Articles tagged with Menopause
Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of metabolic syndrome in menopausal women. Women who experienced menopause during the study had a higher risk if they were overweight or obese, with risks increasing by up to 12 times for those who were obese.
A large study of over 93,000 women found that active and passive smoking are associated with an increased risk of infertility and earlier menopause. Women who smoked daily had a 14% greater risk of infertility, while those exposed to second-hand smoke had a 26% heightened risk of menopause before age 50.
A study published in Menopause journal found that over half of women after menopause experience vulvovaginal symptoms, affecting lifestyle and sex life. Nearly a third haven't seen a gynecologist in two years, while most aren't receiving standard treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
A new study suggests that perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations may enhance emotional sensitivity to psychosocial stress, leading to the development of a depressed mood. Women are at greater risk of depression than men, with rates doubling or tripling during the menopausal transition.
A preliminary study found that soy protein and isoflavones can slow down bone loss and lower the risk of osteoporosis in early menopause. The study suggests that incorporating soy foods into a diet could be an effective option for improving bone health in women during this period.
A new study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine demonstrates the effectiveness of a two-year menopause-focused curriculum for OB/GYN residents. The program improved residents' confidence in managing menopause patients, with 85.7% feeling comfortable or very comfortable after completion.
Postmenopausal women have more control over their body composition due to the effects of menopause, which can lead to weight gain and decreased physical activity. Regular exercise, even light physical activity such as walking or yard work, can improve body composition in postmenopausal women.
A new study finds that perimenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing insomnia, with symptoms escalating over the transition period to menopause. The odds of having any one symptom of insomnia were 1.3 times greater for those in late stage versus early stage of perimenopause.
A new study reveals that menopause diminishes the impact of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in preventing plaque buildup and artery hardening. The research found a positive association between increases in HDL levels and greater plaque buildup among women transitioning through menopause.
The Endocrine Society published a Clinical Practice Guideline on treating menopausal symptoms, recommending that women assess their individual benefits and risks of hormone therapy. The guideline suggests using various therapies, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, to manage symptoms such as hot flashes and genitourinary issues.
A recent study found that approximately 43% of the S-equol in women's plasma is in two biologically active forms after ingestion. These findings suggest that these bioactive forms may contribute to the relief of menopausal symptoms, as reported in previous clinical trials.
A new study demonstrates that vitamin D3 supplementation can increase muscle strength in postmenopausal women by up to 25.3% and reduce the loss of muscle mass, while also reducing the risk of falls. The trial found that vitamin D supplements provided significant protection against sarcopenia, a degenerative loss of skeletal muscle.
Postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy often suffer from dyspareunia despite recognizing its physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Women are not educated about treatment options or the underlying clinical cause of VVA.
A new study found that local estrogens, such as vaginal tablets, may be more effective than cream in treating genitourinary symptoms of menopause. Women who took tablets were more likely to adhere to treatment guidelines and show improved results.
A national survey reveals that nearly a third of US women taking hormones at menopause are using unapproved and untested compounded hormones. The study found four cases of endometrial cancer among these users, highlighting the risks associated with these therapies.
A new study suggests that early initiation of menopausal hormone therapy within five years of menopause onset reduces the risk of future coronary heart disease. Conversely, late initiation is associated with an increased risk of incident coronary heart disease.
A new study published by Mayo Clinic reveals a significant link between recent abuse and menopause-related symptoms. Verbal and emotional abuse were found to have the most impact on women's experiences, while physical and sexual abuse also played a role in increased symptom severity.
An international study of nearly 70,000 women found that genes involved in DNA repair play a crucial role in determining when a woman enters menopause. The research also confirmed a link between earlier menopause and lower breast cancer risk, with increased risk associated with delayed menopause.
A NAMS panel recommends behavioral approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis as effective in reducing hot flash symptoms. Nonhormonal prescription medications, such as SSRIs and gabapentinoids, are also recommended for their mild to moderate improvements.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has honored several individuals for their outstanding contributions to menopause science, care, and communication. NAMS has awarded JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, NCMP, for her leadership in clinical trials and research on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A new study demonstrates postmenopausal women's willingness to use vaginal estrogen (VE) to alleviate painful intercourse and vaginal dryness, with benefits comparable to or exceeding systemic hormone therapy. The study suggests that VE may be a viable solution for certain urogenital problems in menopausal women.
A recent study found that current smokers who experience early menopause can expect to die 2.6 years earlier than those with a later age at menopause. The study also revealed that women with late menopause were more likely to be nonsmokers and use hormone therapy.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds that late- and post-menopausal women have more fat around their hearts than pre-menopausal counterparts, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause may be to blame for this shift in fat deposits.
Researchers found that white women with surgical-induced menopause had a 35% reduced risk of non-fatal heart attacks compared to white men, while black women showed less significant differences. The study suggests that healthy preventive behaviors are crucial for all women, regardless of menopausal status.
Women in perimenopause experience more sleep disturbances before menstruation due to higher progesterone levels, which disrupt deep sleep and lead to more awakenings. This study provides insight into the mechanisms behind sleep disturbances during menopause transition.
A new study confirms that 53% of menopausal women use at least one type of CAM for symptom management, raising safety concerns due to lack of medical consultation. Healthcare providers need to be aware of CAM therapies and guide patients to coordinate safe care.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) revised its recommendations to support the judicious use of systemic hormone therapy in women over 65. The organization acknowledges that hot flashes can persist into the mid-60s, posing a challenge for treatment guidelines and clinical practice.
A study of 34,157 postmenopausal women found that vitamin D and calcium supplements had no significant impact on menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and fatigue. The results suggest that these supplements may not be an effective treatment option for relieving menopausal symptoms.
A 4-year study identified desire and arousal as primary factors in women's sexual health, with moderate stability over time. The research found that postmenopausal women can experience improvements in sexual satisfaction and functionality, even with biological impairments.
A Swedish population study found that hormone therapy combined with statins significantly lowered the risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The study compared over 40,000 women who took statins with those who used hormone therapy alone or had no treatment.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society's 10-point guide provides a comprehensive approach to managing menopausal health, emphasizing individual needs and personalized care. The guide covers diagnosis, screening, treatment, and follow-up, aiming to promote health over several decades.
Researchers found that post-reproductive female killer whales act as leaders and share valuable ecological knowledge, helping their younger kin survive. This discovery suggests a potential explanation for the evolution of menopause in humans.
A new study finds that female killer whales survive after menopause due to their ability to share 'ecological knowledge' with family members, particularly during hard times. This research provides insights into why women continue to live long after they can no longer have children.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that adding goserelin to chemotherapy regimens can significantly reduce the risk of early menopause and improve fertility in young breast cancer patients. Women who took goserelin had a higher pregnancy rate and were more likely to deliver healthy babies.
A large study of 2,000 Australian women aged 40-65 found that 42% of those between 60-65 years old experienced hot flashes, while 62% continued to experience sexual symptoms. The study highlights the need for better treatment options for these women, many of whom are not receiving adequate care.
Researchers found that a blend of phytochemicals, including resveratrol, genistein, and quercetin, may protect the liver against inflammation caused by fat accumulation. This could be a potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects many people, especially those who are overweight or obese.
A recent study analyzed two large surveys to gauge the use of approved and unapproved hormone therapy among US women at menopause. Women taking compounded hormones often lack understanding about the risks associated with these treatments, which are not tested in clinical trials before dispensing.
A large study found that hot flashes and night sweats lasted for more than 7 years in half of all midlife women, with African American women reporting the longest total VMS duration. Women with lower educational attainment, greater stress, and higher depressive symptoms experienced longer symptom durations.
A pilot study found that non-invasive neurotechnology HIRREM significantly reduced hot flash severity scores, insomnia symptoms, and depression in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study suggests that HIRREM may be a safe and effective treatment option for managing menopause-related symptoms.
A study published in Menopause found a link between early menopause and chronic fatigue syndrome in women, with 66% of those with CFS having undergone at least one gynecologic surgery. Women with CFS reported excessive bleeding and used hormones for purposes other than contraception more frequently.
A new study found that women with high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals experience menopause two to four years earlier than those with lower levels. The research analyzed data from 31,575 people and identified 15 chemicals significantly associated with earlier ages of menopause.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to certain chemicals used in cosmetics, plastics, and household cleaners can trigger early menopause in women. Women exposed to these chemicals were up to six times more likely to be menopausal than non-exposed women, with a potential increase in infertility and health risks.
A new review suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms in younger women, particularly those experiencing hot flushes and night sweats. The review highlights that HRT provides low doses of estrogen with or without progestogen to alleviate symptoms and minimize risks.
A large cohort study found that women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats have lower bone mineral density and higher rates of hip fracture. Women with these symptoms are more likely to have issues with bone health than their peers, highlighting the need for healthy lifestyle habits to prevent osteoporosis.
A Women's Health Initiative study found that removing ovaries lowers the risk of pelvic organ prolapse in women after menopause. Age, rather than menopause, is a stronger predictor of the condition.
A study of American women aged 45-55 found that soy helps alleviate hot flashes in those whose bodies can produce equol, a soy metabolite. Women with the most soy in their diet experienced 76% fewer hot flashes compared to those with less soy intake.
A new study found that younger postmenopausal women with normal bone density are at a very low risk of fractures. Without osteoporosis, it took an average of 11 years for just 1% to sustain a vertebral fracture and 3% to sustain a major osteoporotic fracture.
Researchers are conducting a comprehensive study to investigate the link between various factors and early menopause. The study will examine biochemical, reproductive, dietary, and lifestyle factors to determine their association with the risk of early menopause.
A new study by researchers at The Kinsey Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has found that having young children in the house can help women experience fewer hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. This unexpected benefit may be linked to increased oxytocin levels, associated with nurturing care.
A pilot study found that S-equol supplements improved vaginal epithelium and reduced vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal Japanese women. The supplement showed a positive trend to superiority compared to the placebo group without significant abnormalities in vaginal cells or hormone levels.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has launched a free menopause mobile app, MenoPro, that uses an algorithm to help clinicians and patients make personalized treatment decisions. The app offers two modes, including one for healthcare providers and one for patients, and provides access to NAMS resources and a cardiovascular di...
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has published its first comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations for the care of midlife women. The guide covers over 50 key topics, including vasomotor symptoms and osteoporosis, providing practical advice for clinicians and patients.
Experts agree on a new term, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), to describe the complex symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels. GSM encompasses genital dryness, sexual discomfort, and urinary issues, providing a more accurate and publicly acceptable definition.
Hot flashes are a prevalent side effect of hormone decline, causing fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and impaired memory. The study estimates that $339M in healthcare costs and $27M in lost wages can be prevented with effective treatment.
The new term GSM describes the complex genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms women experience after menopause. By standardizing a physical examination tool, healthcare providers can diagnose and treat these conditions more accurately and effectively.
Researchers estimated the risk of premature menopause in women treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, providing precise estimates based on treatment types and ages. The study found that certain treatments, such as ovarian radiotherapy and chemotherapy, significantly increased the risk of early menopause.
A new study published in Menopause finds that lifelong soy consumption helps prevent atherosclerosis and improves cholesterol levels in premenopausal monkeys. After menopause, switching to a soy diet can also improve cholesterol levels, but has limited effect on plaque progression.
A recent study found that acupuncture can positively impact both the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women undergoing natural menopause. The analysis revealed that various forms of acupuncture, including traditional Chinese medicine and sham acupuncture, were effective in reducing hot flash frequency for up to three months.
A pilot study found a significant correlation between weight loss and reduced hot flashes in overweight or obese women. The study's findings suggest that behavioral weight loss may be an effective method for managing menopausal hot flashes, promoting healthy aging and overall well-being.
The Practitioner Toolkit for Managing the Menopause is a new resource that helps doctors diagnose and treat menopausal conditions in women globally. The toolkit includes a diagnostic tool, approved hormone therapies, and non-hormonal therapies with evidence-based support.