Articles tagged with Menopause
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 diet rich in fish and legumes is associated with a delay of over 3 years in natural menopause, while a high intake of refined carbs like pasta and rice speeds up the process. The study also found that vegetarians and those who eat more fruits and poultry may experience later menopause.
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.
A study of over 1,300 women found that entering menopause at a later age was associated with better verbal memory skills. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found a small but significant difference in memory scores, recalling an average of 0.09 additional words per year.
Estrogen supplementation may prevent type 2 diabetes incidence by regulating glucagon and GLP1 hormones, according to a new study published in JCI Insight. The research highlights the protective role of oestrogens on type 2 diabetes incidence, particularly in post-menopausal women.
A comprehensive review found that acupuncture reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. The treatment also showed significant improvements in health-related quality of life, presenting a promising approach for managing bothersome vasomotor symptoms.
A new study found that a Mediterranean diet is associated with higher bone mineral density and greater muscle mass in postmenopausal women. The research, conducted in Brazil, used a food questionnaire and bone scans to measure bone mineral density and appendicular lean mass.
Researchers have successfully treated two participants with stem cells, increasing estrogen levels and alleviating menopausal symptoms. The treatment has also led to the resumption of menses and potentially restored fertility in these patients.
A new study found that sleep problems in menopausal women are consistently correlated with hot flashes and depression. However, the study suggests that addressing these risk factors may also address sleep disruptions, offering hope that women's sleep symptoms may not last past the menopausal transition.
A major review of evidence highlights a link between fluctuations in female sex hormones and the development of allergies and asthma. Analysis of over 500,000 women found that starting periods before age 11 and irregular periods were associated with a higher rate of asthma.
A recent study published in Rheumatology found that menopause worsens physical function and functional decline in women with rheumatoid arthritis, leading to a significant impact on quality of life. Women experience rheumatoid arthritis at a rate three times greater than men, with more severe declines and increased disability.
A year-long hormone therapy was more effective than placebo in preventing the onset of depressive symptoms among women without depression during menopause transition and early postmenopause. Women with recent stressful life events showed the greatest mood benefit from hormone therapy.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that more than 80% of bone loss in post-menopausal women is due to cortical bone, not trabecular. Cortical bone loss is likely to contribute to the occurrence of fractures in these women.
A new study finds that hysterectomies with ovarian conservation increase the risk of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Women under 35 are at greatest risk for congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.
A new article reviews options for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy. Despite the availability of effective treatments, lack of awareness among healthcare providers and patients hinders reaching women with this condition.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy is not linked to increased risk of stroke if initiated within five years of menopausal onset. However, there may be an increased risk for haemorrhagic stroke with certain therapies containing conjugated equine oestrogens.
A small-scale study suggests estrogen treatment after menopause can protect working memory needed for short-term cognitive tasks from the effects of stress. Women who received estrogen therapy performed better on memory tasks regardless of stress exposure.
A new study from UMass Amherst suggests that women who are underweight during adolescence or adulthood may be at increased risk for early menopause. The research, which followed nearly 80,000 women over 25 years, found a significant association between being underweight and an earlier onset of natural menopause.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that underweight women are at a greater risk of experiencing an early menopause compared to lean or normal weight women. Women who were underweight as teenagers or in their mid-30s had a significant increase in the risk of early menopause, with some women reporting a 50% higher risk.
A new study reveals lingering misperceptions about hormone therapy (HT) among clinicians are preventing women from benefiting from treatment. Despite evidence suggesting HT is a relatively safe solution for symptomatic menopausal women, the number of prescriptions and uses continues to decline due to skepticism.
Long-term treatment of osteoporosis is crucial for postmenopausal women to reduce fracture risk. New guidelines recommend reevaluating fracture risk after 3-5 years of bisphosphonate treatment and considering alternative therapies or continued treatment.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces depressive symptoms in menopausal women. The four-session intervention led to clinically meaningful improvements, regardless of the severity of depression.
A new study confirms vaginal estrogen is effective in managing sexual and urinary problems of menopause without increasing risk of serious health issues like heart disease and cancer. The WHI data review also clears the use of vaginal estrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
New research highlights same-sex attraction as changing over time, with some women experiencing changes in sexual orientation later in life. Experts stress the importance of open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers about lifestyle changes.
A new study found that postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy and lower urinary tract problems experience reduced sexual activity due to painful sex. Fear of pain during sex is a common reason for avoiding intimacy.