Wall Street Journal Op-Ed on Bioidentical Hormones

Last month, the Wall Street Journal ran an Op-Ed response to its article on bioidentical hormones. In it, many of the misconceptions regarding these treatments were addressed by members of the Bioidentical Hormone Initiative, a non-profit group of physicians dedicated to patient/physician education. These days, women are empowered to make informed decisions about any health treatment, and this article calls for more clarity to end the confusion about hormone treatment. Really, it all comes down to choice - and women deserve more choices. Read more here.

Perhaps equally as interesting as the content of the piece is that major financial media outlets like the WSJ are paying attention to menopause. Yes, there is money to be made here, yes women are worthy of investing in, yes women deserve - and will spend money on - quality treatments. Financiers, take note. Menopause is a worthy investment.

Your Hormonal Lifeline

It amazes me how I managed to reach menopause without giving it any thought. I suppose most of us are in denial. I mean when we think "menopause" we think "older" and like most women aging is something I'm trying to put off as long as possible. So this whole thing got me thinking that if we looked at menopause as just a part of our hormonal lifeline then perhaps we couldhandle it in a more positive way.

I mean, just look at the daffodils - a women's lifeline is all about balancing hormones and when she is in full bloom, everything is well in the hormonal garden. Just a little fertilizer to get you through those hot flashes!!!

Is It Menopause or Is It Aging?

That's a question that many doctors are trying to answer. Many menopause symptoms such as weight gain and forgetfulness are often more age related, and both aging and menopause can contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Even night sweats could be caused by a thyroid condition. More information on this topic from the North American Menopause Society can be found here.

Health conditions can also trigger a recurrence of menopause symptoms. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 21 years and for the past 19 have been in remission, thankfully. I'm always very vigilant about keeping flare ups under control, but last November one got the better of me and I have been going through a full blown flare up for the past several months. What was totally unexpected was that the inflammation triggered hot flashes. Can't tell you how depressing that was. Chronic arthritis pain that kept me from sleeping, then hot flashes on top of that.

I finally went for acupuncture treatments and part of the treatment was a total review of what I eat and drink. Two red flags were coffee and wheat. I remember when my hot flashes were at their peak I was told the same thing. Anyway, apparently these two things are huge inflammation triggers and the increased inflammation was then triggering a return of the hot flashes. Vicious cycle, which was easily broken by giving up coffee and wheat. Within a week the pain was subsiding and so were the hot flashes. Four weeks later I have it under control and still avoid coffee and wheat because the side effect of that has been weight loss - always a good thing.

So, if you are trying to handle health issues as well as menopause make sure your health care practitioner is asking you the right questions and take a good look at what you are consuming, some simple diet adjustments may pay dividends.

Patching Up Your Libido? Not So Fast

A dip in your sex drive is an unfortunately common occurrence in menopause. Like everything that goes awry during this time it seems, it is linked to a drop in certain hormones. This has prompted drug companies to develop testosterone patches as a way to combat low libido. But news is out today that questions such treatment's effectiveness as well as long term safety. The treatment is not approved in the U.S. out of concern over lack of evidence on safe long term use.

While it may be tempting to chuckle at sex-talk, it is no laughing matter if 'gettin' busy' makes a hasty exit after menopause. This is a quality of life issue, something that makes us human, alive and feminine. To get a bit of 'kick' back in your game, talk with your doctor, who may have some treatment that you feel comfortable with. There are a number of natural alternatives on the market that you can discuss with your doctor or integrative health professional.

Basically, there is absolutely no reason why a woman can't stay vital, alive and active - both in an out of the bedroom - after 'the change.' Its just that testosterone patches may not be the solution hoped for.

Early Menopause Doubles Risk of Stroke

According to a new study published in the medical journal Stroke, women who reach menopause before age 42 have double the risk of ischemic stroke, where the blood vessels clog. The cause of this link is not yet known and findings to determine it are inconsistent, but researchers suspect lower estrogen levels may play a part.

The findings are statistically significant and, of course, more than a little disturbing. It is yet another bit of information on the way that menopause affects overall health. Let's hope more research is done to uncover ways to lessen the susceptibility of stroke for all women, but especially those at increased risk.

More Unsettling News on Drug Treatments

Well, just when things seemed to be looking up for menopausal women with all the positive media coverage on treatment options, this story comes out. Studies have now found that use of the menopausal drug Livial ups the chances for the recurrence of breast cancer. Certainly, the data is more than just a little unsettling for those whose menopausal symptoms are a result of breast cancer treatment, as well as for women at large.

Every woman must navigate the difficult waters of finding the best menopausal treatments for herself. Prescription drugs, bio identical hormones, plant extracts, exercise, yoga - the list goes on and on. But there have been many studies that validate more 'natural' treatments. Take this finding that acupuncture outperformed a common non-hormonal drug used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Just keep searching for the best and safest treatments - for you. And keep checking back at Change Menopause! for updates on all your options.

The 'Oprah' Effect on Menopause

Well, more news outlets are covering the menopause subject these days. Why? One word - Oprah! After a segment on her popular talk show and articles in O Magazine, Oprah Winfrey has raised the menopause profile to great heights. But will it last? Let's hope the subject is no 'hot flash' in the pan (sorry, couldn't help myself.)