HCP will try. Your doctor will typically expect to see an improvement in blood work to confirm the medication is working. If there is an inadequate biochemical response to first-line therapy after 12 months, your doctor may consider additional treatment options. In some cases, based on clinical judgment and individual blood work trends, evaluation for other therapies may occur between 6 and 12 months. Second-line treatments, which can be used in combination with first-line options or alone, have shown improvements in liver enzyme levels and may help ease symptoms, such as itching. Treatment decisions should always be made by your HCP based on your specific clinical profile.

Are there lifestyle changes that may be helpful for maintaining your health while living with PBC?

Each patient should discuss treatment and care approaches with their HCP, but in general, we encourage people with PBC to focus on a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a diet rich in whole foods, fiber and lean proteins. People living with PBC should also concentrate on their bone health because osteopenia and osteoporosis are more common in people with PBC. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also recommended.

Read: Living with Primary Biliary Cholangitis >>

What are some tips for staying on top of your health if you have PBC?

First, you need to be your own health advocate. Know what medication you’re taking and if it’s working. This is really hard for PBC because there have been significant changes in what we define as a “good treatment response.” In other words, make sure you and your doctor are staying up to date. Be sure you find a provider that is listening to what you say and is on common ground for treatment goals. Your liver tests are going to help determine whether treatment is working, so be sure to understand where you and your HCP want these numbers to be.

You should also have your thyroid function checked once a year and keep track of your bone health because of the increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Living with PBC can also be emotionally challenging. So, a strong support system is important to help maintain mental health. In addition to family and friends, patient advocacy groups and online communities can offer comfort and advice and emotional support.

Last, talk to your family. Although not firmly established in current guidelines, we encourage discussing screening with your HCP, especially for first degree family members (sisters, daughters, mothers) because we know they are at increased risk. Although PBC is less common in men, they should still talk to their HCP if they have symptoms.

This educational resource was created with support from Gilead.

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22 07, 2025

Living with Bipolar Disorder – HealthyWomen

By |2025-07-22T17:28:54+03:00July 22, 2025|Fitness News, News|0 Comments


July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

As told to Shannon Shelton Miller

Four years ago, my husband found me lying in a fetal position on our bedroom floor, hysterical and in tears. I was having one of the worst depressive episodes I’d experienced in years.

After struggling for more than a decade, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder almost 20 years ago, and I thought I had everything figured out. I’m in therapy, taking my medications, practicing self-care and doing all the “mental wellness” steps we hear about. Life and work were going well, and my husband, kids and I were healthy. But for two weeks before that episode, I’d been fighting and clawing my way through the day when all I wanted to do was sink into the darkest, deepest hole.

 Pamela Price’s children during family weekend at Virginia Tech, 2022.

That breakdown led to one of the first real conversations my husband and I had about what it’s like to live in my head. It also made me even more adamant about wanting people to know what it’s like on this journey and to understand that we will have moments where we just won’t be OK.

The signs of my mental illness were already there when I was 13. My grandparents were raising me because my mom was struggling with drug addiction, and I barely knew my father who continues to battle alcohol addiction today.

My grandparents were very strict, and there wasn’t space to express how I felt about my mom disappearing for months at a time. I was angry, resentful and hopeless, and our family simply didn’t have the awareness or tools to properly express love, care or concern for me and what I was dealing with at such a young age. I was convinced that I would be better off dead, so without hesitation or regret, I took half a bottle of my granddad’s muscle relaxers.

My suicide attempt didn’t work, and I woke up in the hospital a week and a half later angry and upset that I was still alive, and I felt even more hopeless. To make matters worse, no one in my family asked me why I tried to kill myself or what was wrong. Once I got out of the hospital, I saw a seemingly unconcerned therapist twice, and the incident was never spoken of again. We were all expected to simply get back to our lives.

I felt even more alone and like nobody truly cared about me. I became adept at hiding my issues and started perfecting the many masks I would go on to wear throughout my mental health struggles. My goal became just to make it to 18 so I could join the military and get out of there.

In many ways, becoming part of the military was one of the best decisions of my life, but it still didn’t lead to me receiving help. Instead, I became even better at hiding my issues. When suicidal thoughts returned when I was in my 20s, I knew something had to change — by then, I was a mother and my daughter depended on me.

I saw an older doctor who simply said I’d had a rough childhood and was depressed. He didn’t give me a diagnosis, just an antidepressant prescription and sent me on my way. He was hyperfocused on the fact I grew up poor in low-income housing. But everyone around me was poor then, so I never had any sadness or depression about that. I often wondered if poverty was his focus because I was a Black woman, and if he would have asked more about what I was feeling and experiencing if I had not been a woman of color.

I continued to struggle and saw a therapist who diagnosed me with major depressive disorder. But something felt off because depression wasn’t what I struggled with most. I was bouncing between rage and irritability and feelings of euphoria. I didn’t want to go to sleep and sometimes I had paranoia and didn’t hear the world around me the way everyone else did. Sometimes I responded by lashing out in a way that was unsafe for those around me, including my family.

Once, when I was in my late 20s, I hurt my daughter. That was my wake-up call. I confided in a good friend, and she recommended her therapist who practiced with her psychiatrist husband. They put me through a battery of tests, which led to a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder with psychotic features.

Surprisingly, I was at peace with my diagnosis. It was the turning point that gave me a path forward. I was able to get on the right medications to address the disruptive mania and other symptoms, and I stayed in therapy with that practice. My manic and depressive episodes decreased in severity and I experienced them — and the voices in my head that had plagued me for so long — less frequently. Really good therapy and the right medication helped things not escalate to the point where I needed to be hospitalized or have my husband feel like he had to call someone for help.

Even so, the breakdown on my bedroom floor a few years ago was a reminder that I might still have these episodes even with the correct treatment and medication. I’m 45 now, and my therapist told me my depressive episodes could be more intense as I get older, so we’re open to making medication adjustments and increasing therapy sessions as needed.

 Living with Bipolar Disorder – HealthyWomen Pamela with her husband.

 

When I talk to my husband about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder, I ask him to consider the physical pain he feels from his time in the military and imagine feeling that pain mentally — and he does his best to understand and support me. We also try to be proactive with our kids and ask them ‘How are you feeling?’ ‘How are you doing?’ ‘Do you want to talk about anything?’ Questions like those would’ve gone a long way for 13-year-old me.

My message today is about being mentally well, period, and learning how to be resilient emotionally and not come from a place of emotional deficit. Especially as Black women, we’re always trying to push through and say everything is “fine,” but we are being strangled by the very superhero capes that we put on to save others, when we may be the ones who need saving.

Yes, I’m a Black woman and I have bipolar disorder. But I’m also still a mom, a wife and a director of a nonprofit organization. I’m all of these amazing things, and bipolar disorder is just a part of my life. It’s my condition, not my identity.

Every Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, I sit in front of my camera phone and record a message to the girl who was adamant she didn’t want to be here. I remind her of how far we’ve come and how beautiful our life is. I’ve been doing that every year since 2018, and this year I’ll tell her that my oldest daughter is now a college graduate, pursuing a career as a licensed therapist, that our family is taking amazing vacations, and that I’ve been to almost all 50 states.

I tell 13-year-old Pam life turned out all right.

Have your own Real Women, Real Stories you want to share? Let us know.

Our Real Women, Real Stories are the authentic experiences of real-life women. The views, opinions and experiences shared in these stories are not endorsed by HealthyWomen and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthyWomen.

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