Hormone replacement therapy, natural treatments and more about menopause
6. What about HRT? Is it safe for anyone?
Since 2002, several studies linking HRT to higher rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke caused women to abandon HRT at record speed.
While 16 million HRT prescriptions were written in the U.S. in 2001, those numbers sank to six million in 2006, as new research linked HRT to increased rates of breast and uterine cancer, stroke and, possibly, heart disease (research on heart risks is inconclusive).
Drug companies and independent researchers continue to reanalyze the risks and benefits, but the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada now recommends that HRT should be prescribed only for a short time, and only for women with moderate to severe symptoms.
7. So what's severe enough to merit HRT?
If you wake up four times a night and stumble through work the next day, and this goes on for months, then, “it's important to get some relief, so you can function,” says Sherwin.
Ross describes patients who are “melting away on the floor in front of me from the hot flashes,” but who are frightened by the negative findings on HRT. “Those who say ‘no hormones' are really desperate to find out what else they can use. They say ‘I can't sleep. I can't concentrate. What can I do?'”
The truth is that HRT is still the most effective way to reduce hot flashes, which will result in more sleep, less fatigue and a sunnier disposition. A low dose, for a short time (one to five years), works for women who really need relief, and who have no other medical conditions or history that would advise against HRT.
8. What about herbal remedies, special diets and other “natural” alternatives?
In the FMWC study, a whopping 97 per cent of doctors and 69 per cent of patients wanted proven nonhormonal therapies. Millions of women are eager for new, nonhormonal ways to ease menopausal symptoms, and drug and natural supplement companies are eager to accommodate them.
Meanwhile, Ross reports that most of her patients “have been to the health food store before they come to me. Some tell me black cohosh or evening primrose was helpful. Others say they've tried everything, and nothing did anything. Basically, there is no evidence that any [nonprescription alternatives] help, and we're not sure how safe they are.”
A quick Internet search will turn up a bewildering variety of alleged menopause remedies described as natural, herbal, complementary and/or alternative, as well as so-called “bio-identical hormones,” and phytoestrogens and isoflavones (based on plant estrogens mostly from soy). But buyer, beware: Dosages are inconsistent; few randomized, scientific studies have been done on efficacy and long-term safety, and they can have serious side-effects when taken in large amounts or interact with prescription drugs.
“Don't waste your money” is the blunt recommendation from Sherwin, who points out that, despite repeated studies, “none of the ‘natural' alternatives have ever done better than placebo.”
9. Will menopause make my sex life suffer?
Some women worry about lower libido, but an equal number feel sexier after menopause. Not having to worry about periods, pregnancy and birth control can be a huge relief.
Reduced libido and vaginal dryness are also part of normal aging. Special vaginal creams can help add temporary lubrication. Ask a pharmacist about the nonprescription creams. For more severe vaginal dryness, hormone-based prescription topical creams, tablets or vaginal rings may be helpful.
10. What does help?
The diet secrets for an easier menopause are easy to find in Canada's Food Guide: drink alcohol moderately, and choose more plant-based, lower-fat foods that are high in fibre. If you eat few milk products, consider calcium and vitamin D supplements. Do weight-bearing exercises and go for walks to improve bone health. (Exercising outside will give your mental health a lift, too.)
When the hot flashes hit, go for low-tech solutions: dress in layers, use a fan and reach for a cold drink. To fight off age-related weight gain, eat moderately throughout the day (don't skip meals -- you'll feel tired and moody) and exercise more (at least half an hour every day).
Aim for a stress-free change with Zen menopause: the calm, cool change.
How do you deal with your menopause symptoms? Share your experiences by clicking on the microphone icon and posting your feedback.
Since 2002, several studies linking HRT to higher rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke caused women to abandon HRT at record speed.
While 16 million HRT prescriptions were written in the U.S. in 2001, those numbers sank to six million in 2006, as new research linked HRT to increased rates of breast and uterine cancer, stroke and, possibly, heart disease (research on heart risks is inconclusive).
Drug companies and independent researchers continue to reanalyze the risks and benefits, but the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada now recommends that HRT should be prescribed only for a short time, and only for women with moderate to severe symptoms.
7. So what's severe enough to merit HRT?
If you wake up four times a night and stumble through work the next day, and this goes on for months, then, “it's important to get some relief, so you can function,” says Sherwin.
Ross describes patients who are “melting away on the floor in front of me from the hot flashes,” but who are frightened by the negative findings on HRT. “Those who say ‘no hormones' are really desperate to find out what else they can use. They say ‘I can't sleep. I can't concentrate. What can I do?'”
The truth is that HRT is still the most effective way to reduce hot flashes, which will result in more sleep, less fatigue and a sunnier disposition. A low dose, for a short time (one to five years), works for women who really need relief, and who have no other medical conditions or history that would advise against HRT.
8. What about herbal remedies, special diets and other “natural” alternatives?
In the FMWC study, a whopping 97 per cent of doctors and 69 per cent of patients wanted proven nonhormonal therapies. Millions of women are eager for new, nonhormonal ways to ease menopausal symptoms, and drug and natural supplement companies are eager to accommodate them.
Meanwhile, Ross reports that most of her patients “have been to the health food store before they come to me. Some tell me black cohosh or evening primrose was helpful. Others say they've tried everything, and nothing did anything. Basically, there is no evidence that any [nonprescription alternatives] help, and we're not sure how safe they are.”
A quick Internet search will turn up a bewildering variety of alleged menopause remedies described as natural, herbal, complementary and/or alternative, as well as so-called “bio-identical hormones,” and phytoestrogens and isoflavones (based on plant estrogens mostly from soy). But buyer, beware: Dosages are inconsistent; few randomized, scientific studies have been done on efficacy and long-term safety, and they can have serious side-effects when taken in large amounts or interact with prescription drugs.
“Don't waste your money” is the blunt recommendation from Sherwin, who points out that, despite repeated studies, “none of the ‘natural' alternatives have ever done better than placebo.”
9. Will menopause make my sex life suffer?
Some women worry about lower libido, but an equal number feel sexier after menopause. Not having to worry about periods, pregnancy and birth control can be a huge relief.
Reduced libido and vaginal dryness are also part of normal aging. Special vaginal creams can help add temporary lubrication. Ask a pharmacist about the nonprescription creams. For more severe vaginal dryness, hormone-based prescription topical creams, tablets or vaginal rings may be helpful.
10. What does help?
The diet secrets for an easier menopause are easy to find in Canada's Food Guide: drink alcohol moderately, and choose more plant-based, lower-fat foods that are high in fibre. If you eat few milk products, consider calcium and vitamin D supplements. Do weight-bearing exercises and go for walks to improve bone health. (Exercising outside will give your mental health a lift, too.)
When the hot flashes hit, go for low-tech solutions: dress in layers, use a fan and reach for a cold drink. To fight off age-related weight gain, eat moderately throughout the day (don't skip meals -- you'll feel tired and moody) and exercise more (at least half an hour every day).
Aim for a stress-free change with Zen menopause: the calm, cool change.
How do you deal with your menopause symptoms? Share your experiences by clicking on the microphone icon and posting your feedback.
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cheryl wrote:
2009-09-22 10:50 AM
Lorraine Ward wrote:
2009-11-18 2:59 PM
Dini Petty wrote:
2009-11-18 2:59 PM
FEMI wrote:
2009-11-18 2:59 PM