“If you’re wondering why you entered menopause
earlier or later than other women, blame your mother.
That’s because numerous studies have confirmed…”. Read more

“ Hormone therapy might slightly increase
your risk of stroke or blood clots in the legs or lungs
(especially if taken in pill form)”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Stroke Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Stroke

Cardiovascular Disease

What is cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

DotS the definition of CVD may vary. In Cardiovascular Heart Disease the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) definition is:

“Cardiovascular disease (CVD), also called heart and circulatory disease, is an umbrella name for conditions that affect your heart or circulation. These include high blood pressure, stroke and vascular dementia”.2

Stroke

What is a stroke?

DotS the definition of a stroke may vary. The American Stroke Association’s definition is:

“A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die”.3

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and Premature or Early Menopause

Is HT recommended for women with primary ovarian insufficiency and premature or early menopause?

On page one in The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, published 07 July 2022, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

  • “Women with primary ovarian insufficiency and premature or early menopause have higher risks of bone loss, heart disease, and cognitive or affective disorders associated with estrogen deficiency. It is recommended that hormone therapy can be used until at least the mean age of menopause unless there is a contraindication to its use”.4

Risk

What is the risk of stroke associated with HT?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits, published July 2022, the NAM explain:


Hormone Therapy and Stroke“As with all medications, HT is associated with some potential risks. For healthy women with bothersome hot flashes aged younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of HT generally outweigh the risks. Hormone therapy might slightly increase your risk of stroke or blood clots in the legs or lungs (especially if taken in pill form)”.5

In Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke the European Menopause and Andropause Society note:

  • “MHT may confer a small risk of stroke, more so with oral than with transdermal estrogen”.6

Chronic Disease

Is HT recommended for the prevention of stroke?

On page four in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “HRT should not be recommended for the primary or secondary prevention of chronic disease in women experiencing the menopause in keeping with national and international guidelines”.7

Health Care Provider

If I choose to use HT what is my risk of stroke?

Different women who choose to use HT can have different risks of stroke. It may therefore be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause another of the recommendations is:

  • “The decision whether to take HRT, the dose and duration of its use should be made on an individualised basis after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. This should be considered in the context of the overall benefits obtained from using HRT including symptom control and improving quality of life as well as considering the bone and cardiovascular benefits associated with HRT use”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hormone Therapy and Stroke?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy and Stroke?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 19 March 2024
  2. Cardiovascular Heart Disease. Page Last Reviewed: October 2019. British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiovascular-heart-disease Accessed: 19 March 2024
  3. About Stroke. American Stroke Association https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke Accessed: 19 March 2024
  4. Deciding About Hormone Therapy: Potential Risks. July 2022. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 19 March 2024
  5. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 19 March 2024
  6. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society
    https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Menopausal-hormone-therapy-heart-disease-and-stroke.pdf Accessed: 19 March 2024
  7. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 19 March 2024
  8. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 19 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 March 2024

“Sexual difficulties can be life-long or recently acquired,
but they are a common presentation at the menopause.
They may also be situational (limited to certain types of…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Sexual Health and Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Menopause and Sexual Health
  • Sexual Health and Menopause
  • Sexual Well-Being and Menopause

Menopause, Aging, Other Factors

Is there an association between menopause, aging, other factors and sexual health?

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife the Menopause Society [formerly the North American Menopause Society] elaborate on:

Sexual Health and Menopause“Every woman experiences her midlife years differently. The changes that occur during this period, including changes in sexual well-being, are typically caused by a mix of both menopause and aging, as well as by typical midlife stresses and demands”.2

In Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Stage of Life the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“At this stage of your life, you may have added pressures that affect your sex life. For example, children moving out of home, caring for elderly parents or work pressures.

You may also feel differently about your body at this age and may not want to be intimate with your partner as often as you used to”.3

In Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Menopausal Symptoms the JH also note:

“It’s common for different menopausal symptoms to affect sexual desire. For example, hot flushes, moodiness, sleeplessness and fatigue”.4

Sexual Difficulties

Is there an association between sexual difficulties and menopause?

In Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society note:

“Sexual difficulties can be life-long or recently acquired, but they are a common presentation at the menopause. They may also be situational (limited to certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners) or generalized”.5

Sexual Disorders

What is it important to note about sexual disorders and menopause?

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Sexual Health Problems At Midlife the Menopause Society note:

“The question of being troubled is key when it comes to any potential sexual disorder, since the issue is not the sexual “problem” or condition itself but whether it is bothersome or troubling to the person or partners involved. For instance, if both partners in a couple are content to live without an active sex life, then a condition such as vaginal dryness or erectile difficulty does not really represent sexual dysfunction. Similarly, a woman who notices some decline in sexual desire over time may not be troubled by it if she is not in a relationship. However, if she meets a partner with high libido, she may start to see her low sex drive as a problem”.6

Sexual Activity

Is there an association between sexual activity and menopause?

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva – Vulvovaginal Atrophy the Menopause Society explain:

“When a woman doesn’t have intercourse or other vaginal sexual activity on a regular basis following menopause, her vagina may also become shorter and narrower. Then, when she does try to have intercourse, she is likely to experience pain, even if she uses a lubricant. That’s because dry, fragile vulvovaginal tissues are susceptible to injury, tearing, and bleeding during intercourse or any penetration of the vagina. The resulting discomfort can be so great that the woman avoids intercourse and the condition worsens. Sometimes, even women who are not sexually active are bothered by vaginal dryness and the irritation that may accompany it”.7

How may regular sexual activity help?

According to the Menopause Society:

“Continuing to have regular vaginal sexual activity through menopause helps keep the vaginal tissues thick and moist and maintains the vagina’s length and width. This helps keep sexual activity pleasurable”.8

Over-the-Counter Treatment Options

What are some over-the-counter treatment options for vaginal dryness?

In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“To treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatment options, including:

  • “Vaginal moisturizers. Try a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. You may have to apply the moisturizer every few days. The effects of a moisturizer generally last a bit longer than those of a lubricant
  • Water-based lubricants. These lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others) are applied just before sexual activity and can reduce discomfort during intercourse. Choose products that don’t contain glycerin or warming properties because women who are sensitive to these substances may experience irritation. Avoid petroleum jelly or other petroleum-based products for lubrication if you’re also using condoms, because petroleum can break down latex condoms on contact”.9

Hormone Therapy

Is hormone therapy a suitable treatment for vaginal dryness?

On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “Low-dose and ultra-low dose vaginal oestrogen preparations can be taken by perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing genitourinary symptoms and continued for as long as required. All vaginal oestrogen preparations have been shown to be effective in this context and there is no requirement to combine vaginal oestrogens with systemic progestogen treatment for endometrial protection, as low-dose and ultra-low dose vaginal oestrogen preparations do not result in significant systemic absorption or endometrial hyperplasia”.10

Testosterone Therapy

Is testosterone therapy a suitable treatment for low libido?

In Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Managing Low Libido: Testosterone Therapy the JH elaborate on:

“The area of wellbeing and libido is very complex, and research tells us these are likely to be influenced by psychological factors more than testosterone. But testosterone therapy may be a suitable treatment for postmenopausal women who feel distressed by their loss of sexual desire. This condition is known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)”.11

Is there a video/podcast about Testosterone Therapy for Postmenopausal Women?

Your Country may have a video/podcast similar to the British Menopause Society’s (BMS) BMS TV: Testosterone Explained or the JH’s Libido and Testosterone Therapy – Podcast.

Partners

What can partners be mindful of about sexual health and menopause?

In Information for Partners: Sex and Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“It’s common for women to have lower sex drive (libido) during menopause. This could be due to many things, including changing hormone levels, vaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness (which can cause discomfort during sex) and lowered mood and fatigue”.12

Where may partners may find more information about sexual health and menopause?

Partners may find more information about sexual health and menopause in Information for Partners: Sex and Menopause.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my sexual health and menopause?

If you would like help with your sexual health and menopause, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In How Sex Changes After Menopause: Don’t Give Up on Sex During Menopause the (United States) Cleveland Clinic encourages us to seek help, elaborating on:

“If nothing seems to help and you’re bothered by your sexual (dys)function, talk to your doctor — and try not to feel embarrassed. These are common concerns, and your healthcare providers are there to help”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Sexual Health and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Sexual Health and Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause. Content Created March 2021. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/722-sexual-difficulties-in-the-menopause Accessed: 19 March 2024
  2. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife. Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife Accessed: 19 March 2024
  3. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Stage of Life. Menopausal Symptoms. Last Updated: 09 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex Accessed: 19 March 2024
  4. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Menopausal Symptoms. Last Updated: 09 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex Accessed: 19 March 2024
  5. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause. Content Created March 2021. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/722-sexual-difficulties-in-the-menopause Accessed: 19 March 2024
  6. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Sexual Problems At Midlife. Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/sexual-problems-at-midlife Accessed: 19 March 2024
  7. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva – Vulvovaginal Atrophy. Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-the-vagina-and-vulva Accessed: 19 March 2024
  8. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva: Vulvovaginal Atrophy. Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-the-vagina-and-vulva Accessed: 19 March 2024
  9. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 19 March 2024
  10. Hamoda, H, Mukherjee, A, Morris, E, Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P, Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 19 March 2024
  11. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Managing Low Libido: Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 09 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex Accessed: 19 March 2024
  12. Information for Partners: Sex and Menopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/information-for-partners Accessed: 19 March 2024
  13. How Sex Changes After Menopause: Don’t Give Up on Sex During Menopause. 16 May 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sex-and-menopause/ Accessed: 19 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 March 2024

“Physical changes associated with menopause
and ageing include changes in body shape. Shifting weight
from the hips to the central tummy area, drier skin…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Body Changes Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Menopause Changes
  • Menopause and Body Changes

Perimenopause

During perimenopause what changes may women experience?

In Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms: Q. What symptoms might I expect as I approach menopause? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

“A. Each woman’s menopause experience is different. Many women who undergo natural menopause report no symptoms at all during the perimenopausal years except for irregular menstrual periods that eventually stop once they reach menopause. Other symptoms may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, mood disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Not all these symptoms are hormone related, and some, such as hot flashes and memory problems, tend to resolve after menopause. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time of transition is essential for your health and can even prevent or alleviate some of these symptoms”.2

Postmenopause

Postmenopause, what changes may women experience?

In Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): After the Menopause the (Scottish) NHS Inform note:

“In postmenopause, symptoms of menopause may have eased or stopped entirely, but some women continue to have symptoms for longer.

The change in your body’s hormones however is a sign to keep looking after your health and wellbeing, and be mindful to listen to your body.

There can be an increased risk of some health conditions postmenopause, such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, osteoporosis (weak bones) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). So it is important to have a healthy diet and lifestyle, and to go for your regular cancer screenings such as cervical (smear test) and breast”.3

Body Shape

Is there an association between menopause and changes in body shape?

In Body Image: Menopause & Body Image the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health elaborate on:

Menopause Body Image“Physical changes associated with menopause and ageing include changes in body shape. Shifting weight from the hips to the central tummy area, drier skin, decreased muscle tone and hot flushes change how you feel, how you think about and the actual shape of your body.

Some women talk about losing control of the body they always thought they could control and rely on. Other women find greater confidence in who they are because they are less driven by worrying about whether their body is ‘perfect’ as they enter this stage – “I can let go of the need to be perfect, to compete with the youngies and just be me””.4

Migraine

Is there an association between migraine and menopause?

In Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms: Q. I’ve been having headaches lately. Is this a symptom of menopause? the NAMS elaborate on:

“Hormonal headaches typically stop when menopause is reached and hormone levels are consistently low”.5

Menopause Body ChangesEndometriosis

Is there an association between endometriosis and menopause?

In Endometriosis Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide the (United States) Society for Women’s Health Research note in Endometriosis and Menopause:

“5% of endometriosis patients are postmenopausal”.6

Fibroids

What are fibroids?

DotS the definition of fibroids may vary. In Uterine Fibroids the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often find fibroids hard to live with. Some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on your symptoms”.7

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with some body changes?

If you would like help with some body changes, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Body Changes?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Body Changes?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Body Image: Menopause & Body Image. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/body-image Accessed: 05 September 2023
  2. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms: Q. What Symptoms Might I Expect As I Approach Menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 19 March 2024
  3. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): After the Menopause. Last Updated: 13 February 2023. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/after-the-menopause Accessed: 19 March 2024
  4. Body Image: Menopause & Body Image. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/body-image Accessed: 05 September 2023
  5. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms: Q. I’ve been having headaches lately. Is this a symptom of menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 19 March 2024
  6. Endometriosis Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide – Endometriosis and Menopause. 19 March 2021. Society for Women’s Health Research. https://swhr.org/swhr_resource/endometriosis-toolkit-a-patient-empowerment-guide/ Accessed: 19 March 2024
  7. Uterine Fibroids. Page Last Updated: 19 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids Accessed: 19 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 September 2023

“It’s important to practise pelvic floor exercises
to strengthen your muscles
and reduce the risk of incontinence and prolapse”.1

Umbrella
What may the Pelvic Floor Exercises Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Kegel Exercises
  • Kegels
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Control
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Exercises
  • Pelvic Muscle Exercises (PMEs)
  • Pelvic Muscle Strengthening Exercises

Pelvic Floor Muscles

What are the pelvic floor muscles?

DotS the definition of the pelvic floor muscles may vary. In Pelvic Floor Muscles: About the Pelvic Floor – Pelvic Floor Muscles In Men and Women [+ Images] the Continence Foundation of Australia’s definition is:

“A woman’s pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel and uterus (womb). The urethra (urine tube), anus (back passage) and vagina all pass through the pelvic floor muscles”.2

Pelvic Floor Exercises

What are pelvic floor exercises?

DotS the definition of pelvic floor exercises may vary. In What Are Pelvic Floor Exercises? the (United Kingdom) NHS’s  definition is:

“Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles around your bladder, bottom, and vagina or penis”.3

Importance

Why are pelvic floor exercises important?

In Your Pelvic Floor the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

Pelvic Floor Exercises“It’s important to practise pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your muscles and reduce the risk of incontinence and prolapse.

Even if you don’t have any symptoms, these exercises may prevent problems developing in future”.4

In Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Exercises: Information the (United States) MedlinePlus’ explain:

“Pelvic floor muscle training exercises can help strengthen the muscles under the uterus, bladder, and bowel (large intestine). They can help both men and women who have problems with urine leakage or bowel control”.5

In Kegel Exercises: What Are Kegel Exercises? the (United States) National Association for Continence (NAFC) include a diagram and elaborate on why:

“Kegels or kegel exercises (also known as pelvic floor exercises) are one of the best ways to improve and maintain bowel and bladder functions. Kegels can be done by both men and women to increase the strength of your pelvic floor and may help to improve or even eliminate bladder leakage”.6

Identifying the Correct Muscles

How may women identify the correct muscles?

In Women: Pelvic Floor Exercise the Continence Foundation of Australia’s, Pelvic Floor First note:

“The first step in performing pelvic floor muscle exercises is to identify the correct muscles”.7

Then, in Women: Pelvic Floor Exercises – How Can I Find My Pelvic Floor Muscles? Method 1 – Stopping the Flow Pelvic Floor First continue:

“There are several ways which may help you to correctly identify the different parts of your pelvic floor muscles. One way is to try to stop or slow the flow of urine midway through emptying the bladder. Stopping the flow of urine repeatedly on the toilet is not an exercise, but a way of identifying your pelvic floor muscles. This should only be done to identify which muscles are needed for bladder control.

If you can, stop the flow of urine over the toilet for a second or two, then relax and finish emptying without straining. This ‘stop-test’ may help you identify the muscles around the front passage which control the flow of urine. It is not recommended as a regular exercise”.8

How Do I Do

How do I do pelvic floor exercises?

Examples of how to do pelvic floor exercises are included in:

Tips

What are some tips about performing pelvic floor exercises properly?

In Kegel Exercises: A Step By Step Guide for Women on How To Do Kegel Exercises the NAFC elaborate on:

Pelvic Floor Exercises“So, how do you know you are doing kegels properly? Like any exercise, it can be difficult to know at first. But with a daily commitment, it becomes instinctive. Here are a few tips for doing kegel exercises:

  • Which muscles do I use?…
  • How many should I do per day?…
  • Work both your fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers…
  • Things to watch out for…
  • Repeat your exercises 3 times a day…
  • Give yourself encouragement…”.9

Suitable or Not

Are pelvic floor exercises suitable for everyone?

The JH note:

“Note, pelvic floor strengthening exercises are not suitable for everyone. If you experience vaginal or pelvic pain, you may need a special program to learn how to relax your pelvic floor muscles”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to find out if pelvic floor exercises could help me?

If you would like to find out if pelvic floor exercises could help you, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you may clarify your symptoms, discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In Kegel Exercises – A Step By Step Guide: Signs of Pelvic Floor Strength Improvement the NAFC encourage us to seek help:

“Women and men who have difficulty performing kegel exercises on their own may find biofeedback therapy helpful. With professional instruction from a nurse specialist or pelvic floor therapist, many people experience significant improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength, tone, and function with a good regime.

It’s crucial to remember that incontinence and pelvic floor symptoms almost always have solutions and shouldn’t be shrugged off as normal. You can try these exercises regardless of how long you have had your symptoms. Even if you have been experiencing leakage for as short as 1 month or as long as 10 years, it is never too late to try Kegels”.11

Health Topics A-Z

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In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Pelvic Floor Exercises?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Your Pelvic Floor. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 11 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bladder-bowel/pelvic-floor-strength Accessed: 07 September 2023
  2. Pelvic Floor Muscles: About the Pelvic Floor – Pelvic Floor Muscles In Men and Women. Last Updated: 07 February 2024. Last Reviewed: 23 March 2020. Continence Foundation of Australia https://www.continence.org.au/about-continence/continence-health/pelvic-floor Accessed: 18 March 2024
  3. What Are Pelvic Floor Exercises? Page Last Reviewed: 22 November 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/#close%22 Accessed: 18 March 2024
  4. Your Pelvic Floor. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 11 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bladder-bowel/pelvic-floor-strength Accessed: 07 September 2023
  5. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Exercises: Information. Review Date: 15 October 2022.  MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003975.htm Accessed: 18 March 2024
  6. Kegel Exercises: What Are Kegel Exercises? National Association for Continence https://www.nafc.org/kegel-exercises Accessed: 18 March 2024
  7. Women: Pelvic Floor Exercises. Pelvic Floor First https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-for-women.html Accessed: 18 March 2024
  8. Women: Pelvic Floor Exercises – How Can I Find My Pelvic Floor Muscles? Method 1 – Stopping the Flow. Pelvic Floor First https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-for-women.html Accessed: 18 March 2024
  9. Kegel Exercises: A Step By Step Guide for Women on How To Do Kegel Exercises. National Association for Continence https://www.nafc.org/kegel-exercises Accessed: 18 March 2024
  10. Your Pelvic Floor: How Do You Do Pelvic Floor Exercises? Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 11 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bladder-bowel/pelvic-floor-strength#how-do-you-do-pelvic-floor-exercises Accessed: 07 September 2023
  11. Kegel Exercises: Signs of Pelvic Floor Strength Improvement. National Association for Continence https://www.nafc.org/kegel-exercises Accessed: 18 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 18 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 September 2023

“In women, dehydroepiandrosterone is an important source
of oestrogens in the body – it provides about 75%
of oestrogens before the menopause, and 100%…”.1

Umbrella
What may the DHEA Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • Prasterone
  • Synthetic Versions – Fidelin, Fluasterone, Prastera and Prasterone

Definition

What is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?

DotS the definition of DHEA may vary. In Dehydroepiandrosterone: What Is Dehydroepiandrosterone? the (United States) You and Your Hormones, an education resource from the Society for Endocrinology’s (NCCIH), definition is:

“Dehydroepiandrosterone is a precursor hormone, which means it has little biological effect on its own, but has powerful effects when converted into other hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol”.2

Oestrogen

What is the association between DHEA and oestrogen?

In Dehydroepiandrosterone: What Is Dehydroepiandrosterone? You and Your Hormones explain:

“In women, dehydroepiandrosterone is an important source of oestrogens in the body – it provides about 75% of oestrogens before the menopause, and 100% of oestrogens in the body after menopause”.3

Women

What is the association between DHEA and women?

In Dehydroepiandrosterone: What happens If I Have Too Little Dehydroepiandrosterone? You and Your Hormones note:

“In women, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone are associated with low libido, reduced bone mineral density and osteoporosis. However, supplementation with commercially available dehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended as there is concern about numerous possible side-effects”.4

Aging

Is there an association between aging and DHEA?

In DHEA: What the Research Says, dated 10 August 2023, the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

  • “Aging. In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-being, cognitive function and body composition. But so far research hasn’t proved this to be true. More studies are needed to better understand whether DHEA supplementation can counteract some of the effects of aging. A small study suggested that taking DHEA supplements might improve skin hydration and firmness, and decrease aging spots in elderly adults”.5

Vaginal Atrophy

How effective is DHEA for the treatment of vaginal atrophy?

In DHEA: What the Research Says the Mayo Clinic note:

  • “Vaginal atrophy. Limited research suggests that DHEA might improve vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women”.6

On page two in Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options – Other Prescription Therapies the NAMS explain:

  • “Dehydroepiandrasterone (DHEA; Prasterone) is a hormone-containing insert placed in the vagina nightly that reduces vaginal dryness and discomfort with sexual activity”.7

In DHEA: How Effective Is It? the (United States) MedlinePlus note the effectiveness rating is:

“Likely Effective for…

  • Thinning of vaginal tissue (vaginal atrophy). Using vaginal inserts containing DHEA can reduce pain during sex by up to 15% after menopause. A prescription DHEA product is available for this condition”.8

Dietary Supplement

Is DHEA available as a dietary supplement?

DotC (Depending on the Country) DHEA may be available as a dietary supplement. In DHEA: Overview the Mayo Clinic explain:

DHEA“A synthetic version of DHEA is available as a tablet, capsule, powder, topical cream and gel”.9

Safe or Not

Are DHEA supplements safe?

In DHEA: Safety and Side Effects the Mayo Clinic explain the safety and side effects of DHEA and elaborate on possible medication interactions.

In The Utilization of Dehydroepiandrosterone As A Sexual Hormone Precursor In Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: An Overview: 6. Conclusions, published online 29 December 2021, the authors elaborate on:

“By focusing on anti-aging properties of DHEA, it may be appealing to take DHEA during midlife or late life since this hormone is sold over the counter and on the internet. However, DHEA supplements for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women are not advised due to unknown long-term effects. DHEA is a precursor for many androgenic and estrogenic entities, and its metabolic pathways may differ between genders and among ages. The efficacy of DHEA has been studied in inadequate sample sizes, thus yielding inconsistent results in postmenopausal women. Therefore, large-scale randomized, controlled trials, with comparable dosages and adequate treatment durations are warranted to further understand the risks and benefits of DHEA, and draw reliable conclusions”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I choose to use DHEA supplements?

If you choose to use DHEA supplements it may be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to DHEA?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to DHEA?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Dehydroepiandrosterone: What Is Dehydroepiandrosterone? Last Reviewed: June 2020. You and Your Hormones https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/dehydroepiandrosterone/ Accessed: 18 March 2024
  2. Dehydroepiandrosterone: What Is Dehydroepiandrosterone? Last Reviewed: June 2020. You and Your Hormones https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/dehydroepiandrosterone/ Accessed: 18 March 2024
  3. Dehydroepiandrosterone: What Is Dehydroepiandrosterone? Last Reviewed: June 2020. You and Your Hormones https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/dehydroepiandrosterone/ Accessed: 18 March 2024
  4. Dehydroepiandrosterone: What happens If I Have Too Little Dehydroepiandrosterone? Last Reviewed: June 2020. You and Your Hormones https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/dehydroepiandrosterone/ Accessed: 18 March 2024
  5. DHEA: What the Research Says. 10 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199 Accessed: 18 March 2024
  6. DHEA: What the Research Says. 10 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199 Accessed: 18 March 2024
  7. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options – Other Prescription Therapies. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 18 March 2024
  8. DHEA: How Effective Is It? Last Reviewed: 24 July 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/331.html Accessed: 18 March 2024
  9. DHEA: Overview. 10 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199 Accessed: 18 March 2024
  10. Tang, J., Chen, L-R., and Chen,K-H. The Utilization of Dehydroepiandrosterone As A Sexual Hormone Precursor In Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: An Overview: 6. Conclusions. Published Online: 29 December 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8781653/ 18 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 18 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 March 2024

“Drinking too much alcohol can impact menopause by:
contributing to unwanted weight gain, interfering with sleep
causing changes in your mood which may affect…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Alcohol and Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Alcohol
  • Booze
  • Drug
  • Grog
  • Liquor
  • Menopause

Alcohol

What is alcohol?

DotS the definition of alcohol may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches”.2

Benefits and Risks

Is alcohol good for you or not?

In Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Research on alcohol suggests a sobering conclusion: Drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk is low for moderate intake, the risk goes up as the amount you drink goes up”.3

Menopause

Ho can drinking too much alcohol impact menopause?

In Looking After Yourself: Alcohol the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:


Alcohol and Menopause“Drinking too much alcohol can impact menopause by:

  • Contributing to unwanted weight gain
  • Interfering with sleep
  • Causing changes in your mood which may affect your relationships
  • Triggering hot flushes and night sweats

In the long term, heavy drinking can also lead to an increased risk for developing some cancers, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor bone health”.4

Cancer

Is there an association between alcohol and cancer?

In Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer (United Kingdom) Drinkaware.co.uk note:

“Drinking alcohol has been identified as something that can cause seven types of cancer:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Mouth cancer
  • Food pipe (oesophageal) cancer
  • Upper throat (pharyngeal) cancer
  • Voice box (laryngeal) cancer
  • Liver cancer

Heavy drinking can also cause cirrhosis of the liver (where damage to the liver causes scar tissues to build up) which can then lead to cancer”.5

Breast Cancer

Is there an association between alcohol and breast cancer?

The JH explain:

“Regular alcohol consumption increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This risk rises with the level of alcohol consumed, so a reduction in alcohol consumption by women who drink alcohol regularly may reduce their breast cancer risk”.6

In Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife the JH also note:

“Research shows that the consumption of alcohol in women aged 45¬ to 64 years has increased since 2001. This is concerning, as about 75% of breast cancer cases happen in women aged 50 years and over”.7

Alcohol + Smoking

Is there an association between alcohol + smoking and a greater risk of cancer?

In Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers Drinkaware.co.uk explain:

“If you drink alcohol and you’re a smoker too, this increases your risk of developing throat, mouth, food pipe and bowel cancers, more than doing either on their own.

People who use both alcohol and tobacco have a five-fold increased risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and food pipe compared to people who use either alcohol or tobacco alone. For heavy users, the risk is up to 30 times higher”.8

Osteoporosis

Is there an association between alcohol and osteoporosis?

In Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Excessive alcohol consumption. Regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases the risk of osteoporosis”.9

Women and Alcohol

If women choose to drink alcohol, what does moderate drinking mean?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) this may vary. For the United States in Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – Drinking Patterns: What Does Moderate Drinking Mean? the CDC explain:

“According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, when alcohol is consumed. Drinking less is better for health than drinking more”.10

For the United Kingdom in UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines the Drinkaware.co.uk elaborate on:

“The Chief Medical Officers’ guideline for both men and women are:

  • To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
  • If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it’s best to spread your drinking over three or more days. If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risk of death from long-term illness and from accidents and injuries
  • The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis
  • If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days every week”.11

High-Risk Drinking

What are the health effects of high-risk drinking?

According to the JH:

“High-risk drinking can have short-term and long-term effects on your health. Short-term effects can include poor sleep, headaches, dehydration and changes in mood. Long-term effects can include alcohol dependence, depression, weight gain and increased risk of some cancers (e.g. breast cancer)”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to drink, drink less or stop drinking?

If you would like to drink,  drink less or stop drinking, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefit – Deciding About Drinking the Mayo Clinic note:

“Drinking moderately if you’re otherwise healthy may be a risk you’re willing to take. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about what’s right for your health and safety”.13

The JH explain:

“If you or someone you know needs alcohol support, talk to your doctor. They will give you information and may recommend counselling, treatment and support programs”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Alcohol and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Alcohol and Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Looking After Yourself: Alcohol. Last Updated: 19 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  2. Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – About Alcohol: What Is Alcohol? Last Reviewed: 19 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#top Accessed: 17 March 2024
  3. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits. 20 January 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 17 March 2024
  4. Looking After Yourself: Alcohol. Last Updated: 19 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  5. Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer. Last Reviewed: 27 January 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-cancer Accessed: 17 March 2024
  6. Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High-Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  7. Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  8. Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers. Last Reviewed: 27 January 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-cancer Accessed: 17 March 2024
  9. Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices. 24 February 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968 Accessed: 17 March 2024
  10. Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – Drinking Patterns: What Does Moderate Drinking Mean? Last Reviewed: 19 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#top Accessed: 17 March 2024
  11. UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines. Last Reviewed: 30 June 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-facts/low-risk-drinking-guidelines Accessed: 17 March 2024
  12. Alcohol: What Is High Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High-Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  13. Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefits – Deciding About Drinking. 20 January 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 17 March 2024
  14. Alcohol: Where To Get Help. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 17 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 March 2024

“It’s important to have regular bone health checks.
Your doctor might ask about your medical history, check
risk factors for osteoporosis and do a bone density test”.1

Umbrella
What may the Osteoporosis Risk and Prevention Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Osteoporosis Prevention
  • Osteoporosis Risk
  • Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Women

Is there an association between women and the risk of developing osteoporosis?

In What Women Need To Know the (United States) Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) note:

“Being female puts you at risk of developing osteoporosis and broken bones. Here are some facts:

  • Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women
  • Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis
  • A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer”.2

Risk Factors

What factors may increase our risk for osteoporosis?

In Osteoporosis Basics: What Causes Osteoporosis the (United States) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) elaborate on:

“Factors that may increase your risk for osteoporosis include:

  • Sex…
  • Age…
  • Body size…
  • Race…
  • Family history…
  • Changes to hormones…
  • Diet…
  • Other medical conditions…
  • Medications…
  • Lifestyle…”.3

In Are You At Risk? the BHOF explain:

“Uncontrollable Risk Factors

  • Being over age 50
  • Being female
  • Menopause
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Low body weight/being small and thin
  • Broken bones or height loss

Controllable Risk Factors

  • Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D
  • Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
  • Getting too much protein, sodium and caffeine
  • Having an inactive lifestyle
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Losing weight”.4

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and our risk of developing osteoporosis?

In What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action the BHOF elaborate on:

Osteoporosis Risk and Prevention“When a woman reaches menopause, her estrogen levels drop and can lead to bone loss. For some women, this bone loss is rapid and severe.

Two major factors that affect your chance of getting osteoporosis are:

  • The amount of bone you have when you reach menopause
  • How fast you lose bone after you reach menopause. For some women, bone loss happens faster than for others. In fact, a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone density during the five – seven years following menopause. If you lose bone quickly, you have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis”.5

Reduce Risk

How can we reduce our risk of osteoporosis?

In Looking After Yourself: Healthy Bones the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“You can reduce your risk of osteoporosis by eating the right amount of calcium per day. Women over 50, or women who have reached menopause before 50, should eat 1300mg of calcium per day, which is equal to 3 to 4 serves of dairy per day. Other good sources of calcium include:

  • Canned fish with bones (e.g. sardines)
  • Almonds
  • Tofu
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Legumes (e.g. chickpeas or kidney beans).

You can also:

  • Get the right amount of vitamin D through sunlight or supplements
  • Do regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise
  • Not drink coffee
  • Not smoke”.6

Exercise for Bone Health

What are some exercises for bone health?

In Exercise for Your Bone Health: Which Exercises Are Best for Keeping Bones Healthy? the NIAMS note:

“If you have low bone density (a condition sometimes called osteopenia), osteoporosis, or other physical limitations, talk to a health care provider before starting an exercise program. They can help you choose types of physical activity that are safe for you and good for your bone health.

A combination of these types of exercise is best for building and maintaining healthy bones and preventing falls and fractures:

  • Weight-bearing exercises…
  • Resistance training exercises (weight lifting)…
  • Balance training…”.7

Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis

Is HT effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits, published July 2022, the NAMS note:

“Hormone therapy keeps your bones strong by preserving bone density and decreasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. If preserving bone density is your only concern, and you do not have bothersome hot flashes, other treatments may be recommended instead of HT”.8

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “In addition, HRT has been shown to have an effective role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are considered as first-line options for most patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis due to their broad spectrum of anti-fracture efficacy. HRT may be considered as an additional alternative option, particularly in younger postmenopausal women with menopausal symptoms who are at increased risk of fractures”.9

Hormone Therapy, POI and Early Menopause

Is HT effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause?

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “HRT is considered as first-line intervention for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (40–45 years old)”.10

On page one in The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, published 07 July 2022, the NAMS note:

  • “Women with primary ovarian insufficiency and premature or early menopause have higher risks of bone loss, heart disease, and cognitive or affective disorders associated with estrogen deficiency. It is recommended that hormone therapy can be used until at least the mean age of menopause unless there is a contraindication to its use”.11

Health Care Provider

What if I think I am at risk for osteoporosis?

The JH explain:

“It’s important to have regular bone health checks. Your doctor might ask about your medical history, check risk factors for osteoporosis and do a bone density test”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Osteoporosis Risk and Prevention?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Osteoporosis Risk and Prevention?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: What Changes After Menopause? – Bone Health and Osteoporosis. Last Updated: 18 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/health-after-menopause/ Accessed: 16 March 2024
  2. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 16 March 2024
  3. Osteoporosis Basics: Causes of Osteoporosis. Last Reviewed: December 2022. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis/basics/symptoms-causes Accessed: 16 March 2024
  4. Are You At Risk? National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/bone-basics/are-you-at-risk/ Accessed: 16 March 2024
  5. What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 16 March 2024
  6. Looking After Yourself: Healthy Bones Last Updated: 19 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#healthy-bones Accessed: 16 March 2024
  7. Exercise for Your Bone Health: Which Exercises Are Best for Keeping Bones Healthy? Last Reviewed: May 2023. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/exercise-your-bone-health Accessed: 16 March 2023
  8. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. July 2022:1 https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 16 March 2024
  9. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 16 March 2024
  10. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 16 March 2024
  11. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022:1 North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 16 March 2024
  12. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: What Changes After Menopause? – Bone Health and Osteoporosis. Last Updated: 18 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/health-after-menopause/ Accessed: 16 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 16 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 16 March 2024

“Transdermal routes of administration and lower doses
of hormone therapy may decrease risk
of venous thromboembolism and stroke”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Blood Clots Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Blood Clots
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
  • Venous Thrombosis

Blood Clot Risk

What is the association between hormone therapy (HT) and blood clot risk?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks, published July 2022, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) note:

“Hormone therapy might slightly increase your risk of stroke or blood clots in the legs or lungs (especially if taken in pill form)”.2

Transdermal

What is the association between transdermal administration of estradial and blood clots?

On page one in The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, published 07 July 2022, the NAMS note:

“Transdermal routes of administration and lower doses of hormone therapy may decrease risk of venous thromboembolism and stroke”.3

On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “Transdermal administration of estradiol is unlikely to increase the risk of venous thrombosis or stroke above that in non-users and is associated with a lower risk compared with oral administration of estradiol. The transdermal route should therefore be considered as the first choice route of estradiol administration in women with related risk factors”.4

Health Care Provider

If I choose to use HT, what is my risk of blood clots?

Different women who choose to use HT can have different risks of blood clots. It may therefore be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use the NAMS elaborate on :

“Every woman is different, and you will decide about whether to use HT based on the severity of your symptoms, your personal and family health history, and your own beliefs about menopause treatments. Your healthcare professional will be able to help you with your decision”.5

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Sources

  1. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 15 March 2024
  2. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 15 March 2024
  3. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 15 March 2024
  4. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 15 March 2024
  5. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 15 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 15 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 March 2024

“A sleep diary allows you to record
when you went to bed, woke during the night,
and woke in the morning”.1

Umbrella
What may the Sleep Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Sleep Diary/Journal/Log
  • Sleep Pattern
  • Sleep Routine

Look for A Pattern

How may I Look for A Pattern with my sleep?Sleep Pattern

In Sleep Diary the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s (AASM) Sleep Education website, the AASM elaborate on:

“A sleep diary is a useful way to track your sleep at home. A typical sleep diary covers a two-week period. It is most effective when you complete it daily.

A sleep diary allows you to record when you went to bed, woke during the night, and woke in the morning. This will help you understand your sleep pattern and how much sleep you’re getting. It also will show how often you have disrupted sleep.

A sleep diary also will help you note certain activities that can affect your sleep. You will track the time of day when you exercise, nap, or take a medication. You also will record the time when you have caffeine or alcohol.

This information will give your health care provider an overview of your sleep schedule. It also may reveal other factors that are causing a sleep problem. Examples include drinking caffeine or taking naps late in the day”.2

In What Do I Do If I Can’t Sleep? the (United States] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain:

“It’s important to practice good sleep habits, but if your sleep problems continue or if they interfere with how you feel or function during the day, you should talk to your doctor. Before visiting your doctor, keep a diary of your sleep habits for about ten days to discuss at the visit.

Include the following in your sleep diary, when you—

  • Go to bed
  • Go to sleep
  • Wake up
  • Get out of bed
  • Take naps
  • Exercise
  • Drink alcohol
  • Drink caffeinated beverages

Also remember to mention if you are taking any medications (over-the-counter or prescription) or supplements. They may make it harder for you to sleep”.3

Triggers

What triggers may result in insufficient sleep?

In Sleep Problems and Menopause: What Can I Do? Getting A Good Night’s Sleep During the Menopausal Transition the (United States) National Institute on Aging elaborate on:

Sleep Pattern

Sleep Pattern Sleep Pattern Sleep Pattern Sleep Pattern

 

 

 

  • “Exercise at regular times each day but not close to bedtime
  • Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime
  • Stay away from caffeine (found in many coffees, teas, and chocolate) late in the day
  • Remember, alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep”.4

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help to look for a pattern with my sleep?

If you would like help to look for a pattern with your sleep, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can identify any patterns, discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

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Where may I find Links related to Sleep Pattern?

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You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sleep Diary. Updated March 2021. American Academy of Sleep Medicine https://sleepeducation.org/resources/sleep-diary/ Accessed: 15 March 2024
  2. Sleep Diary. Updated: March 2021. American Academy of Sleep Medicine https://sleepeducation.org/resources/sleep-diary/ Accessed: 15 March 2024
  3. What Do I Do If I Can’t Sleep? Last Reviewed: 14 September 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/cant_sleep.html Accessed: 15 March 2024
  4. Sleep Problems and Menopause: What Can I Do? Getting A Good Night’s Sleep During the Menopausal Transition. Content Reviewed: 30 September 2021. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep-problems-and-menopause-what-can-i-do Accessed: 15 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 15 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 March 2024