Tag: menopause

Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women

A new fracture-preventative medication comes in the form of a cocktail or a glass of wine, reports a new study. Researchers at the School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, published their findings online on July 9 in the journal Menopause. According to UCLA Health System, one out of five American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis; furthermore,about half of all women over the age of 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones of the spine).

The researchers noted that epidemiological studies have reported that higher bone mass is associated with moderate alcohol consumption in postmenopausal women. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of alcohol on bone are unknown. They note that excessive bone turnover, combined with an imbalance whereby bone resorption exceeds bone formation, is the principal cause of postmenopausal bone loss. In view of this effect of alcohol, the researchers investigated the hypothesis that moderate alcohol intake decreases bone turnover after menopause.

The study group was comprised of 40 postmenopausal women (average age: 56 years). During the week before the onset of the study, the women drank their normal amounts (average: 1.4 drinks/day) of alcohol and kept a diary. For the 14-day intervention period, the women abstained from drinking any alcohol. On day 15, the researchers gave a measured amount of alcohol, based on the women’s previous drinking patterns, for them to drink. To assess whether alcohol consumption affected bone turnover, the investigators drew blood samples from the women before, during, and after the intervention. to assess whether alcohol consumption affected bone turnover. Bone mineral density was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum levels of the bone formation marker osteocalcin and the resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) were measured by immunoassay at baseline (day 0) and after alcohol withdrawal for 14 days. The women then consumed alcohol and were assayed on the following morning.

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The researchers found that bone mineral density at the trochanter (upper tip of the thigh bone) and total hip were positively correlated to the level of alcohol consumption. Compared with baseline levels, serum osteocalcin (4.1 +/- 1.6%) and CTx (5.8 +/- 2.6%) increased after abstinence. Compared to the previous day, osteocalcin (-3.4 +/- 1.4%) and CTx (-3.5 +/- 2.1%) decreased after alcohol readministration to values that did not differ from baseline.

The authors concluded that abstinence from alcohol results in increased markers of bone turnover, whereas resumption of alcohol reduces bone turnover markers. They noted that their results suggest a cellular mechanism for the increased bone density observed in postmenopausal moderate alcohol consumers. They wrote: “Specifically, the inhibitory effect of alcohol on bone turnover attenuates the detrimental skeletal consequences of excessive bone turnover associated with menopause.”

Take home message:

This is another study that notes that moderate alcohol consumption may have certain beneficial effects on one’s health. The key, however, is moderate alcohol consumption. Excess alcohol can have deleterious effects, including the risk of a full, which can result in a hip fracture.

Source: http://m.edtreatmentindia.com/

Another smoking negative: earlier menopause

One in five women in Los Angeles smoke, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A new study, published September 18 in the journal menopause, adds another reason that smoking impacts a woman’s health: earlier menopause. Study author Dr. Volodymyr Dvornyk, from the University of Hong Kong, noted that women “should be aware of this effect and possible health consequences” of smoking, in addition to its other known risks. He and his research team conducted a meta-analysis, which pooled data from six studies of approximately 6,000 women in the U.S., Poland, Turkey, and Iran. It revealed that women who smoke may enter menopause about a year earlier than nonsmokers. On the average, non-smokers reached the menopause between age 46 and 51, on average, depending on the study population. In all but two of the studies, smokers were younger: between age 43 and 50. The researchers also reviewed five other studies that used a cut-off age of 50 or 51 to stratify women into “early” and “late” menopause groups. Among the more than 43,000 women in that analysis, smokers were 43% more likely than nonsmokers to have early menopause. They wrote, “Our results give further evidence that smoking is significantly associated with earlier [age at menopause] and provide yet another justification for women to avoid this habit.”

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Dr. Dvornyk noted that the “general consensus is that earlier menopause is likely to be associated with the larger number and higher risk of postmenopausal health problems, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and the others.” He added that early menopause is also thought to slightly increase a woman’s risk of death in the years following. Two theories regarding smoking and early menopause are (1) Smoking may alter the way a women’s body produces or removes estrogen; and (2) Certain components of cigarette smoke might kill ova (eggs). Dr. Dvornyk and his colleagues did not have information on how long women had been smoking or how many cigarettes they smoked each day; therefore, they could not determine how either of those factors may have affected age at menopause.

In addition to the foregoing health effects of smoking are cosmetic issues. Smoking increases facial wrinkles, stains your teeth, makes your voice hoarse, and gives you bad breath.

Source: HEALTH AND WELLNESS BLOG INDIA

Weight loss and Vitamin D

Los Angeles is in the Sun Belt; thus, most women in the city can increase Vitamin D levels by simply spending time in the sun. It is common knowledge that adequate Vitamin D is necessary for health; however, a new study has found that circulating Vitamin D concentrations in postmenopausal women are directly associated with weight loss, whether achieved through decreasing calories or increasing physical activity. The study was conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. The authors noted that low concentrations of circulating Vitamin D are common on obese postmenopausal women and may represent a potential mechanism explaining the elevated risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease observed in obese or overweight individuals. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of 12 months of weight loss through caloric restriction, exercise intervention, or both on serum Vitamin D levels.

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The study group was comprised of 438 overweight and obese postmenopausal women: 118 were assigned to dietary modification; 117 were assigned to an exercise intervention; 117 were assigned to diet plus exercise; and 87 were assigned to a control group. Women receiving the dietary intervention experienced a 10% weight loss goal using a group-based reduced-calorie program. The women assigned to the exercise intervention underwent 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic activity daily for five days each week. The investigators measured serum Vitamin D levels at baseline and at 12 months. Women who lost the most weight had the largest increase in Vitamin D levels. The authors concluded that a greater degree of weight loss, achieved through either a reduced-calorie diet or increased exercise, is associated with increased circulating Vitamin D concentrations. They noted that although greater adiposity is associated with lower concentrations of circulating vitamin D, their findings suggest that lifestyle-based weight loss of 5% to 10% body weight is associated with a modest increase in serum Vitamin D; however, baseline vitamin D status had little effect on the achievement of weight loss in a sample of overweight and obese postmenopausal women. They recommended that further research should be conducted to better understand the role of vitamin D in pathways influencing energy balance and that this research may lead to a clearer understanding of optimal vitamin D concentrations for promoting health.

Sexy fitness Girl in Health Club

Source: HEALTH AND WELLNESS BLOG INDIA

Weight loss and Vitamin D

Los Angeles is in the Sun Belt; thus, most women in the city can increase Vitamin D levels by simply spending time in the sun. It is common knowledge that adequate Vitamin D is necessary for health; however, a new study has found that circulating Vitamin D concentrations in postmenopausal women are directly associated with weight loss, whether achieved through decreasing calories or increasing physical activity. The study was conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. The authors noted that low concentrations of circulating Vitamin D are common on obese postmenopausal women and may represent a potential mechanism explaining the elevated risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease observed in obese or overweight individuals. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of 12 months of weight loss through caloric restriction, exercise intervention, or both on serum Vitamin D levels.

Health Blog URL: http://blog.edtreatmentindia.com/

The study group was comprised of 438 overweight and obese postmenopausal women: 118 were assigned to dietary modification; 117 were assigned to an exercise intervention; 117 were assigned to diet plus exercise; and 87 were assigned to a control group. Women receiving the dietary intervention experienced a 10% weight loss goal using a group-based reduced-calorie program. The women assigned to the exercise intervention underwent 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic activity daily for five days each week. The investigators measured serum Vitamin D levels at baseline and at 12 months. Women who lost the most weight had the largest increase in Vitamin D levels. The authors concluded that a greater degree of weight loss, achieved through either a reduced-calorie diet or increased exercise, is associated with increased circulating Vitamin D concentrations. They noted that although greater adiposity is associated with lower concentrations of circulating vitamin D, their findings suggest that lifestyle-based weight loss of 5% to 10% body weight is associated with a modest increase in serum Vitamin D; however, baseline vitamin D status had little effect on the achievement of weight loss in a sample of overweight and obese postmenopausal women. They recommended that further research should be conducted to better understand the role of vitamin D in pathways influencing energy balance and that this research may lead to a clearer understanding of optimal vitamin D concentrations for promoting health.

Tips for good sex after the menopause

A few generations ago, many women just got old when menopause struck. Currently, many women live for a number of the decades after the menopause, during which they can enjoy good health—and a satisfying sex life. Some problems can occur after the menopause that can impact sex relationships. Tara Allmen, MD is a board certified obstetrician gynecologist and a nationally certified menopause practitioner from The Center of Menopause, Hormonal Disorders and Women’s Health. I consulted with her on the topic

    Dr. Allmen notes that menopause is inevitable—barring an untimely death, every woman will experience menopause. With menopause and post-menopause come natural health challenges or questions that are totally normal and need to be addressed. Talking about these topics is never easy with your friends or partner—or even with your doctor. However, it is important to become educated so you understand your symptoms and how to best manage them. It is also important for postmenopausal women to understand they are not alone.

    Happy mature couple on bed

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    A common problem impacting menopausal women is vaginal dryness, which is due to a drop in estrogen. The condition can make sexual relations painful and even impossible. For these women, Dr. Allmen recommends the Estring, which is a ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases a small amount of estradiol for three months before it needs to be replaced. When in place, neither the woman nor her partner is aware of its presence. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can restore vaginal health; however, some women have health conditions that preclude their use or are reluctant to take HRT because of it has been reported to increase the risk of breast cancer or other illnesses.

    Dr. Allmen concurred with me that many gynecologists have busy practices that preclude conversations about an intimate topics. Both she and I agree that a woman should not be afraid to speak up and request time to discuss the situation. Before discussing the situation with a healthcare professional, a woman should educate herself regarding issues of the menopause. She recommends two websites: estring.com for information regarding the Estring ring and http://www.edtreatmentindia.com, which is the website of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Another good source of information for women is http://www.acog.org, the website of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

    Early menopause increases risk of coronary heart disease and stroke

    According to the LA County Department of Public Health, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the county and stroke is the second leading cause of death for women in the county. A new study has reported that an early menopause increases the risk of both conditions. Researchers affiliated with the University of Alabama, Birmingham published their findings in the October issue of the journal Menopause.

    The researchers noted that the identification of women at risk of cardiovascular disease is of major public health importance. They explained that some studies have reported an association with cardiovascular disease events in some predominantly white populations; however, others did not find an association. The objective of the study was to determine if self-reported early menopause (menopause at an before age 46) identifies women as at risk for future coronary heart disease or stroke.

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    The researched reviewed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, which is a longitudinal, ethnically diverse study of US men and women aged 45 to 84 years enrolled in 2000-2002 and followed up until 2008. The investigators evaluated the association between a personal history of early menopause (either natural menopause or surgical removal of ovaries before the age of 46). Future coronary heart disease and stroke was assessed in 2,509 women (age: 45-84; 987 white; 331 Chinese; 641 black; and 550 Hispanic) from the Multi-ethnic Study Atherosclerosis who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline.

    The authors found that of 2,509 women, 693 (28%) reported either surgical or natural early menopause. In survival curves, women with early menopause had poorer coronary heart disease and stroke-free survival. In models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, Multi-ethnic Study Atherosclerosis site, and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, this risk for coronary heart disease and stroke was a 2.08-fold increased risk for coronary heart disease and 2.19-fold greater risk for stroke.

    The authors concluded that early menopause was positively associated with coronary heart disease and stroke in a multiethnic cohort, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors.”

    Take home message:

    If you experience an early menopause, you should consult with a gynecologist or endocrinologist and mention this study. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be beneficial under these circumstances. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking have been reported to increase the risk of an early menopause. Smoking also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

    Source: http://www.edtreatmentindia.com

    Another smoking negative earlier menopause

    One in five women in Los Angeles smoke, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A new study, published September 18 in the journal menopause, adds another reason that smoking impacts a woman’s health: earlier menopause. Study author Dr. Volodymyr Dvornyk, from the University of Hong Kong, noted that women “should be aware of this effect and possible health consequences” of smoking, in addition to its other known risks. He and his research team conducted a meta-analysis, which pooled data from six studies of approximately 6,000 women in the U.S., Poland, Turkey, and Iran. It revealed that women who smoke may enter menopause about a year earlier than nonsmokers. On the average, non-smokers reached the menopause between age 46 and 51, on average, depending on the study population. In all but two of the studies, smokers were younger: between age 43 and 50. The researchers also reviewed five other studies that used a cut-off age of 50 or 51 to stratify women into “early” and “late” menopause groups. Among the more than 43,000 women in that analysis, smokers were 43% more likely than nonsmokers to have early menopause. They wrote, “Our results give further evidence that smoking is significantly associated with earlier [age at menopause] and provide yet another justification for women to avoid this habit.”

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    Dr. Dvornyk noted that the “general consensus is that earlier menopause is likely to be associated with the larger number and higher risk of postmenopausal health problems, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and the others.” He added that early menopause is also thought to slightly increase a woman’s risk of death in the years following. Two theories regarding smoking and early menopause are (1) Smoking may alter the way a women’s body produces or removes estrogen; and (2) Certain components of cigarette smoke might kill ova (eggs). Dr. Dvornyk and his colleagues did not have information on how long women had been smoking or how many cigarettes they smoked each day; therefore, they could not determine how either of those factors may have affected age at menopause.

    In addition to the foregoing health effects of smoking are cosmetic issues. Smoking increases facial wrinkles, stains your teeth, makes your voice hoarse, and gives you bad breath.

    Source: http://www.edtreatmentindia.com

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