|
|
||||
 | ||||
|
 |
MenopauseDefinitionMenopause is the time when the menstrual period ceases and the ovaries permanently stop releasing eggs. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for a full year. Although menopause can occur anytime between ages 40 to 58, the average age is 51 years old. CausesNatural menopause is a gradual process. The ovaries begin producing lower amounts of estrogen and other steroid hormones prior to menopause during a phase called perimenopause. When menopause occurs before the age of 40 it is called premature menopause. Premature menopause can occur naturally but may also be the result of several conditions, including:
Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. As menopause is a natural process associated with aging, there are no risk factors. Risk factors for premature menopause include:
SymptomsAs menopause approaches, women often experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms including:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may perform blood tests, a pelvic exam, and a Pap smear. Natural menopause is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Some women have had a hysterectomy before menopause, and they no longer have periods. For these women, if menopause is suspected but needs confirmation, the test considered most accurate for the diagnosis of menopause is the measurement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) . High levels of FSH (greater than 40) may indicate menopause. TreatmentMenopause is a natural part of life and does not necessarily require treatment. Symptoms and health risks associated with low estrogen can be treated. These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis (loss of bone mass).
Osteoporosis in Hip © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)A number of different types of hormones are available. They include:
HRT is available as tablets, gels, skin patches, vaginal rings, vaginal tablets, injections, and pellets inserted into the skin. There are a number of possible risks associated with HRT . Some of these include cancer ( endometrial , breast , ovarian ), heart disease, gallstones , and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PhytoestrogensA high intake of phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) may help menopausal women. They may reduce the risk for diseases associated with estrogen. Phytoestrogens are found in soybeans, black cohosh , rhubarb extract (a supplement), whole grains, legumes, tempeh, and flax seed. They are also found in concentration in capsule form. Healthful DietA healthful diet during menopause can improve a woman's sense of well-being. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The diet should be low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium , and vitamin D . Limit Caffeine and AlcoholCutting back on caffeine and alcohol may reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and loss of calcium. Quit SmokingGiving up smoking can reduce the risk of early menopause, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Regular ExerciseRegular exercise may reduce hot flashes. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, and resistance exercises such as lifting weights help strengthen bones and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Stress ManagementStress management may help ease tension, anxiety, and possibly other menopausal symptoms. Deep breathing, massage , warm baths, and quiet music are examples of relaxation techniques. Over-the-Counter ProductsMoisturizers and lubricants are used to help vaginal dryness. Nonhormonal Medications for Hot Flashes
PreventionMenopause is a natural biologic event that does not need to be prevented. Quitting smoking could slightly delay the onset of menopause. RESOURCES: Healthy Women.org The
North American Menopause Society CANADIAN RESOURCES: Health Canada Women's Health Matters References: Menopause. Planned Parenthood Federation of America website. Available at: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/womens-health/menopause-4807.htm . Accessed July 20, 2009. North American Menopause Society website. Available at: http://www.menopause.org . Accessed July 20, 2009. 9/30/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Jacobson BC, Moy B, Colditz GA, Fuchs CS. Postmenopausal hormone use and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168:1798-1804. 1/30/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Kaszkin-Bettag M, Ventskovskiy BM, Solskyy S, et al. Confirmation of the efficacy of ERr 731 in perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms. Altern Ther Health Med. 2009;15:24-34. 1/30/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Borrelli F, Ernst E. Black cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa ): a systematic review of adverse events. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199:455-466. 4/14/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Archer DF, Dupont CM, Constantine GD, Pickar JH, Olivier S; Study 319 Investigators. Desvenlafaxine for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of efficacy and safety. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;200:238.e1-238.e10. Epub 2009 Jan 24. Last reviewed September 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2009 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
|
||
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
