Tag Archives: Perimenopause

This Changes Everything for Women Going Through Perimenopause.

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Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the journey toward this pivotal moment can span several years. This phase is known as perimenopause.

Typically, women experience menopause around age 51, with many starting to notice perimenopausal symptoms in their mid-40s. Symptoms can differ greatly from one individual to another. While hot flashes and irregular periods are frequently highlighted as indicators, not everyone experiences these signs.

Moreover, within the same individual, symptoms can vary in type, frequency, and intensity.

More than 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% indicating their symptoms significantly affecting their quality of life. Common complaints include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.

Nevertheless, these symptoms are often attributed to other medical conditions based on expert assessments.

Symptoms and Treatment

Insomnia can be one of the earliest signs, sometimes emerging in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s. Research indicates that up to 60% of women over 40 experience insomnia.

Other symptoms may encompass mood fluctuations, leading to feelings of anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.

In addition, individuals may face challenges such as brain fog, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, diminished sexual desire, and discomfort during intercourse.

It’s important to note that many women may delay seeking medical advice due to embarrassment or the desire not to “make a fuss.” However, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial since there are currently no menopause tests for women over 45.

Tracking specific symptoms and their timing is advisable. Sharing this information with your doctor can lead to a better understanding of your experience and help identify the most suitable treatment options.

Research supports the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.

HRT may also enhance sleep quality and alleviate some negative cognitive symptoms. Besides, studies indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist in managing vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, along with helping regulate mood and sleep patterns.

Additional research has shown that HRT can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.

HRT comprises various medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen (another female hormone), and testosterone, with administration options like patches or gels.

The choice of HRT type and dosage depends on the condition being treated, individual risk factors, and personal preferences. There is no specific cut-off age for starting HRT, as its benefits may outweigh the perceived risks.

Read more:

New Research

Women undergoing HRT may also see a reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Additional studies suggest that initiating estrogens as part of HRT early during menopause might further decrease coronary artery disease risk and conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

The cardiovascular benefits, including lower mortality rates, are noted primarily for women who begin HRT in their 50s, as opposed to those starting after 60. However, HRT is not recommended solely for the purpose of preventing cardiovascular diseases or dementia.

When using HRT tablets, estrogen-only formulations are usually given without progestogen protection, which increase thromboembolic risks (like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) for certain HRT types and can elevate uterine cancer risk.

Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library

Concerns regarding breast cancer prevalence are complex, influenced by historical clinical trial data and individual family history, as well as lifestyle factors like alcohol use and obesity.

This variability impacts the clinical relevance of existing data for individuals.

Current findings indicate that estrogen-only HRT has minimal or no association with breast cancer risk, while combined HRT might correlate with an increased risk of 3-4 cases per 1,000 women.

Topical estrogen HRT has proven highly effective in managing and preventing vaginal and vulvar dryness, pain, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Additively, testosterone treatments combined with estrogens may benefit some women experiencing low sexual desire.

However, a review of current trials does not demonstrate improvements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, muscle strength, or mental health regarding testosterone treatment.

Moreover, some women, particularly those with a breast cancer history, may opt against HRT.

Historically, alternative treatments for perimenopausal symptoms focused on antidepressants and clonidine, but these have shown limited effectiveness and significant side effects. Recently, Fezolinetant, a non-hormonal medication, has been approved to assist with managing vasomotor symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication, changes in lifestyle—such as improved sleep, increased physical activity, and better nutrition—can provide substantial benefits without associated risks.

Prioritizing sleep can be an ideal starting point. Quality rest allows for better focus on increasing activity and enhancing diet.

Implementing good sleep hygiene practices, including avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and using CBT techniques, has been shown to improve insomnia and other sleep disorders for women experiencing menopause.

Engaging in regular physical activity is also advantageous, particularly exercises that build and preserve muscle and bone density, like strength training. This can help prevent osteoporosis, enhance flexibility, and reduce insulin resistance.

Aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling can also enhance long-term cardiovascular and brain health. Regardless of life stage, a balanced diet rich in whole foods and limited ultra-processed items is beneficial.

While navigating menopause can be challenging, various proven strategies can facilitate a smoother transition.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

I’m a Female Health Doctor: Here’s What We Misunderstand About Perimenopause

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Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the journey leading up to this milestone can span several years. This extended phase is known as perimenopause.

On average, menopause occurs around age 51, meaning many women begin noticing symptoms of perimenopause in their mid-40s. These symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another. While hot flashes and irregular heavy periods are commonly cited, not everyone experiences them.

Additionally, even within the same person, symptoms can differ in type, frequency, and intensity.

More than 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% indicating that these symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Common issues include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.

Unfortunately, these symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed by professionals as resulting from other medical conditions.

Symptoms and Treatment

Insomnia is often one of the earliest symptoms, potentially starting in one’s late 30s or early 40s. Research shows up to 60% of women over 40 are affected by sleep problems.

Changes in mood are also common, with women experiencing feelings of anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.

Other possible symptoms include brain fog, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and discomfort.

Many women hesitate to seek medical help due to embarrassment or a desire to avoid making a fuss. While consulting a healthcare provider is crucial, currently, there are no official menopause or perimenopause tests for women older than 45.

This highlights the importance of tracking symptoms and noting when they occur. By discussing these experiences with your doctor, women can collaboratively determine the best treatment options.

For instance, there is robust evidence supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.

HRT has also been shown to help some women achieve better sleep and may alleviate negative cognitive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist with management and stabilize mood and sleep patterns.

However, prescribing clonidine and antidepressants as first-line treatments is considered outdated.

Other studies indicate that HRT may also help maintain bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.

HRT encompasses various medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen (another female hormone), and testosterone. These can be administered through patches or gels.

The type and dosage of HRT depend on the specific condition being managed, individual risks, and personal preferences. There is no definitive cutoff for starting HRT; the benefits must outweigh perceived risks.

New Research

Women undergoing HRT also experience a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Studies have indicated that starting estrogens as part of HRT early in the perimenopausal phase may further lower the risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Specifically, the cardiovascular disease prevention benefits are notable for women who begin HRT in their 50s as compared to those who start after age 60.

However, initiating HRT solely for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia is not recommended. There are known risks associated with certain types of HRT, including an elevated risk of uterine cancer when estrogen-only HRT is used without progestogens, as well as an increased risk of blood clots.

Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library

The primary concern remains breast cancer. This area is complex due to variable risks linked to historical clinical trial data, along with personal and family health histories, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake and obesity.

This variability can impact the clinical significance of the data for each individual.

Current evidence suggests that estrogen-only HRTs have little to no correlation with breast cancer risk, while combined HRTs may increase the risk by 3-4 cases per 1,000 women.

Alternative Treatment

Local estrogen HRT, applied topically, has proven very effective for managing vulvar and vaginal pain and dryness, as well as recurrent urinary tract infections.

Moreover, testosterone treatments paired with estrogens may benefit some women with low sexual desire.

Unfortunately, HRT isn’t a panacea. A review of current clinical trials shows no significant improvements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, strength, or psychological health for women undergoing treatment.

Many women may opt against HRT, particularly those with a history of breast cancer.

Previously, alternative treatments were limited, primarily focusing on antidepressants and clonidine. These options have shown limited effectiveness and significant side effects. Recently, the new non-hormonal medication Fezolinetant has received approval for managing blood flow issues.

Natural Relief

In addition to medication, lifestyle and behavioral modifications—like improving sleep, increasing physical activity, and adopting better nutrition—carry no associated risks and can yield significant benefits.

Starting with sleep is often beneficial. When well-rested, focusing on enhancing activity and diet becomes more manageable.

Implementing good sleep hygiene practices, avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and utilizing CBT have all been shown to mitigate insomnia and other sleep disorders in women undergoing menopause.

Increasing activity levels can also be incredibly beneficial. Strength training exercises help build and maintain muscle and bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis, enhances flexibility, and reduces insulin resistance.

Aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and cycling can improve long-term heart and brain health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh foods while limiting ultra-processed items is advantageous at any life stage.

Although menopause can be challenging, various proven interventions can assist in making this transition smoother.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

I’m a Female Health Doctor: Myths About Perimenopause Explained

Posted on by
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Menopause marks a pivotal moment in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the transition leading up to this significant event can span several years, known as perimenopause.

On average, women experience menopause around age 51, resulting in most women starting to notice perimenopause symptoms in their mid-40s. These symptoms can differ greatly among women, with hot flashes and irregular heavy periods often recognized as indicators, although not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Additionally, even within the same individual, symptoms can vary in type, frequency, and intensity.

Over 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% stating that their symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Symptoms can include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.

It’s worth noting that these symptoms have historically been overlooked and often attributed to other health conditions by experts.

Symptoms and Treatment

Insomnia is frequently one of the first symptoms, which can begin in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s. Research indicates that as many as 60% of women over 40 experience insomnia.

Other symptoms may encompass mood swings, with women often feeling persistent anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.

In addition, symptoms may include cognitive issues like brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, gender dyscomfort, and pain.

Despite this, many women delay seeking medical attention due to feelings of embarrassment or a desire not to “make a fuss.” While it’s crucial to obtain medical guidance, there are currently no specific menopause tests for women over 45.

This underscores the importance of tracking and documenting symptoms to share with healthcare providers, aiding in the determination of the best treatment options.

For instance, there is substantial evidence supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in accordance with the guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.

HRT has also been shown to assist some women in achieving better sleep and can sometimes ease negative cognitive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help manage blood flow issues, stabilizing mood and sleep patterns.

It is now considered outdated to use medications like clonidine and antidepressants as first-line treatments.

Other studies suggest that HRT can also be beneficial in maintaining bone mineral density and reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.

HRT encompasses various types of medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen, and testosterone, which can be administered through patches or gels.

The appropriate type and dosage of HRT depend on the specific condition being treated, individual risk factors, and personal preferences. There is no strict age cut-off for starting HRT; rather, it should be guided by the benefits outweighing perceived risks.

Read more:

New Research

Women undergoing HRT may also benefit from a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that initiating estrogens as part of HRT early in the perimenopausal phase could further lower the risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Notably, the cardiovascular disease prevention benefits are most pronounced among women who commence HRT in their 50s, compared to those who start after 60.

However, HRT is not recommended solely for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia due to known risks associated with certain HRT treatments, including the possibility of uterine cancer when estrogen-only HRT is used without protective progestogens, which does not elevate blood clot risks.

Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library

The primary concern remains breast cancer prevalence, a complex issue influenced by varying risks outlined in clinical trial data, individual and family history, as well as lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity.

This directly impacts the clinical relevance of the data for individual patients.

Current evidence suggests that estrogen-only HRTs have little to no association with increased breast cancer risk, while combined HRTs may correlate with an increased risk of 3-4 additional cases per 1,000 women.

Alternative Treatments

Topical local estrogen HRT has proven highly effective in managing and preventing significant vulvar and vaginal pain and dryness, as well as recurrent urinary tract infections.

Moreover, testosterone treatments alongside estrogens may assist women experiencing low sexual desire.

Nonetheless, HRT cannot serve as a one-size-fits-all solution. A review of current clinical trials reveals no significant enhancements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, strength, or psychological health among women undergoing treatment.

Additionally, many women may prefer to avoid HRT, particularly those with a history of breast cancer.

Previously, alternative treatments were sparse, primarily revolving around antidepressants and clonidine, both of which have demonstrated limited effectiveness and notable side effects. However, a new non-hormonal medication, Fezolinetant, has recently been approved to manage blood flow issues.

Natural Relief

In addition to medication, lifestyle and behavioral modifications—such as sleep, physical activity, and nutrition—carry no associated risks and can yield significant benefits.

Improving sleep is often an excellent starting point, as restorative sleep makes it easier to enhance activity levels and diet.

Establishing good sleep hygiene, avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and practicing CBT have been shown effective in addressing insomnia and other sleep disorders affecting women in the menopause transition.

Elevating physical activity levels can also be tremendously beneficial. Engaging in strength training exercises helps build and maintain muscle and bone density, aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis, while promoting flexibility and reducing insulin resistance.

Aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling can further enhance heart and brain health. At any stage in life, adhering to a balanced diet rich in fresh foods while limiting ultra-processed products is advantageous.

Although menopause can be challenging, a range of effective interventions can ease this transitional period.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com