Articles tagged with Menopause
Research suggests that conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors are not associated with menopause age, but estrogen loss does compromise heart health. Women should be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent this harm, according to specialists in a linked editorial.
A study found that women living in green spaces had a later age at menopause, with an average age of 51.7 years compared to 50.3 years in areas with little green space. Lower cortisol levels and reduced risk of depression may contribute to this association.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that menopausal age is unclear for many women, particularly those using hormonal birth control. Researchers found that after 1992, the number of women still menstruating decreased, leaving uncertainty in determining exact menopausal ages.
A new analysis from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) finds that heart disease risk increases significantly as women enter menopause, with arterial stiffness rising by up to 7.5% within a year before and after the last menstrual period.
Researchers found that measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict when a woman's final menstrual period will occur. AMH serves as an indicator of remaining egg supply, decreasing with age. This new test allows for more accurate predictions within 12 to 24 months in women's late 40s and early 50s.
A new study found that women who breastfed their infants exclusively had a lower risk of early menopause compared to those who did not. The study, which observed over 108,000 women, also found that longer breastfeeding times were associated with a lower risk of early menopause.
A large study of Australian women found that premature menopause increases the risk of developing multiple chronic medical conditions by age 60. Women who experienced premature menopause were twice as likely to develop multimorbidity by 60 and three times as likely after.
Women who have sex weekly are 28% less likely to experience early menopause, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science. The research found that having less sex is associated with an earlier menopause, suggesting a biological trade-off between investing energy in ovulation and other activities.
A new study found that postmenopausal women experience more sleep problems, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, compared to premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Researchers confirmed the increase in sleep disorders as women transition from perimenopause to postmenopause.
Post-menopausal killer whale grandmothers improve the chances of survival for their grand-calves, allowing them to focus time and resources on the latest generation. The study found that these grandmothers played a particularly important role in times of food scarcity, where salmon was scarce.
A new study has found that early menopause is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The observational study revealed a significant increase in cardiovascular events among women who experienced natural premature menopause or surgery-induced menopause before age 40.
Women experiencing menopause before age 40 are at higher risk for several heart conditions, according to a study using the UK Biobank. The research found that premature menopause is associated with an increased likelihood of developing conventional heart disease risk factors.
Researchers investigated how residence patterns after marriage affect menopause symptoms and age of onset. They found little evidence supporting the theory that women's experiences with menopause vary due to dispersal from their natal home.
Women who reach menopause before age 50 are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, according to researchers from The University of Queensland. Early menopause is associated with a 40% increase in cardiovascular conditions and nearly twice the likelihood of non-fatal cardiac events.
A new study published by The Menopause Society finds that fractional CO2 laser therapy is as effective and safe as vaginal estrogen in improving sexual and urinary functionality in postmenopausal women. After 6 months of follow-up, researchers reported similar improvements in symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, and burning.
A new study found that 13% of postmenopausal women veterans screened positive for military sexual trauma, strongly associated with mental health diagnoses like PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. The study highlights the need for additional research and trauma screening in this understudied population.
A new study found that only 39% of postmenopausal women discuss vaginal issues at well woman visits, despite 45% experiencing symptoms. Clinicians are also reluctant to initiate conversations, but patient-initiated discussions often lead to helpful recommendations.
A new study by The Menopause Society shows that lifestyle coaching can effectively decrease BMI, body fat, and waist circumference in all women. However, the benefits are more noticeable in premenopausal women, who experience larger reductions in percentage of body fat and waist circumference.
A study by The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that lifestyle modifications can prevent up to 30% of breast cancer cases. The recommended modifications include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a balanced diet rich in non-starch vegetables.
During menopause, the natural balance of vaginal bacteria is upset, leading to increased risk of urogenital infections and other health problems. Research highlights the importance of preserving healthy bacteria populations and strategies for promoting Lactobacillus colonization after menopause.
The VITamin D and OmegA-3 Trial (VITAL) found that Omega-3 fatty acids reduced heart attacks, while vitamin D supplementation lowered total cancer mortality among participants. The findings suggest a complex balance of benefits and risks for each intervention.
A new study based on SWAN data shows that frequent and persistent menopausal hot flashes are associated with a higher risk of heart problems. The study found that hot flashes at the beginning of the transition doubled the risk of clinical CVD events, while persistent hot flashes over 20 years increased the risk by 80%.
A new study finds that night sweats are associated with decreased attention and executive function in menopausal women, even as total sleep time increases. In contrast, daytime hot flashes have no impact on sleep duration.
A new study found that childhood emotional abuse is associated with more frequent sleep hot flashes and increases in hot flashes over time. The researchers used physiologic measurements to show a strong link between childhood trauma and hot flash severity.
A new study based on ELITE data found that hormone therapy affects estradiol levels in different ways for various determinants, such as BMI, smoking status, and medication use. Higher estradiol levels were associated with lower atherosclerosis risk among postmenopausal women.
A new study using WHI data found that hormone therapy decreases markers of insulin sensitivity and blood glucose in women, reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study focused on nine metabolites associated with diabetes development and found seven to be significantly decreased with hormone therapy.
A new study associates self-silencing with greater carotid plaque buildup, which could lead to a stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Women who do not express their feelings are at increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
A new study finds that waist size, not overall obesity, is a significant predictor of coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women. The study, published in Menopause, found no association between body mass index and obstructive cardiovascular disease.
A new study confirms that women with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for sleep disturbances during the menopause transition. The study found a significant association between diabetes and increased severity of sleep-related symptoms, particularly in Asian women.
Women with BRCA1/2 gene mutations are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, with a lifetime risk of 39-44% for BRCA1 and 11-17% for BRCA2. A new review provides guidance on screening, preventive surgery, contraception and management of menopausal symptoms to reduce this risk.
Researchers measured radial pulse waves at the wrist to identify artery changes in menopausal women, which were not evident in standard blood pressure measurements. The study found that specific harmonic amplitudes in radial pulse waves reflected changes during menopause and may shed light on atherosclerosis progression.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy in managing common menopause symptoms. The treatment significantly improved hot flashes, depression, and sleep disturbances, while also providing long-term benefits.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in female hearts during perimenopause, indicating stress at this early stage. Estrogen-mimicking drugs can still be beneficial for protecting hearts, but timing is crucial to maximize effectiveness.
A study found a link between fewer reproductive years and an increased risk of dementia in women. Women with shorter total reproductive years had a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly those who started menstruating later or went through menopause earlier.
Researchers discovered that women undergoing perimenopause experience significant changes in body composition, including increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass. The study also noted ethnic/racial differences in the impact of menopause on body composition.
Research links early menopause to increased bladder cancer risk, particularly in smokers. The study found that women who went into menopause before the age of 45 were 45% more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who had later menopause.
A new study found that grandmothers can increase toddlers' survival by nearly 30% due to their prolonged longevity. However, older or frail paternal grandmothers are detrimental to grandchild survival. The study suggests that healthy ageing is crucial for multiple benefits.
A new symptom-assessment questionnaire is being developed to improve understanding and treatment of genitourinary symptoms of menopause. The questionnaire focuses on women's descriptions of how symptoms impact their lives, key to producing a valuable instrument.
A new study of over 25,000 women from the Women's Health Initiative trials found that those experiencing persistent vasomotor symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The study also identified other risk factors, including high body mass index and current alcohol use.
A new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a healthy lifestyle during menopause may offset the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Women who adhered to a 'Healthy Lifestyle Score' had significantly wider arteries, less arterial thickening and buildup of fatty plaque compared to those with lower sc...
A UCSF-led study found that women who experienced emotional abuse had 50% higher odds of night sweats and 60% higher odds of painful sex. Women with PTSD symptoms or domestic violence history also reported higher prevalence of menopausal pain and discomfort.
A study found that midlife and older women experiencing menopause are at risk for intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research highlights the association between traumatic experiences and common symptoms related to menopause, including difficulty sleeping and vaginal symptoms.
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that midlife women transitioning to menopause have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The study identified central obesity as the most common factor, but also showed that physically active women were less likely to deve...
A new study suggests that higher mindfulness may lower stress and the impact of menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes in midlife women. The study, presented at The North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting, found a correlation between higher mindfulness and lower menopause symptom scores, as well as lower stress scores.
A new study based on SWAN data suggests that women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes may experience a greater burden of hot flashes during the menopause transition. The study identified social factors such as education as influential in shaping pregnancy outcomes and hot flashes.
According to Dr. Holly Pederson, genetic testing can help identify patients at risk of breast cancer and reduce their chances of survival. The presentation highlights the importance of early screening and advances in cancer genetics, making it possible to save lives through preventive medications and surgical procedures.
A recent symposium will review the current criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the need to rethink diagnostic approaches. The event also explores how brain metabolism changes in women after menopause may increase their risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Researchers discuss historical and current evidence-based approaches to stimulating female sexual desire, highlighting the role of dopamine and music in enhancing pleasure. The study aims to improve healthcare providers' understanding of women's sexual health, particularly those affected by hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
A new study compares interferential current to vaginal estradiol creme in treating sexual complaints of women with premature ovarian insufficiency taking hormones. Interferential current improves lubrication, pain, orgasm, and overall satisfaction.
A new study involving over 300 women reveals a strong association between sexual harassment and assault with higher blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. The findings suggest that the experience of sexual harassment and assault can have lasting impacts on women's health.
New hormone and non-hormone options are available to help women maintain a healthy sex life during menopause. Topical lidocaine, pelvic floor therapy, and vaginal laser therapy show promise in reducing pain and friction.
Research suggests that women's reproductive health, hormones, and mental health play a crucial role in maintaining telomere length and slowing the aging process. Dr. Elissa Epel's presentation highlights the importance of estrogen's protective effects on telomeres and heart disease.
A large meta-analysis of over 191,000 postmenopausal women found that early menopause and premature ovarian failure are associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who begin menopause before age 40 are 50% more likely to develop the disease than those with normal menopause between ages 45-55.
Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for depressive symptoms, with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and life stressors contributing to its development. The new guidelines recommend using proven therapeutic options like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy as front-line treatments.
A large prospective study of over 107,000 women found no association between physical activity and the risk of early natural menopause. The study, published in Human Reproduction, analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study II and found that exercise was not significantly linked to a lower or higher risk of menopause before age 45.
Researchers discovered that beluga whales and narwhals undergo menopause, mirroring killer whales' behavior. This reproductive strategy may have evolved due to increased relatedness among family members and the need for older females to contribute to group survival through knowledge sharing.
Researchers discovered that soy protein can counter negative effects of menopause on bone and metabolic health in postmenopausal women. Soy-based diets were found to improve bone strength and metabolic function for both rats with and without ovaries.
A new study, based on a subgroup of KEEPS participants, found no effects of hormone therapy cessation on carotid artery intima-media thickness. The results support the use of hormone therapy for menopause symptom relief or bone loss prevention, with potential benefits on heart disease reduction.
A new study found that hot flashes and night sweats can persist well into women's 60s, 70s, and 80s. Researchers suggest that women with these symptoms should discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers.
A large UK cohort study found that eating oily fish and legumes was associated with a later onset of menopause, while consuming refined pasta and rice was linked to an earlier start. The study's findings could have implications for women's health and wellbeing.