Menopausal hot flashes worse for heavier women

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Contrary to expectations, the higher a woman's percentage of body fat at menopause, the more likely she is to experience symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, a new study shows.

Such so-called "vasomotor symptoms" had previously been thought to be less common in heavier women at menopause, because body fat can convert male hormones into estrogen, Dr. Rebecca C. Thurston of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and colleagues note. Fatter women would therefore have a reserve source of estrogen that could shield them from these symptoms.

However, there is mounting evidence that heavier women may actually experience more vasomotor symptoms with menopause, the researchers add in their report in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

To better understand the relationship between body fat and menopausal symptoms, Thurston and her team looked at 1,776 women going through menopause. Fifty-nine percent reported having vasomotor symptoms.
As body fat increased, the researchers found, so did the likelihood that a woman would have hot flashes and night sweats.

The findings contradict the hypothesis that being fatter protects women from vasomotor symptoms, they write. Instead, they suggest, it's possible that excess fat makes it more difficult for the body to dissipate heat.

Based on the findings, Thurston and her colleagues add, weight loss -- especially loss of fat -- may help women going through menopause to reduce hot flashes and night sweats.

SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, January 1, 2008.

Mammograms Cause Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among American women between the ages of 44 and 55. Dr. Gofinan, in his book, Preventing Breast Cancer, cites this startling statistic along with an in-depth look at mammographic screening, an early-detection practice that agencies like the American Cancer Society recommend to women of all age groups. According to most health experts, catching a tumor in its early stages increases a woman's chances of survival by at least 17 percent.

Read more here

Femarelle treats osteoporosis with hormones

Femarelle is a drug used to prevent osteoporosis during menopause and has been proven in clinical studies to exert stimulatory activity on the estrogen receptors that control menopausal symptoms and the process of bone buildup, while having a blocking effect on estrogen receptors in the breast and the uterus.

There are issues of blood clotting with hormone replacement therapy, so read this information carefully.

Menopause and Lowered Lung Function

The Journal of Immunology and Clinical Immunology released interesting data about menopause women and lung function. Here's a sample:

-Women who had stopped menstruating had significantly lower lung function and more respiratory symptoms than women of the same age who were menstruating regularly.
-Lean women (BMIs of less than 23 kg/m squared) showed a greater risk for lung problems.

The speculation is that lower lung function in menopausal women could be explained by increased insulin resistance in menopause.

Check out the study here and visit the website link provided for more details.

Does soy reduce hot flashes?

A new study shows soy being helpful in reducing hot flashes. For me, the jury is still out because I get mixed reviews from women. For some, soy is a life-saver. For others, it makes them gain weight and doesn't reduce flushing. If you want soy supplements, check this page.

Check out the statistics on this study which also provides a link to studies.

Surgical Menpoause

Many women have told me the same story of being thrown into hormone hell immediately after having a hysterectomy. It's not just uncomfortable, it can be intense and in most cases significantly impacts your quality of life.

Feelings of anxiety and depression prevail and most of the women reported wondering about where the changes were coming from and not having an idea that their hormones might be responsible. Read this women's story to get an idea of the impact it can have.

If you've had a hysterectomy, check out this article on Surgical Menopause

Women With Heart Disease Get Poorer Treatment Than Men

 

Women With Heart Disease Get Poorer Treatment Than Men
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Isoflavone Myths

 

Isoflavone Myths
WHOI - Peoria,IL,USA
Women experience a faster rate of bone loss in the first few years after menopause. Those who failed to build enough bone between childhood and early ...

Mr Journey to Prevent Ovarian Cancer

 

14 Days and Counting: My Journey to Prevent Ovarian Cancer
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USA
So far, surgical menopause is just something I was anticipating and fearing - but haven't had to deal with -- and maybe never will. ...

About Endometriosis

 

About endometriosis
Malaysia Star - Malaysia
Endometriosis is found almost exclusively in the reproductive age group, that is, sometime after the first period and before menopause. ...

Incontinent-Troubled Waters

 

Incontinence: Troubled waters
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As menopause approaches, hormonal changes can further weaken the area. It's a shame that more women don't seek help, because there are treatments out there. ...

Osteoporosis link to depression?

 

Osteoporosis 'link to depression'
BBC News - UK
After bone mass reaches its peak in youth, bone-thinning continues throughout life, accelerating after menopause. Hip bones are among the most vulnerable to ...

Progesterone’s Effects on Alzheimer’s Disease

Does progesterone protect against Alzheimer’s disease?
Previous research shows estrogen gives women some protection against Alzheimer’s. Researchers from the University of Southern California wanted to find out if progesterone could do the same.

Click here for the story

Altered Sex Hormone Levels, Higher Body Temp Affects Sleep Quality In Postmenopausal Women

In an examination of potential relationships between objective sleep measures, nocturnal sex hormone levels, and the nocturnal course of body temperature of older postmenopausal women, a new study finds that altered levels of both sex hormones and gonadotropins may contribute to sleep disturbance in older postmenopausal women and confirm the results of previous studies indicating that higher body temperature is associated with poorer sleep quality.

Click here for story

Why am I so Dry?

When a woman is sexually stimulated, her body produces natural lubricants that make sex more comfortable. But if this doesn't work as well as it should, sex can turn from an enjoyable experience to one of pain and discomfort.
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Women get to the root of hair loss

Unlike the receding hair line creeping over a man's scalp, hair loss sneaks up on a woman. Maybe she sees a few more hairs in her favorite brush. Her ponytail feels skinnier. Her part widens. Eventually she notices she can see her scalp peeking through in a photograph.

Click here for story