So listen carefully!  Watch for Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; frequency or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; pelvic or abdominal swelling, bloating or feeling of fullness; ongoing unusual fatigue; or unexplained changes in bowel habits. Ok, I know these are the kind of crappy things we feel all the time, but if you check off 5 of 8 symptoms, inquire at your annual gyn or doctor visit.  If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a combination pelvic / rectal exam, CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound.  A Pap Test WILL NOT detect ovarian cancer.

A large study sponsored by the French government found that women taking oral estrogens (like Premarin or Prempro) were four times more likely to have a blood clot than women using estrogen in a transdermal gel or patch delivery.  In fact, the women using estradiol gel or patches had no more blood clots than women using no hormones at all (placebo group).  Used successfully by 70% of postmenopausal women in Europe for 30 years, American women now have (more…)