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Menopause Fact Sheet

A. What are the main symptoms and/or conditions of menopause?

Some women feel no symptoms or conditions, others feel one or two, and others feel many of them.

B. Hormone Replacement Therapy(HRT)

A common treatment of these symptoms and conditions is called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This section will look at the benefits and risks of this treatment

Proven Benefits of HRT:

• Relieves hot flashes

• Reduces bone loss

• Relieves vaginal dryness and atrophy

Possible Benefits of HRT:

• Improves cholesterol

• Reduces risk of colon cancer

• Reduces mood swings, mental fogginess, and memory lapses

• Keeps skin and blood vessels more resilient

Proven Risks of HRT:

• Increases incidence of cancer of the endometrium (if HRT does not have progesterone or progestin)

• With progestin, menstrual period can return

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms

Possible Risks of HRT:

• Higher rate of breast cancer

• Abnormal blood clots

• Weight gain

• Increased risk of gallstones

• Headaches

• Increased growth of benign fibroid cysts in the uterus

10% of women who use HRT also experience:

• Breast tenderness
• Fluid retention
• Swelling
• Mood changes
• Pelvic cramping

Other HRT affects are:

• Nausea
• More yeast infections
• High blood pressure
• Liver disorders
• Blood sugar problems

At nine months, 1/3 of the women who receive HRT stop the treatment because of side effects. At one year, ½ of the women who receive HRT stop the treatment because of side effects.

C. Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that women who use HRT have a higher risk of breast cancer.

• Used HRT for 5-9 years = 59% increased risk for breast cancer

• Used HRT between ages 65-69 = 70% increased risk for breast cancer

D. A good diet can make a difference

These foods are good for everyone, especially women in menopause.

• Eat soy: Soy foods like soy beans and tofu contain phytoestrogens. These can help reduce hot flashes, improve moisture and health of vaginal tissue, increase bone mass and reduce cholesterol.

• Eat fruits, vegetables and legumes: Many fruits and vegetables contain phytoestrogens and bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids help the circulatory system, which affects hot flashes, excessive menstruation and varicose veins.
  • Fruits, vegetables and legumes with phytoestrogen:
    apples, carrots, garbanzo beans, garlic, green beans and peas.
  • Fruits with bioflavonoids: critus fruits, berries, cherries and grapes.

• Eat whole grains:
  • These grains contain phytoestrogens: Oats, barley (cebada) and rye (centeno)

   

• Other beneficial supplements:
  • Eat flax seeds for a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. They also contain phytoestrogen and are good for your heart.
  • Take Vitamin E orally and also apply to the skin (CAUTION: ask your doctor first if you have high blood pressure or diabetes)

E. Lifestyle Changes

• Do regular exercise - exercise can reduce hot flashes, stress, insomnia and mood swings

• Try to relax - hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, difficulties in concentration and mood swings are stronger if you feel stress or anxiety

• Positive attitude
  -If you think menopause is terrible, you will feel terrible.
  -If you think menopause is normal and natural, you will feel that it is a normal and natural process.