Category Archives: Hormone Replacement Therapy

Approximately 1.3 million women in the United States enter menopause every year. Many of whom do not get correct treatment because their symptoms are not attributed to hormonal changes.

On average, women enter menopause at age 51. Officially, the start of menopause is marked by when a woman has not experienced menstruation for 12 months, not at the point of symptom onset. This is of critical importance, because most women begin experiencing symptoms much earlier, during perimenopause, the precursor to menopause. Despite its reputation as a condition that impacts older women, symptoms often begin to surface during early to mid-40s or even in the 30s.

During perimenopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone may fluctuate significantly. These hormones are messengers that connect and then activate processes throughout our bodiesour brains, hearts, blood vessels, muscles, and bones. Some people have better diets, genetics, or exercise regimens that allow them to overcome these deficiencies better.

However, while some women may weather the fluctuations better than others, the consistent loss of hormone production is inevitable and this is when aging sets in and gradually leads to joint pain, memory/cognition decline, heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancers. Basically, all of the conditions that either hurt us or eventually kill us can be traced back to hormone loss.

Wide Range of Symptoms Span Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, and Mental

Most people recognize hot flashes and night sweats as symptoms of menopause, but there are actually over 30 symptoms that may manifest due to hormonal imbalances and fluctuations, including brain fog, anxiety, joint pain, loss of libido, and bloating.

Cognitive and mental symptoms, in particular, can have a significant impact on daily life but are less known, are more difficult to isolate than physical symptoms, and are often symptoms of other conditions as well. In many cases, a patient is unfamiliar with menopause and assumes her symptoms are due to something else.

For instance, hormonal changes brought on at this life stage can cause sleep disruptions, anxiety, changes in appetite, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and mood disturbancesall of which are also symptoms of depression. Seven of the 8 conditions listed by the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8), a diagnostic and severity measure for depressive disorders, might actually be caused by perimenopause or menopause.

Consider that women of perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal ages use antidepressants more than any other group in the country. The CDC reports that antidepressant use is highest among women ageg 60 and over (24.3%), closely followed by women aged 40 to 59 (20.1%). Although antidepressants may mask 1 or more symptoms, this treatment is not addressing the hormonal imbalance at the root of the problem, which may be causing many additional symptoms as well.

Furthermore, misdiagnosis often occurs with physical symptoms. Over the years, I have treated female patients referred to cardiologists for irregular heartbeats, endocrinologists for weight gain, and marriage counselors for vaginal dryness and loss of libido. None of these specialists had prescribed effective treatments, because changes in hormone levels were not identified as the root cause.

Whats Your Comfort Level?

Menopause symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, and there is a wide variety of symptoms that manifest in unique ways in each patient. Couple this with the prevailing discomfort many physicians feel in discussing menopause and you arrive at misdiagnoses that may never be corrected.

Consider also that in the United States,80%of medical residents reported feeling barely comfortable discussing or treating menopause, and only20%of OB/GYN residency programs provide menopause training, mostly through elective courses.

This year, a survey conducted by Biote found that25%of women aged 50 to 65 years have never been told by their doctor (primary care physician or OB/GYN) that they were in perimenopause or menopause, even though 92% of the respondents had experienced 1 or more menopause symptoms in the past year.

Even more alarming, 4 of every 10 women in this survey reported that menopause symptoms had interfered with their work performance or productivity weekly. The impact of untreated or incorrectly treated symptoms on a womans quality of life, personally and professionally, can be devastating.

We Need Courage; We Need Open Minds

Countless patients have asked me how its possible that so little is known about menopause, a condition that will eventually have an impact on every woman. The truth is that there has always been a lack of research into womens health, and we are just now starting to realize how much we dont know.

There is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to menopause. Some women may experience no symptoms, and others may find their symptoms linger for decades. Lifestyle changes and natural remedies work in some cases, while in others, hormone replacement therapy is needed to bring the body back into balance.

Studying the wide range of hormone therapies, multiplied by the various delivery systems, requires time and effort that many OB/GYNs choose not to invest, concentrating on other specialties instead. Theres no single formula, and yes, certain hormone therapies are not safe, but many are and they can be extremely effective.

Writing a prescription to mask a symptom is much faster and easier than embarking on blood tests and continuous evaluation necessary to achieve hormone balance. When patients complain about symptoms that arent being addressed, practitioners often dont know where to send them. I know this because my clinic is overwhelmed; for those of you who wish to specialize in menopause, there is a huge demand for your services. We welcome you, and we are happy to share our research, generated from years of success in treating menopause and helping women regain their quality of life.

What Im asking is for you to keep an open mind.

There is no shortcut to discover treatments in an area where research has been so egregiously neglected, but we can take steps. As a medical community, we should mandate that any primary care physician, internist, or OB/GYN with a significant base of female patients over the age of 40 must participate in a continuing medical education course on menopause.

And lets work together to eliminate the discomfort and stigma of menopause that hampers proper treatment. If you are seeing female patients aged 40 years and older, take a moment to proactively discuss menopause timing, symptoms, and treatment options. If you arent familiar with treatment options, refer your patient to someone who does specialize in menopause. Even a short conversation can go a long way to validate your patients concerns and assure them you are willing to discuss this life phase with compassion and care.

Continued here:
Contributor: In the Misdiagnosis of Menopause, What Needs to Change? - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Lethargy, bloating, mood swings, breaking out in spots many people who menstruate experience one or more of these symptoms in the run up to their monthly period. For some, they are merely an inconvenience, but for others they can significantly impact day-to-day life. Why do such symptoms occur, and are some people more susceptible than others? We gathered some personal perspectives and expert advice on how to cope with PMS.

The term pre-menstrual tension (PMT) was first coined in 1931 by an American gynecologist, Robert T. Frank, to describe symptoms experienced by people who menstruate at certain times during their cycles.

Although he described several physical symptoms, such as cyclical asthma, cardiac irregularity, and water retention, his main focus was on what he called nervous tension, which caused improper or undesired behaviors. He blamed this hysteria in the days before menstruation on an excess of estrogen.

Since then, doctors and researchers have discredited the notion of hysteria as a catch-all term used to describe almost any behaviors and conditions that defied the rules and expectations of a traditional patriarchal society.

The term PMT has consequently also fallen out of use. Instead, doctors now refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can include both mental health and physical symptoms.

And an excess of estrogen is not to blame levels of both estrogen and progesterone decrease dramatically after ovulation, so they are low in the days leading up to the period. However, even now, the exact cause of PMS is not entirely clear.

The cause of these physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms is thought to be a result of hormonal changes and fluctuations, involving estrogen and progesterone, during the menstrual cycle especially 12 weeks before a period begins.

Dr. Sheryl Ross, OB/GYN and womens health expert at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA

What we do know is that a large number of women experience a range of symptoms in the days leading up to their period.

Most of these are a normal part of the cycle, but for some, they can interfere with day-to-day functioning.

According to Dr. Ross, [p]art of being a woman is experiencing the physical and emotional craziness that happens 1 to 2 weeks before your period.

Mood swings and emotional upheaval are common symptoms of PMS. Symptoms can include extreme depression, fits of anger, and overwhelming anxiety. Crying spells, angry outbursts, and feeling worthless are part of the PMS mood swings, she added.

Psychological symptoms are common. For most, they are inconvenient, but they do not affect day-to-day functioning, as 20-year-old Flora* told Medical News Today: Like clockwork, the day before my period, Ill be really moody and short-tempered. [] Often, I forget my period is due, but find myself getting emotional for no reasonthen the next day my period comes. The week after my period, I feel great.

Many women notice physical symptoms too. Dr. Ross described some of the changes that might occur in the days leading up to a period:

Breast tenderness, weight gain, food cravings, acne, abdominal bloating, bowel changes including gas and diarrhea, feeling hungrier, fatigue, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and headaches are some of the physical changes [] for women suffering from PMS.

Not all women will get all the symptoms, as Flora told MNT: Physically, I tend to break out the week before my period, and I feel bloated and puffy for a few days.

Immy*, 25, agreed: The week before my period, I get really sore breasts, my skin gets oilier and I get skin breakouts.

However, for some people, the physical and psychological symptoms can be severe and debilitating, which may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Dr. Ross advised that PMDD should be considered if these emotional changes become disruptive with work or your personal life.

Existing research suggests that approximately 80% of those who menstruate experience at least one premenstrual symptom every month.

A new study from Archives of Womens Mental Health has now found that, among 238,114 survey respondents worldwide, 28.61% reported that premenstrual symptoms interfered with their everyday life each cycle, and an additional 34.84% reported that premenstrual symptoms interfered with their everyday life some cycles.

The survey respondents for this study were users of the Flo Health mobile app, which is a menstrual cycle tracking tool. The respondents were aged between 18 and 55.

The most common symptom every cycle, reported by a staggering 85.28% of respondents, was food cravings.

Mood swings and anxiety affected almost 65%, while fatigue was reported by 57%. Around 63% of respondents said that their symptoms interfered with their everyday life at least some months, with more than 28% reporting interference every cycle.

The researchers suggest that their data indicate that premenstrual mood symptoms are a key public health issue globally.

Dr. Jennifer L. Payne, who led the study, commented that [t]here are a number of treatment strategies that are available to treat premenstrual symptoms that interfere with a womans everyday functioning.

Increasing awareness of how common these symptoms are, and that if they impact functioning that there are treatments available, will help women improve their quality of life, she noted.

Some symptoms, such as absentmindedness, low libido, sleep changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight gain, headaches, sweating or hot flashes, fatigue, hair changes, rashes, and swelling, were more commonly reported by older survey respondents.

However, as many of these symptoms are associated with perimenopause, they may not all be a result of PMS.

Rachel, a 53-year-old company director, agreed: PMS was slightly more noticeable when I was younger now perimenopause gives lots of symptoms all the time, but Im on HRT [hormone replacement therapy] so maybe that helps? When I was younger I definitely used to get spots [] but I think that stopped when I had my babies.

Although the large sample size and international cohort in the study are its main strength, the authors acknowledge that their figures may overestimate the incidence of symptoms as the data were self-reported. At the same time, users of the app are also more likely to be aware of and report premenstrual symptoms.

If PMS is interfering with your day-to-day life, Dr. Ross recommends seeing a health professional: Dont ever be afraid to see your healthcare provider for support and validation. Its important to discuss any ongoing and disruptive symptoms related to your period with her/ him. Diagnosis and treatment options are available to make PMS manageable.

However, many people can manage their symptoms without medical intervention. One effective method, according to Menstrual Matters, a nonprofit online information hub, is to track your moods for two or three cycles and identify any pattern in your mood changes.

Lottie, 22, believed that getting in tune with her body has really helped: Tracking my cycle on an app has made me realise that my symptoms, such as fatigue, bloating and spots are completely normal. So now, I let it happen rather than [fight] against it.

If I allow myself to rest when I need to in the day or two before my period, I feel much better and also find that my period is much easier, she added.

Knowing ones body can be helpful for many people. A 2013 study found that the reframing of symptoms as normal change, behavioral coping strategies, and self-monitoring, can effectively reduce premenstrual distress.

Dr. Ross also advised that modifying diet may alleviate symptoms. Foods that make PMS symptoms worse include excessive amounts of dairy products including cheese, yogurt, milk and butter, foods high in sodium, red meat and other fatty proteins, caffeinated drinks, and processed foods, she told us.

Eat foods that are natural diuretics to reduce the bloating, water retention, and swelling, such as celery, cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, asparagus, lemon juice, garlic, melon, and lettuce, she advised.

A Saudi Arabian study suggested that to alleviate PMS symptoms, people who menstruate may want to eliminate sweet-tasting food and caffeine-containing beverages, particularly coffee, from their diet.

Lottie has found this works for her: Avoiding coffee in the few days before and at the start of my period really helps alleviate symptoms.

Exercise can also be helpful for many people. One study found that just 8 weeks of exercising three times a week for 60 minutes significantly decreased PMS symptoms in young women. And Dr. Ross agreed: Regular exercise 4-6 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes is helpful to reduce bloating and helps with water retention.

If Im already a bit down in the run-up to my period, I find I will feel much more negative and self-critical. If Im in a happy place mentally and physically, doing more exercise, the PMS and the period arent nearly as bad.

Immy, 25

Rachel also commented that increased stress affects her: Im lucky, I dont usually have any major symptoms, just a slight change of mood and feeling more irritable. Often I dont realise Im premenstrual until I get my period then I realise its why Ive been snappy. However, its worse when Im stressed as I probably have more to be irritable about!

It is well known that stress and stressors directly affect our health, whether we want to admit it or not. Stress not only affects our body physically but also affects our emotions and behaviors. Stress exacerbates depression, anxiety, weight loss or weight gain and foggy brain. PMS, along with common stress symptoms, can make the 1 to 2 weeks prior to your period debilitating.

Dr. Sherry Ross

And these observations are backed up by research. Those with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of PMS. Another study found that mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety symptoms, were significantly higher among those who also reported PMS.

According to some research, being aware of PMS symptoms makes you more likely to report them and connect physical and psychological symptoms to your monthly cycle.

However, as Dr. Sally King notes for Menstrual Matters: This does not mean that the menstrual cycle does not affect mood in any way. It just means that the vast majority of menstruating people do not experience moderate to severe cyclical mood changes, and in the vast majority of people who menstruate, mood changes are not restricted to the premenstrual phase only.

So perhaps a little more understanding and awareness of bodily changes is the answer. As Lottie commented: Now that I feel more aware of my cycles, I embrace the lows knowing there will be upcoming highs, such as around the time I ovulate when I feel full of energy.

I believe we should stop viewing menstruation negatively and learn to celebrate our cycles and our bodies, she added.

* Disclaimer: We have changed some contributors names to protect their identities.

Originally posted here:
Premenstrual syndrome: Real-life impact and coping strategies - Medical News Today

COLUMBUS, OhioThe Ohio Supreme Court sprung into the national spotlight during the now-going-on-one-year redistricting battle. But the court is much more than just that, which is why advocates are urging voters to care about the open seats.

With three seats available this November, Democratic voter Barbara Freidman Yaksic said it is essential for voters to use their voices to elect progressive candidates to the court, so they dont need to rely on a Republican justice to side with fairness.

"There is no honest and open and full debate because Republicans can ram through whatever they want," Freidman Yaksic said. "That's not how our democracy is supposed to work."

Republican voter John Tamburello agrees the court needs to be fair, saying if voters elected a Republican justice, that justice should reflect their views.

"A rogue, very rogue current Supreme Court with their redistricting, they caused so much chaos with what they did," Tamburello said.

Chief Justice Maureen OConnor, a Republican, had crossed party lines and consistently sided with the Democratic justices on redistricting, upsetting her party. In the end, a federal court sided with the Republicans overruling the high court.

As the redistricting battle showed, the Legislature was able to ignore and override the decisions and orders of the Ohio Supreme Court, and voters have asked whether these judges ultimately matter. Jonathan Entin, a constitutional law expert and professor at Case Western Reserve University, adamantly said yes.

"The Ohio Supreme Court is the final word on almost every question of Ohio law," Entin said.

The court is normally listened to, he said. Plus, it is the most powerful branch of the state, allowing the justices to decide on abortion laws, gun access and housing issues.

There are a few major issues that could be drastically altered depending on the makeup of the court.

Redistricting

The Ohio Redistricting Commission (ORC) continually passed maps that were struck down as unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court.

The Ohio Supreme Court rejected legislative maps for being unconstitutional and gerrymandered for a fifth time in May. In the bipartisan majority statement, O'Connor said the Republicans "engaged in a stunning rebuke of the rule of law" by refusing to create legal maps.

The House map has a 54-46 GOP advantage, Entin said. The Senate has an 18-15. Nearly 20 of the Democratic House districts and about 10 in the Senate are considered political toss-ups. None of the Republican districts are.

The defiance of the court made Democrats and progressive voters angry, saying the excessive gerrymandering was disenfranchising voters and cheating the system.

The Republicans on the commission did not want racial data taken into account, because that would be a violation of federal law, according to Senate President Matt Huffman.

"Probably from the perspective of the law, it is really kind of unconstitutional to look at race as a part of the factor to make decisions, but things have changed," Geography Professor at Ohio State University Dr. Ningchuan Xiao said. "The Voting Rights Act, actually because of that act, the Supreme Court actually allows certain states to design districts now to focus on race."

Democrats also allege that numerous candidates were specifically drawn out of their districts due to being a competitor for the Republican candidate or for angering the GOP.

One News 5 exclusive showed an Ashtabula candidate getting drawn out of her district, despite her property being in it, and being forced to withdraw after winning her primary.

RELATED: Democratic House nominee in Ohio drawn out of district by a few feet, must withdraw from race

This redistricting mess is still an ongoing issue.

The Ohio General Assembly was supposed to redraw congressional district maps and then the ORC was supposed to move on it, but the August deadline came and went with no action.

Republicans have denied all of the claims of corruption by the Democrats.

What is the benefit of waiting? Having a Republican-dominated U.S. District Court decide, but that isn't all.

"One possible explanation is that [the Republican members of the ORC] were trying to run out the clock this year knowing that there would be at least one new justice next year who could make a difference in what the court would wind up doing with the maps," Entin said.

If more Democrats were on the Supreme Court, they could've actually held the ORC in contempt of court and had an undeniable majority. If more Republicans were on the Supreme Court, they could've just approved one of the first legislative maps to begin with.

Abortion

Arguably the most time-pressing issue at this point, the Ohio Supreme Court gets to decide if abortion laws are constitutional or not.

Democrats want the court to rule that the six-week ban is a violation, but right now, it's highly likely they don't have the votes. Republicans want to keep the law in place, so they want to keep their majority power.

In fact, the court just dismissed a case about the current six-week abortion ban. This was a request by abortion providers, who said Ohio's highest court was taking too long to discuss it.

Now, a state court in Hamilton County is taking over. This could lead to the law being blocked while it is under review.

Whichever way the court leans, that could impact future, more restrictive abortion bans, as well.

LGBTQ+ rights

There are numerous bills in the General Assembly that critics say discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community and keep those individuals from getting health care and representation in schools.

The Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act, H.B. 454, would ban gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ minors. This includes hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), surgical procedures and potentially mental health services. This bill would also force school counselors to tell parents if the student is even considering their gender in a way that is deemed "non-conforming." A News 5 investigation revealed the lawmaker who proposed it believes transgender people "become trans" from being "groomed."

RELATED:Leaked audio shows Ohio rep. introducing bill to limit affirming care had never spoken to trans community

The Save Women's Sports Act, H.B. 151/61, would prohibit transgender girls and women from participating in athletics with cisgender girls and women. The bill as written would require genital inspections for anyone "suspected" of being trans.

RELATED:Ohio GOP passes bill aiming to root out 'suspected' transgender female athletes through genital inspection

There is also Ohio's version of Florida's "Don't Say Gay, Don't Say Race" bill, as it is called by educators, activists and Democrats, since it explicitly controls and curbs discussion on sexuality or gender in schools. This could range anywhere from mentioning a relative who is gay to conversations in AP courses about queer activists.

RELATED:Lawmakers hear Ohio's version of Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill

These bills, in combination with anxiety around the U.S. Supreme Court and their beliefs on LGBTQ+ rights, could make the seven members of the Ohio Supreme Court more important than anyone in the state.

Lawmakers are worried other rights may be in jeopardy after SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, ending protections for abortion.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas argued that SCOTUS should also reconsider landmark cases such as the right to marry someone or engage in private sex acts with someone of the same sex. In addition, he also suggested looking into birth control decisions.

The U.S. House decided to move on this in July. The Respect for Marriage Actwould make sure that every legal marriage would be considered legitimate and would prohibit any state from discriminating against same-sex couples married in other states.

The bill would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which only recognized marriages between one man and one woman. This federal law from the 1990s was struck down after the Supreme Court ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. The court ruled that same-sex couples in the U.S. have the same right to marry as different-sex couples.

If the Supreme Court was to overrule Obergefell, Democrats are worried that the Defense of Marriage Act could go back into place for the states that hadn't already legalized same-sex marriage. This act would also make sure interracial marriages were kept legal, as well.

In a News 5 exclusive, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) feared the marriage equality act he is cosponsoring doesn't have the votes to pass the Senate.

RELATED: Ohio's Sen. Rob Portman worries Senate doesn't have the votes for marriage equality act

Democrats want to keep rights for the LGBTQ+ community and don't want to limit trans youth from health care or force any middle or high school girl to have a mandatory genital examination if she is "accused" of being trans, but some Ohio Republicans have shared different beliefs.

There are dozens of other issues, including tort liability, worker's compensation and consumer protections.

If you feel your vote doesn't matter

There's reason to be cynical about a lot of things in politics, Entin said, but if voters are completely cynical about everything, people who have nothing but an axe to grind are going to dominate the whole process, get their way and everyone will be worse off for it.

"Ohio politics isn't reassuring," he added. "But on the other hand, there are a lot of places where politics is pretty discouraging and to some extent, if people give up, then that's what we're going to get."

Voter suppression is real, and so are gerrymandered districts, he added. That being said, there are some positions that don't rely on districts such as statewide races like U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general and, of course, the Ohio Supreme Court.

"These three seats are so very important to the freedom of Ohio at just about every level," Tamburello said.

Friedman Yaksic said no matter how bleak it feels, voting matters.

"If you want representatives that reflect your views, then you need justices on the Ohio Supreme Court that will enforce those constitutional amendments," she said.

Justices are supposed to be elected as nonpartisan candidates, but for the first time, the candidates' party affiliations will be listed on the ballot. This could help people vote with more than just name recognition and provides transparency for the ballot, each voter said.

Nothing with ever be "magical" in a political system, but voters get the kind of government they deserve if they give up, Entin said.

"If we participate, if we try to get the best government we can, maybe we get a good government," he said. "Maybe we won't, but you can't win if you don't play."

This story just scratches the surface of the importance of the Ohio Supreme Court. Stories coming soon will include who the candidates are and what they stand for. Want to learn the latest on where the candidates stand? News 5 is here to help. We created a 2022 midterm elections guide,which is updated daily based on the changing candidacies.

The State Board of Education in Ohio also has five seats open, and with education policy emerging as a topic of discussion the past year, educators are urging more people to learn why these races are important. Read more here and watch Morgan Trau's report below.

Why you should be paying attention to Ohio Board of Education races

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.

Excerpt from:
Why you should be paying attention to Ohio Supreme Court races - News 5 Cleveland WEWS

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that's important for many things like the repair of all body tissues, maintaining a healthy immune system and more. While our body needs it, we don't naturally produce it so eating foods high in vitamin C like broccoli, brussel sprouts, strawberries, bell peppers and tomatoes is vital for overall health. But some prefer to take supplements, which can have its advantages, but there's also some risks as well. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with a background in oncology clinical trials and over 15 years of direct patient care experience who shares what taking vitamin C daily can do.Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Marchese tells us, "Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that eliminates harmful particles called free radicals in the body. It reduces oxidative stress caused by long-term inflammation after injury or infection. A daily vitamin C dose can also help the production of other natural antioxidants, including vitamin E and tetrahydrobiopterin."

Marchese explains, "The human immune system helps fight off infections, destroy foreign bodies and reduce disease, but it still needs help from vaccinations and a diet rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. Vitamin C improves the cellular effects of immune cells such as phagocytes and neutrophils. Daily vitamin C can also help clear dead immune cells after infection, preventing harm from a buildup of immune activity byproducts."

According to Marchese, "Most healthy people don't require daily vitamin C supplements, but a supplement can reduce the risk of some cancers in people who suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is also helpful for cancer patients who cannot get all their nutrients through oral intake or have increased inflammations or infections from cancer treatment. Evidence suggests vitamin C supplements could help lower the risk of pancreatic, esophageal and prostate cancers."

"When taken alongside other recommended vitamins and minerals, vitamin C supplements have been shown to reduce eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts," says Marchese. "It's unlikely that vitamin C supplements can reverse age-related eye damage, but they may help reduce the risk of decreased visual acuity later in life."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Marchese states, "Daily vitamin C intake isn't recommended for everyone and can increase the risk of some adverse effects. Research has shown that high doses of vitamin C every day increased kidney stone risk by over 20% compared to those who took less than the daily recommended amount of 90 mg."

Marchese says, "A daily vitamin C supplement is typically safe, and excess amounts are eliminated via the urine. However, unnecessarily high levels of vitamin C can accumulate in the body over time and cause issues such as stomach cramps, vomiting, heartburn and diarrhea. Increased levels of vitamin C can interact dangerously with other medications, such as statins (a type of anti-cholesterol drug), the blood-thinner medication warfarin and hormone replacement therapy, such as estrogen."

Heather Newgen

Read more:
When You Take Vitamin C Every Day, Here's What Happens Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also called estrogen replacement therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, or post-menopausal hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, but its important to know that some types of HRT can increase your risk of breast cancer.

HRT also can increase your risk of the cancer coming back (recurrence) if youve been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past. Because of this risk, doctors usually recommend that women with a history of breast cancer should not take types of HRT that affect the entire body (called systemic HRT).

HRT has also been linked to cardiovascular risks, such as heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.

However, all of these risks vary and depend on many factors, including:

type of HRT

the dose you take

your age when you start taking it

how long you use it

Years ago, before the link between HRT use and breast cancer risk was known, many women took HRT for years to ease menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss. After 2002, when research linked HRT and breast cancer risk, the number of women taking HRT dropped dramatically.

Newer research that has followed women for a longer amount of time suggests the link between HRT and breast cancer risk is more complex than first thought, and using HRT remains a controversial topic.

Medical guidelines say the benefits of HRT such as quality of life and protection of bone health can outweigh the risks for certain women, particularly those who enter menopause at an early age. Because the risks and benefits are different for every woman, its best to educate yourself and talk with your doctor to decide if HRT is right for you.

HRT medicines usually contain the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both, to replace the hormones a womans body stops making after menopause.

HRT is different than hormonal therapy medicines that block estrogen to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

There are two main types of HRT:

estrogen-only HRT

combination HRT, which contains both estrogenand progesterone (usually a synthetic form called progestin or progestogen)

Estrogen-only HRT usually is taken only by women who have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus).

Combination HRT usually is taken by women who still have their uterus. Estrogen-only HRT can cause the lining of the uterus to become too thick a condition called estrogen-associated endometrial hyperplasia. This can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus, called endometrial or uterine cancer. The progesterone in combination HRT helps to prevent thiscondition.

In combination HRT, both hormones can either be combined into one medicine or given as separate medicines. The same dose of estrogen and progesterone can be taken daily (continuous HRT), or in different amounts on different schedules (sequential or cyclical HRT).

There are several ways to take or use HRT:

Systemic HRT usually contains a higher dose of estrogen and comes in many forms, including pills, skin patches, creams, gels, sprays or vaginal rings. Systemic means the medicines travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body.

Topical (local) HRT contains a lower-dose of estrogen and comes in the form of creams, tablets, or rings applied or inserted into the vaginal area. These medicines arent as readily absorbed into your bloodstream and mostly stay in the vaginal tissue.

Systemic HRT effectively treats many symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. Topical HRT only works on vaginal symptoms, such as dryness and discomfort during sex.

Breast cancer risk differs depending on the type of HRT and a womans personal history of breast cancer.

Systemic combination HRT and breast cancer risk in women with no history of breast cancer

Based on results from the very large Womens HealthInitiative studies, combination HRT increases breast cancer risk and this increase in risk lasted for more than 10 years after the women stopped taking HRT.

Higher-dose combination HRT increases breast cancer risk more than lower-dose combination HRT.

Combination HRT also increases the likelihood that the cancer may be found at a more advanced stage. Combination HRT is linked to increased breast density, which can make it harder for mammograms to detect breast cancer.

Breast cancer risk appears to be higher with daily progesterone (continuous combination HRT) than with less frequent progesterone (sequential or cyclical combination HRT).

This increase in risk applies to bioidentical and natural hormone products as well as synthetic hormones. Bioidentical means the hormones in the product are identical to the hormones your body produces. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants, so theyre sometimes called natural. Synthetic hormones are made in a lab and are also chemically identical to thehormones in your body. It's important to know that many herbal and bioidentical HRT products fall outside the jurisdiction of the United States Food and Drug Administration and so aren't subject to the same regulations and testing that medicines are.

Systemic estrogen-only HRT and breast cancer risk in women with no history of breast cancer

The American Cancer Society says estrogen-only HRT is not linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. The Womens Health Initiative studies also found no increase in breast cancer risk in women using systemic estrogen-only HRT.

But its very important to know that in women who have a uterus, using systemic estrogen-only HRT has been shown to increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Other studies have found a link between systemic estrogen-only HRT and a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Its also important to know that research is conflicting when it comes to breast cancer risk and estrogen-only HRT. Some studies show a small increase in risk, and some dont.

Any type of systemic HRT and breast cancer risk in women with a history of breast cancer

Because doctors are concerned that systemic HRT can cause hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to come back, only a few studies have been done on HRT use in women with a history of breast cancer. A 2021 analysis of four studies found that women who took systemic HRT had a 46% higher risk of recurrence than women who didnt take HRT. Current recommendations say that women with a history of breast cancer should not take any type ofsystemic HRT.

Topical HRT and breast cancer risk in women with no history of breast cancer

Research suggests that topical HRT, such as low-dose vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, and rings do not increase breast cancer risk because most of the hormones stay in the vaginal tissue.

Topical HRT and breast cancer risk in women with a history of breast cancer

In 2016, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded that women whove been diagnosed with breast cancer who are having troubling systems such as pain during sex may consider using vaginal estrogen at the lowest effective dose if non-hormonal moisturizers or lubricants dont work.

Menopausal side effects can reduce quality of life for some women. You have to weigh the benefits of HRT against the risks.

If you're having severe hot flashes or other menopausal side effects and are considering HRT, talk to your doctor about all of your options. Ask how you can relieve your symptoms while minimizing your breast cancer risk. Some questions you may want to ask:

What is my personal risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and other types of cancer? How will this risk be affected by HRT?

What is my personal risk of other conditions that HRT can affect, such as heart disease and stroke?

What other options are there including non-hormonal medicines and complementary therapies to treat menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis?

Would topical HRT be a good option for me?

Learn more about Treating Menopausal Symptoms.

Poggio, F., Del Mastro, L., Bruzzone, M. et al. Safety of systemic hormone replacement therapy in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-021-06436-9

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Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) - breast cancer

There are many benefits to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for men. Find out if your hormones are balanced and learn how Biotes Method of hormone replacement therapy for men may help.

For decades, hormone therapy for men has been a common practice to address the symptoms of aging. Male bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may help men feel like themselves again. It may also help men who have always suffered from unbalanced hormones feel better for the first time. Male hormone replacement may also lower the severity of ailments not directly associated with reproductive symptoms. Biote has helped many patients with our unique approach to hormone therapy for men using pellet hormone therapy.*

Bioidentical hormones are identical to those present in the human body, and closely resemble the molecular structure of human hormones.

Hormone therapy for men can take the form of patches, creams, pills, injections, or pellets, all containing testosterone. The Biote Method of bioidentical hormone replacement for men uses pellets containing bioidentical testosterone and may help with many different symptoms commonly associated with hormonal imbalance.*

Bioidentical hormone replacement for men may help any man whose hormones are out of balance. Hormone imbalance frequently occurs as we age. However, there are instances like hypogonadism that can occur at any age. Biote Certified Providers will qualify patients based on their individual lab results and current hormone levels.*

Pellets used for male BHRT are high-quality and custom-compounded with bioidentical testosterone. In an in-office appointment, these pellets are inserted subcutaneously in a patients upper buttocks. Within up to two to four weeks after a pellet insertion, the hormone therapy for men may begin to alleviate some unwanted symptoms. However, everyones body is different and some patients report feeling the full benefits after the second insertion.*

Read more here:
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

For some women going through menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a godsend, but some GPs are hesitant to prescribe it to women over 60, even though they may still be suffering from menopause symptoms. If you're struggling to decide whether it's right for you,here's our guide to starting HRT at 60, including the benefits, risks and, if you decide against it, effective alternatives that you can try.

Get advice and support on our menopause forum...

HRT is a common abbreviation for hormone replacement therapy.In short, it is a man-made replacement for the hormones your body stops producing once you hit menopause (progesterone and oestrogen). Taking HRT helps to restore these hormone levels and, as a result, can help to relieve menopausal symptoms, particularly the hot flushes that so many women struggle with.

Common symptoms of menopause include:

Some of these symptoms may have begun while you were still having periods such as during the perimenopause. You might find that you experience different symptoms with each stage of the menopause and with differents degrees of severity. Evidence has suggested that there are a few things that can help ease the severity of those that you do experience, such as altering your diet and exercising regularly. Sometimes, however, it's not as easy as that, and when these measures fail, you may want to consider hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone replacement therapy comes in various forms, including tablets, patches, gels and creams. The effects of HRT vary from woman to woman - what is right for you will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and should be discussed with your doctor.

HRT tablets are the most common form, with HRT patches following a close second. Both of these options are available in oestrogen-only and combined (oestrogen and progesterone) forms, and the patches are replaced every few days, while the tablets are taken every day.

Oestrogen is also available as a gel which is applied daily to the skin. Oestrogen pessaries that are placed in the vagina can help reduce local dryness, but do not tackle more general symptoms. Here's an overview of the different types of hormone replacement therapy, including the benefits, risks and side effects of each:

While HRT can be beneficial to menopausal women, there are risks with each type of medication. If you're considering it, speak to your GP who will advise you on the best type for you.

Most women hit menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 with the average age being 51. However, symptoms can last up to 12 years after you reach menopause. It's also worth keeping in mind that not everyone opts for hormone replacement therapy and it may not be suitable for some, including those with a history of breast and ovarian cancer in the family.

If you find that your GP won't prescribe it to you, but you feel you would like a second opinion on the potential benefits of HRT after 60, it could be worth going to a doctor who specialises in the menopause.

Join over 250,000 userson Gransnet today

"I am aware of the risk factors, but I value my current quality of life. If day-to-day living is intolerable, then for me the risks are worth it."

As with most medication, HRT carries its own risks and side effects, both short-term and long-term. After a study in 2002 found that it was linked to increased risk of breast cancer, the number of women taking the drug plummeted. NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)guidelines released in 2015, however, suggested that better information about the risks and benefits of HRT over 60 could help many of the women, who have ruled out taking the drug for fear of the risks, come to a more balanced decision about treatment.The NHS advises that generally the benefits of taking hormone replacement therapy outweigh the risks.

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that a small number of people taking certain types of HRT tabletscould be more at risk from blood clots. While the overall risk is low, the study concluded thatHRT gels and patches were the safest to use.

A recent study suggested that there was a small increased risk of developingAlzheimer's disease with long-term use of HRT, particularly for those who use HRT for over 10 years. However, medical professionals have stated that women shouldn't be too concerned about the results of the study, as the risk is small and it was an observational study not accounting for other factors.

In cases where a woman is taking combined HRT (as opposed to oestrogen-only HRT, which carries a smaller risk), her chances of developing breast cancer are doubled. However, statistics also show that breast cancer risks return to normal within five years of coming off the medication.

There is no evidence that bio-identical hormones are any safer than standard HRT. We spoke to Dr. Marilyn Glenville PhD, the UK's leading nutritionist specialising in women's health:

"Research suggests that it is not appropriate for women over the age of 60 to start HRT because the risks are higher. Bio-identical hormones are chemically similar in structure to the hormones your body would produce naturally, but they carry the same risks as conventional HRT and they are not licensed by the UK regulatory authorities. The bio-identical hormones are still made in a lab in the same way that the conventional medication would be made and from the same sources. The big question is when would you stop taking them? If it is correct to replace those naturally declining hormones then you would need to take them forever."

These risks are best discussed with your doctor, who can help you make an informed decision. You can find more, specifically regarding cancer risks, on the Cancer Research website.

The benefits of HRT are generally thought to outweigh the risks in women under 60, or when used within 10 years of the beginning of menopause. But what about after 60?

As women reach this age, it's fairly common for GPs to start suggesting they stop or gradually reduce their dosage. Gransnetters themselves mostly recommend reducing the dosage slowly to minimise the possible negative effects of symptoms making themselves known again.

"I am convinced that very gradually coming off HRT was the way to do it. The whole process took over a year but, apart from some hot flushes for the first six months, I am now more or less symptom-free."

If your GP has advised against taking HRT or you don't want to run the associated risks, there are many alternative therapies to consider.

Make sure you get regular exercise, including strength training, cardio or even yoga, Pilates or tai chi.

You can do this with food.Chickpeas, beans, soya milk and soya beans all contain phytoestrogens which work to raise levels that have taken a dive due to menopause.

This medicinal plant has long been hailed as helpful in reducing night sweats and hot flushes. However, it's important to note here that no studies have proven that it is either safe or effective. That said, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that it helps with temperature regulation in some women. It can cause stomach upsets though and, in rare cases, can affect the liver so do seek your doctor's advice before taking it.

This supplement is proven to help with mood regulation, so could potentially be very helpful for those who suffer from depression during menopause. Do talk to your doctor before taking it though, as it is known to interfere with certain medications.

There is evidence that antidepressants, which alter serotonin levels in the brain, can also help with body temperature regulation. They can help to ease hot flushes and sweats, and can be also help to ease the mood changes that some women experience at the time of the change.

The LadyCare magnet is a device that claims to ease menopause symptoms naturally. According to its creators, it is effective for 71% of women who try it and claims to be particularly helpful in alleviating hot flushes, mood changes and sleeping problems. It claims to work by rebalancing the Automatic Nervous System (ANS) and is worn inside your underwear.

"It could be a placebo effect, but the LadyCare magnet works for me. Anything's worth a try when you have those tropical moments!"

"My GP tells me he has patients in their 80s who are still on HRT and, as long as they are happy and healthy and have regular checks, he is happy for them to continue. Needless to say, I am back on a very low dose and feeling great."

"I am 68 and suffer very badly with hot flushes. I had patches for many years, but the doctors are reluctant to prescribe them to me now."

"I would rather take it and face minimal risks (with no personal or family histories) than suffer the awful symptoms which were ruining all aspects of my life."

"HRT gave me my life and my marriage back."

"The worst thing about coming off HRT is that it has totally messed up my sex life! I've become dry in a certain area and trying to sort that problem out is no fun. I am seriously thinking of going back on it if my doctor will prescribe it again. I know the risks, but I love my husband more."

"I was on HRT for 10 years and stopped when I had major surgery. The only symptom that came back were the flushes but they were much less intense and mostly daytime ones, which I dealt with fine."

"After 10 years, my doctor suggested it was time to stop taking it. No weaning off. But I don't recall there being any particular side effects to giving it up."

"I made the decision not to take HRT, but what helped with hot flushes for me was a large glass of soya milk every day."

"Hot flushes all night long. Try all the natural things to ease your symptoms."

"I think that one of the big difficulties with these decisions is that GPs and others seem to be clearly in one camp or another. My previous doctor was not prepared to prescribe it to me, whereas my current GP doesn't see why I might have any reason to worry."

Disclaimer: The information on our health pages is only intended as an informal guide and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice. Gransnet would urge you to consult your GP before you begin any form of treatment if you're concerned about your weight, have existing health conditions and/or are taking medication.

Continued here:
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Over 60s | Gransnet

DrTalks.comhas partnered with Dr. Sharon Stills and 40+ experts to unlock the secrets of a sexy menopause at a 7-day virtual summit.

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Join DrTalks.com with the creator of RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause), Dr. Sharon Stills, from Tuesday, September 20th through Tuesday, September 27th to learn how to have a sexy, happy, low-stress menopause. Featured guests include Dr. Keesha Ewers (Best-Selling author and Integrative Medicine expert), Dr. Anna Cabeca (Triple Board-Certified OBGYN and Author), and Dr. Heather Sandison, ND (Founder of Marama). Each expert will be interviewed directly by Dr. Sharon Stills.

We talk about menopause in whispers - if we talk about it at all. We fear hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, libido changes, and potential weight gain. But we do little if anything to prep our bodies for this massive change. But here's the good news. Menopause is more than "the change." It's an opportunity to pivot. And it CAN be a beautiful, powerful, transformative time if you lean into the transition and reach for the kind of medicine that doesn't come in a bottle.

Rethinking The Change: Discover 40+ Ways to Embrace Menopause

The Mastering the Meno(pause) Transition Summit brings together more than 40 guest speakers, including doctors, OBGYNs, functional medicine practitioners, naturopaths, nutritionists, and more, to teach you how to have a red hot, sexy menopause. Topics will include prepping your body for menopause during perimenopause, how to manage the symptoms of menopause, what habits make symptoms worse, what menopause can teach you about your sexuality, how to get the best sleep of your life, how to boost libido, more. Attendees will discover 40+ ways to embrace menopause as a time of transition and will leave the summit feeling empowered to craft the second half of their story with intention.

This summit is for anyone currently experiencing menopause or perimenopause and who wants to be fully prepared for this incredible time of change. Register for the Mastering the Menoo(pause) Transition Summit and prepare for a sexy, vibrant menopause!

About Dr. Sharon Stills: Dr. Sharon Stills is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor who helps perimenopausal and menopausal women to pause and evaluate life so they can live the second act of their story stronger, healthier, and sexier while aging backward. She has more than 20 years of medical experience and an extensive background in anti-aging, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and European biological medicine. She is the founder of the RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program and the host of The Science of Self Healing podcast.

Media ContactChristi Simoneaux[emailprotected]

SOURCE DrTalks

Excerpt from:
Rethinking "The Change": Discover 40+ Ways to Embrace Menopause - PR Newswire

Moderna sues Pfizer over vaccine technology

The vaccine manufacturer Moderna is suing the US drug company Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, for patent infringement of mRNA technology used in the first covid-19 vaccines, which it says it developed before the pandemic. Moderna alleges in a lawsuit filed in the US and Germany that the companies copied two key elements of its intellectual property. The first is a chemical modification whereby a vaccine avoids provoking an undesirable immune response, and the second relates to the way both of the covid vaccines target the spike protein. Early in the pandemic Moderna said that it would not enforce patents of its covid vaccine, to help other drug companies develop their own vaccines.1

The head of the UK governments taskforce on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has returned to her role overseeing the vaccine taskforce, ahead of the rollout of the omicron booster programme this month. Madelaine McTernan was asked to take on the HRT role in April to tackle serious supply issues. Four months later the access to HRT products has improved, but shortage protocolswhich limit dispensing to three months supply and allow specified alternative products to be supplied if necessarywill remain in place for 12 HRT products, including some gels and

Read more:
Seven days in medicine: 31 Aug to 6 Sep 2022 - The BMJ

A new study says a majority of Americans experienced a muddled sense of time during covid, with trauma from the pandemic experience to blame. Medical misinformation, future pandemic modeling, protection from previous covid infections, and more are also in the news.

The Washington Post:Pandemic Trauma Caused Many To Lose Their Sense Of TimeDid you lose track of time during the early days of the pandemic? If so, youre not alone. A new study says a majority of Americans experienced time distortions at the beginning of the pandemic, which are common during traumatic times. (Blakemore, 9/5)

More on the pandemic's effects

Chicago Tribune:University Of Chicago Offers Class On Medical MisinformationPatients have long been told to turn to their doctors for accurate, trusted health information. But in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors voices have sometimes been drowned out by social media users who blast misinformation across the globe, leading patients to make questionable, and sometimes dangerous, choices about their health. (Schencker, 9/6)

Wyoming Public Radio:University Of Wyoming Researchers Will Help Formulate Post-Pandemic Modeling For Future PandemicsThe University of Wyoming was recently selected as one of just a few research institutions nationwide to receive approximately one million dollars in grant funding for research into pandemic modeling. (Cook, 9/2)

The CT Mirror:CT Hospital Housekeepers Push For Essential Worker Relief, BenefitsDuring the terrifying spring of 2020, as COVID-19 paralyzed the nation and hospitals buckled, Katherine Stearns was on the front lines in Windham Hospitals emergency room. Stearns works as the lead housekeeper at the hospital. (Golvala, 9/4)

KHN:He Stood His Ground: California State Senator Will Leave Office As Champion Of Tough Vaccine LawsA California lawmaker who rose to national prominence by muscling through some of the countrys strongest vaccination laws is leaving the state legislature later this year after a momentous tenure that made him a top target of the boisterous and burgeoning movement against vaccination mandates. State Sen. Richard Pan, a bespectacled and unassuming pediatrician who continued treating low-income children during his 12 years in the state Senate and Assembly, has been physically assaulted and verbally attacked for working to tighten childhood vaccine requirements even as Time magazine hailed him as a hero. Threats against him intensified in 2019, becoming so violent that he needed a restraining order and personal security detail. (Hart, 9/6)

In updates on the spread of covid

CIDRAP:Study: Previous COVID-19 Infection Offers Protection Against BA.5Infections with previous COVID-19 variants offer more protection against the Omicron BA.5 subvariant in vaccinated people compared with vaccinated people who had no previous infections, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study yesterday. (9/1)

CIDRAP:Low Testosterone In Men May Raise Risk Of COVID HospitalizationMen with low testosterone levels and COVID-19 were more than twice as likely as men with normal concentrations to be hospitalized, but those treated with hormone replacement therapy weren't at elevated risk, suggests an observational study today in JAMA Network Open. (Van Beusekom, 9/2)

USA Today:CDC Report: 44% Of People Hospitalized With COVID Got Third Dose, BoosterNearly half of Americans hospitalized in the spring for COVID-19 were fully vaccinated and got a third dose or booster, according to a report by the CDC. (Rodriguez, 9/2)

Also

San Francisco Chronicle:UC Berkeley To Require, But Not Enforce, Indoor Masks For Students Who Decline Flu VaccineUC Berkeley will again require students and employees who choose not to get vaccinated against influenza to mask up indoors during the upcoming flu season, a rule that has been in place since 2020 but led to outcry last week from critics of vaccines, masks and mandates relating to either. (Asimov, 9/3)

Read the original:
If Covid Distorted Your Sense Of Time, Don't Panic: You're In The Majority - Kaiser Health News