Page 3«..2345..1020..»

Category Archives: Hormone Replacement Therapy

State-by-state prevalence of the 5 most common types of cancer – KFOR Oklahoma City

Posted: October 4, 2022 at 2:28 am

(STACKER) In his 2010 book, The Emperor of Maladies, Siddhartha Mukherjee called cancer not one disease but many diseases sharing a fundamental feature: the abnormal growth of cells. What was at one point in history (not so far removed from our own), a whispered-about illness has become the target of a global effort to thwart its onset.

Certain forms of cancer are more common than others, notably in late-stage development.Stacker analyzed cancer incidence data from the National Cancer Institute and CDC to look at where the five most common forms of cancer are most prevalent.

The annual averages in each slide are calculated from data compiled between 2014 and 2018, and have been adjusted for patient age. The data was adjusted to account for the increased likelihood of older people developing cancer, and the state-by-state maps reflect the rates of each type of cancer per 100,000 people.

The following list is derived from the National Institutes of Healths 2022 projection estimates for the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S., though the projection totals themselves are not included as a data point; a direct comparison would be misleading because this dataset uses compiled and age-adjusted historical data.

Cancer incidence, survival, and mortality rates are population-based indicators of progress against cancer. The mortality-to-incidence ratio can be broadly defined as the percentage of death certificates that include the persons cancer diagnosis and specify the type of cancer. However, the mortality-to-incidence ratio should not necessarily be interpreted as the survival rate. A cancer diagnosis on a death certificate could have happened at any point in the past and does not necessarily mean the person died of cancer.

Stacker also looked at risk factors for these common cancers, ways to reduce risk, and methods for cancer screening.

You may also like: States with the highest cancer rates

Average national incidences per year: 49,438 Percent of incidences in late-stage: 15.0% Average annual mortality count: 5,428 Mortality-to-incidence ratio: 11.0%

The word melanoma means black tumor. Its development begins in melanocytesthe cells that produce the pigment melanin. Most people think of melanoma as a type of skin cancer, because it can form in moles on the skin. But it can also form in other pigmented tissues, such as those in the eye or intestine.

Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely than other types of skin cancer to grow and metastasize, or spread to other organs. The most common risk factors for melanoma include exposure to ultraviolet light, having many moles or freckles, having lighter hair, and having a family or personal history of melanoma. The use of tanning beds and sun lamps also increases melanoma risk.

The best ways to prevent melanoma are using sunscreen, wearing sun protective clothing and sunglasses, and seeking shade during midday, when the sun is at its strongest.

Average national incidences per year: 75,374 Percent of incidences in late-stage: 57.4% Average annual mortality count: 27,717 Mortality-to-incidence ratio: 36.8%

Colorectal cancer develops as malignant cells grow and accumulate in the colon rectum, and usually present as a growth called a polyp. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include smoking, obesity, age, and family history.

Physical activity, combination hormone replacement therapy, and aspirin reduce the risk of colon cancer. Procedures such as colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy can find polyps, so the doctor can remove them before they become cancerous. The recommended age for men to begin regular colonoscopies, once 50, is now 45. Fecal occult blood tests screen for blood hidden in the stool, which may be a sign of colorectal cancer.

Average national incidences per year: 115,218 Percent of incidences in late-stage: 70.4% Average annual mortality count: 78,841 Mortality-to-incidence ratio: 68.4%

Lung cancer is the third most common kind of cancer in the U.S., according to the NIH, and the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are the most common risk factors associated with lung cancer. Although most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, nonsmokers can get lung cancer, too.

There are two types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The bronchi, the two tubes that lead from the trachea to the lungs, are sometimes also involved in lung cancer. Screening tests for lung cancer are in clinical trials, though LDCT scans have been shown to decrease the risk of death in heavy smokers.

Average national incidences per year: 200,677 Percent of incidences in late-stage: 20.6% Average annual mortality count: 30,566 Mortality-to-incidence ratio: 15.2%

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S. One in eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with this type of cancer. The biggest risk factors for prostate cancer are age, race, and family history. It is more common in men over 50, and in Black men compared to white men. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die of it, because the majority of prostate cancers grow and spread slowly.

Average national incidences per year: 249,261 Percent of incidences in late-stage: 31.9% Average annual mortality count: 41,951 Mortality-to-incidence ratio: 16.8%

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in the U.S. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Older age, a family or personal history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, obesity, and the use of hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Mammography can detect tumors in the breast, even before they have spread to other organs. Mammograms are recommended for women ages 45-54 yearly, and every two years thereafter, except in cases of higher risk factors.

You may also like: 25 facts about food allergies

See more here:
State-by-state prevalence of the 5 most common types of cancer - KFOR Oklahoma City

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on State-by-state prevalence of the 5 most common types of cancer – KFOR Oklahoma City

How Menopause Affects Cholesterol And What to Do About It – TIME

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 2:13 am

Kelly Officer, 49, eats a vegan diet and shuns most processed foods. So, after a recent routine blood test revealed that she had high cholesterol, I was shocked and upset, she says, since it never has been [high] in the past.

Officer is not alone. As women enter menopause, cholestrol levels jumpby an average of 10-15%, or about 10 to 20 milligrams per deciliter. (A healthy adult cholesterol range is 125-200 milligrams per deciliter, according to the National Library of Medicine.)

This change often goes unnoticed amidst physical symptoms and the general busyness of those years. But, says Dr. Erin Michos, director of womens cardiovascular health at Johns Hopkins Medicine, we need women to get screened and know their numbers. High cholesterol is a leading risk factor for heart disease, which kills more women in the U.S. than any other cause, including all forms of cancer combined. And the longer someone lives with high cholesterol, the greater the odds that it will build up in their arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Many factors around midlife conspire to push cholesterol levels up, such as a sedentary lifestyle, less healthful diet, and weight gain. But the one that stands out as a clear driver of this shift is the sudden, unavoidable drop in estrogen levels at menopause. Unlike other issues that begin in perimenopausemood changes, hot flashes, fatiguethe rise in cholesterol tends to happen fairly suddenly, typically in the year before through the year after menopause.

Researchers are learning more about how and why this change happens, how better to screen for it, and the best treatments for women. But the first step is to acknowledge it. This is a normal transition, Michos says. And menopause marks an essential time for women to check in on their health.

Read More: How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

Before women go through menopause, which typically arrives around age 51 in the U.S., they tend to have healthier cholesterol profiles and lower rates of cardiovascular disease than their male counterparts. But with the onset of menopause, that advantage drops off. By the time people reach their 60s and 70s, the rates of cardiovascular disease are almost even between sexes, with women surpassing men in this risk by their 80s. And women who go through menopause early are at an even higher risk sooner.

Estrogens protective effect on cholesterol is apparent even before menopause, as cholestrol levels rise and fall slightly with estrogen level fluctuations throughout each menstrual cycle. Researchers are still teasing out the details about how estrogen influences cholesterol, but much of it can be traced back to the liver, where estrogen receptors help to dictate a persons lipid profile.

The resulting patterns are clear: Once the body stops making as much estrogen, overall lipid profiles turn more harmful. Levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins, or LDL) and triglycerides rise, and good cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins, or HDL) falters.

Even the remaining HDL might become less protective, says Samar El Khoudary, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. Her research has shown that although HDL is a marker of decreased risk for heart disease before menopause, the opposite might be true after menopause. So its not just the quantity and balance of these particles, but also that the quality of these particles changes as women transition through menopause, she says.

The only way to determine cholesterol levels around menopause is to test for them. But predicting the timing is difficult. Menopause is usually only apparent once its over and a person has already gone a year without a period.

Current recommendations suggest most people at low risk for cardiovascular disease have their cholesterol checked every five years, starting at age 20. (Even children and adolescents should have baseline cholesterol screenings.) Experts advise additional testing if there is a family history of high cholesterol or there has been a substantial health change, such as abdominal weight gain, periods of high stress, or menopause.

Regular tests are important because heart disease risk goes up the longer high cholesterol remains untreated. And cholesterol can be a quiet killer: If you dont check, you dont know, says Dr. Samia Mora, a cardiovascular specialist and director of the Center for Lipid Metabolomics at Brigham and Womens Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School.

Of course, not all women who go through menopause develop high cholesterol. If someones baseline cholesterol has been healthy, and if their other risk factors for heart disease are low, an average rise in cholesterol levels is usually not immediately worrying.

But additional testing might be warranted if cholesterol levels or other cardiovascular disease risk factors (such as family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking) are high. Other tests that doctors might recommend include a coronary calcium scan that measures the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries around the heart or a check of lipoprotein (a), which is a form of LDL that can reveal more about cardiovascular risks.

El Khoudary and others say that doctors should also start looking beyond standard lipid panels for more details about a persons cholesterol, including particles size, shape, and composition. Research has found that, for example, smaller particles of LDL are more harmful than larger ones. Such tests existEl Khoudary and others use them in researchbut they are harder to get through standard clinician visits. She says incorporating these details into care could be even more helpful for women as they transition through menopause and shape their health for the next decades of life.

Read More: Only 7% of Americans Have Optimal Heart Health, Study Says

For women whose cholesterol rises to unhealthy levels during menopause, lifestyle adjustments are usually the first recommendation. We cant avoid aging, we cannot avoid our genetics, but we can change our lifestyle to counteract these effects, Mora says.

Diet alone can impact cholesterol by 20 to 30 milligrams per deciliter. Even when diet alone cannot get someone into a healthy range, Michos likes to remind patients that their cholesterol would likely be even more harmful without the extra effort. And she sees plenty of women going through menopause who, even with vegan diets, ultimately need cholesterol-reducing medication.

Statins are the standard pharmaceutical treatment for people with high cholesterol, including those in menopause. But women are less likely to go on statins, due to a combination of health care providers being less likely to recommend them and women being less likely to agree to take them. This trend is unfortunate because women can get a greater benefit from statins than men do, says Dr. Patricia Best, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and the Womens Heart Clinic and an associate professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

Best sees people get discouraged when their lifestyle efforts fail to generate healthy cholesterol levelsand many then avoid medications because taking them makes them feel like theyve failed. Its really important to understand that sometimes even if you do everything right, youre still going to end up needing a medication, Best says. That is not failure, she says. Starting on medication to manage high cholesterol is a success: The most important thing is to keep yourself healthy over the long haul.

Experts also warn that the way many doctors calculate the need for statins or other cholesterol treatment is based on a 10-year risk of a major event like a heart attack or stroke. But, particularly for women in midlife, these risk-scoring systems do not capture the lifetime risk and the years of accumulating risk leading up to that point. You dont want to wait until 65 to start instituting all of these preventive [measures] that are going to help for quality of life throughout the rest of her years, Mora says.

If a drop in estrogen prompts an increase in cholesterol, what about adding estrogen back into the body, such as with hormone replacement therapy? Typically taken as synthetic estrogen pills, hormone replacement therapy is frequently prescribed for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. And many women who do take it see an improvement in cholesterol levels. However, its not recommended solely as a cholesterol drug, in part because estrogen also increases the risk for blood clots.

As with much of health, the best bet is prevention, which includes having a healthy lifestyle for as many years as possible. Its not just how high your cholesterol is now, but how long it has been high, Mora says. All of the years exposed to high cholesterol are cumulative. On the plus side, lifestyle interventions are also cumulative.

Read More: What to Know About High Cholesterol in Kids

Menopause often coincides with a potentially stressful and busy time in womens lives, when their careers are still in full swing, and they may be providing care for their offspring as well as their parents. Amid these pressures, women often put their own health aside, foregoing exercise and healthy foodand missing routine health care, including cholesterol checks.

But healthy habits during this period are particularly important, Best says. A little bit more exercise, a little bit more thoughtfulness [about] diet can really make a huge differencebecause its during the next decade that women are at a marked increased risk of heart disease.

The hard truth is that with the inevitable metabolic shifts during middle age, what used to work to stay healthy might not cut it anymore, Best says. Your body is changing, so you have to adapt.

When a shift in hormones is coupled with weight gain, thats your one-two punch that can lead to a high cholesterol readingoften for the first time in a womans life, Best says. This pattern has become even more familiar in the past couple of years. For example, although Officer used to exercise regularly, since the pandemic disrupted her previous routines, she says that healthy habit fell by the wayside, and she has now put on extra weight.

To help combat menopause-related cholesterol shifts, women dont need to start running marathons or even going fully vegan, Mora says. She recommends a heart-healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low amounts of processed foods and refined carbohydrates. Other often-overlooked lifestyle adjustments, she says, including getting enough sleep and managing stresswhich can help not just cholesterol but overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Mora, who is around menopause age herself, tries to follow smart lifestyle habits about 80-90% of the time. This means she eats lots of fruits and nuts and takes the stairs instead of the elevatorbut still eats the occasional dark chocolate bar. We get overwhelmed with trying to change everything at once, Mora says. All you need to do is institute a moderate amount of healthful lifestyle behaviors that you do consistently most of the time.

Best agrees that trying to make healthy decisions all the time can be daunting. Shes 53, the mother of two children, and married, and she holds multiple positions at the Mayo Clinic as well as with other professional groups. So I fully understand my patients when theyre like, Are you kidding me? How am I going to fit that in?

Best has been folding healthy activities into her daily life, such as cooking as a family or walking with her husband. Not only are these good for her own health, she says, but its good for everyone else in the family.

Despite these effortsand her own clinical expertiseeven Bests cholesterol went up during menopause. Its always disappointing, she says. She didnt lose her resolve though. Gaining weight and having worse cholesterol are expected, but you can also fight through all of those things.

More Must-Read Stories From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com.

See the rest here:
How Menopause Affects Cholesterol And What to Do About It - TIME

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on How Menopause Affects Cholesterol And What to Do About It – TIME

Turn back the clock with collaborative care solutions Peace Arch News – Peace Arch News

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 2:13 am

With our ever-increasing levels of stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and pollutants in our environment, our bodies are experiencing increasing strain.

The good news is that by bringing together traditional medicine and groundbreaking wellness therapies through programs such as biohacking, health weight management, hormone balancing and skin rejuvenation, it is possible to address the effects of age-related issues.

These various stressors can increase overall levels of stress hormones like cortisol, says Dr. Jean Paul Lim, from Ageless Living, with locations in Langley, Victoria and coming soon to Kelowna. This has a negative impact on the body by suppressing certain functions required for optimum health and wellness and can lead to weight gain, acne, inflammation, decreased sexual function, low energy, brain fog and a variety of diseases.

One of the various Biohacking treatments at Ageless Living is their hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

What is Biohacking?

The term biohacking refers to making small incremental changes that can have big effects on the bodys ability to optimally perform, Dr. Lim explores, pointing to tools such as their infrared sauna, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and other therapies designed to encourage rejuvenation and increase performance.

What is Hormone Balancing?

Unlike earlier therapies like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that used animal hormones, our hormone balancing treatments use bio-identical hormone restoration, Dr. Lim says. This means they look chemically identical to our own natural hormones, and besides helping to boost our natural levels, may help reduce the risk of some chronic health conditions.

With physicians board-certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, Ageless Livings MD-directed hormone balancing and health weight programs can help both men and women of all ages achieve optimal health and function.

The team of professionals offer traditional medicine and groundbreaking wellness therapies as a collaborative care solution.

Initial consultation what to expect

Your Ageless Living physician will review your medical history and hormone cascade, and run some tests which may include serum, saliva and/or urine. You may also have a nutritionist do a full nutritional history review, review test results with your physician, and then theyll create your treatment plan.

The goal is not only to increase longevity, but also quality of life, allowing you to live your life to the fullest, Dr. Lim says.

Other clinics offer just aesthetics or hormone balancing, he says. We stand apart because we offer team-based, integrated solutions that bring all these tools and technologies together as a collaborative care solution.

Find out more on Facebook and Instagram, or book a treatment online.

Health and wellness

View original post here:
Turn back the clock with collaborative care solutions Peace Arch News - Peace Arch News

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Turn back the clock with collaborative care solutions Peace Arch News – Peace Arch News

Stroke symptoms in men & women – Times of India

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 2:13 am

When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or slowed, it results in a reduction in nutrients and oxygen, which causes a stroke. Within minutes, brain cells begin to degenerate. Another possible explanation is that the brains blood vessels burst, causing blood to accumulate and pressure to build up inside the brain.

Stroke symptoms like face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty are frequently experienced by both men and women. Other common symptoms include balance or coordination issues as well as issues with one or both eyes vision. Additionally, a patient may occasionally experience symptoms of a mini-stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) that last only briefly. The majority of patients ignore these symptoms because they are brief and go away quickly, but if prompt medical attention is not received, a serious stroke may result.

However, some stroke symptoms in women can be undetectable or dismissed due to their subtlety.

Common symptoms of Stroke in Men and Women

Why are women more likely than men to have a stroke?

The risk of stroke rises with age. Women have a higher lifetime risk of developing stroke because they typically live longer than men do. A headache, difficulty walking, difficulty speaking and understanding what others are saying, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg are among the symptoms. Stroke symptoms are similar in men and women, but women are at higher risk for stroke because of pregnancy, preeclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, aura-producing migraines, and irregular heartbeat in women over 75. (atrial fibrillation).

The following factors contribute to women having a higher risk of stroke:

Pregnancy: Pregnant women have a comparatively higher risk of stroke, with the third trimester and the postpartum period having the highest risk. People with high blood pressure should receive medication treatment and close observation.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that results in high blood pressure, proteinuria, which is an indication of kidney damage, or other symptoms of organ damage. Additionally, it raises the danger of a stroke later in life.

Birth Control Pills: Despite the fact that birth control pills have become significantly safer over time, women who are already at risk for stroke should still exercise extra caution. Before prescribing the medication, it is advised to have your blood pressure checked.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: In postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy should never be used to lower the risk of stroke. People who are taking hormone replacement therapy should exercise extra caution to avoid smoking, especially if they are female migraine patients who are most at risk of having a stroke.

Migraines with Aura: Younger women who suffer from migraine with aura are more likely to have an ischemic stroke, especially if they smoke or use oral contraceptives. Smokers who experience migraines with an aura should stop doing so right away.

Atrial fibrillation: Stroke risk among women over 75 is boosted by atrial fibrillation by 20%.

How to Identify Stroke?

The identification of the stroke can help patients to act F.A.S.T in receiving the therapy/ treatment they require. The most effective stroke treatments are only accessible if the stroke is noticed and diagnosed within three hours of the onset of symptoms. If patients do not arrive at the hospital on time, they may be ineligible for these services.

The main features helping in stroke identification are FAST

Treatment and diagnosis of Stroke

Every part of the body is controlled by the brain, so a brain injury can leave a person permanently disabled and bedridden. It is not just a disability to the patient but a burden to caregivers also as it causes financial and emotional burdens. Since treatment for stroke is usually started within the first 34.5 hours, it is crucial for patient attendants to record the time of stroke onset whenever possible. Depending on the type of stroke, a clot buster injection could be given during the first 3-4.5 hours to relieve the symptoms. In some cases, mechanical thrombectomy (clot retrieval with minimally invasive surgery) can now be performed to lessen the symptoms of a stroke even after the window period has passed.

When a patient is outside the window period, the most common forms of treatment for stroke are antiplatelet medications and statins (drugs that lower cholesterol).

Some of the test may include:

Physical Exam: The physical examination will involve a number of procedures, such as blood pressure monitoring, a neurological examination, and heart and blood vessel listening tests to determine the health of your cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Blood tests: Blood tests will check your bloods ability to clot quickly, your blood sugar levels (both high and low), and your infection status.

CT Scan. Using a series of X-rays, a CT scan can produce a detailed image of your brains that can reveal conditions like tumours, ischemic strokes, bleeding in the brain, and more.

MRI: A magnetic field and strong radio waves are used in an MRI to produce a precise image of the brain. Brain haemorrhages and ischemic stroke damage can both be found on an MRI.

Carotid ultrasound: In this test, sound waves produce precise images of the interior of the necks carotid arteries. This test reveals blood flow and the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in the carotid arteries.

Cerebral angiogram: Through a tiny incision, typically in the groin, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted for this test, which involves guiding it through the major arteries and into the carotid or vertebral artery.

Echocardiogram: Sound waves are used in an echocardiogram to produce fine-grained images of the heart. An echocardiogram can identify the origin of any heart clots that may have caused a stroke by moving from the heart to the brain.

How to Prevent Stroke?

The good news is that approximately 4 out of 5 strokes can be avoided. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to preventing stroke like regular exercise keeps the heart and blood vessels healthy and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. By regularly taking medications and leading a healthy lifestyle, blood pressure can be managed. Dietary cholesterol and saturated fat levels should be controlled and kept as low as possible. To control blood pressure, it is advised to increase the amount of fibre in your diet and reduce your salt intake. Its crucial to stop using tobacco and to stay away from secondhand smoke.

Rehabilitation is crucial during the recovery process after a stroke and typically begins within a day or two in the hospital. Rehabilitation eases the transition from the hospital to the patients home and can help stop further strokes. Everyone recovers from a stroke differently, and it can take anywhere from a few days to several months.

Views expressed above are the author's own.

END OF ARTICLE

See the rest here:
Stroke symptoms in men & women - Times of India

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Stroke symptoms in men & women – Times of India

Health benefits of flaxseed – Punch Newspapers

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 2:13 am

I ate plantain peels for the first time and I can now say that the taste is not bad at all. I was lucky to have it from a freshly cut plantain bunch. It was crispy and I love the crunchy sound it gave while I chewed. How did it feel when you tasted it?

This week, I will be talking about flaxseed. It is also called linseed and also spelt flax seeds. They are small edible seeds from the North American flax plant known as Linum usitatissimum (the specific epithet in its species name, usitatissimum, means most useful. It is in the family Linaceae. It occurs in two basic varieties/colours- brown and yellow (golden). It produces a vegetable oil which is one of the oldest commercial oils. Both the seed and oil are chock-full of protein. Not only do these seeds add a nutty flavour to dishes, they are also bursting with nutrients such as heart-healthy fats and fiber. The seed also contains phytoestrogens called lignans which are similar to the hormone estrogen.

It is used as egg replacement in recipes. A gel which can be applied on the skin and hair is made by boiling the seed. It is used as a dietary supplement to prevent constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and several other conditions. It has possible anti-cancer compounds which are polyphenols that may help manage certain types of cancer including breast cancer. It may be able to help with your weight loss efforts because of its fiber content. It boosts the chances of conception by supporting normal ovulation and restoration of hormonal balance. It is good for post-menopausal women as it protects them from cardiovascular issues.

Let us see some of the benefits

Loaded with nutrients: Flaxseed is a good source of many nutrients including protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It is particularly high in thiamine, a B vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism as well as cell function. It is also a great source of copper which is involved in brain development, immune health and iron metabolism.

High in omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseed is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is important for heart health. ALA is one of the two essential fatty acids that you must obtain from the food you eat since your body does not produce them. Animal studies suggest that the ALA in flaxseed may help reduce inflammation and prevent cholesterol from being deposited in your hearts blood vessels. A recent study in 8,866 people tied increased ALA intake to decreased cholesterol levels and a lower risk of ischemic heart disease which is related to narrowed arteries and type 2 diabetes.

May help protect against cancer: Flaxseed is rich in lignans which are plant compounds that have been studied for their potent cancer-fighting properties. Interestingly, this seed boasts 75800 times more lignans than other plant foods. Some studies associate flaxseed intake with a lower risk of breast cancer, particularly for postmenopausal women. Animal and test-tube studies also show flaxseed to protect against colorectal, skin, blood and lung cancer.

Rich in fiber: One tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed packs two grams of fiber which is around five per cent and eight per cent of the daily recommended intake for men and women respectively. It contains two types of fiber soluble and insoluble which get fermented by the bacteria in your intestines to support gut health and improve bowel regularity.

May lower cholesterol levels: According to a one-month study in people with peripheral artery disease, eating four tablespoons (30 grams) of milled flaxseed per day decreased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by 15 per cent. A 12-week study in 112 people with high blood pressure had similar findings, reporting that four tablespoons (30 grams) of flaxseed per day led to significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol and blood pressure.

May reduce blood pressure: Flaxseed is renowned for its ability to decrease blood pressure levels. A review of 15 studies found that supplementing with flaxseed products, including flaxseed powder, may significantly lower levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

May stabilise your blood sugar levels: According to a review of 25 studies, whole flaxseed may decrease blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance, a condition that impairs the bodys ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. This blood-sugar-lowering effect may be due to this seeds soluble fiber content. Research shows that soluble fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the blood which may reduce blood sugar levels.

May help you manage your weight: Several studies suggest that flaxseed may aid weight management. One older study found that a drink with flax fiber tablets containing 2.5 grams of soluble fiber reduced feelings of hunger and overall appetite. This is likely because soluble fiber slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness which may be especially useful if you are trying to lose weight. In fact, a large review of 45 studies found that supplementing with flaxseed resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI and belly fat.

Scientific studies

In a study titled, Treatment with flaxseed oil induces apoptosis in cultured malignant cells, by

Alison L. Buckner et al, these results indicated that flaxseed oil can specifically inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in some cancer cells and suggests it has further potential in anti-cancer therapy.

In a study titled, Long-term consumption of flaxseed enriched diet decreased ovarian cancer incidence and prostaglandin Ein hens, by Erfan Eilati et al, the results demonstrated that there was a reduction in ovarian cancer severity and incidence in hens fed flaxseed diet.

In a study titled, Flaxseed lignans and polyphenols enhanced activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, by Dan Draganescu et al, the results displayed that flaxseed extract can serve as a promising additional therapy approach in managing diabetes.

Roast your seeds and grind them. Grinding will allow good nutrient absorption. Use all ground seeds at once. While there are no specific recommendations for flaxseed intake, 1-2 tablespoons a day is considered a healthy amount. Do not exceed four ground tablespoons. My favourite way of eating it is adding it to my smoothies. You can add it to your baked goods, add to your cereals and sprinkle on top of yoghurt. However, flaxseeds too have side effects if not consumed in moderation! There are conflicting answers to the question whether it is safe during pregnancy and lactation, the best is to avoid it if you are in these categories. Due to its high fiber content, it is important to drink plenty of fluid while taking it. Since it has blood sugar and blood pressure lowering effect, taking it while on medications for these conditions might lower blood sugar and blood pressure too much (this does not mean diabetics and people with high blood pressure should not take it).Due to its high omega-3 fatty acid, It may increase the effects of blood thinning medications. Taking flaxseed might decrease the effects of oral contraceptive drugs and estrogen replacement therapy.

Enjoy your flaxseed.

Read the original here:
Health benefits of flaxseed - Punch Newspapers

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Health benefits of flaxseed – Punch Newspapers

Progesterone Market Size to Grow by USD 1.23 Billion, Rise in Research and Development of Progesterone Drugs -Technavio – Yahoo Finance

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 2:13 am

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the key trends in the progesterone market is the rise in research and development of progesterone drugs. Various players are expanding their research to develop new formulations of the existing female infertility drugs due to the significant unmet demand. For instance, MVT-602 targets the kisspeptin system to stimulate reproductive hormones. It can effectively treat many reproductive disorders such as PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA).

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Progesterone Market 2022-2026

The progesterone market size is expected to grow by USD 1.23 billion. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will accelerate at a CAGR of 12.96% during the forecast period, according to Technavio.

Get a comprehensive report summary describing the market size and forecast along with research methodology. The FREE sample reportis available in PDF format

The increasing prevalence of breast cancer is driving the progesterone market growth. However, factors such as stringent regulations may challenge the market growth during the forecast period.

Progesterone Market: Type Landscape

By type, the market has been segmented into synthetic progesterone and natural progesterone. The synthetic progesterone segment will be the largest contributor to market growth during the forecast period. Synthetic progesterone drugs help regulate the monthly menstrual cycle. Therefore, the advantages of synthetic progesterone will accelerate the market growth during the forecast period.

Progesterone Market: Geographic Landscape

By geography, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW). North America is going to have lucrative growth during the forecast period. About 43% of the market's overall growth is expected to originate from North America. The US and Canada are the key countries for the progesteronemarket in North America. The growth of the region is attributed to factors such as the rising prevalence of kidney, breast, or uterine cancer types and the rising population of menopausal women.

Story continues

Some Key Companies and their Offerings

AbbVie Inc., Alkem Laboratories Ltd., Aquatic Group, Bionpharma Inc., Blubell Pharma Group, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Caesar and Loretz GmbH, Cipla Ltd., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Estrellas Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Fagron NV, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kiama Lifesciences, Lupin Ltd., Organon and Co., PROCAPS S.A, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Virtus Pharmaceuticals LLC, among others, are the main players in the market. The key offerings of some of these vendors are listed below:

Alkem Laboratories Ltd. -The company offers ULTIGEST SR 200MG TAB as medication for a hormone prescribed for replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause.

Aquatic Group - The company offers injection I.P Luteum Depot as progesterone drugs.

Bionpharma Inc. - The company manufactures progesterone drugs.

Blubell Pharma Group -The company offers BELGEST 500 and BELGEST N under the injection section as progesterone.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. -The company offers ALGEST SR 400MG tab as progesterone drugs, which are made using milk-making glands to help in the menstrual cycle.

This report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Request a FREE PDF Sample Now

What our Reports Offer

Market share assessments for the regional-level and country-level segments

Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

Covers market data for 2021, 2022, until 2026

Market trends (opportunities, drivers, threats, challenges, investment opportunities, and recommendations)

Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

Company profiling with financials, detailed strategies, and recent developments

Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Related Reports

Women's Health Therapeutics Marketby Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The women's health therapeutics market share is expected to increase by USD 30.35 billion from 2021 to 2026.

Stem Cell Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) Marketby End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The stem cell umbilical cord blood (UCB) market share is expected to increase by USD 1.47 bn from 2021 to 2026.

Progesterone Market Scope

Report Coverage

Details

Page number

120

Base year

2021

Forecast period

2022-2026

Growth momentum & CAGR

Accelerate at a CAGR of 12.96%

Market growth 2022-2026

USD 1.23 billion

Market structure

Fragmented

YoY growth (%)

12.45

Regional analysis

North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)

Performing market contribution

North America at 43%

Key consumer countries

US, Canada, Germany, UK, and France

Competitive landscape

Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope

Companies profiled

AbbVie Inc., Alkem Laboratories Ltd., Aquatic Group, Bionpharma Inc., Blubell Pharma Group, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Caesar and Loretz GmbH, Cipla Ltd., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Estrellas Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Fagron NV, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kiama Lifesciences, Lupin Ltd., Organon and Co., PROCAPS S.A, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Virtus Pharmaceuticals LLC

Market Dynamics

Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period.

Customization purview

If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Browse Health CareMarket Reports

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Five Forces Analysis

5 Market Segmentation by Type

6 Customer Landscape

7 Geographic Landscape

8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

9 Vendor Landscape

10 Vendor Analysis

11 Appendix

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

ContactTechnavio ResearchJesse MaidaMedia & Marketing ExecutiveUS: +1 844 364 1100UK: +44 203 893 3200Email: media@technavio.comWebsite: http://www.technavio.com/

Global Teeth Whitening Market 2022-2026 (PRNewsfoto/Technavio)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/progesterone-market-size-to-grow-by-usd-1-23-billion-rise-in-research-and-development-of-progesterone-drugs--technavio-301630937.html

SOURCE Technavio

Follow this link:
Progesterone Market Size to Grow by USD 1.23 Billion, Rise in Research and Development of Progesterone Drugs -Technavio - Yahoo Finance

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Progesterone Market Size to Grow by USD 1.23 Billion, Rise in Research and Development of Progesterone Drugs -Technavio – Yahoo Finance

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause – Healthline

Posted: September 16, 2022 at 2:55 am

After menopause, when your periods have stopped, your body doesnt produce as much estrogen. For many women, the absence of estrogen brings on a host of unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and painful sex to name a few.

Menopause is a natural phase, and symptoms eventually subside for most women. But for some, symptoms are severe enough that they need hormonal intervention.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective ways to relieve severe menopause symptoms. HRT may even offer protection against heart disease and bone loss from osteoporosis.

But that doesnt mean HRT is completely risk-free. Whether its right for you depends on your age, when you entered menopause, and other risk factors.

Heres a look at the risks and rewards to help you decide whether HRT is a good option for you.

Hormone replacement therapy involves taking a medication when your hormone levels drop. It contains:

HRT has a controversial history. Popularized in the 1960s as a way to stay youthful after menopause, HRT use peaked in the 1990s.

Then, in 2002, a study undertaken by the Womens Health Initiative linked HRT to cancer and cardiovascular disease. After the WHIs report was published, HRT use in the United States, the UK, and Canada dropped dramatically.

The WHI report has since been called into question. Newer studies have shown that HRT has lower risks and more benefits for women who start treatment before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause.

But many people are still hesitant to use HRT because of concerns about the risks it could pose.

Although theres still confusion about HRT, many researchers say the benefits outweigh the risks. Lets look at some of the best-researched benefits of HRT.

The experience of menopause is different for everyone. Some people have symptoms that are so mild no medical treatment is needed.

For others, the symptoms can be so severe that it interferes with their ability to go about their daily life. In this situation, its usually a good idea to talk with a doctor about hormone replacement.

HRT may help ease menopause symptoms in the following ways:

Numerous studies have confirmed that when HRT is started early, within 10 years of menopause, it can help protect your heart and vascular system from disease.

Before starting HRT, its important to undergo a physical exam to be sure you dont already have signs of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will likely want you to have a check-up every year while youre on HRT to be sure youre maintaining good heart health.

During the transition into menopause, which can last several years, many women experience some depression.

Estrogen delivered through a skin patch has been proven effective in easing symptoms of depression. There isnt any evidence so far that estrogen can relieve depression after menopause.

Menopause increases the risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, and fractures.

Research shows that 1 to 2 years of estrogen-based HRT in the form of a skin patch may help improve bone density and protect the structure of your bones as you get older.

As you age, you tend to lose muscle mass. You need muscle mass for mobility, strength, and balance.

HRT can help prevent the loss of muscle. When combined with exercise, HRT may help increase muscle mass and strengthen your muscles.

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, estrogen-based HRT may have a protective effect against some neurological conditions.

In particular, it may play a role in decreasing the risk of Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease.

Women under the age of 60, or who entered menopause in the last 10 years, stand to benefit most from hormone therapy.

For older women, or women who started menopause more than 10 years ago, the risks could outweigh the benefits.

When the Womens Health Initiative published its report in 2002, doctors and patients began avoiding HRT out of concern that it could do more harm than good.

Although newer research has allayed some of those fears, there are still some risks to consider when deciding if HRT is right for you.

A 2020 study found that past use of HRT was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. This elevated risk was associated with both estrogen-only and combined therapies.

There is some debate about the risk of ovarian cancer. Some studies suggest that both estrogen-only and combined therapies raise your risk of ovarian cancer. Other researchers say ovarian cancer is only a risk with estrogen-only therapy, but not with combination therapies.

Estrogen-only HRT may also increase the risk of endometrial cancer (also known as uterine cancer). A 2016 review of 28 studies concluded that the following HRT regimens may all increase the risk of endometrial cancer:

Because of the risk, these therapies are generally recommended for women who no longer have a uterus.

Studies have shown that HRT (in pill and patch forms) may raise your risk of blood clots and stroke. This risk may be highest for people over 60 or who started menopause over a decade ago. The longer you take HRT, the greater the increase in your risk.

Because of this risk, health experts recommend the lowest possible HRT dose for the shortest period of time for people over 60 or who are 10 years past the onset of menopause.

Since estrogen builds up the concentration of cholesterol in the gall bladder, using HRT increases the likelihood of gallstones.

The risk is highest for women who use HRT longer than 5 years.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several categories of HRT. They include:

These hormone medications come in several different forms, such as:

Creams and rings supply hormones to a localized area, which help to limit the amount in your system.

According to the FDA, you may want to avoid taking HRT if youve had:

Talk with your doctor about whether estrogen is right for you, if you have:

If you dont want to use HRT to treat the symptoms of menopause, you might have some success with a non-hormonal treatment.

Some options that may help reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes include:

Talking about menopause symptoms can be uncomfortable, especially when the symptoms feel personal.

It may help to make a list of your concerns in advance, so you can refer to the list if you forget.

Tell your doctor about:

While menopause is a natural change, it does involve a drop in your estrogen levels. This can trigger various symptoms which, in some cases, can be severe.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help ease many symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It may also lower your risk of heart problems, protect your bones and muscles, and reduce depression.

HRT, however, is not without its risks, especially for women over 60 or who started menopause more than 10 years ago.

Talk with a healthcare professional about whether HRT is right for you and whether the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Go here to see the original:
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause - Healthline

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause – Healthline

Hormone Replacement Therapy Market to Hit Value of $29.65 Billion by 2028 | Looming Shortage HRT Products to be a Key Challenge – GlobeNewswire

Posted: September 16, 2022 at 2:55 am

Westford, USA, Sept. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Growth of global hormone replacement therapy market is on the rise, as women seek to treat symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased fertility. While HRT has been around for decades, the recent increase in popularity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the increasing awareness of hormone-related health conditions and the increasing availability of treatments like testosterone therapy.

HRT can be helpful in treating many conditions related to women's hormones, such as hot flashes, menopause symptoms, and low estrogen levels. As per recent data from National Health Interview Survey, 18% of American women over 40 use HRT. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, HRT use has increased among postmenopausal women by 66% since 2001.

There are a variety of medications currently available in global hormone replacement therapy market. These include natural hormones like estradiol and progesterone, synthetic hormones like Climacteric HRT (testosterone), pre-mixed formulations like Prempro (etoposide, etomidate, and propranolol), the transdermal patch Igel, and the injectable Depo-Provera. Some patients choose to self-administer hormones by administering topical creams or gels or by taking oral tablets.

Get sample copy of this report:

https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/hormone-replacement-therapy-market

The demand for HRT is growing due to the aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as Alzheimers and heart disease. SkyQuest study has shown that HRT can reduce the risk of developing these diseases by up to 50%. Additionally, HRT has been shown to improve overall sexual function and quality of life in women.

SkyQuest report on global hormone replacement therapy market provides insights on demand and supply gap, current products available in the market, top players and their market share, revenue, production capacity, and key catering regions, market dynamics, trends, opportunities, revenue pockets, pricing analysis, and consumer behavior.

Over 60 million Women are Taking HRT and the number is expanding at a CAGR of 4.3%

The total number of people opting for hormone replacement therapy has been on the rise for the last few decades. This trend has only been exacerbated by the increasing awareness of the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this increase in the growth of hormone replacement therapy market, including an increased understanding of the role hormones play in our health, as well as an increased availability of treatments.

In 2016, approximately 44 million women globally were using hormone replacement therapy. This number has continued to grow; with an estimated more than 60 million women were using hormone replacement therapy in 2021. As of August 2022, the total number of HRT prescription in the UK has almost doubled in the last few years and reached 500,00 a month.

Among those women who are using hormone replacement therapy, most are taking estrogen and progesterone together. This combination is often prescribed to help ease associated symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety, and decreased sex drive.

SkyQuest has done a thorough research and prepared a report on global hormone replacement therapy market. The report provides valuable insights on consumer base, consumer behavior, preference, end-use, demography analysis, and consumers by country and region, among others.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://skyquestt.com/report/hormone-replacement-therapy-market

Looming Shortage of HRT

Global hormone replacement therapy market is witnessing a strong shortage of products, as manufacturers of the medication struggle to keep up with the increasing demand. The shortage could last for months or years, depending on how long it takes manufacturers to restart production.

The hormone replacement therapy products are used to treat conditions such as menopause, obesity, and post-menopausal symptoms. These conditions can cause a decrease in the body's estrogen and testosterone levels, which can lead to a host of problems including heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and memory problems.

It has also been observed that the shortage of these products in the global hormone replacement therapy market may be that manufacturers are not able to produce them profitably. If profit margins are too low, companies may not be willing to invest in new production lines or to buy existing supplies of these drugs. This could lead to shortages and higher prices for these medications. This would provide women a temporary access to HRT products.

In early 2022, the UK faced immense shortage of HRT products. In fact, some of the pharmacist said that they were left with only 10 products, whereas it was 70 products before the shortage started observing. As a result, the health ministry in the UK allowed the pharmacists, for short term, to swap HRT prescription products

The global hormone replacement therapy market facing shortage of several products, including Ovestin cream (Aspen), Oestrogel (Besins Healthcare), and Premique Low Dose (Pfizer), as well as reported shortages of fertility treatment Glycerol suppositories, Clomifene, and and Piriteze and antihistamines Piriton.

SkyQuest has published a report on global hormone replacement therapy market. It offers insights on current market situation, key players, demand and supply gap, value chain analysis, pricing analysis, market share analysis, and competitive landscape.

Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements:

https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/hormone-replacement-therapy-market

Major Manufacturers in Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Foot Orthotic Insoles Market

Global Peritoneal Dialysis Market

Global Pediatric Home Healthcare Market

Global Organ Preservation Market

Global Cartilage Repair Market

About Us:

SkyQuest Technologyis leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally.

Address:

1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886

Phone:

USA (+1) 617-230-0741

Email:sales@skyquestt.com

LinkedInFacebookTwitter

Link:
Hormone Replacement Therapy Market to Hit Value of $29.65 Billion by 2028 | Looming Shortage HRT Products to be a Key Challenge - GlobeNewswire

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Hormone Replacement Therapy Market to Hit Value of $29.65 Billion by 2028 | Looming Shortage HRT Products to be a Key Challenge – GlobeNewswire

This Is How Long It Takes For Hormone Replacement Therapy To Start Working – Health Digest

Posted: September 16, 2022 at 2:55 am

HRT doesn't offer quick solutions and is a gradual process of changes, explains the experts fromPremier Health and Wellness. Plus, the experiences vary from person to person, depending on the circumstances and overall response to the treatment. So while some people may start seeing changes in just a few days, others may have to wait months to see any noticeable differences. According to the NHS, it can typically range from a just few weeks to about three months until you start feeling changes.

In case you still don't see differences after three months, it's likely that you need a different kind of route with this therapy and the doctor might offer other possible alternatives. The doctor may also adjust the doses to see if that helps with the HRT effects (viaBodyLogicMD). Overall, they advise HRT patients to maintain a holistic lifestyle alongside the treatment. This means that if you follow a healthy routine, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a well-balanced diet, going for follow-ups, and keeping your stress levels at a minimum, you may have a better chance to see positive results of HRTat a quicker pace.

Continue reading here:
This Is How Long It Takes For Hormone Replacement Therapy To Start Working - Health Digest

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on This Is How Long It Takes For Hormone Replacement Therapy To Start Working – Health Digest

Progesterone to be fully funded for all who need it in ‘a welcome change’ – Stuff

Posted: September 16, 2022 at 2:55 am

Getty Images

Pharmac is fully funding progesterone, after feedback said it would improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for people experiencing menopause. (File photo)

Anyone who needs progesterone, including for the treatment of menopause symptoms, will now be able to access it fully funded.

On Thursday, Pharmac confirmed it was removing all funding restrictions from the hormone replacement therapy, which was expected to benefit tens of thousands of Kiwis.

Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. It is involved in pregnancy and produced mainly in the ovaries. It can also be made in a lab.

Progesterone levels can affect menstrual periods and menopause symptoms.

READ MORE:* The one hot topic nobody wants to talk about* Perimenopause: Lead up to menopause very uncomfortable and poorly understood* Paula Bennett on menopause: 'I thought I was too young and bullet-proof'* Why hormone replacement therapy is a boon for brain fog, depression and anxiety

Up until now, progesterone was only funded for the prevention of pre-term labour, in certain circumstances.

Pharmac director of operations Lisa Williams said the agency was pleased progesterone would be funded without restrictions when prescribed for any use following Pharmacs recent Budget increase.

This included the treatment of menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of recurrent early pregnancy loss.

Unrestricted funding of progesterone capsules (Utrogestan 100mg) would start from December 1, to ensure there was enough supply to meet demand.

RNZ

Some believe menopause is the only thing holding women in their 50s back from living the best days of their lives.

Utrogestan was Medsafe approved for use as hormone replacement therapy in combination with oestrogen in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus.

If progesterone were prescribed for other uses, it would need to be prescribed and used in accordance with Section 25 of the Medicines Act, Williams said.

Womens Health Action general manager Isis McKay said funding access to progesterone without restriction would be particularly beneficial for people going through menopause especially Mori.

Research shows that, despite experiencing the same level of symptoms relating to menopause, whine Mori are less likely to be using or to have ever used hormone replacement therapy.

While this may be due to myriad factors including personal choice we do know that inequity plays a part here, McKay said.

Kevin Stent

Sarah Connor, founder of Menopause Over Martinis, said the move was a welcome change. (file photo)

Cost is a significant barrier for people when accessing primary health care and medication, we also know there are inequities in how medicines are dispensed.

The founder of support organisation Menopause Over Martinis, Sarah Connor, said the move was really great news.

Connor has been taking progesterone at a monthly cost of about $33 for more than three-and-a-half years in conjunction with much cheaper Estradot patches ($5 for three months supply).

It was an issue of accessibility, especially for those taking progesterone consistently, she said.

Its quite a significant amount of money for people to have to spend on their health and wellbeing particularly amid the rising cost of living, Connor said.

For too long, its been an expensive necessity that supports someones quality of life.

Funding progesterone removed another obstacle for people.

Its a welcome change. It makes something really needed by a lot of people a lot easier to get.

While Pharmac funded a number of hormone replacement therapies, Mori and Pacific peoples were under-represented in accessing them, Williams said.

We want to ensure there is equitable access to menopause hormone treatment for Mori and Pacific peoples, and hope that this step of widening funded access to naturally derived progesterone will help with that.

Read the original:
Progesterone to be fully funded for all who need it in 'a welcome change' - Stuff

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Progesterone to be fully funded for all who need it in ‘a welcome change’ – Stuff

Page 3«..2345..1020..»