Posts Tagged ‘North American Menopause Society’
A new verdict for hormone therapy (HT): Safe for younger, symptomatic women
Clinicians are accustomed to treating patients who have medical illnesses; however, managing the symptoms associated with menopause—a natural, biologic process—is quite different. Hormone therapy (HT) using estrogen either with or without progesterone remains the most effective, and most studied, treatment.1 But many patients and clinicians have reservations about using HT because of the controversy surrounding it. All clinicians, regardless of their specialty, may encounter patients who have questions about the use of hormones. In family medicine practices, women may inquire about hot flashes and night sweats ; in orthopedics practices, the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis; and, in gynecology practices, dyspareunia and vaginal atrophy. Clinicians should be able to respond with accurate, upto- date information on the recommendations for HT as well as its known risks and benefits.
Recognizing Menopause Triggers
Many women seem to feel anxious about menopause — partly because they don’t have any choice.
“It is a necessary evil you have to go through,” said Dr. Robert Ogdee, obstetrician/gynecologist of Abilene Regional Medical Center.
But women may feel some relief when they understand the transition their bodies are going through physically and emotionally.
“What is happening is the ovaries are not producing any estrogen, so the brain is trying to tell the ovaries to kick in and produce more estrogen because they are not popping out an egg anymore,” Ogdee explained. “It is the quitting of ovulation every month that is the reason they do not pop out an egg or have a cycle, which is the true cause of menopause.”