Menopause Surgery

August 30, 2008 at 7:54 pm · Filed under Menopause Treatment ·Tagged ,

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Surgery is not a treatment for menopause, but conditions requiring surgery become more common at the time of menopause.

Menopause Surgery Choices

Procedures that may be used to diagnose or treat problems, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, that occur during or after menopause include:

* Dilation and curettage (D&C).

* Endometrial ablation.

* Endometrial biopsy.

* Hysteroscopy.

* Hysterectomy.

What to Think About When Deciding Menopause Surgery

Bothersome symptoms and abnormal bleeding often stop naturally after menopause is completed. If menopause is nearing completion, watchful waiting may be the best approach when uterine fibroids or endometriosis is present.

Some women may prefer the risks of surgery to the burden and inconvenience of their symptoms.

Surgery may be the most appropriate treatment for cancers of the reproductive organs.

Indications for Surgery During Menopause

Surgery to treat or prevent problems during menopause may be considered when:

* Vaginal bleeding is severe and interferes with your daily activities.

* Abnormal vaginal bleeding does not respond to other treatments and anemia develops because of blood loss.

* Other problems are found or suspected, including:

a) Endometrial hyperplasia.

b) Uterine fibroids.

c) Endometriosis.

d) Uterine prolapse.

e) Gynecological cancers, such as cancer of the cervix, the ovary, or the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer).

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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Side Effects

August 20, 2008 at 7:52 pm · Filed under Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , , , ,

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Side effects that can occur with all forms of estrogen but are more frequent with oral estrogen include:

* Headaches.

* Nausea.

* Vaginal discharge.

* Fluid retention.

* Weight gain.

* Breast tenderness.

* Spotting or darkening of the skin, particularly on the face.

* Deep venous thrombosis.

* Pulmonary emboli.

* Rarely, an increased growth of preexisting uterine fibroids or a worsening of endometriosis.

Some of these side effects, such as headaches, nausea, fluid retention, weight gain, and breast tenderness, may go away after a few weeks of use. The estrogen patch (trans-dermal estrogen) may cause skin irritation.

An estrogen ring must be replaced every 3 months. If the ring falls out at any time during the 3-month treatment period, you may rinse it with lukewarm water and reinsert it.

Vaginal cream may be used by women with liver or gallbladder disease.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What to Think About

Recent studies are recommending that hormone replacement therapy using estrogen and progestin (HRT) be used only for short-term treatment of menopausal symptoms. Studies involving women taking estrogen without progestin (ERT) are still in progress.

While ERT alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer, estrogen taken in combination with progestin (HRT) does not increase the risk. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not have an increased risk of uterine cancer.

A woman who has a uterus and is unable to tolerate the side effects of progestin in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may consider estrogen-only replacement therapy (ERT) if testing shows no abnormalities of the endometrium. Close observation for precancerous changes of the endometrium is required, including an annual pelvic exam and an annual endometrial biopsy.

No studies have compared different types estrogens to see whether there is a difference in their effects. Some women prefer estrogens that do not come from animal products.

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Menopause and Woman’s Biological Clock, What Time is It?

August 10, 2008 at 7:49 pm · Filed under Menopause FAQs ·Tagged , ,

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Ultrasound may tell how much time’s left on biological clock

The number of eggs left in a woman’s ovaries is like the grains of sand in an hourglass, ticking away the hours on her biological clock.

Researchers now say they may be able to predict when that clock will wind down.

And while doctors can’t actually count the number of eggs in an ovary, they can measure ovarian volume. British researchers say there’s a direct correlation between the two, and by measuring ovarian volume with trans-vaginal ultrasound, doctors should be able to predict when menopause will set in and how many fertile years a woman has left.

According to the study authors, this information will revolutionize the care of women looking for assisted reproductive technologies, including those who were treated for childhood cancers as well as women who want to put off starting a family for whatever reason.

Although information still needs to be validated in clinical studies, its benefit is most likely to start with women who are being treated for cancer and women attending fertility clinics, said Tom Kelsey, co-author of the study appearing June 17 in the journal Human Reproduction. Read the rest of this entry »

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How to Talk to Your Doctor about Menopause?

July 30, 2008 at 3:10 pm · Filed under Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , ,

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doctor menopauseWhen you talk to your doctor, ask what your options are to relieve symptoms and what you can expect. Ask about side effects and alternatives to these treatments. Knowing what your options are and what to expect will help you make an informed decision about your health.

Here are some tips for talking with your doctor:

* Make a list of concerns and questions to take to your visit with your doctor. While you’re waiting to be seen, use the time to review your list and organize your thoughts. You can share the list with your doctor.

* Describe your symptoms clearly and briefly. Say when they started, how they make you feel, what triggers them, and what you’ve done to relieve them.

* Tell your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you’re taking. Be honest about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and sexual history withholding information can be harmful! Describe allergies to drugs, foods, or other things. Don’t forget to mention if you are being treated by other doctors.

* Don’t feel embarrassed about discussing sensitive topics. Chances are, your doctor has heard it before! Don’t leave something out because you’re worried about taking up too much time. Be sure to have all of your concerns addressed before you leave.

* If your doctor orders tests, be sure to ask how to find out about results and how long it takes to get them. Get instructions for what you need to do to get ready for the test(s) and find out about any dangers or side effects with the test(s).

* When you are given medicine and other treatments, ask your doctor about them. Talk about the latest studies and recommendations for treating menopausal symptoms. Ask how long treatment will last, if it has any side effects, how much it will cost, and if it is covered by insurance. Make sure you understand how to take your medicine; what to do if you miss a dose; if there are any foods, drugs or activities you should avoid when taking the medicine; and if there is a generic brand available at a lower price (you can also ask your pharmacist about this).

* Understand everything before you leave your visit. If you don’t understand something, ask to have it explained again.

* Bring a family member or trusted friend with you to your visit. That person can take notes, offer moral support, and help you remember what was discussed. You can also have that person ask questions as well. Read the rest of this entry »

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Talking to Your Doctor about Menopause Symptoms

July 20, 2008 at 3:07 pm · Filed under Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , ,

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Some women say their doctors treat menopause like a disease. It’s important for you to remember that menopause is not a disease. However, you may have some symptoms that are difficult to cope with. There are ways to make this time in your life easier.

Learn About Your Options to Deal with Menopausal Symptoms

You have probably heard about different ways women relieve menopausal symptoms. We know that hormone therapy (HT) for menopause relieves symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, using HT may increase your chances of getting breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. There are other products, such as soy, ginseng, black cohosh, and flax seed, which women use to relieve symptoms. But are they safe?

Unfortunately, we don’t yet know if they’re safe and effective. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting research to find out.

In the meantime, before you take HT or any herbs or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor. Also, keep in mind these points about herbal therapies:

* Herbs are NOT necessarily safer than medicine prescribed by your health care provider.

* Herbs can cause side effects.

* Herbs can interact with other medicines you’re taking.

If you’ve already started using herbal therapies, tell your doctor. It’s important to get his or her advice.

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What Increases Your Risk of Menopause?

July 10, 2008 at 3:03 pm · Filed under Menopause FAQs ·Tagged ,

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Menopause is likely to occur naturally after age 45. However, menopause will occur at any age following the removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy). Radiation therapy or other treatment that damages the ovaries so that they no longer function will also cause early menopause.

Other factors that increase the risk of early menopause (before age 45) include:

* Heavy smoking.

* Radiation therapy to or removal of the pituitary gland.

* Chemotherapy.

* Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.

* Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-As).

* Genetic and autoimmune diseases.

* Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

ill be to manage any menopause-related problems that might come your way.

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Perimenopause Symptoms FAQ (Part 2)

June 30, 2008 at 3:01 pm · Filed under Perimenopause ·Tagged , ,

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I am feeling so emotional lately. Is this from the changes in my hormones?

Your mood changes could be caused by a lot of factors. Some researchers believe that the decrease in estrogen triggers changes in your brain causing depression. Others think that if you’re depressed, irritable, and anxious, it’s influenced by other symptoms you’re having, such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue-not hormonal changes. Or, it could be a combination of hormone changes and symptoms. Other things that could cause depression and/or anxiety include:

* Having depression during your lifetime

* Feeling negative about menopause and getting older

* Increased stress

* Having severe menopause symptoms

* Smoking

* Not being physically active

* Not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship

* Not having a job

* Not having enough money

* Low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself)

* Not having the social support you need

* Regretful that you can’t have children anymore Read the rest of this entry »

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Perimenopause Symptoms FAQ (Part 1)

June 20, 2008 at 2:58 pm · Filed under Perimenopause ·Tagged , ,

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What is perimenopause?

It is the time leading up to menopause (when you have not had your period for twelve months). During perimenopause, your body starts making less of certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability to become pregnant.

How long does perimenopause last?

It varies. Women normally go through menopause between ages 45 and 55. Many women experience menopause around age 51. However, perimenopause can start as early as age 35. It can last just a few months or a few years. There is no way to tell in advance how long it will last OR how long it will take you to go through it. Read the rest of this entry »

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Worst Menopause Symptoms May Start in Brain

June 10, 2008 at 2:53 pm · Filed under Menopause Symptom ·Tagged ,

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Study challenges old notion that menopause starts in the ovaries. Some of the most unpleasant symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, have long been believed to originate in the ovaries.

But new research challenges that assumption, and instead suggests that menopausal symptoms, at least in part, may begin in the brain.

That’s because the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland stop reacting normally to estrogen in some women, suggesting they may have developed a reduced sensitivity to estrogen, researchers at the New Jersey Medical School report in the Dec. 22/29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“This is an important new concept: Menopause doesn’t just originate in the ovary, but also in the brain,” said Laura Goldsmith, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and women’s health at the New Jersey Medical School of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Study Finds Menopause Symptoms Can Be Predicted

June 5, 2008 at 2:50 pm · Filed under Menopause Symptom ·Tagged ,

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The number of eggs left in a woman’s ovaries are like the grains of sand in an hourglass, ticking away the hours on her biological clock.

Researchers now say they may be able to predict when that clock will wind down.

And while doctors can’t actually count the number of eggs in an ovary, they can measure ovarian volume. British researchers say there’s a direct correlation between the two, and by measuring ovarian volume with transvaginal ultrasound, doctors should be able to predict when menopause will set in and how many fertile years a woman has left.
According to the study authors, this information will revolutionize the care of women looking for assisted reproductive technologies, including those who were treated for childhood cancers as well as women who want to put off starting a family for whatever reason.

Although information still needs to be validated in clinical studies, its benefit is most likely to start with women who are being treated for cancer and women attending fertility clinics, said Tom Kelsey, co-author of the study appearing June 17 in the journal Human Reproduction.
Read the rest of this entry »

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