Top menopause stories of 2021
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Research continued to explore new treatments for vasomotor symptoms, the connections between menopause and cardiovascular and bone health and more in 2021. Here are the top stories from Healio’s coverage throughout the year.
Changes in diet reduce hot flashes by 84% without drugs
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends a low-fat, plant-based diet with half a cup of soybeans added to a soup or salad each day. Also, Mary Jane Minkin, MD, of Yale University School of Medicine, provides her Perspective. Read more.
Bisphosphonate therapy may prevent fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
The medication has been shown to reduce fracture risks, though clinicians should weigh these benefits against potential short-term harms and burdens such as gastrointestinal irritation, said William James Deardorff, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco. Read more.
Sedentary lifestyles may lead to more nocturnal hot flashes, greater CVD risk
Approximately 200 additional minutes of sedentary behavior each day adds one nighttime hot flash to each 24-hour cycle, said Sarah Witkowski, MS, PhD, FACSM, of Smith College. Read more.
Lifestyle factors associated with osteoporosis and fracture among postmenopausal women
The researchers noted poor sleep and total cholesterol among the indicators for fracture risk. Also, Stephanie S. Faubion, MD, MBA, FACP, NCMP, IF, medical director of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), shares her Perspective. Read more.
Race, ethnicity impact gastrointestinal symptoms during menopausal transition
The researchers found differences in the way white, Black, Hispanic and Asian women experienced weight gain, bloating, weight loss, nausea and other issues. Lisa Lin, MD, MS, of UCLA Health, shares her Perspective. Read more.
Menstrual cycle length changes before menopause may indicate CVD risks
Changes in menstrual cycle length are linked with hormone levels, and hormones can influence CVD risk, said Samar R. El Khoudary, PhD, MPH, BPHarm, FAHA, of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Also, Chrisandra L. Shufelt, MD, MS, FACP, NCMP, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, shares her Perspective. Read more.
Video: Three nonhormone therapies promise vasomotor symptom relief
Oxybutynin, neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists and estetrol can impact symptom frequency and severity, said Stephanie S. Faubion, MD, MBA, FACP, NCMP, IF, during the NAMS Annual Meeting. Read more.
NAMS updates position statement on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
The release considers risk factors and available risk-assessment tools for identifying candidates for pharmacologic therapy as well as clarifies appropriate intakes of calcium, vitamin D and protein to maintain bone health. Read more.
Cardiovascular fat volume may impact cognitive function among postmenopausal women
When fat depots around the heart and vasculature secrete adipokines and inflammatory markers directly to the vasculature and myocardium, subclinical changes that can predict cognitive decline may result, said Samar R. El Khoudary, PhD, MPH, BPHarm, FAHA. Read more.
Late reproductive stage and menopausal transition share similar symptoms
Women in the late reproductive stage of life may be surprised when they begin experiencing symptoms similar to those associated with menopausal transition before cycle irregularity has begun, said researchers from Women Living Better. Read more.