Articles tagged with Menopause
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 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 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 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.
A nested case-control study found an association between older maternal age at birth of the last child and exceptional longevity. Women who had their last child beyond age 33 years had twice the odds for survival, with an increased risk tempered by having multiple children.
A new study published in Menopause found that calcium and vitamin D supplements can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood and urine in some older women. The risk was higher for those with lower initial calcium levels and increased age.
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors of the female reproductive tract, causing abnormal bleeding and pelvic pressure symptoms. New medical and surgical uterine-conserving alternatives have become available, allowing flexible management of fibroid-related symptoms. The Journal Maturitas publishes a position statement outlining tr...
A recent study published in Menopause found that low doses of testosterone cream for women after menopause can bring their testosterone levels back to normal. The study tested two doses of the AndroFeme product, with the 5-mg dose being sufficient to restore premenopausal levels.
Researchers found that standard checklist approaches to studying menopause symptoms neglect non-Western women's understanding of their own experience. Dr Mwenza T. Blell's study highlights the importance of adopting alternative approaches to capture varied beliefs and understandings of menopause.
A new clinical trial found that adding goserelin to chemotherapy regimens for premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer significantly reduced the risk of early menopause. The study also showed improved overall survival rates and a higher pregnancy rate in the goserelin group.
A new study found that PMS before menopause is linked to a poorer quality of life after menopause, particularly with depression, poor sleep, and memory problems.
A new study finds that women who experience early menopause at ages 40-45 are 40% more likely to develop heart failure than those who enter menopause between 50-54. Smoking also significantly increases the risk of heart failure in these women.
A new study from the Women's Health Initiative found no link between low vitamin D levels and menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. The study analyzed data from 530 women participating in the calcium and vitamin D WHI trial.
A long-term study of bleeding patterns in women of multiple race/ethnicities during the menopausal transition found that prolonged and heavy bleeding is common, affecting up to 91% of participants. The research provides quantitative data on normal bleeding patterns, which can help alleviate concern and inform diagnostic approaches.
Taking care of grandkids one day a week may boost cognitive function, but excessive caregiving can have negative effects. A study of Australian grandmothers aged 57-68 found that social engagement and mental sharpness were linked.
A multidisciplinary team is crucial for managing women with vertebral osteoporotic fractures, which are associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality. Early detection and treatment of suspected fractures, as well as long-term management of underlying osteoporosis, are essential to reduce the risk of further fracture.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on menopause for medical students, emphasizing the importance of managing postmenopausal health. The statement provides guidance on stages of reproductive aging, menopause terminology, and treatment options, including menopausal hormone therapy and ...
A new study from the Women's Health Initiative found that calcium and vitamin D supplements can lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D levels also played a significant role, with higher levels associated with improved cholesterol profiles.
A six-month pilot program called WAIPointes, funded by insurance, helped 83 women aged 35-55 achieve weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved hot flash symptoms through lifestyle changes. The program's interactive approach and personalized support led to significant health risks reduction.
A new analysis of data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study reveals that anxiety is the biggest factor affecting thinking skills in midlife women with HIV. Mental processing speed and verbal memory were more closely linked to depression, anxiety, and hot flashes in both HIV-infected and healthy women.
A randomized, controlled trial shows that injecting anesthetic near a nerve bundle in the neck significantly reduces moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The treatment cut the number of hot flashes in half and reduced their intensity by 38% compared to a sham injection.
A new study by Penn researchers found that genetic variations in white women can increase the risk of early menopause, particularly in those who smoke heavily. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 women, revealed a significant association between certain gene variants and an earlier onset of menopause in heavy smokers.
A new Penn study found that moderate to severe hot flashes continue for nearly five years after menopause and affect over a third of women. The findings challenge current guidelines recommending hormone therapy not exceed 5 years.
A study found that adding testosterone to hormone therapy did not significantly improve quality of life, self-esteem, or mood in women with primary ovarian insufficiency. Normalizing testosterone levels may not address underlying factors contributing to mood problems.
Two new studies published in Menopause journal show that low-dose flibanserin improves sexual function in postmenopausal women, while high-dose testosterone also yields benefits, but with cautionary notes on cardiovascular risks.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that decreased estrogen levels after menopause are largely unrelated to changes in cognitive ability and mood. However, the researchers discovered a possible link between levels of another hormone — progesterone — and cognition among younger postmenopausal women.
A new study found that hormone therapy has no significant impact on the quality of life for recently menopausal women without hot flashes. Women with moderate to severe hot flashes did experience improvements in sleep and other symptoms, but not overall health or sexual well-being.
Researchers suspect that killer whale menopause is related to the animals' social structure, where older females help protect and care for offspring and grandoffspring. The study aims to uncover why these whales evolved this trait, which may also shed light on human menopause.
A new study published in Menopause found that a specific bacterial mix may contribute to vaginal dryness and pain after menopause. The researchers suggest that personalized probiotics could prevent or treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a common cause of sexual pain, offering an alternative to traditional therapies.
A new observational study suggests that bioidentical hormones in transdermal patches may be associated with a lower risk of heart attack, while FDA-approved products may carry a slightly lower risk of stroke compared to synthetic hormones. The findings are inconclusive and require confirmation by randomized trials.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has published new guidance for diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a condition affecting up to 45% of women after menopause. The guidance emphasizes the importance of effective treatments, including simple vaginal lubricants, estrogen therapy, and nonhormonal options.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has announced the recipients of its 2013 awards, honoring exceptional contributions to menopause research, practice, and education. This year's awards recognize outstanding clinicians, researchers, educators, and media professionals who have expanded knowledge about midlife women's health.
A 12-week aerobic exercise program showed no significant reduction in hot flashes among postmenopausal women. However, white women and those with initial fitness levels improved with exercise. Exercise had small positive effects on sleep quality, insomnia, and depression.
Women who survive cancer have more frequent, severe, and troubling hot flashes than other women with menopausal symptoms. However, the study also found that the cancer survivors reported better psychological and social well-being, similar levels of sexual activity and function compared to women without cancer.
A study published in Menopause found that women with HIV suffer from moderate to severe hot flashes, which significantly impact their daily functioning and overall well-being. The study also highlighted the potential risks of hot flashes on their health, HIV treatment, and ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
A large analysis of the Women's Health Initiative trial found that combining hormone therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplements significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures. The study suggests that women taking postmenopausal hormone therapy should consider taking these supplements to boost bone health.
A new study reveals that British post-menopausal women are 50% less likely to access appropriate treatment for vaginal atrophy, a chronic condition caused by low estrogen levels. The condition can lead to painful intercourse and emotional distress, but local oestrogen therapy has shown beneficial effects on sex lives.
A new study presented at The Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting found that excessive salt consumption is associated with a higher risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. Women who consumed the highest amount of sodium had more than four times the risk of fracture, even after adjusting for other factors.
Menopause is now believed to be an unintended outcome of natural selection, with older women being less likely to reproduce due to preference for younger mates among men. This new theory suggests that natural selection protects fertility in women while they are most likely to reproduce.
Researchers from McMaster University suggest that menopause is an unintended outcome of natural selection caused by male preference for younger female mates. This study proposes a new explanation for why humans developed menopause, challenging the long-held grandmother theory.
A study of 1,500 women reveals that hot flashes and night sweats can occur before menopause, particularly among white women, Asian women, and those with certain dietary habits. The findings shed light on the complex factors influencing midlife symptoms and provide reassurance for women experiencing unexpected hot flashes.