New national guidelines aim to prevent obesity in midlife women
Middle-aged women are at increased risk of serious health outcomes due to weight gain. New guidelines recommend counseling healthy weight management for all middle-aged women.
Menopause
Articles tagged with Menopause
Women’s Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2022
Prasterone shows promise in reducing severity of urinary urge incontinence
A new study published in Menopause finds that prasterone effectively improves urinary urge incontinence symptoms in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This treatment option may offer relief for women experiencing pressure in the bladder, making it difficult to hold urine.
Diets high in N-3 polyunsaturated fats may help decrease risk of breast cancer
A new study found an inverse association between breast cancer risk and n-3 PUFA consumption, especially in premenopausal women who are obese. Higher intake of marine n-3 PUFAs and total n-3 PUFAs was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
The North American Menopause Society releases its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
The North American Menopause Society has released its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, reaffirming the effectiveness of hormone therapy in treating hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. The updated statement also highlights its role in preventing bone loss and fractures.
Less sex during menopause transition not linked to sexual pain
A new study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that having sex less often during menopause is not associated with an increased risk of developing sexual pain. Women who maintain or increase their sexual frequency do not appear to be at higher risk for developing sexual pain, according to the study.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 6, 2022
Study finds women have more brain changes after menopause
A study published in Neurology found that postmenopausal women have more white matter hyperintensities than premenopausal women or men of the same age. Researchers also discovered that menopause accelerates the increase in brain biomarkers, which may be linked to an increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive decline.
Hormones are linked with sleep apnea, snoring in postmenopausal women
A study published in PLOS ONE found an association between reduced estrogen and progesterone levels and increased risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women. Low estrogen levels were linked to a 19% decreased odds of snoring, while low progesterone levels were associated with a 9% decrease.
Medicalizing menopause may be unhelpful for some women
Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.
Women burn fat even after menopause
A University of Jyväskylä study found that menopausal women's ability to use fat as an energy source is not impaired by estrogen levels or menopause. Women who burned more fat during exercise had higher fitness and physical activity levels, while those with better glucose tolerance did not necessarily burn more fat.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·DateJun 14, 2022
Phase 3 study finds fezolinetant reduces the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes
A Phase 3 study found fezolinetant to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. The treatment also improved sleep disturbances, supporting its use for treating moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
Evidence-based recommendations on menopause management advise individualized care
The joint position statement from British Menopause Society, RCOG, and SfE provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals caring for women experiencing menopause. It recommends an individualised approach to care, considering the risks and benefits of therapies as well as lifestyle choices.
SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalPost Reproductive Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 10, 2022
Physical activity and healthy diet during menopause help to protect from the health risks associated with increased adiposity
A study of middle-aged women approaching menopause found increased body fat, particularly in the waist area, but those with healthier lifestyles had lower fat mass. The research suggests that maintaining physical activity and a balanced diet during this life stage may help protect against health risks associated with increased adiposity.
Menopausal hormonal shift alters women’s metabolism
Women's metabolism alters during menopause due to changes in sex hormone levels. Metabolite profiles show increased lipid and cholesterol levels, especially triglycerides and LDL particles, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 13, 2022
Hormonal changes during menopause are directly related to decline in cardiovascular health
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that menopause is associated with a decline in cardiovascular health due to hormonal changes. Levels of bad cholesterol rise during menopause, and shifts in sex hormones are linked to this increase.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 12, 2022
Poll shows impact of menopause and other health issues on older women’s sex lives
A recent poll found that menopause symptoms significantly impact older women's sex lives, with 84% of women experiencing symptoms in the past year. Despite this, only 44% have discussed treatment with their healthcare provider, while 28% reported symptoms interfering with sexual activity.
Temporomandibular disorder-induced pain likely to worsen in late menopause transition
A recent study suggests that late menopause transition is associated with increased intensity of temporomandibular disorder-induced pain. The research found that TMD symptoms and menopause symptoms are primarily correlated during this stage, but decrease with age and progression through the postmenopausal phases.
Obesity significantly increased heart failure risk among women with late menopause
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that late menopause, occurring at age 55 or older, significantly increases heart failure risk among obese women. Obesity was a major contributing factor, with the risk being greatest among women who experienced late menopause.
Sex-specific guidelines needed to accurately treat women
Current guidelines for treating women's obesity, hypertension and diabetes are based on men's studies. Researchers call for sex-specific guidelines to accurately treat these conditions in women, as they have different risk factors and manifestations.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 11, 2022
Female hormones could provide clues to higher risk of dementia in women
A study of 273,240 women found that life events influencing estrogen levels may be linked to a higher risk of dementia. Ever having been pregnant or having had an abortion was associated with a lower risk, while early or late menopause increased the risk.
SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022
Reproductive factors and dementia risk
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that certain reproductive events, such as shorter estrogen exposure, may be associated with increased dementia risk in women. However, the association between the number of children and dementia risk was similar for women and men, suggesting social and behavioral factors may play a role.
Levels of a certain hormone could predict or detect bone loss in premenopausal women
Researchers at UCLA found that premenopausal women with low levels of anti-Mullerian hormone are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bone loss within two to three years. The study suggests that measuring AMH levels could help physicians identify women at risk and provide targeted treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 4, 2022
A prune—or six—a day may keep inflammation at bay
A recent study suggests that eating nutrient-rich prunes every day may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammatory factors. The research found significant reductions in inflammatory markers in prune-eating groups compared to a control group.
Working shifts may delay the onset of menopause
A new study suggests that working non-traditional shifts may delay the onset of natural menopause in women. The researchers found a significant association between rotating shifts and later age at menopause, possibly due to disruptions in circadian rhythms. Further investigation is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.
Sleep apnea may lead to increased joint pain in postmenopausal women
A recent study suggests a significant association between sleep apnea and joint pain in postmenopausal women, with higher respiratory distress scores linked to joint pain severity. The researchers propose that detailed examination of sleep-disordered breathing be conducted in women with severe joint pain and fatigability.
New study suggests best chance for battling menopausal weight gain is during perimenopause
A new study published in Menopause reveals that lifestyle interventions targeting metabolic changes are most valuable during perimenopause. The study found unfavorable body composition and metabolic characteristics beginning before the menopause transition, making it an opportune window for intervention.
Women are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s Disease: new evidence
A new study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers identifies follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as the major pathogenic factor driving Alzheimer's disease in women. FSH increases during menopause and activates a critical pathway, leading to AD pathology.
Early menopause may raise risk of dementia later in life
Women who enter menopause before age 40 are more likely to develop dementia later in life compared to those who begin menopause at 50-51 years. Lowered estrogen levels may contribute to this increased risk, with strategies such as exercise and healthy lifestyle habits potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
Obesity may lead to a decline in lung function in premenopausal and postmenopausal women
A new study published in Menopause found that obesity and abdominal obesity significantly increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Maintaining a healthy body weight is key to preventing these conditions.
Family history of breast cancer, mammographic breast density in premenopausal women
Researchers investigated the association between family history of breast cancer and mammographic breast density among 14,000 premenopausal women. The study found a positive correlation between having a family history of breast cancer and higher mammographic breast density in these women.
More than half of postmenopausal women experience female pattern hair loss
A new study found that more than half of postmenopausal women suffer from female pattern hair loss, a condition characterized by gradual thinning at the part line. The study also discovered a significant association between obesity and worsening hair loss in postmenopausal women.
SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 2022
Age of natural menopause linked with intergenerational violence exposures
A new study finds that women who experienced their own abuse and witnessed the abuse of others have an earlier age of menopause. The research, published in Menopause, suggests that maternal childhood physical abuse and child sexual abuse accelerate maternal menopause timing by 8.78 years.
Oestrogen levels linked to risk of COVID-19 death in older women
Research published in BMJ Open found that older women with higher oestrogen levels had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 infection and death. Women taking hormone replacement therapy also showed a significantly reduced risk of dying from COVID-19, highlighting the potential benefits of hormonal treatment in reducing infection severity.
Study finds potential predictor for perimenopause
A new study has found a potential predictor for perimenopause in the form of IgG glycome composition, which may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options. The study analyzed nearly 2000 women over 15 years and discovered changes in the IgG glycome that occur rapidly during menopause.
Bilateral oophorectomy could increase a woman's risk for dementia
A new study reveals that bilateral oophorectomy may increase a woman's risk for dementia, with a 55% higher risk from age 65 years onward compared to men. Estrogen levels are suspected to play a key role in this association.
UMass Amherst study examines associations between contraceptive methods and early menopause
A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.
How listening to music can take the edge off the menopause transition
A new study suggests that music therapy can significantly decrease depression scores and help reduce menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women. This innovative approach has the potential to be used as a nonpharmacologic therapeutic option for managing menopause symptoms, particularly mood symptoms.
SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2022
The link among resilience, sexual function, and quality of life in menopausal women
A new study found that resilience is linked to improved sexual health and overall well-being in menopausal women. Women with higher resilience scores had better quality of life during the menopause transition.
Severity of menopause symptoms can affect a woman's cognitive performance
A new study published in Menopause journal reveals that severe depression and sexual dysfunction can impair a woman's cognitive skills, including orientation, registration, attention, recall, and language. The study suggests that these symptoms have a significant impact on women's overall cognitive performance.
Aging stiffens the blood vessels but their flexibility also fluctuates based on a woman’s hormone state
A study found that arterial stiffness increases with age, but hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Women's hormone levels, particularly estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, were associated with stiffer arteries, while older women had stiffer vessels regardless of hormone status.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateDec 10, 2021
Removing ovaries, fallopian tubes during non-cancerous hysterectomy safer for post-menopausal patients: study
A study of over 200,500 women found an increased risk of death in younger pre-menopausal women when ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed during surgery. In contrast, the procedure is safer for older post-menopausal women, whose ovaries have already stopped producing estrogen.
Indigestion, nausea, and bloating more common during menopause in certain ethnic groups
A new study found that hormonal changes during menopause lead to gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, nausea, and bloating. The study suggests an association between race/ethnicity and menopause status with GI symptoms, with different racial/ethnic groups experiencing varying severities of symptoms.
Higher physical activity is associated with a better metabolic health risk factor profile in menopausal women
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that physically active lifestyle mitigates unfavourable changes in metabolic health during menopause. Menopausal transition is associated with increased abdominal fat mass, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateNov 29, 2021
Greater muscle mass may increase risk of hot flashes
A new study found that hot flashes are less common in women with sarcopenia, and are positively associated with paraspinal muscle mass. The research highlights the need for further studies to understand the relationships between menopause symptoms, body composition, and aging.
For women, greater exposure to estrogen in life may protect brain regions that are vulnerable to Alzheimer’s
A new study suggests that greater cumulative estrogen exposure in life may counter the brain-shrinking effect of menopause. Women with longer reproductive years, more children, and hormone therapy showed increased gray matter volume in certain brain areas. This protective effect may help reduce Alzheimer's risk in women.
Bone mineral density decreases less than expected after menopause
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that postmenopausal women experience a significant decrease in bone mineral density, but at a lower rate than previously assumed. Women who received hormone replacement therapy and those with weight gain during follow-up showed minimal bone loss.
Menstrual cycle length during menopause transition may predict future vascular problems
A new study using SWAN data suggests that changes in menstrual cycle length during the menopause transition can predict a woman's risk of developing atherosclerosis after menopause. Women with early increase trajectories had the worst cardiometabolic risk profile.
Changes in menstrual cycle length before menopause may predict risk of heart disease
A new study found that women whose menstrual cycle length increased two years before menopause had better vascular health than those with stable cycles. Changes in cycle length may predict cardiovascular disease risk, allowing clinicians to recommend preventive strategies.
This laser is supposed to rejuvenate vaginal tissue. But scientists say it’s no better than a placebo
A new trial has found that vaginal laser therapy treatments claim to reduce negative vaginal symptoms of menopause – experienced by about half of all women – by up to 100 per cent. However, the study shows they might not work at all, with no difference found between the laser treatment and a placebo.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2021
A cousin of Viagra reduces obesity by stimulating cells to burn fat, study shows
Researchers found a chemical inhibitor of PDE9 stimulates cells to burn more fat in mice, reducing obesity and fatty liver. The study's findings suggest the experimental drug may be effective in treating severe obesity and improving heart function.
Nutraceuticals may be the secret to a full head of hair for women at midlife
A new study suggests that a nutraceutical supplement may improve hair growth and quality in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. Researchers found significant increases in mean total hair counts and global hair quality improvements with few side effects.
New therapies offer hope for management of menopausal hot flashes
Researchers are investigating several nonhormone therapies to manage vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. These treatments have the potential to improve women's quality of life by reducing sleep and mood disruption caused by hot flashes.
The quality, not quantity, of cardiovascular fat can interfere with memory later in life
A new study based on SWAN data suggests that a higher radiodensity of perivascular adipose tissue in midlife women is associated with worse working memory performance later in life. The quality, not quantity, of cardiovascular fat may serve as a novel biomarker for cognitive function status.
Can a history of migraines lead to more severe hot flashes for postmenopausal women?
A study of over 3,300 women found that those with a history of migraines were more likely to experience severe or very severe hot flashes and worse menopause symptoms. The research suggests neurovascular dysregulation may explain the link between migraines and hot flashes, as well as their association with heart disease.
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to more nighttime hot flashes
A new study suggests that sedentary behavior can increase the likelihood of nighttime hot flashes in midlife women. The research found that sedentary behavior independently predicts objective and subjective hot flash experience, even when accounting for moderate-to-vigorous activity levels.
More women using cannabis for menopause symptoms
A recent study found that nearly a third of women near the menopause transition use cannabis to help manage their symptoms, with 75% using it for medical purposes. The most common reasons for use included sleep issues and anxiety, with three-quarters of current users reporting relief from their symptoms.
New therapies offer hope for minimizing hair loss in midlife women
Common hair loss patterns in women include progressive ponytail thinning, increased scalp visibility, and easy sunburn. New therapies such as platelet-rich plasma injections offer promise for stimulating hair growth and minimizing thinning, while treatments like minoxidil and finasteride may also be effective.
Studies of menopausal hormone therapy reviewed
Research shows that estrogen replacement during menopause reduces the risk of bone fractures, diabetes, and cancer, but increases stroke, blood clots, and breast/ovarian cancer risk. The quality of systematic reviews on MHT is mixed, with some findings inconclusive.
NIH grant advances UArizona Health Sciences research on women’s brains, menopause and increased risk for Alzheimer's
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are investigating the biological complexities of Alzheimer's disease in women during midlife aging. The study aims to reveal transformations in the brain that lead to greater risk of Alzheimer's, with a focus on the menopausal transition.
Researchers identify new genes linked to longer reproductive lifespan in women
Scientists have identified nearly 300 gene variations that influence reproductive lifespan in women. Manipulating key genes in mice extended their reproductive lifespan, providing insights into the biology of reproductive ageing.