May 16th, 2009
by megdilts.
To help control the symptoms of menopause, some women can take hormones, called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT used to be called hormone replacement therapy or HRT. The use of MHT has been debated a great deal since the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Hormone Study findings were released in 2002. Before this study, it was thought that MHT could ward off heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer, while improving women’s quality of life. Findings emerged from clinical trials that showed this was not so. In fact, long-term use of MHT poses some serious risks. New results from the WHI confirmed that using MHT does not protect against coronary heart disease (CHD, called heart disease here). There is good news, however: The results also suggest that short-term use of MHT does not increase heart disease risk in women who begin MHT within 10 years of onset of menopause. But, it appears that the longer a woman waits to begin MHT after the onset of menopause, the greater her risk of developing heart disease. More research is needed to fully understand this issue. Still, a woman has options when it comes to managing the symptoms of menopause.
During perimenopause, some doctors suggest birth control pills to help with very heavy, frequent, or unpredictable menstrual periods. These pills might also help with symptoms like hot flashes, as well as prevent pregnancy. As you get closer to menopause, you might be bothered more by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness. Your doctor might then suggest starting MHT. A woman whose uterus has been removed can use estrogen alone to control her symptoms. But a woman who still has a uterus must take progesterone or a progestin (a man-made progesterone) along with the estrogen. These hormones will probably help with menopause symptoms and prevent the bone loss that can happen at menopause. However, there is a chance your symptoms will come back when you stop MHT.
Once a woman reaches menopause, MHT currently is recommended only as a short-term treatment of moderate to severe symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats. Women who have problems with vaginal dryness can try lower dose estrogen products, such as vaginal creams, rings, and tablets. Long-term use of MHT is no longer advised, and doctors very rarely prescribe MHT to prevent certain chronic diseases, like osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women should not take MHT as they grow older to prevent problems like heart disease. A woman should talk about the benefits and risks of using MHT with her doctor to decide if MHT is right for her.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Treatment.
Tagged: menopausal hormone therapy
May 16th, 2009
by megdilts.
Since we’re always learning more about menopause treatment options and hormone therapy, it can be confusing to figure out how to treat or manage menopausal symptoms. It is important for you to have a doctor that you trust, so you can have an open talk about your concerns and your treatment options. Then you can make informed decisions about your health that you feel good about. If you feel that you have talked openly with your doctor and still don’t feel satisfied, you should think about getting a second opinion.
Knowing how to talk to your doctor or other members of your health care team can help you get the information you need about menopause. Your doctor will tell you, as you near menopause, that you may have symptoms from the changes your body is making. For some women, their menopause symptoms will go away over time without treatment. Other women will choose treatment for their symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about how to best manage menopause. Talk about your symptoms and whether they bother you. Make sure the doctor knows your medical history and your family medical history. This includes whether you are at risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Remember that your decision is never final. You can, and should review it with your doctor during a checkup. Your needs may change, and so might what we know about menopause.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Symptoms.
Tagged: Menopause Symptoms
Two other common health problems can start to happen at menopause, and you might not even notice.
* Osteoporosis. Day in and day out your body is busy breaking down old bone and replacing it with new healthy bone. Estrogen helps control bone loss. So losing estrogen around the time of menopause causes women to begin to lose more bone than is replaced. In time, bones can become weak and break easily. This condition is called osteoporosis.
* Heart disease. After menopause, women are more likely to have heart disease. Changes in estrogen levels may be part of the cause. But, so is getting older. As you age, you may develop other problems, like high blood pressure or weight gain, which put you at greater risk for heart disease.
Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Signs, Menopause Symptoms.
Tagged: menopause states
Many women are able to cope with minor discomforts of menopause. Try these tips:
* Hot flashes. Keep track of when hot flashes happen. You might be able to identify a pattern or triggers, which you can avoid. Dress in layers and keep a fan in your home or workplace. If lifestyle changes don’t seem to help, ask your doctor about menopausal hormone therapy or nonhormonal prescription drugs. Research has found that nonhormonal prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, help hot flashes in some women.
* Vaginal dryness. Try an over-the-counter water-based vaginal lubricant. Prescription estrogen replacement creams and tablets also can help restore moisture and tissue health. If you have spotting or bleeding while using estrogen creams, you should see your doctor.
* Problems sleeping. One of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep is to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. But avoid physical activity close to bedtime. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, large meals, and working right before bedtime. You might want to drink something warm, such as herb tea or warm milk, before bedtime. Keeping your bedroom cool and dark also can help. Avoid napping during the day and try to go to bed and get up at the same times every day.
* Memory problems. Some women complain about problems with memory and concentration. But there is no proof that menopause causes memory problems. Try to get enough sleep and engage in physical and social activity. If forgetfulness or other mental problems worry you or are affecting your everyday functioning, talk to your doctor.
* Mood swings. Try to get enough sleep and be physically active. Set limits for yourself, and look for positive ways to ease daily stress. Think about going to a support group for women who are going through the same thing as you, or getting counseling to talk through your problems and fears. Talk to your doctor if mood swings are causing you distress. Medicines might help. For instance, menopausal hormone therapy might help if mood swings are related to disrupted sleep caused by night sweats. Also, your doctor can look out for signs of depression, which is a serious illness that needs treatment.
Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Symptoms, Menopause Treatment.
Tagged: Menopause Symptom Relief
Every woman’s period will stop at menopause. Some women have no other symptoms. But many women notice changes in body, mind, and mood at this stage of life. We don’t always know if these changes are related to menopause, aging, or both. Some changes you might notice include:
* Changes in your period. The time between periods and the flow from month to month may be different.
* Abnormal bleeding or “spotting.” This is common as you near menopause. But if your periods have stopped for 12 months in a row, and you still have “spotting,” you should talk to your doctor to rule out serious causes, like cancer.
* Night sweats. Hot flashes that occur while a woman is sleeping and cause her to perspire. They can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
* Sleeping problems. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, health, and ability to cope with everyday stress.
* Vaginal changes. The vagina may become dry and thin, and sex and vaginal exams may be painful. You also might get more vaginal infections.
* Thinning of your bones. This may lead to loss of height and bone breaks (osteoporosis).
* Emotional changes. May include mood swings, sadness, tearfulness, and irritability. Although menopause does not cause depression, women are at a higher risk of depression in the years leading up to menopause. Some researchers think that the decrease in estrogen levels plays a role in the onset of depression in some women. Also, lack of sleep can strain a woman’s emotional health.
* Urinary problems. You may have leaking, burning or pain when urinating, or leaking when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
* Problems with memory and staying focused. You may notice you are more forgetful or have trouble concentrating.
* Sex drive decreases. You may have less interest in sex and changes in sexual response.
* Weight fluctuation. Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist.
* Hair loss or thinning. Hair thinning or loss is a problem for some women.
Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Symptoms.
Tagged: Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a normal change in a woman’s life when her period stops. It is often called the “change of life.” During perimenopause, a woman’s body slowly makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This often happens between the ages of 45 and 55 years old. A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row, and there are no other causes for this change. As you near menopause, you may have symptoms from the changes your body is making. Many women wonder if these changes are normal, and many are confused about how to treat their symptoms. You can feel better by learning all you can about menopause, and talking with your doctor about your health and your symptoms. If you want to treat your symptoms, your doctor can tell you more about your options and help you make the best treatment choices.
Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Signs.
Tagged: about menopause
May 14th, 2009
by megdilts.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when you start to notice menopause-related changes–plus the year after menopause. Perimenopause is what some people call “being in menopause” or “going through menopause.” But menopause itself is only one day–the day you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. During perimenopause, your ovaries start to shut down, making less of certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability to become pregnant. This change is a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Signs.
Tagged: perimenopause
May 14th, 2009
by megdilts.
Many aging women enjoy an active sex life. Yet, many women are not aware of their risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. If you have more than one sexual partner or have started a new sexual relationship, talk with your partner about using condoms before having sex. Latex condoms used correctly and every time you have any type of sexual contact offer the best protection against STIs. Dental dams (used for oral sex) and female condoms also can help protect you from some STIs.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted in: Menopause Signs.
Tagged: perimenopause
May 14th, 2009
by megdilts.
If you’re still having periods, even if they are not regular, you can get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control. Keep in mind that some methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Posted in: Menopause Signs.
Tagged: perimenopause
May 14th, 2009
by megdilts.
Perimenopause causes changes in your body that you may or may not notice. For most women, the discomforts associated with perimenopause are minimal and manageable. Some things you might experience in the perimenopause years include:
- Changes in your menstrual cycle (longer or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods)
- Hot flashes (sudden rush of heat from your chest to your head)
- Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep)
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes (mood swings, sadness, or irritability)
- Pain during sex
- More urinary infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Less interest in sex
- Increase in body fat around your waist
- Problems with concentration and memory
You can’t always tell if physical or emotional changes are related to menopause, the normal aging process, or something else. But by monitoring your menstrual cycle and recording your signs and symptoms for several months, you’ll gain a better understanding of the changes occurring during this time. You will also have valuable information to discuss with your doctor should you have a concern.
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are often the treatment of choice to relieve perimenopausal symptoms — even if you don’t need them for birth control. Today’s low-dose pills regulate periods and stop or reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and premenstrual syndrome.
Making lifestyle changes may help ease the discomfort of your symptoms and keep you healthy in the long run.
- Good nutrition. Because your risk of osteoporosis (bone disease) and heart disease increases at this time, a healthy eating plan is more important than ever. Adopt a low-fat, high-fiber eating plan that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Add calcium-rich foods or take a calcium supplement. Limit alcohol or caffeine, which can affect sleep. If you smoke, try to quit.
- Regular exercise. Regular physical activity helps keep your weight down, improves your sleep, strengthens your bones, and elevates your mood. Try to exercise for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week.
- Stress reduction. Practiced regularly, stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can help you relax and tolerate your symptoms more easily.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Posted in: Menopause Signs.
Tagged: perimenopause