Revitalize Physical Therapy Blog - Page 20 of 55

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus that has over 170 variant strains. HPV can result in precancerous lesions which increase the risk of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. In fact, nearly 70% cervical cancers are due to HPV16 and HPV18. HPV6 and HPV11 are associated with genital warts and laryngeal papillomatosis.

HPV commonly spreads through direct skin to skin contact, most commonly through sexual contact. It can also spread from a mother to her developing fetus during pregnancy. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide.

To date, administration of the HPV vaccine prior to becoming sexually active has been recommended as the best way to prevent the infection from spreading. However, until recently, there was no cure available to individuals who have already been infected with the virus.

Fortunately, researchers at Mexico’s National Polytechnic Institute have developed a cure for HPV. In their groundbreaking research, all 29 women who had acquired the HPV infection were completely cured of the virus using photodynamic therapy. This non-invasive approach utilizes a photosensitizer drug which, when exposed to light of a specific wavelength, releases a form of oxygen that destroys the virus’s DNA.

While the treatment wasn’t as effective for women who developed non-HPV related cervical cancer, it’s 100% success rate in curing the HPV virus will dramatically reduce cervical cancer prevalence. Considering that cervical cancers have become one of the leading causes of cancer related female fatalities, this incredible medical breakthrough is destined to save lives.

In honor of January being Thyroid Awareness Month, I have decided to share information about hypothyroidism, a condition which involves decreased production of the thyroid gland hormones. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped structure in the front of the neck that is responsible for the production of two important hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones control the body’s metabolism.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Signs and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include fatigue, difficulty losing weight, increased sensitivity to cold, puffy face, muscle weakness, elevated cholesterol, constipation, dry skin, depression, and impaired memory. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can result in other medical issues, including obesity, infertility, heart disease, and joint pain.

Hypothyroidism affects approximately 40 million Americans, and 90% of those individuals are women. This includes teenage women and younger females. It is estimated that one in eight women can expect to develop hypothyroidism at some point in her life.

Like endometriosis, many women are misdiagnosed for years until an accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made. Too many women have discussed the symptoms they experience with their doctors, and they were dismissed with an anti-depressant, yoga, or told to exercise to reduce stress. The condition is manageable with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, but treatment is not possible without an accurate diagnosis. You know your body best. If something feels off and medical advice is not sitting well with you, get a second opinion. You have every right to request a full thyroid workup and for your symptoms to be taken seriously.