Articles tagged with Menopause
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A global survey found that treatment with vaginal estrogen improved sex lives for postmenopausal women, reducing pain and increasing satisfaction. The study also showed a positive impact on self-esteem and relationships.
The British Menopause Society and Women's Health Concern have released updated guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), providing clearer guidance on its role, benefits, and risks. The new recommendations aim to optimize clinical decisions and offer balanced advice for health professionals and women considering HRT treatment.
Research presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2013 found that heart failure accelerates the natural process of aging and favours early onset of male 'menopause', also known as andropausal syndrome. The prevalence of AS was four times higher in men with heart failure compared to healthy peers.
Research confirms memory problems are a real symptom of menopause, exacerbated by hot flashes and negative emotions. Women experiencing more severe symptoms struggled with memory retention.
The EMAS clinical guide provides recommendations for assessing the endometrium in peri and postmenopausal women to exclude carcinoma of the endometrium and premalignant hyperplasia. Transvaginal ultrasound scanning is used for initial assessment, followed by endometrial biopsy as an outpatient procedure.
A recent survey of US obstetrics and gynecology residents found that fewer than one in five receives formal training in menopause medicine. The study suggests that ob/gyn residency programs need to address this training gap, as the number of menopausal women is expected to increase due to an aging population.
Researchers found a significant association between hypertensive diseases during pregnancy and vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, in middle-aged women. The study of 853 women in the Netherlands suggests a potential biological link between these conditions and cardiovascular disease risk.
A study published in Menopause found that higher levels of routine daily physical activity, particularly household and caregiving chores, were associated with better sleep and fewer nighttime awakenings for women with hot flashes. The positive effects were mainly observed in white, non-obese women.
Research reveals that estrogen deficiency after menopause leads to increased fat storage in the abdomen, associated with a higher risk of health issues. Post-menopausal women experience changes in cellular processes, leading to more fat being stored overall, which can be a target for future medical advances.
A new model developed by researchers at UCLA uses hormone levels to estimate when the final menstrual period will occur in menopausal women. This could help identify accelerated bone loss and increased cardiovascular risk in the year leading up to the final menstrual period.
Researchers found that estrogen alone significantly reduced joint pain in women who had undergone a hysterectomy, with 74% of those taking estrogen experiencing no pain after three years compared to 80% of those taking a placebo. The Women's Health Initiative trial showed modest but significant differences between the two groups.
A recent study found that Chinese women who started menstruating later or went through menopause at an older age were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The study also discovered a higher risk of osteoporosis for those with early menopause, with benefits seen in women over 50 when entering menopause.
A new study found that women with BRCA gene mutations tend to undergo menopause significantly sooner than other women, resulting in a shorter reproductive window. Heavy smokers with the mutation had an even earlier onset of menopause, sparking concerns about potential infertility risks.
Researchers found higher uropathogenic E. coli reservoirs in post-menopausal women's bladders compared to pre-menopause, which can lead to UTIs. Estrogen supplementation reduced these reservoirs dramatically, highlighting a potential new approach to prevent or treat UTIs in this population.
A study of 1,837 women found that early surgical menopause is associated with faster declines in long-term memory and overall thinking abilities. Women on hormone replacement therapies had slower declines.
A study of 117 women found that cognitive declines during menopause transition are independent processes, not linked to hormone levels or symptoms like sleep disturbance and depression. Memory problems worsen in the first year after final menstrual period, affecting verbal learning, memory, and fine motor skills.
A new study suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in older women may represent reactivation of the virus, rather than a new infection. Nearly 90% of HPV infections were detected in women with multiple lifetime sexual partners, highlighting the need for further research on HPV persistence and reactivation.
A team of researchers has identified KNDy neurons as a likely control switch of hot flushes, suggesting that hormonal changes in menopause trigger vasodilation and increased body temperature. The discovery provides a crucial step towards developing more effective treatments for hot flushes.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who suffered from childhood cancer were more likely to experience early menopause, with a median age of 44 years. The researchers identified radiation doses and cancer treatments during puberty as risk factors for non-surgical menopause.
A study conducted by Elizabeth Nedstrand and Lotta Lindh-Åstrand found that applied relaxation therapy reduced hot flushes in postmenopausal women by half. The treatment also showed improvements in quality of life, particularly in memory, concentration, sleep, and anxiety.
A study of 292 Brazilian women aged 45-72 found that daily step count is a strong predictor of health outcomes, with active women less likely to be obese or develop metabolic syndrome. The study supports the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily life for midlife women's overall health.
Researchers studied over 1,600 women for 10 years and found no correlation between dietary phytoestrogens or fiber intake and the onset of menopausal symptoms. Despite previous hypotheses that a diet high in phytoestrogens would reduce symptoms, the study suggests that finding a clinically significant effect would be unlikely.
A new study suggests that hormone therapy initiated close to menopause can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Women who began hormone therapy within five years of menopause had a 30% lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia than those who did not use hormone therapy.