Science and medical guidelines have evolved, leading to a more nuanced view of hormone therapy for menopause. Starting therapy before age 60 or within ten years of menopause can provide relief from symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and offer benefits for bone and heart health. However, not all women are suitable candidates, and risks vary depending on the type of estrogen used and individual health conditions. Alternatives like non-hormonal medications and lifestyle changes are also available for managing menopausal symptoms.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Ellie Advice
The article discusses menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes caused by estrogen deficiency, and emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) despite potential side effects, to improve quality of life. It also touches on supporting loved ones through health challenges and mental health issues.
A small study suggests that a low-fat vegan diet, including processed plant foods and soy, can significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, with a 92% decrease observed after 12 weeks. The research challenges the notion that only minimally processed plant foods are effective and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into the diet for menopausal symptom relief. However, it also emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Experts highlight and debunk common myths about menopause, emphasizing that symptoms and experiences vary widely and are often misunderstood, challenging stereotypes of hot flashes, hormonal chaos, and sexless partnerships.
The article discusses the reality of menopause, its symptoms, and the evolutionary mystery of why women become infertile early in life, noting that only humans and some whale species experience early menopause in the wild.
A new nonhormonal medication called Veozah has been approved to treat hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women, including those with breast cancer, offering an alternative for those who cannot use hormone therapy. While effective for some, it has potential side effects and high costs, and is still being studied for safety and efficacy. Experts are optimistic about expanding options for managing menopause symptoms.
Recent research suggests that women today are experiencing more frequent and severe hot flashes during menopause compared to previous generations, with environmental, genetic, and social factors likely contributing to this shift. Factors such as stress, medication use, and environmental changes may exacerbate symptoms, and epigenetic changes could also play a role. It's important for women to seek help if menopausal symptoms are impacting their daily lives, as severe hot flashes may indicate higher risk for heart attack or stroke.
Recent research from Sweden suggests that women today are experiencing more frequent and severe hot flashes during menopause compared to previous generations, even after adjusting for factors like smoking and BMI. Factors such as stress, medication use, and environmental changes may contribute to this trend. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation has also revealed ethnic and racial differences in menopausal experiences, with Black women experiencing longer transitions and fewer treatments for symptoms. Epigenetic changes and environmental factors may also play a role in shaping women's menopausal symptoms. It's important for women to seek help if their symptoms are impacting their daily lives, as severe hot flashes may indicate a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Emerging science suggests that hot flashes experienced during menopause may have long-term health implications. Unpublished studies presented at The Menopause Society's annual meeting found that intense hot flashes are associated with increased levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of future heart disease, and a blood biomarker that may predict a later diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The findings indicate that hot flashes and night sweats may not be as benign as previously thought and may be linked to future health risks. However, further research is needed to determine if treating these symptoms can reduce the associated risks.
Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by women during menopause, caused by changes in the hypothalamus that regulate body temperature. These episodes can last between one and five minutes and occur daily for most women, persisting for over seven years on average. Recent studies have found that intense hot flashes are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. While menopause itself does not cause cardiovascular diseases, certain risk factors increase during this time. Lifestyle changes such as dressing in layers, avoiding spicy food and caffeine, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage hot flashes.
Emerging science suggests that hot flashes experienced during menopause may have long-term health implications. Unpublished studies presented at The Menopause Society's annual meeting found that intense hot flashes are associated with increased levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of future heart disease, and a blood biomarker that may predict a later diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. These findings indicate that hot flashes and night sweats may not be as benign as previously thought. Women experiencing menopausal symptoms should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to assess their cardiovascular health.
A study conducted by the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine found that incorporating soy into the diet can reduce hot flashes by 79% in postmenopausal women. The study involved one group of women who continued their normal diet and another group who consumed a plant-based vegan diet with 1/2 cup of cooked soybeans daily. The soybean group experienced a significant reduction in hot flash frequency, duration, and intensity, along with other benefits such as improved sleep, digestion, weight loss, and overall quality of life. Soy contains isoflavones, plant estrogens that mimic estrogen and help alleviate menopausal symptoms. It is generally safe to consume one to two servings of whole soy foods per day, and organic or non-GMO soy is recommended. However, soy may not be effective for everyone, as its effectiveness depends on the individual's ability to convert soy into equol, an estrogen-mimicking compound. Equol supplements are available for those who cannot produce equol naturally. Other natural remedies for hot flashes include paced breathing, cooling scarves, unsalted tomato juice, and cooling spritzes.
Doctors recommend several menopause supplements that have shown promising results in relieving symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Bonafide Relizen, Nature's Way Remifemin, Metagenics Estrovera, One a Day Women's Menopause Multivitamin, and Hum Fan Club are among the top-rated supplements. These products contain ingredients like Swedish flower pollen extract, black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and probiotics, which have been clinically studied and shown to reduce menopausal symptoms. Additionally, Nutrafol Women's Balance Hair Growth Supplement and Gaia Herbs Women's Balance are recommended for combating hair thinning and hormonal balance, respectively. Thorne Research Meta-Balance is suggested for addressing brain fog. When choosing a menopause supplement, it is important to consider ingredients, third-party testing, and clinical studies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new non-hormonal drug called Veozah (fezolinetant) for the treatment of hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. Veozah works by blocking a chemical in the brain that regulates body temperature, providing relief from vasomotor symptoms. It is particularly beneficial for women who cannot take hormone replacement therapy due to estrogen-sensitive cancers or other health conditions. Studies have shown that Veozah reduces hot flashes and night sweats as early as the first day of use. The drug is expected to have a significant impact on women's quality of life, especially for women of color who tend to experience more severe symptoms. However, long-term effects and cost considerations still need to be further studied and addressed.
Menopausal symptoms can be surprising and disruptive, including hot and cold flashes, burning mouth syndrome, leg cramps, and anxiety. These symptoms are caused by hormonal fluctuations, and can be managed through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake, and diet changes such as eating more plant estrogens and zinc-rich foods. Supplements such as Relizen, alpha-lipoic acid, evening primrose oil, calcium, and magnesium can also provide relief. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for other treatment options.
