Osteoporosis is a type of bone disorder that is responsible for weakening bone density and can increase the risk of fractures. Among older people, osteoporosis is considered the number one cause of spine, pelvis, and hip fractures. Although there is a greater occurrence of the condition among women, it can also affect men. Menopause is the most common cause of osteoporosis among women. Here are six main causes of osteoporosis. 1. Low estrogen in women Estrogen deficiency in women is one of the main causes of osteoporosis among women. After menopause, a sudden drop in estrogen levels is observed in women, and there is an acceleration in bone loss. The risk of fracture increases with time as women grow older, and they tend to lose bones faster than bones can be replaced. Bone density can also be compromised among younger women who stop menstruating. These include girls with anorexia or athletes. 2. Lack of weight-bearing exercise Exercise is important for the development of bones. Not exercising can reduce the calcium level in the bones, giving way to osteoporosis. The health of muscles and bones is interrelated. Thus, maintaining muscle strength is also important, as it helps in reducing the risk of falling.

Not all women have an equal risk of developing breast cancer. There are a few factors that can aggravate a woman’s risk of developing the disease. However, simply having multiple risk factors does not imply that you will develop breast cancer. At the same time, having only a few risk factors also does not mean that you will never develop breast cancer. But, what are the common risk factors for breast cancer? Read on to find out. 1. Alcohol use Women who consume alcohol have a greater risk of developing breast cancer. 2. Genetic mutations Acquired gene mutations and certain genes, such as BRCA2 and BRCA1, can heighten your risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 3. Weight The risk of breast cancer is higher in women who are obese. This risk further aggravates after menopause. The primary estrogen source following menopause is the fat tissue after the ovaries stop estrogen production. This can exacerbate the risk of breast cancer. 4. Familial link Women who have first relatives diagnosed with breast cancer also have a greater risk of developing the disease. So, when you have at least one close female relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, your risk of developing breast cancer is doubled.

Nasal polyps are growths in the lining of the nose that may or may not cause pain. They can cause postnasal drip, congestion, headache, and sinus pain. Further, they can also lead to loss of taste and smell. These are like teardrops in shape. Treatment is not required if nasal polyps are not causing any pain. However, if they are, you may want to understand how to treat nasal polyps at home. Read on to know more. 1. Eucalyptus oil 1,8-cineol, which is a compound present in eucalyptus oil, is known to have helped people with nasal polyps. There are antimicrobial properties in this compound that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in sinuses. It can also make it easier for you to breathe by relieving congestion. The inside of the nose can be dabbed with a small drop of eucalyptus oil. Alternatively, it is also helpful when you breathe in eucalyptus oil using a diffuser or any other inhalation device. 2. Steam Inhalation of warm steam can effectively reduce the swelling in the airways; thus, help in breathing. Heat a big bowl of water and place your face over it. Place a towel over your head and on either side of your face so that steam does not spread around.

Cervical cancer is a kind of cancer that develops in the cervix’s cells. Cervix is the uterus’s lower part and acts as a link between the vagina and the uterus. The several different strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, play a key role in the development of cervical cancer. To help you, here are five symptoms of cervical cancer. 1. Vaginal bleeding At times, cervical cancer might mimic menstrual bleeding. Here, one might experience a heavier or a longer menstrual cycle than normal. At times, there might even be some spotting in-between the periods. If there is any bleeding that seems unusual in any manner, then visit your doctor. It would include bleeding following menopause, primarily if your last period was several months or years ago. 2. Vagina discharge It is normal for a woman to experience vaginal discharge that is slightly yellowish, clear, or milky in appearance. However, if there are any changes in the odor or the color consistency, it can be a matter of concern. For example, discharge mainly associated with cervical cancer might seem slightly red-hued because of the small quantities of blood. So, the presence of red-tinged discharge before or after a menstrual cycle or an unusual increase in vaginal discharge is a cause for concern.

Sleep apnea is a health disorder that makes it hard for a person to breathe while asleep. This is why patients wake up multiple times during the night. But why does this happen? And are there any symptoms? In this article, we shall discuss the types and risk factors of sleep apnea to help you understand what to expect if you have the condition. Sleep apnea types There are three kinds of this condition – obstructive, central, and mixed – that can disrupt your sleep. You can get an idea regarding which type you may have from the below list: 1. Obstructive sleep apnea This is the most common sleep apnea type. It occurs when a person’s airways get blocked, obstructing oxygen supply to the lungs. Sadly, most patients ignore the condition and continue to suffer. When left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can worsen. There are three stages to it: Mild: five to 14 interrupted breathing episodes every hour Moderate: 15 to 30 times every hour Advanced: over 30 instances of breathing trouble every hour Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, morning headaches, sleep interruptions, tiredness, agitation, and even depression. 2. Central sleep apnea If you develop central sleep apnea, your brain momentarily fails to send signals to your breathing muscles, resulting in a lack of breath during sleep.