Articles tagged with Menopause
A study of 92 menopausal women found that regular physical activity can lead to a decrease in hot flash symptoms. The researchers used objective and subjective methods to track the frequency of hot flashes, finding that exercising actually reduced symptoms in most participants, contradicting previous assumptions.
A new study found that persistent and late-onset menopausal symptoms are associated with increased blood pressure, white blood cell count, glucose, and insulin levels, which are risk markers for heart disease and stroke.
Research published online first in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found a link between early menopause and an increased risk of cerebral aneurysms. Women who entered menopause at a younger age were more likely to develop brain aneurysms, while later menopause and hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk.
A new study published at EULAR 2012 found that patients with early menopause are 50% less likely to develop severe rheumatoid arthritis. The research also revealed a link between hormonal changes and distinct pathways leading to disease progression. Early menopause was associated with a milder form of the chronic inflammatory disease.
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Hormone Therapy Trial radically changed the practice of women's health, showing that younger women have better outcomes on hormone therapy than older women. The study highlights the importance of individualized care for women and underscores the need to understand different types of hormone therapy.
The Women's Health Initiative has revealed that hormones produce a mix of risks and benefits for postmenopausal women. The trial found that HT varies with age, being safer when started soon after menopause.
A decade after the Women's Health Initiative stopped a widely used hormone therapy, experts have reassessed its benefits and risks. The new research supports the use of hormone therapy near menopause to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of heart disease and fractures for most women.
A study published in the journal Menopause found that menopause is associated with certain types of memory deficits, particularly those related to working memory and sustaining attention. The study's findings validate women's experiences of 'brain fog' during this phase of life.
A recent clinical trial found Pycnogenol to significantly improve signs and symptoms of menopause, including reduced oxidative stress. The study showed that Pycnogenol improved irregular heartbeat and digestive problems, as well as decreased bloating.
The clinical guide highlights the benefits of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in reducing fracture risk for postmenopausal women. SERMs, such as bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene, offer a new therapeutic option with potential anti-fracture effects.
The new report updates the landmark STRAW system, providing a clearer understanding of reproductive aging in women from pre-menopause to the late postmenopausal period. The updated stages include significant revisions, offering more precise definitions and predictions for the onset of menopause.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes a position statement on the role of vitamin D in postmenopausal women, highlighting its implications for health. Regular sunlight exposure and supplements are recommended to maintain adequate levels.
A new study from Boston University has discovered 13 genetic loci associated with the age of menopause onset, providing insight into hormonal regulation and DNA repair. The research team found that genes related to immune function and auto-immune disease are also linked to menopause timing.
Researchers discovered 13 new gene regions associated with menopause onset, providing insights into reproductive lifespan and conditions like breast cancer and heart disease. Early menopause is linked to increased risk of these diseases, while later menopause may provide protection.
Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz will receive the inaugural Journal of Women's Health Award for her exceptional work in advancing women's health research. Her research focuses on women and heart disease, mental stress and heart disease, exercise, and nutrition in heart disease.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that hysterectomies increase the risk of early menopause among younger women. The research tracked over 900 women for five years and found that 14.8% experienced menopause, compared to 8% of healthy controls.
A recent study found that peri- and postmenopausal women in Spain have a deficient intake of vitamin D, which increases the risk of health problems. The average total intake was just 39% of the RDA for women of this age group.
The American Physiological Society's conference highlights the importance of considering sex and gender in cardiovascular health. Research findings show that women accumulate plaque more evenly inside major arteries, making heart disease a significant concern for women.
A soy germ-based supplement containing Natural S-equol significantly improved the appearance of crow's feet skin wrinkles in Japanese menopausal women, suggesting potential to slow skin aging. The study found that doses of 10 or 30 milligrams of Natural S-equol daily had beneficial effects on crow's feet wrinkles.
A randomized controlled trial found that soy isoflavone tablets did not prevent bone loss or reduce menopausal symptoms in women, contradicting previous hopes for an alternative to estrogen therapy. The study involved 248 women with low bone density and followed them for two years.
A recent study found that menopause has little to no impact on the risk of developing diabetes. Instead, lifestyle changes such as losing 7% of body weight and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week can significantly lower the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women.
Researchers found that temporarily suppressing ovarian function with triptorelin reduced the occurrence of early menopause induced by chemotherapy among premenopausal women with breast cancer. The treatment resulted in a 17% lower rate of early menopause compared to chemotherapy alone.
A large cohort study found that socioeconomic class and smoking are strongly associated with premature menopause, affecting quality of life. Women with premature menopause were more than twice as likely to report poor quality of life, with impacts lasting up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A study presented at The Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that women with worse facial wrinkles during early menopause tend to have lower bone density. This association was independent of age and body composition, suggesting a potential link between skin health and bone quality.
A study by Dutch researchers has found that a hormone level test can predict when women will reach menopause, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning and career choices. The test uses Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels to determine an individual's predicted age of menopause.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism. The statement recommends transdermal estrogen as a first-choice option for overweight/obese women requiring hormone therapy, while micronized progesterone and ...
Higher levels of perfluorocarbons associated with increased odds of experiencing menopause in women between 42 and 64 years old. Women with high PFCs also had lower estradiol concentrations.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes two important position statements covering common management problems in post-reproductive health, including hormone therapy options for Cardiovascular disease and Osteoporosis. The statements provide summary recommendations for clinicians to manage menopause-related symptoms.
A large cohort study found that hormone therapy started at menopause increases breast cancer risk, particularly among women who start therapy before or soon after menopause. The study's results support previous findings and provide new insights into the relationship between timing of hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.
Research suggests that smoking before menopause may be associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women who smoked more or longer had a higher risk of breast cancer, while passive smoking was not linked to an increased risk.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are conducting a clinical trial to determine if estrogen replacement therapy can help prevent depression and cardiovascular illness in women between 45-55. The study, funded by the NIH, aims to identify which women will benefit from estradiol treatment during perimenopause.
A genetic test predicting early menopause risk could help UK women in their 30s plan families. Researchers identified four genes associated with early menopause and found they combined to have a larger impact on the condition.
The International Menopause Society launches new treatment recommendations for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, a condition affecting up to half of women after menopause. The guidelines aim to improve awareness and understanding of VA among women, who often live with the condition unnecessarily due to fear of hormone replacement therapy.
A new soy-based natural S-equol supplement reduced the frequency of moderate to severe hot flashes and muscle and joint pain in postmenopausal U.S. women. The study found that lower doses of Natural S-equol significantly improved symptoms, with no clinically significant adverse effects.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published four position statements on common management problems in the post-reproductive health of women. The statements cover the management of menopause in the context of obesity, epilepsy, endometriosis, and premature ovarian failure.
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University finds that antidepressant desvenlafaxine, known as Pristiq, effectively treats major depression in women during perimenopause and menopause. The medication showed significant improvement in symptoms, with response rates of 58.6% for those taking Pristiq compared to 38.2% on placebo.
Research suggests that SE5-OH containing Natural S-equol can help alleviate hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. Additionally, studies have found that soy-based diets may help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that social and psychological factors have a bigger impact on women's sex lives during menopause than previously thought. The research suggests that individual experiences vary greatly, with external factors like relationships and care-giving playing a significant role.
A study on killer whales and pilot whales reveals a common link with humans in the evolution of menopause. Females in these species become genetically related to those they live with as they get older, leading to a 'grandmother' role that helps ensure group survival.
A new study by Dr. Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani predicts the age when women will hit menopause using a simple blood test. The researchers found that the accuracy of the test is high, with an average difference between predicted and actual ages of just a third of a year.
Women who experience early menopause are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease event later in life. The study also found that early menopause remained a risk factor even after controlling for hormone replacement therapy and major cardiovascular risk factors.
A study identified nine key symptoms associated with late-onset hypogonadism, including decreased sexual function and energy levels. The researchers found that testosterone treatment may only be useful in a small number of cases, highlighting the need for clear diagnosis criteria.
SE5-OH containing natural S-equol significantly reduced frequency of hot flushes in postmenopausal women. The compound had no effect on reproductive hormones E2 and FSH, suggesting its potential as a critical component in reducing menopausal symptoms.
Researchers found that increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels correspond to lower bone density in postmenopausal women. FSH stimulates the production of cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta, which activate osteoclasts and lead to bone loss.
New analyses confirm that combination hormone therapy increases the risk of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women, particularly those who begin therapy within 10 years of menopause. The risk is more pronounced among women who start therapy 10 years or more after menopause.
A large-scale study found that estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of developing asthma after menopause. Women who used estrogen-only HRT were 21% more likely to develop asthma than those who never used HRT, with a significant increased risk among non-smokers and those with previous allergies.
The International Menopause Society consensus statement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The statement also concludes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe and may have cardioprotective effects, particularly for younger women.
A study of postmenopausal women found that the risk of hip fractures steeply rises with age, being seven times higher in 70-74 year olds than in 50-54 year olds. The study also discovered a slightly increased risk for early menopause before age 45.
A combination of estrogen and a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) may relieve menopause symptoms and lower breast cancer risk without the progestin side effects. Researchers treated breast and endometrial cell lines with the hormone mix, finding that it blocked cell growth and prevented proliferation.
A clinical trial found that a supplement containing SE5-OH and Natural S-equol improved menopausal symptoms, including reducing hot flashes by 58.7 percent, in postmenopausal Japanese women. The study also showed positive improvements in other menopause symptoms.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who experienced non-natural menopause are at almost twice the risk of developing lung cancer compared to women who experienced natural menopause. The increased risk was particularly observed among women who had both their ovaries surgically removed.
Women experience cognitive decline during the menopause transition, with verbal memory and processing speed affected. However, these declines are temporary and resolve once women enter postmenopause, suggesting that estrogen or progesterone may have a beneficial impact on brain function before menopause.
A genome-wide association study identified 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms related to an earlier menopause, which could affect fertility in women. The study suggests that understanding these genetic variants may help improve fertility treatment for women with infertility issues.
A new survey reveals that post-menopausal women are reluctant to discuss vaginal dryness and pain due to embarrassment, affecting up to 47% who prefer discussing symptoms with a female physician. Despite this, 67% of those treated experience improvements in quality of life and sexual activity.
Researchers have identified two chromosomal regions associated with the age at which females experience their first menstrual period (menarche) and the onset of natural menopause. The study may help shed light on the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
A systematic review of 106 studies found that acupuncture is not effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes during menopause. While one study suggested favorable effects of acupuncture on symptom severity, the overall evidence does not support its use as a treatment option.
A new study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that transdermal estrogen delivery may not increase the risk of blood clots in postmenopausal women, unlike oral delivery. The study suggests that transdermal HT delivery may be a safer alternative for some women.
A study found that women with a history of breast cancer who use synthetic steroid tibolone are at a 40% increased risk of recurrence. The drug was linked to distant metastases, which are often fatal. Tibolone should not be prescribed to breast cancer patients.
Primary ovarian insufficiency is a menopause-like condition affecting girls and young women, characterized by loss of menstrual periods, infertility, and hot flashes. A comprehensive plan provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, including hormone replacement therapy and counseling.
A study by Université Laval researchers found that omega-3 supplements significantly improved menopause-related mental health problems, including depression and hot flashes, in women aged 40 to 55. However, the effectiveness of omega-3s for more severe depressive symptoms was limited.