Archive for Menopause Treatment

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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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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Menopause and Hormone Therapy

May 19, 2008 at 5:00 pm · Filed under Menopause Treatment ·Tagged

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hormone therapy for menopauseAs you age, significant internal changes take place that affect your production of the two female hormones – estrogen and progesterone. The hormones, which are important in regulating the menstrual cycle and having a successful pregnancy, are produced by the ovaries, two small oval-shaped organs found on either side of the uterus.

During the years just before menopause, known as perimenopause, your ovaries begin to shrink. Levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate as your ovaries try to keep up hormone production. You can have irregular menstrual cycles, along with unpredictable episodes of heavy bleeding during a period Perimenopause usually lasts several years.

Eventually, your periods stop. Menopause marks the time of your last menstrual period. It is not considered the last until you have been period-free for 1 year without being ill, pregnant, breast-feeding, or using certain medicines, all of which also can cause menstrual cycles to cease. There should be no bleeding, even spotting, during that year. Natural menopause usually happens sometime between the ages of 45 and 54.

You also can undergo menopause as the result of surgery. A surgical procedure, called a hysterectomy, removes the uterus. This surgery puts an end to your menstrual cycle but does not affect menopause, which still occurs naturally.

You go through menopause immediately if both of your ovaries are also removed at surgery. Whether you go through menopause naturally or surgically, symptoms can result as your body adjusts to the drop in estrogen levels. These symptoms vary greatly – one woman may go through menopause with few symptoms, while another has difficulty. Symptoms may last for several months or years, or persist.

The most common symptoms are hot flashes or flushes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. (a hot flash is a feeling of heat in your face and over the surface of your body, which may cause the skin to appear flushed or red as blood vessels expand. It can be followed by sweating and shivering. Hot flashes that occur during sleep are called night sweats.) But the drop in estrogen also can contribute to changes in the vaginal and urinary tracts, which can cause painful intercourse and urinary infections.

To relieve the symptoms of menopause, doctors may prescribe hormone therapy. This can involve the use of either estrogen alone or with another hormone called progesterone, or progestin in its synthetic form. The two hormones normally help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. Progestin is added to estrogen to prevent the overgrowth (or hyperplasia) of cells in the lining of the uterus. This overgrowth can lead to uterine cancer. If you haven’t had a hysterectomy, you’ll receive estrogen plus progesterone or a progestin; if you have had a hysterectomy, you’ll receive only estrogen. Hormones may be taken daily (continuous use) or on only certain days of the month (cyclic use).

They also can be taken in several ways, including orally, through a patch on the skin, as a cream or gel, or with an IUD (intrauterine device) or vaginal ring. How the therapy is taken can depend on its purpose. For instance, a vaginal estrogen ring or cream can ease vaginal dryness, urinary leakage, or vaginal or urinary infections, but does not relieve hot flashes.

Hormone therapy may cause side effects, such as bleeding, bloating, breast tenderness or enlargement, headaches, mood changes, and nausea. Further, side effects vary by how the hormone is taken. For instance, a patch may cause irritation at the site where it’s applied.

There also are non-hormonal approaches to easing the symptoms of menopause.

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Menopause and Alternative Menopause Treatments

May 16, 2008 at 10:14 am · Filed under Menopause Treatment, Nutrition ·Tagged ,

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menopauseAlthough menopause cannot be avoided, it can be postponed for as long as 10 to 15 years and it can be made a smooth affair when it comes, with a proper nutritional programme, special supplements and the right mental attitude.

When a woman is affected by the menopausal change to any marked extent, it is a sure sign that her body is in a toxic condition and in need of a thorough cleansing. For this purpose, she should undergo a course of natural health building treatment.

Diet is of utmost importance in such a scheme of treatment. In fact the problems at menopause are often much more severe than that at puberty largely because the diet has been deficient for many years prior to its onset, in many nutrients such as protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamins D, E and pantothenic acid.

The diet should be made up from three basic food groups, namely:
(i) seeds, nuts and grains
(ii) vegetables and
(iii) fruits.

The emphasis should be on vitamin E-rich raw and sprouted seeds and nuts, unpasteurised high quality milk and home-made cottage cheese and an abundance of raw, organically grown fruits and vegetables. Plenty of freshly made juices of fruits and vegetables in esason should also be included in this diet.

All processed, refined and denatured foods, such as white sugar, white flour and all articles made with them, should be completely eliminated. Take special suppliements such as vitamins C, B6 and pantothenic acid, which have a specific property of stimulating the body’s own production of estrogen or enhancing the effect of the existing estrogen.
During menopause, the lack of ovarian hormones can result in a severe calcium deficiency. For this reason, a larger than usual intake of calcium may help greatly. Vitamins D and F are also essential for assimilation of calcium. Any woman having difficulty at this time should supplement her daily diet with 1000 units of natural vitamin D, 5000 miligrams of magnesium and 2 grams of calcium daily, which can be supplied by one quart of milk.
During the menopause, the need for vitamin E soars 10 to 50 times over that previously required. Hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause often disappear when 50 to 100 units of vitamin E are taken daily. The symptoms recur quickly if the vitamin is discontinued.

Of late, it has become popular to take estrogen to prevent or postpone menopausal symptoms. Although hormone therapy is apparently successful and will, in many cases, help the patient to feel and act younger, it cannot be recommended in all cases because of its carcinogennic effect. If, however, estrogen therapy is undertaken, it should never be administered at the same time as vitamin E therapy. Ingestion of estrogen and vitamin E should be sepsrated by several hours. Beet juice has been found very useful in menopausal disorders. It should be taken in small quantities of 60 to 90 ml at a time thrice a day. It has proved much more permanently helpful than the degenerative effects of drugs or synthetic hormones.

Carrot seeds have also been found valuable in menopausal tension. A teaspoonful of the seeds should be boiled in a glassful of cow’s milk for about 10 minutes and taken daily as a medicine in this condition.

Plenty of outdoor exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, horse-riding or cycling, is imperative to postpone menopause. Other helpful measures in this direction are avoiding mental and emotional stress and worries, especially worry about growing old, sufficient sleep and relaxation and following all general rules of maintaining a high level of health. The healthier a woman is, the fewer menopausal symptoms she will experience.

The menopause can be made a pleasant affair by building bodily health and a sane mental outlook. From puberty to menopause, a woman has been somewhat of a slave to her female glands. At specified intervals she was inconvenienced by her menstural preiods. She bore children, enduring the pain and discomfort of pregnancy. Menopause relieves her of this bondage to her femininity. she can now experience some of the happiest days of a woman’s life. A whole new life is given to her, if she is wise enough to prepare for it and accept it as such.

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Menopausal Problems?

May 15, 2008 at 10:05 am · Filed under Menopause FAQs, Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , ,

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menopauseThe menopause or a woman’s change of life is a perfectly normal event which occurs in the mid or late forties. It signifies the end of the female reproductive period of life which commenced at adolescence in the early teens.

There are several mis-conceptions about menopause. Many women at this time feel that they are growing old and that they are well past their full physical vigour. Other women feel that the menopause brings a cessation of sexual pleasure. These apprehensions are far from true. Menopause may be considered an end to women’s fertility but certainly not to her virility. It does not decrease a woman’s physical capacity or sexual vigour or enjoyment.

Some of the Menopause Symptoms
During the menopause, the entire chain of endocrine glands is disturbed, particularly the gonads, thyroid and pituitary. In a really healthy woman, the menopausal change takes place without any unpleasant symptoms. The only sign that the “change” taking place is the essation of menstrual flow. There are, however, many women who do not enjoy good health due to dietetic errors and a faulty style of living. In these cases, the menopausal change often leads to all kinds of distressing physical, emotional and nervous symptoms and manifestations. Hot flashes, night sweats, nervous tension, menstrual disturbances, insomnia, diminished interest in sex, irritability and depression are the typical symptoms of menopause. Other symptoms are chilly feelings, fatigue, palpitation, dizziness, headaches and numbness. Not every women will get these severe reactions. The severity or otherwise of the symptoms depend on a variety of factors such as general health, previous surgery and radiation. Menopause and its problems are usually over when menstruation stops.

The Causes of Menopause
The annoying symptoms associated with menopause arise from the fact that the ovaries are no longer producing their normal amount of estrogen, the dominant female hormone. Anything which interferes with the normal functioning of the ovaries may also bring about these symptoms. The same strange feelings may occur if the ovaries are removed by surgery because of disease. This can also result from heavy X-ray therapy or the use of radiation.

A lack of noraml hormone balance may also result in a severe backache. This is caused by thinning of the bones arising from the low level of estrogen in the bloodstream. Unless properly treated, this may eventually lead ot a collapse of one or more of the vertebrae.

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Various Forms Of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

May 14, 2008 at 4:33 pm · Filed under Menopause Glossary, Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , ,

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hormone replacement therapy

1. Tablets (Oral HRT)
Tablets are the most commonly prescribed form of HRT. Estrogen therapy is prescribed for women who have had hysterectomy. Those who have not had hysterectomy, usually take a combination of progestogen and estrogen.

2. Implants
Implants are pellets of estrogen which are inserted under the skin through a simple surgical procedure. The pellets will last for about 6 months.

3. Patches (Trans-dermal HRT)
A patch is a piece of plastic containing a reservoir of estrogen that is applied to the skin. It is replaced every three or four days. The hormones are delivered directly to the blood-stream through the skin.

4. Pessaries
Pessaries containing estrogen are delivered directly into the vagina.

5. Cream An Gels
Cream and gels containing estrogen are delivered in measured doses directly into the vagina using and applicator.

Focus On The Future
Midlife, during which time menopause usually take place, is a confluence of life events: the departure of the children, parenting parents, career moves etc. it is likely that you have attained financial stability and have more time on your hands. At this crossroad of life, it is appropriate to stop and take stock, and decide how you want to spend the rest of your life. Midlife offers you the freedom to change and focus on your future. Inject some fun and challenge into your plans. Increase outside interests, maximize your resources and fulfill your life-long dreams.

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What Happens To You During Menopause (Part 3)

May 11, 2008 at 10:47 pm · Filed under Menopause Symptom, Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , ,

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depressionMood Swings And Depression
Menopause can bring about several negative feeling simultaneously resulting in irritability, mood swings, tearfulness and depression. It is often difficult to pinpoint what it is exactly that brings about the emotional changes. Often, other major changes are occurring in connection with your home and family. Perhaps your children are leaving home and you are suffering from the ‘empty nest syndrome’. It could be that you are going through a difficult time in your marriage struggling to make things work. You may long to go back to work now that the children are grown or you are tired of being in the same job for twenty-five years. Perhaps you have negative thoughts about menopause or are troubled by the symptoms.

Symptoms of depression are characterized by feelings of worthlessness and self-reproach, lack of concentration, feelings of doom, fatigue, unusual sleeping patterns, extreme eating patterns and suicidal thoughts.

What You Can Do
* See your doctor if you have been having negative depressive feelings for at least two weeks. HRT is the mainstay of treatment for emotional symptoms.
* Share your feelings with your husband and you may find him very supportive. Otherwise share them with a close friend.
* Join a self-help group or start one yourself.
* Exercise to keep fit. The hormone, endorphin, released into your bloodstream will lift your moods.
* Practice relaxation techniques; they promote tranquility and combat tension.

Thinning Tissues
When estrogen decreases, the skin and other tissues become thin and lose their suppleness. The skin has more wrinkles and the hair becomes thinner and less manageable. Thinning of the urinary tract often leads to loss of bladder control and thinning of the vaginal wall causes dryness resulting in painful intercourse.

What You Can Do
* Moisturize the skin as you grow older and protect it from the sun.
* Keep a simple haircut that is easy to manage.
* Use water-based jelly to ease painful inter-course.
* Do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder control. It will also give you a more acute vaginal sensation, making sex more pleasurable.

If the symptoms are really bothering you, consult your doctor. HRT is often recommended for these problems. It may be in the form of tablets, skin patches or vaginal cream.

Other Symptoms
You may also experience headaches, muscle aches, slight memory loss, hair growth, a reduction in breast size and a change in body shape, in connection with estrogen loss.

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What Happens To You During Menopause (Part 2)

May 10, 2008 at 2:39 pm · Filed under Menopause Symptom, Menopause Treatment ·Tagged , ,

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Hot Flashes And Night Sweats
85 percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes. Hot flashes vary from the mild that pass quickly, to those that are most distressing and occur several times throughout the day and night.

During a hot flash, a woman perspires profusely. Her temperature rises, her heart beats faster and she may fell faint. Some women can sense a flash coming. Flashes usually lat only for a few seconds, followed by a cold feeling accompanied by shivering.

What You Can Do
* Wear loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics.
* Carry with you cologne tissues for freshening up after the flash.
* If you are driving or working with dangerous machinery, stop what you are doing when you feel a flash coming on, as you may feel faint.
* A fan might make you feel more comfortable.
* Shower before going to bed so that you will be more comfortable at night.
* Limit hot soups, heavy meals, caffeinated drinks and crowded places as they may trigger hot flashes.
* Take things easy and learn relaxation exercises.
* Exercise regularly; women who exercise tends to have fewer flashes than those who don’t.
* If the hot flashes are severe and frequent, you should see your doctor. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is usually considered.

Insomnia
It can be difficult to get to sleep if you are felling depressed or anxious (menopause aggravates underlying anxiety and depression), or if you are frequently interrupted by night sweats. It is also common to wake up early in the morning say about 2am or 3am and then toss and turn for the rest of the night.

What You Can Do
* Seek help from your doctor if you are anxious or depressed as these require specific treatment.
* Bring the night sweats under control so that you can sleep undisturbed. See your doctor about this.
* Make yourself a warm drink before going to bed ?it works wonders for some people.

continue…

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