As we age, we tend lose memory cells that are needed for recalling recent events.  This is known as “short-term memory loss.”  Examples of such forgetfulness include having a hard time remembering names, phone numbers, and important dates.  Have you ever forgotten where you parked your car in a parking lot?  Do you sometimes forget how to spell common words?  If so, there’s a very good chance that your forgetfulness is curable....

Menopause, also referred to as “the change of life,” is the point at which women stop ovulating.  In fact, the word “menopause” actually refers to a single point in time--the last menstrual period.  Normally, most women will reach menopause by the age of fifty-one.  However, each woman will be affected differently as she makes the transition from the reproductive state of life to the non-reproductive state....

Menstrual cramps, referred to as “dysmenorrhea,” are a chemical problem.  Each month, the lining of a woman’s uterus produces chemicals called prostaglandins, which help the uterine muscles contract and expel tissue and fluids during menstruation.  High levels of prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contractions or cramps.  Women with a history of heavy menstrual bleeding, or menstrual cramps, tend to concentrate much more arachidonic acid (a fatty acid from which prostaglandins are made) in the lining of the uterus than is normal.  The increased arachidonic acid released during menstruation results in increased production of prostaglandins.  This is thought to be the major underlying factor in menstrual cramps....

Migraines belong to the classification of vascular headaches.  These bring on severe, throbbing pain that is usually one-sided but may occur on both sides.  Often, this is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.  Sometimes, there are “auras” or warning signs such as blurred vision, spots before the eyes, or numbness in the extremities.  Usually a migraine headache begins in the morning and may last from one to three days....

It is estimated that 50% of women complain of nausea and vomiting, or “morning sickness,” during the first three months of their pregnancy.  Morning sickness usually occurs immediately or soon after awakening, although it can occur at any time during the day....