Vaginal and Vulval Hygiene

“It is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina
cleans itself naturally by making mucous. The mucous
washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vaginal and Vulval Hygiene Umbrella include?

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

  • Genital Care/Health/Hygiene
  • Vaginal Care/Health/Hygiene
  • Vulval Care/Health/Hygiene

Self-Cleaning

Is the vagina self-cleaning?

In Douching: What Is the Best Way To Clean My Vagina? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“It is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina cleans itself naturally by making mucous. The mucous washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge”.2

Douching

What is douching?

DotS the definition of douching may vary. In Feminine Odor Problems? What Every Woman Needs To Know the (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“The term, douche, which means “to wash” or “to shower” in French, refers to cleansing the vagina using a solution of water mixed with another fluid — often vinegar, baking soda or some sort of perfume”.3

In Douching: What Is Douching? Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. The mixtures usually come in a bottle or bag. You squirt the douche upward through a tube or nozzle into your vagina. The water mixture then comes back out through your vagina”.4

Bath/Shower

Is douching different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower?

In Douching: What Is Douching? Womenshealth.gov’s explain:

“Douching is different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower. Rinsing the outside of your vagina with warm water will not harm your vagina. But, douching can lead to many different health problems”.5

Why Not

Why should women not douche?

In Douching: Why Should Women Not Douche? the Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“Most doctors recommend that women do not douche. Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) and natural acidity in a healthy vagina.

A healthy vagina has good and harmful bacteria. The balance of bacteria helps maintain an acidic environment. The acidic environment protects the vagina from infections or irritation.

Douching can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching can push the bacteria causing the infection up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious health problem.

Douching is also linked to other health problems”.6

Keeping Clean

How may women keep their vagina clean?

In Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There – Cleansing the (Australian) Caredownthere elaborate on:

Vaginal and Vulval Hygiene“Just in case you have been wondering if your vulval problem is happening because you aren’t washing enough….you don’t have a hygiene problem. Using soap, particularly if this is done frequently, will in fact make your skin more sensitive. It is best to avoid soap, particularly perfumed liquid soaps, abrasive washes and wet wipes. A soap substitute, available from your chemist, or simply soaking in a bath with a couple of handfuls of ordinary salt thrown in is the best way to clean vulval skin”.7

Postmenopause Odour

Postmenopause or after menopause, may vaginal smell change?

In Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell [+ Image] the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“After menopause, the smell may be different to when you were having periods because the bacteria in your vagina changes at this time”.8

In Feminine Odor Problems? What Every Woman Needs To Know the Cleveland Clinic explain:

“Lack of estrogen can be the cause if you’re past menopause and are experiencing vaginal odor. Your doctor will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I am worried about what is going on down there?

If you are worried about what is going on down there, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH note:

“If you are worried about the smell, or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or pain when you wee, see your doctor”.10

In Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Signs or Symptoms of Vaginal Problems? the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Consult your health care provider if you notice:

  • A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal redness or itching
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
  • A mass or bulge in the vagina
  • Pain during intercourse”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Vaginal and Vulval Hygiene?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vaginal and Vulval Hygiene?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 10 Embarrassing Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
  2. 5 Common Problems ‘Down There’ — and Whether They Are Contagious
  3. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  4. Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health?
  5. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  6. Bacterial Vaginosis
  7. Bacterial Vaginosis
  8. Caredownthere.com.au
  9. Douching
  10. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  11. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  12. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  13. Feminine Odor Problems? What You Should Know About Douching
  14. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  15. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  16. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  17. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease
  18. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Patient Handouts
  19. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  20. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  21. Lichen Planus
  22. Lichen Planus
  23. Lichen Sclerosus
  24. Lichen Sclerosus
  25. Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems
  26. Menopause Patient Information: 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  27. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  28. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  29. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  30. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  31. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  32. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Sexual Anatomy 101
  33. Prosayla Supported by ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  34. Q&A: Normalize Seeking Proper Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis, Treatment
  35. Self-Help Tips
  36. Sexual Problems and Menopause
  37. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & treatment – Booklet
  38. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  39. Top Tips for Talking To Your Doctor
  40. Urogenital Problems
  41. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  42. Vaginal Candiasis
  43. Vaginal Discharge
  44. Vaginal Discharge
  45. Vaginal Discharge
  46. Vaginal Dryness
  47. Vaginal Dryness
  48. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  49. Vaginal Pain
  50. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  51. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  52. Video Series-2023: Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  53. Vulva and Vagina
  54. Vulval Irritation
  55. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  56. Vulvar Awareness Day [18 September 2023]
  57. Vulvovaginal Thrush
  58. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  59. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues In Menopause
  60. What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
  61. Why You Should Never Douche
  62. Yeast Infection (Vaginal)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted:

Sources

  1. Douching: What Is the Best Way To Clean My Vagina? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
  2. Douching: What Is the Best Way To Clean My Vagina? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
  3. Feminine Odor Problems? What Every Woman Needs To Know. 10 June 2021. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feminine-odor-problems-what-you-should-know-about-douching/ Accessed: 04 April 2024
  4. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
  5. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
  6. Douching: Why Should Women Not Douche? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
  7. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There – Cleansing. Caredownthere https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/information_care.html Accessed: 04 April 2024
  8. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina#whats-normal Accessed: 04 April 2024
  9. Feminine Odor Problems? What Every Woman Needs To Know. 10 June 2021. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feminine-odor-problems-what-you-should-know-about-douching/ Accessed: 04 April 2024
  10. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina#whats-normal Accessed: 04 April 2024
  11. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Signs or Symptoms of Vaginal Problems? 06 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 04 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 04 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 April 2024

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Menopause Anxiety

“There are several women’s health conditions that are
associated with anxiety, for example, endometriosis,
polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Anxiety Umbrella include?

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

  • Anxiety
  • Menopause
  • Menopause Anxiety

Anxiety

What is anxiety?

DotS the definition of anxiety may vary. In Anxiety the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Anxiety is a common condition. It’s a normal human reaction to stressful situations. Anxiety can make you feel nervous, worried, panicky and fearful.

here are several women’s health conditions that are associated with anxiety, for example, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause”.2

Perimenopause

Is there an association between perimenopause and anxiety?

In Menopause and Mental Health the Australasian Menopause Society note:

“While not a problem for everyone transitioning through menopause, the risk of mood changes and symptoms of depression and anxiety are higher during perimenopause, even in women without a history of major depression”.3

Anxiety Triggers

What are some anxiety triggers?

In Managing Anxiety: Practical Places To Start – Identify Your Triggers the JH explain:

“There are often things, known as triggers, that can lead to anxiety. These can be different for everyone. You can also have more than one trigger. You may not always be able to avoid your triggers, but when you recognise them, it can help you to manage your anxiety.

Common triggers include:

  • Caffeine, alcohol or tobacco
  • Stressful or loud environments
  • Tests or interviews
  • Socialising
  • Financial problems
  • Health concerns or medical check-ups
  • Relationship problems
  • Travelling
  • Side effects of some medicines
  • Phobias”.4

Anxiety Management

What is anxiety management?

In Managing Anxiety: Practical Places To Start the JH elaborate on:

Menopause Anxiety“It’s a good idea to try a range of self-help strategies. You might find different strategies work for different situations or symptoms. There is no right or wrong formula, so don’t be afraid to try them all”.5

Anxiety Management Strategies

What are some anxiety management strategies?

In Anxiety Management Strategies the (Australian) Beyond Blue elaborate on:

  1. “Slow breathing…
  2. Progressive muscle relaxation…
  3. Stay in the present moment…
  4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle…
  5. Small acts of bravery…
  6. Challenge your self-talk…
  7. Be kind to yourself
  8. Plan worry time…
  9. Get to know your anxiety…”.6

Online Programs and Apps

Are anxiety online programs and Apps available?

Depending on your Country, anxiety online programs and Apps may be available.

Your health care provider may know of your Country’s recommended anxiety online programs and Apps.

In Managing Anxiety: Online Programs and Apps the JH note:

“If you’re looking for information online, it is best to use websites, apps, and blogs from well-respected sources such as those with government backing or from an organisation with experts who understand anxiety”.7

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have anxiety or an anxiety disorder?

If you think you have anxiety or an anxiety disorder, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing – Talk To Your Doctor the JH explain:

“If you are experiencing strong emotions, anxiety or depression, see your doctor”.8

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Anxiety?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 4 Benefits of Sleep Meditation and How To Do It
  2. Anxiety
  3. Anxiety
  4. Anxiety
  5. Anxiety Disorders
  6. Anxiety Self-Help Guide
  7. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  8. Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Is It Both)?
  9. Anxiety, Fear and Panic [+ Audio: How To Cope With Anxiety – A Relaxation Technique]
  10. Anxiety.org
  11. Anxietyuk.org.uk [Anxiety UK]
  12. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  13. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  14. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  15. Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?
  16. Can Menopause Cause Depression?
  17. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  18. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  19. Diet and Mental Health
  20. Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
  21. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  22. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  23. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  24. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  25. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  26. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  27. Finding A Mental Health Professional [United States]
  28. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  29. Hot Flashes, Anxiety and Menopause: What’s the Connection?
  30. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  31. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  32. How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
  33. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E17: Are Anxiety & Depression Destroying Your Life?
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  36. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  37. Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing
  38. Managing Anxiety [+ Videos]
  39. Managing Your Symptoms
  40. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [04 September 2023] [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Countdown To Control Anxiety
  43. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Menopause Anxiety
  47. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Anxiety
  49. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  50. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  51. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  58. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  59. Menopause and Mental Health
  60. Menopause and Mental Health
  61. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  62. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  63. Mental Health
  64. Mental Health: Mental Health Self Help Guides
  65. Mood and the Menopause
  66. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  69. National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
  70. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  71. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  72. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  73. Perimenopause
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause Anxiety
  76. Probiotics May Help Boost Mood and Cognitive Function
  77. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  78. Symptoms of Anxiety
  79. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  80. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  81. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  82. Tips for Managing Anxiety
  83. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  84. Treatments for Anxiety
  85. Treatments for Depression
  86. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  87. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  88. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  89. Video Series-2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  90. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  91. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  93. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  94. What Are Anxiety and Depression?
  95. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  96. What Is Anxiety?
  97. What’s the Link Between the Menopause and Anxiety?
  98. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  99. Women and Anxiety
  100. Women and Anxiety

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Anxiety. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety Accessed: 03 April 2024
  2. Anxiety. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety Accessed: 03 April 2024
  3. Menopause and Mental Health. Content Updated February 2023. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 03 April 2024
  4. Managing Anxiety: Practical Places To Start – Identify Your Triggers. Last Updated: 04 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety#practical-places-to-start Accessed: 03 April 2024
  5. Managing Anxiety: Practical Places To Start. Last Updated: 04 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety#practical-places-to-start Accessed: 03 April 2024
  6. Anxiety Management Strategies. Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies Accessed: 03 April 2024
  7. Managing Anxiety: Online Programs and Apps. Last Updated: 04 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety#practical-places-to-start Accessed: 03 April 2024
  8. Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing – Talk To Your Doctor 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#emotional-wellbeing Accessed: 03 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 03 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 April 2024

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Endocrine Society

“Endocrine Society is a global community of physicians and scientists dedicated to accelerating scientific breakthroughs and improving patient health and well being”.1

Umbrella
What may the Endocrine Society Umbrella include?

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

  • Endocrine Society
  • Hormone Health Network

Endocrine Society

What is the (United States) Endocrine Society?

In Endocrine Society the Endocrine Society explain:

Endocrine Society“Endocrine Society is a global community of physicians and scientists dedicated to accelerating scientific breakthroughs and improving patient health and well being”.2

Health Care Provider

What if I think I need to see an endocrinologist?

If you think you need to see an endocrinologist, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about a referral to an endocrinologist.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Endocrine Society?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Endocrine Society?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. An Endocrine Society Thematic Issue: Women’s Health 2022
  2. Endocrine Library
  3. Endocrine Society Scientific Statement Distinguishes Normal Aging From Endocrine Disease [16 June 2023]
  4. Endocrine Society [United States]
  5. Endocrine Society [United States]: Patient Engagement
  6. Endocrine Topics
  7. Find An Endocrinologist
  8. Hormones and Endocrine Function
  9. Menopause
  10. Menopause Map
  11. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Endocrine Society
  12. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Endocrine Society
  13. Multilingual Resources

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Endocrine Society. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/ Accessed: 03 April 2024
  2. Endocrine Society. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/ Accessed: 03 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 03 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 April 2024

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Night Sweats

“If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your
daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue,
mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life”.1

Umbrella
What may the Night Sweats Umbrella include?

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

  • Hot Flashes/Flushes At Night
  • Hot Flashes/Flushes That Occur During Sleeping
  • Night Sweats
  • Nighttime Hot Flashes
  • Vasomotor Symptoms

Definition

What are night sweats?

DotS the definition of night sweats may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:

“Night sweats are hot flashes at night that interfere with sleep”.2

Vasomotor Symptoms

What are vasomotor symptoms?

DotS the definition of vasomotor symptoms may vary. The NAM’s definition is:

“Vasomotor symptoms. Also known as hot flashes and night sweats, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause”.3

Impact

What can be the impact of night sweats?

In Hot Flashes: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

“Nighttime hot flashes (night sweats) may wake you from sleep and can cause long-term sleep disruptions”.4

Irritability

Is there an association between irritability and night sweats?

In Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes At Menopause: Night Sweats the NAMS elaborate on:

“While it’s a myth that menopause itself makes women irritable, the sleep disturbances that stem from hot flashes and night sweats can certainly make a woman irritable”.5

Preventative Steps

What are some preventative steps to improve sleep quality?

In Night Sweats: Care and Treatment – What Can I Do At Home To Treat Night Sweats? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic suggest:

“Regardless of what’s causing your night sweats, you can take preventative steps to improve your sleep quality. To keep cooler during bedtime:

  • Sip cool water throughout the night.
  • Use pillows and mattress covers that contain cooling gels.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, cotton or linen pajamas to bed.
  • Exercise daily by walking, swimming, dancing, bicycling, etc.
  • Use lightweight, layered bedding that you can remove as needed at night.
  • Unwind before bedtime using deep breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques.
  • Use a bedroom fan, sleep with your windows open, or crank up the air conditioning.
  • Keep a cold pack under your pillow, then flip your pillow to rest your head on a cool surface.
  • Avoid common night sweat triggers such as alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and cigarettes or exercising immediately before bed”.6

Treatment

What are some treatments for night sweats?

The NAM’s explain:

“Treatments for night sweats and hot flashes include lifestyle changes, nonprescription remedies, hormone therapy (with estrogen plus progestogen, or estrogen alone for women without a uterus), and nonhormonal prescription drugs”.7

Hormone Therapy

What may hormone therapy (HT) improve?

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

Night Sweats“If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life”.8

On page two in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Options the NAMS also note:

“Each woman must make her own decision about HT with the help of a healthcare professional. If you decide to take HT, the next step is to choose between the many HT options available to find the best dose and route for you. With guidance from your healthcare professional, you can try different forms of HT until you find the type and dose that treats your symptoms with few adverse effects”.9

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, 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. Discussions with women should also cover aspects such as when to consider stopping HRT and how this can be done (by gradually reducing the dose of HRT). No arbitrary limits should be set on age or duration of HRT intake”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my night sweats?

If you would like help with your night sweats, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic encourage us to seek help explaining:

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.11

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Night Sweats?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 4 Benefits of Sleep Meditation and How To Do It
  2. 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
  3. A Pragmatic Approach To the Management of Menopause
  4. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  5. Alcohol
  6. All the Reasons You Might Be Having Night Sweats – and When To See A Doctor
  7. Are Premenopausal “Cold Flashes” A Real Thing?
  8. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  9. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  10. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  11. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  12. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  13. CAMS Menopause Hour – Perimenopause: A Clinical Challenge
  14. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  15. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  16. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  17. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  18. Efficacy of Plant-Derived Dietary Supplements In Improving Overall Menopausal Symptoms In Women: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  19. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  20. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  21. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  22. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  24. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  25. Hot Flashes
  26. Hot Flashes
  27. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  28. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  29. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  30. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  31. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause. Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  32. 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
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Treating Menopause Symptoms [+ Video: Does the Menopause Happen Suddenly?]
  37. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  38. Management of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
  39. Managing Your Symptoms
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: 5 Ways To Get Better Sleep
  43. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause Management Options
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Night Sweats
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – Stages of Menopause: Perimenopause
  51. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  53. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  58. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  59. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  60. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  61. Menopause-Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Can Last for Years
  62. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  63. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  64. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  65. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  70. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  71. Natural Therapies
  72. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  73. Night Sweats
  74. Night Sweats
  75. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  76. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  77. Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
  78. Perimenopause
  79. Perimenopause
  80. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  81. Phytoestrogens
  82. Questions To Ask Your GP About Menopause
  83. Sleep, Food, Exercise, Stress: Why Working on One of These Can Improve the Others
  84. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  85. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  86. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  87. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  88. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  89. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  90. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  91. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  92. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  93. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  94. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  95. Video Series-2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  96. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  97. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  98. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  99. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  100. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 03 April 2024
  2. Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes At Menopause – Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal Accessed: 03 April 2024
  3. Glossary: V – Vasomotor Symptoms. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#V Accessed: 03 April 2024
  4. Hot Flashes: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 12 December 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790 Accessed: 03 April 2024
  5. Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes at Menopause: Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal Accessed: 03 April 2024
  6. Night Sweats: Care and Treatment – What Can I Do At Home To Treat Night Sweats? Last Reviewed 06 September 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16562-night-sweats Accessed: 03 April 2024
  7. Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes At Menopause – Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal Accessed: 03 April 2024
  8. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 03 April 2024
  9. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Options. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 03 April 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: 03 April 2024
  11. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 25 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 03 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 03 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 April 2024

/by

World Menopause Day 2024

The theme for World Menopause Day is usually announced
by the International Menopause Society closer to
World Menopause Month which is held in October.1

Umbrella

What may the World Menopause Day 2023 Umbrella include?

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

  • Menopause Awareness Day/Month
  • Menopause Day/Month
  • World Menopause Day/Month

World Menopause Day 2024

What is the theme for World Menopause Day (WMD) 2024?

The theme for World Menopause Day is usually announced by the International Menopause Society closer to World Menopause Month which is held in October.

World Menopause Day 2023

What was the theme for WMD 2023?

In World Menopause Day the International Menopause Society (IMS) announced:

“The theme for World Menopause Day 2023 is Cardiovascular Disease”.2
World Menopause Day 2024

World Menopause Day

When is WMD?

In World Menopause Day the IMS explain:

“World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing”.3

World Menopause Month

What is World Menopause Month?

The IMS note:

“Since it is not always possible for local societies to arrange activities for this specific day, the IMS has now designated October as World Menopause Month. Local societies can also collaborate with other organizations working in the field of adult women’s health, such as societies for osteoporosis and breast cancer, to organize joint events. World Menopause Month can also be a call to implement policies that support research and treatment in the area of menopausal health”.4

Patient Information Leaflet

World Menopause Day 2024What do the IMS explain in their WMD 2023 Patient Information Leaflet about cardiovascular disease?

On page two in their Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need to Know the IMS explain:

“Breast cancer is often believed to be the number one cause of death and disability in women. In reality, it is cardiovascular disease. The number of cases of cardiovascular disease is high… and continuing to rise.

But by understanding more about the causes and impacts of cardiovascular disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Here’s what every woman needs to know…”.5

Cardiovascular Diseases

What are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)?

DotS the definition of CVDs may vary. In Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): What Are Cardiovascular Diseases? the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include:

  • Coronary heart disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
  • Cerebrovascular disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
  • Peripheral arterial disease – a disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
  • Rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
  • Congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal development and functioning of the heart caused by malformations of the heart structure from birth; and
  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs”.6

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to World Menopause Day 2024?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to World Menopause Day 2024?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. Aspirin Use To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
  3. BMS TV
  4. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  5. CVS Health Screenings
  6. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Heart Attack Warning Signs In Women
  7. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
  8. Cardiovascular Health
  9. Cardiovascular Health: Risks & Causes
  10. Cardiovascular Risks May Be Worse for Thinking, Memory Skills In Middle-Aged Women
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  12. Doing These 8 Things May Greatly Lower Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
  13. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  14. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  15. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  16. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  17. Flavonoids Are A Flavorful Way To Boost Heart and Brain Health
  18. Getting at the Heart of Needs in Women’s Heart Health
  19. Getting Serious About Heart Health
  20. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  21. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  22. Heart Health for Women
  23. Heart Palpitations
  24. Herheart.org
  25. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats Linked To 70 Per Cent Increase In Cardiovascular Disease
  26. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  27. How To Prevent Heart Disease After Menopause
  28. Improving Heart Health At Midlife and Beyond Could Lower Future Risk of Stroke, Dementia
  29. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  30. 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
  31. KnowDiabetesbyHeart
  32. Know Your Numbers
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – After the Menopause: Cardiovascular Disease
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  36. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  37. Life Expectancy and Major Chronic Diseases
  38. Life Expectancy: Do We Have Control?
  39. Life’s Essential 8
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Are You Getting Enough Sleep for Your Best Heart Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Menopause and the Heart Connection [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs of Coronary Artery Disease, How To Reduce Your Risk [+ Video]
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Women Need To Know About Stroke [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  44. Mayo Clinic Minute: Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Vary [+ Video]
  45. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  46. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  51. Menopause Mindfulness: Living Your Best Work-Life Through the Menopause Transition
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated with Menopause and Midlife
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  58. Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
  59. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  60. ‘Menopause: Misinformation and Management’ World Menopause Day 2023
  61. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  62. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  63. Million Hearts
  64. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cardiovascular Disease
  66. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  67. No Time To Step Back: The Government’s Menopause Employment Champion [United Kingdom]
  68. People Who Follow These 8 Heart Health Metrics May Live Years Longer
  69. Perimenopause
  70. Perimenopause
  71. Q&A: Health Changes During Menopause Associated With Increased Cardiovascular Risk
  72. Read My Lips
  73. Risk Factors
  74. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
  75. Smokefreewomen [United States]
  76. Stroke
  77. Taking It To Heart: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease In Women
  78. The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks
  79. The Heart Truth [National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, United States]
  80. The Menopausal Transition Period and Cardiovascular Risk
  81. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  82. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  83. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  84. Video Series-2023: Menopause and Heart Disease
  85. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  86. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  87. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  88. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Cardiovascular Disease In Women
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Heart Disease, Risk Factors of Developing Heart Disease, and Can I Take Hormones?
  91. Webinars: Previous – Cardiovascular Disease
  92. Webinars: Previous – Reproductive Milestones Across the Lifespan and Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Women
  93. What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
    World Menopause Day 2023
  94. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  95. World Heart Day [29 September]
  96. World Menopause Day
  97. World Menopause Day 18 October 2023
  98. World Menopause Day: Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need To Know [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2022
  100. World Stroke Day

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. World Menopause Day. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  2. World Menopause Day. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  3. World Menopause Day 2014. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/wmd-2014/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  4. World Menopause Day. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  5. World Menopause Day: Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need to Know. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  6. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): What Are Cardiovascular Diseases? 11 June 2021. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds) Accessed: 01 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 01 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 April 2024
/by

Menopause Healthy Living

“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself.
Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical
and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Healthy Living Umbrella include?

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

  • Menopause Healthy Lifestyle/Living
  • Menopause Lifestyle Management

Menopause Healthy Living

Is there an association between menopause and healthy living?

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

“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself. Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.2

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:

  • “Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms”.3

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause, published online 30 October 2023, the authors explain:

“The importance of improving lifestyle factors such as good nutrition, being physically active, cessation of smoking, limiting alcohol and stress management should be highlighted, as healthy behaviors confer benefits to all women”.4

In their Menopause Wellness Hub the (British) Women’s Health Concern (WHC) explain:

“However you choose to manage your menopause symptoms, your lifestyle choices are going to be the cornerstone of any treatment plan you choose.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other complementary and alternative treatments can all be very helpful, but the transition to menopause is a good time to review your lifestyle. Not only can this help manage menopausal symptoms in the short term, it can lay the foundations for good health through perimenopause, menopause, and the years to come”.5

Symptom Management

What is some general advice for symptom management?

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: General Advice for Symptom Management the authors explain:

  • “Overweight and obesity, and smoking are risk factors for VMS. Weight reduction may result in reduced VMS in overweight women and smoking cessation should be encouraged
  • Exercise, yoga and relaxation methods have not been found to be effective for VMS, but these activities may improve sleep and general well-being.”.6

What is VMS?

VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor symptoms e.g. Hot flushes and night sweats.

Menopause Healthy Living Tips

What are some menopause healthy living tips?

On page three in The Menopause: What Can Be Done? Lifestyle Factors the WHC elaborate on:

Menopause

“A healthy lifestyle can minimize the effects of the menopause, helping to keep the heart and bones strong. Many women feel that this is a good time to review the way they treat their body. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Chew over your diet…
  • Keep on your feet…
  • Stop smoking…
  • Drink within reason…
  • Make use of health screening services…
  • Stay calm and positive…”.7

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with healthy living?

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

The WHC also note:

“Some women breeze through a problem-free menopause, but most experience some symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you feel that you are struggling, advice and support is widely available. The important thing is to be aware of any changes and to consult your GP for advice. Whatever the symptoms, help is available in a range of ways.

Above all, bear in mind that your health is your responsibility and that you are in charge. This is a time when your body deserves some tender loving care”.8

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Healthy Living?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Healthy Living?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 11 Ways To Spot A Fad Diet
  2. 5 Healthy Aging Tips for Women
  3. 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
  4. An Empowerment Model for Managing Menopause
  5. Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care?
  6. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  7. BMS TV: Menopause – Weight Gain, Nutrition and Lifestyle
  8. BMS TV: Sleep
  9. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  10. BonesBioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  11. Build Better Bones.org
  12. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  13. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  14. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  15. Everyday Healthy Living
  16. Exercise In Menopause
  17. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  18. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  19. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  20. Healthy Living
  21. Healthy Living
  22. Healthy Living
  23. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 40s
  24. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 50s
  25. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 60s
  26. Healthy Weight: Healthy Eating for A Healthy Weight
  27. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  28. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  29. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  30. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  31. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  32. 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
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  36. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  37. Life’s Essential 8
  38. Live Your Life Well: The Ten Tools [Mental Health]
  39. Looking After Yourself
  40. Management of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
  41. Managing Menopause Symptoms With Nutrition and Diet
  42. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Alcohol and Menopause Can Be A Dangerous Mix [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  44. Mediterranean Lifestyle, Not Just Diet, May Greatly Improve Health
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause Healthy LivingMenopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause
  50. Menopause Fact Sheet: The Menopause
  51. Menopause Management Options: Healthy Living
  52. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care ProviderMenopause Healthy Living
  53. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Healthy Living
  54. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  55. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  57. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  58. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide Menopause Healthy Living
  59. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  60. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  61. Menopause and Mental Health
  62. Menopause and Mind Health
  63. Menopause and Your Diet: Foods To Choose and Avoid
  64. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  65. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  66. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  67. Mood and the Menopause
  68. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  71. Natural Therapies
  72. Nutrition In Menopause
  73. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  74. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  75. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  76. Nutrition and Menopause
  77. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  78. Smokefreewomen [United States]
  79. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
    Menopause Healthy Living
  80. The Lancet: Series From the Lancet Journal – Menopause 2024
  81. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  82. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  83. Top 4 Tips To Prevent Chronic Diseases
  84. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  85. Treating Menopause Symptoms: Medications, Lifestyle & Self-Care
  86. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  87. Vaginal Dryness
  88. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  89. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  90. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  91. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  92. Video: Menopause Symptoms May Be Associated With Later Health Risks
  93. Video: Researchers Emphasize Normalization of Menopause
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  95. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Preventing Bone Loss At Menopause
  96. Webinars: Previous – Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  97. Weight Gain and Menopause
  98. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  99. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  100. World Menopause Day
    menopause Healthy Living

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Looking After Yourself. 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 Accessed: 01 April 2024
  2. Looking After Yourself. 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 Accessed: 01 April 2024
  3. 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: 01 April 2024
  4. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 01 April 2024
  5. Menopause Wellness Hub. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/menopause-wellness-hub/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  6. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: General Advice for Symptom Management. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 01 April 2024
  7. The Menopause: What Can Be Done? Lifestyle Factors. Publication Date: November 2022:3. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  8. The Menopause: Conclusions. Publication Date: November 2022:4. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 01 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 April 2024

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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

“Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the range of
physical and emotional symptoms many women
experience in the lead-up to a period”.1

Umbrella
What may the Premenstrual Syndrome Umbrella include?

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

  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  • Premenstrual Mood Changes
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Premenstrual Tension (PMT)

Premenstrual Changes

What are premenstrual changes?

DotS the definition of premenstrual changes may vary. The (United States Massachusetts General Hospital) MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health explain:

“Many women in their reproductive years experience transient physical and emotional changes around the time of their period. In fact, at least 90% of women with regular menstrual cycles report unpleasant physical or psychological symptoms premenstrually. For the majority of women, these symptoms are mild and tolerable. However, for a certain group of women, these symptoms can be disabling and may cause significant disruption in their lives”.2

Premenstrual Syndrome

What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

DotS the definition of PMS may vary. The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:

“Premenstrual Syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, is a broad term that typically refers to a general pattern of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms occurring 1-2 weeks before and remitting with the onset of menses”.3

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the range of physical and emotional symptoms many women experience in the lead-up to a period”.4

The (United States) Medline Plus’s definition is:

“Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the symptoms go away after their periods start. The symptoms may range from mild to severe”.5

PMS Symptoms

What are some PMS symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the (United States) Mayo Clinic reassure:

“The list of potential signs and symptoms for premenstrual syndrome is long, but most women only experience a few of these problems”.6

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH also note:

“Symptoms of PMS vary in intensity from woman to woman and can vary from one cycle to the next”.7

PMS Psychological Symptoms

What are PMS psychological/emotional symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH elaborate on:

“Emotional Symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Nervous tension
  • Lower coping ability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Wanting to be alone
  • Lower libido
  • Reduced interest in work and social life
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Aggression
  • Sadness”.8

In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:

“Psychological Symptoms:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Sense of feeling overwhelmed
  • Sensitivity to rejection
  • Social withdrawal”.9

PMS Physical Symptoms

What are PMS physical symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH elaborate on:

“Physical Symptoms:

  • Fluid retention (swollen fingers or ankles)
  • Bloating around the abdomen
  • Breast swelling and tenderness
  • Skin problems such as acne
  • Headaches and/or migraines
  • Poor coordination or clumsiness
  • Tiredness, lethargy, insomnia
  • Increase in weight
  • Constipation and/or diarrhea
  • Food cravings
  • Aches and pains”.10

In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:

“Physical Symptoms:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Appetite disturbance (usually increased)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headaches
  • Lethargy or fatigue
  • Muscle aches and/or joint pain
  • Sleep disturbance (usually hypersomnia)
  • Swelling of extremities”.11

PMS Behavioural Symptoms

What are PMS behavioural symptoms?

In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:

Behavioural Symptoms:

  • “Fatigue
  • Forgetfulness
  • Poor concentration”.12

PMS Common or Not

How common is PMS?

The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health note:

“PMS is common, affecting from 30-80% of women of reproductive age, though clinically significant PMS symptoms have been reported in 3-8% of patients”.13

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

DotS the definition of PMDD may vary. The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:

“ Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome characterized by significant premenstrual mood disturbance, often with prominent mood reactivity and irritability. Symptoms of PMDD can emerge 1-2 weeks preceding menses and typically resolve with the onset of menses. This mood disturbance results in marked social or occupational impairment, with its most prominent effects in interpersonal functioning”.14

In Learn: PMDD the International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) definition is:

“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstruation. It affects an estimated 5.5% of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age. While PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not a hormone imbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause”.15

Depression or Not

How is depression different to PMS and PMDD?

The JH explain:

“PMS and PMDD have similar symptoms to depression. However, with PMS and PMDD, the symptoms get better completely as soon as menstruation begins, while those of depression do not.

PMS and PMDD need to be distinguished from underlying depression because the treatments are different”.16

Premenstrual Exacerbation

What is premenstrual exacerbation (PME)?

DotS the definition of PME may vary. In PMDD/PMS: Ruling Out Other Psychiatric Illnesses the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health explain:

“Mood disorders, such as major depression or bipolar disorder, can worsen during the premenstrual period and thus may mimic PMDD. When this occurs, the term premenstrual exacerbation or PME is used to refer to the mood worsening which occurs during the premenstrual phase. An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD actually have a PME of an underlying mood disorder”.17

In Learn: PME the IAPMD’s definition is:

“Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) refers to the premenstrual exacerbation/worsening of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) are difficult to distinguish from each other”.18

Cause

What causes PMS?

In Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Diagnosis and Prevention the (United States) Endocrine Society note:

“Doctors are still searching for the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome or PMDD. Hormone levels are the same in women with or without PMS/PMDD. But it is thought that women with PMS/PMDD have a greater response to the fall in hormones that occurs in the days before a period. There may also be changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. Some women have a genetic risk factor for PMDD. Undiagnosed depression or anxiety can also lead to problems”.19

Predictable PatternPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Do PMS symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern?

Yes. The Mayo Clinic explain:

“Symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern. But the physical and emotional changes you experience with premenstrual syndrome may vary from just slightly noticeable all the way to intense”.20

Look for A PatternPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

How may I Look for A Pattern with PMS?

In Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms the IAPMD explain:

“PMDD cannot be diagnosed via blood, hormone, or saliva test. These tests can, however, rule out any underlying disorders including hormone imbalance or thyroid issues. The only way to currently test for PMDD is by tracking symptoms for a span of two more menstrual cycles”.21

In Menstrual Diary the (United Kingdom) National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome explain:

“A completed menstrual chart is the first step towards understanding your own menstrual health”.22

The JH note:

  • “It can be useful to keep a detailed daily diary of at least two menstrual cycles to see if there is a pattern with your symptoms to help you and your doctor discuss the best treatment options for you”.23

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What To Expect the (Scottish) NHS Inform also note:

“It can be helpful to keep a note of your period dates and symptoms using a calendar, a diary or an app. You can then discuss this with your doctor who can decide if any tests or treatments might be needed”.24

DiaryPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Where may I find a diary to keep a record of any symptoms I have?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Diary

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and PMS?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Mood and Emotional Health the JH note:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)“Women who have a history of depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be more likely to develop depression during this time”.25

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

“Yes. PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause and are in the transition to menopause, called perimenopause.

This is especially true for women whose moods are sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. In the years leading up to menopause, your hormone levels also go up and down in an unpredictable way as your body slowly transitions to menopause. You may get the same mood changes, or they may get worse.

PMS stops after menopause when you no longer get a period”.26

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with PMS, PMDD or PME?

If you would like help with PMS, PMDD or PME, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH note:

  • “If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, see your doctor or seek referral to a gynaecologist with expertise in PMS”.27

In Premenstrual Syndrome: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic explain:

“See your provider if you’re unable to get relief from your PMS symptoms. To get the most out of your visit, come to your appointment prepared to discuss your symptoms and your period in detail. Track your period and symptom history on a calendar, planner or app. Be prepared to share information about your period start and stop dates and your symptoms (including how mild or severe) for at least two consecutive periods”.28

In PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Treating PMS the (United Kingdom) NHS also note:

“As well as changes to your lifestyle, a GP can recommend treatments including:

  • Hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy
  • Antidepressants
  • Dietary Supplements

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor”.29

Who is a GP?

DotS and DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Premenstrual Syndrome Links?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. About PMS
  2. Can CBD Help Manage PMDD/PME?
  3. Chemical Menopause (GnRHa Treatment)
  4. Clearing the Fog
  5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  6. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
  7. Essential Reads: Ovarian Suppression for the Treatment of Severe PMDD
  8. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  9. Feeling Irritable? Why You’re Irritated and What To Do About It
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. For PMDD, Does Symptom-Onset Dosing of An SSRI Work?
  12. Glossary
  13. How Do We Know If We Have PME or PMDD? How Do We Differentiate?
  14. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  15. IAPMD Podcasts [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
  16. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
  17. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: What Is Your Question?
  18. In Brief: What’s the Connection Between Alcohol and Premenstrual Syndrome?
  19. Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Women With PMDD
  20. Is It More than PMS? Learn About PMDD (pFocus)
  21. Learn [+ Podcasts]
  22. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  23. Menopause Depression
  24. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  25. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  26. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
  27. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  28. Menopause and Mental Health
  29. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  30. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  31. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  32. Menstrual Cycle
  33. Menstrual Diary
  34. Menstruation
  35. Mittelschmerz
  36. Mood and the Menopause
  37. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  38. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry [Vitex]
  39. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Evening Primrose Oil
  40. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  41. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  42. Natural Therapies
  43. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  44. PMD Awareness Month 2024 [April]
    Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  45. PMDD & the Workplace
  46. PMDD / PME – Understanding and Coping With Premenstrual Anger, Irritability, & Hypersensitivity
  47. PMDD Treatment With Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: Neuroactive Steroids and GABA May Play A Role
  48. PMDD/PME Self Screen
  49. PMDD/PMS
  50. PMDD/PMS: Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD
  51. PMDD/PMS: Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD
  52. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  53. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  54. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
  55. PMS, PMDD and You
  56. Patient & Partner Resources: Overview
  57. Patient & Partner Resources: PMDD Symptom Tracker and Instructions
  58. Patient & Partner Resources: Provider Directory
  59. Periods
  60. Periods: Period Problems – Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  61. Pms.org.uk [National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes, United Kingdom]
  62. Premenstrual Disorders & Menopause
  63. Premenstrual Disorders, Timing of Menopause, and Severity of Vasomotor Symptoms
  64. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  65. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  66. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  67. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  68. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Different From PMS?
  69. Premenstrual Syndrome
  70. Premenstrual Syndrome
  71. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  72. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  73. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  74. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) [+ Video]
  75. Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  76. Premenstrual Syndrome – Self Care
  77. Push Back Against PMS
  78. Research Explained: Is There More Than One Type of PMDD?
  79. Sepranolone: A New Treatment for PMDD?
  80. Steps To Diagnosis
  81. Surgery & Surgical Menopause for Premenstrual Disorders
  82. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  83. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  84. Transgender & PMDD
  85. Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  86. Treatment Options
  87. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  88. Understanding Premenstrual Disorders – PMDD and PME Explained [Video]
  89. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  91. What Is Chasteberry, and What Can It Do?
  92. What Is PMDD?
  93. What Is PME?
  94. Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood
  95. Womensmentalhealth.org [MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States]
  96. Women’s Health: In-Depth – Water Retention: Relieve This Premenstrual Symptom
  97. World Bipolar Day: PMDD V Bipolar
  98. Your Periods, ADHD & the Multiple Hormone Sensitivity Theory

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  2. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Mood Changes. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  3. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  4. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  5. Premenstrual Syndrome: Summary – What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Last Updated: 11 January 2024. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html Accessed: 01 April 2024
  6. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 01 April 2024
  7. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  8. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  9. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  10. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  11. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  12. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  13. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  14. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  15. Learn: PMDD. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 01 April 2024
  16. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): How Are PMS & PMDD Different From Depression? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  17. PMDD/PMS: Ruling Out Other Psychiatric Illnesses. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  18. Learn: PME. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 01 April 2024
  19. Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Diagnosis and Prevention: 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/pms-and-pmdd Accessed: 01 April 2024
  20. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 01 April 2024
  21. Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/symptom-tracker Accessed: 01 April 2024
  22. Menstrual Diary. National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/support/menstrual-diary/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
  23. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  24. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What To Expect. Last Updated: 28 February 2023. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/premenstrual-syndrome-pms Accessed: 01 April 2024
  25. Symptoms of Menopause: Mood and Emotional Health. Last Updated: 28 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 01 April 2024
  26. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2024
  27. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
  28. Premenstrual Syndrome: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed: 12 October 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24288-pms-premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2024
  29. (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome: Treating PMS. Page Last Reviewed: 09 June 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ Accessed: 01 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 14 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 April 2024

/by

Healthy Diet

“A healthy diet includes the following: Fruit, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils and beans), nuts and whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice)…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Healthy Diet Umbrella include?

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

  • Diet
  • Good Nutrition
  • Healthy Diet
  • Healthy Eating
  • Nutrition

Healthy DietHealthy Diet

What is a healthy diet?

In Healthy Diet: For Adults the World Health Organization explain:

“A healthy diet includes the following:

  • Fruit, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils and beans), nuts and whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice)
  • At least 400 g (i.e. five portions) of fruit and vegetables per day, excluding potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and other starchy roots
  • Less than 10% of total energy intake from free sugars, which is equivalent to 50 g (or about 12 level teaspoons) for a person of healthy body weight consuming about 2000 calories per day, but…
  • Less than 30% of total energy intake from fats. Unsaturated fats (found in fish, avocado and nuts, and in sunflower, soybean, canola and olive oils) are preferable to…
  • Less than 5 g of salt (equivalent to about one teaspoon) per day. Salt should be iodized…”.2

Recipes

Where may I find some nutritious recipes?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

Recipes

  1. Healthy Recipes [MedlinePlus, United States]
  2. Healthy Recipes [World Cancer Research Fund]
  3. Heart-Check Certified Recipes [American Heart Association]
  4. MyPlate Kitchen [Department of Agriculture, United States]
  5. Recipe Finder [Diabetes UK, United Kingdom]
  6. Recipe Search [British Heart Foundation]
  7. Recipes [Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, United States]
  8. Recipes [American Heart Association]
  9. Recipes [Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Australia]
  10. Recipes [Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Australia]: Menopause
  11. Recipes [Heart Foundation of Australia]
  12. Recipes: Bone Healthy Recipes [National Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with healthy eating?

If you would like help with healthy eating, 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.

In Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Basics – Nutrition Basics the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Want to go beyond the nutrition basics? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your health status, lifestyle, and food preferences”.3

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Healthy Diet?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 11 Foods That Boost Your Immune System
  2. 11 Ways To Spot A Fad Diet
  3. 17 Foods That Are High In Vitamin C
  4. 25 Super Snacks With Less Than 500 Calories
  5. 31 High-Fiber Foods You Should Be Eating
  6. 4 Reasons Why Almonds Are Good for You
  7. 5 Health Benefits of Anthocyanins
  8. 5 More Reasons To Eat More Tofu
  9. 5 Tips for Choosing Healthier Foods as You Age
  10. 6 Health Benefits of Kiwifruit
  11. 6 Major Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  12. 7 Reasons To Start Your Day With Lemon Water
  13. 75 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  14. 8 Tips for Healthy Eating
  15. Anti-Inflammatory Food Superstars for Every Season Healthy Diet
  16. Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?
  17. Articles on Meet Your Gut MIcrobes
  18. Australian Guide To Healthy Eating
  19. Beyond Bananas: 16 Potassium-Rich Foods
  20. Boost Your Mood With Mind-Nourishing Food
  21. Building A Plan for Healthy Eating
  22. Calcium Intake and Absorption: Are You Getting Enough?
  23. Celery Not Just for Veggie Trays
  24. Coeliac Disease vs Gluten Intolerance: Mayo Clinic Healthcare Expert Explains the Difference
  25. Coffee Alternatives: Looking Beyond the Bean-Based Drink
  26. Consumer Health: Do You Need More Dietary Fiber or Less?
  27. Consumer Health: Who Needs A Gluten-Free Diet and Why?
  28. Constipation Relief: Can Prune Juice Make You Poop?
  29. DASH Eating Plan (Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension)
  30. DASH Eating Plan: Tips on What To Eat vs. Limit Fact Sheet/ Hoja informativa sobre el plan de alimentación DASH y consejos sobre que comer y qué limitar
  31. Dark Chocolate Health Benefits
  32. Detox or Cleanse: What To Know Before You Start
  33. Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help You Lose Weight?
  34. Downloadable Recipe Collections From Heart Foundation [Australia]
  35. Easy, Low-Calorie Snacks To Get You Through the Day
  36. Eat Healthy
  37. Eat the Rainbow for Good Health
  38. Eating Too Fast? Here Are 4 Ways To Slow Down
  39. Fight Off the Flu With Immune-Boosting Nutrients
  40. Five Top Foods To Nourish Your Gut Bacteria
  41. Food Diary – How To Keep Track of What You Eat and Drink
  42. Foodmoodcentre.com.au [Food & Mood Centre, Australia]
  43. Foods High In Fiber: Boost Your Health With Fiber-Rich Foods
  44. Foods for Menopause
  45. Four Ways To Eat Less Meat That Are Better for the Planet, Your Health and Your Bank Balance
  46. Gut Microbiome: Meet Clostridium Butyricum – The Bacteria That Helps Keep Us Feeling Our Best
  47. Healthy Diet
  48. Healthy Eating Tips
  49. Healthy Eating When Trying To Lose Weight
  50. Healthy Eating for A Healthy Weight
  51. Hemp Protein: What To Know
  52. How Many Calories Should You Eat In A Day?
  53. How Much Water You Should Drink Every Day
  54. How To Follow A Mediterranean Diet
  55. How To Make Eating Healthy Easier? The Answer May Be on the Tip of Your Tongue
  56. Is Dairy Milk Good for You? [+ Video]
  57. Is MCT Oil Worth the Hype?
  58. Kale: Discover the ‘Secret Powers’ of This Superfood
  59. Low FODMAP Diet
  60. Low FODMAP Diet
  61. Maximize Memory Function With A Nutrient-Rich Diet
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Busting Plant-Based Diet Myths [+ Video]
  63. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can the MIND Diet Improve Brain Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  64. Mayo Clinic Minute: Relationship Between Food, Disease Stronger Than You May Think [+ Video]
  65. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Are All Calories Created Equal?
  66. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Food To Reduce Bloating
  67. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Is Erythritol A Safe and Healthy Sugar Substitute?
  68. Mediterranean Diet
  69. Menopause: Does Diet Play A Part? | Dr Sarah Berry
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  71. National Nutrition Month® [March, United States]
  72. Nutrition and Healthy Living
  73. Nutrition and Healthy Eating: In-Depth – Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits
  74. Nutrition and Healthy Eating: In-Depth – Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?
  75. Paleo Diet 101: What You Can and Can’t Eat
  76. People In the World’s ‘Blue Zones’ Live Longer – Their Diet Could Hold the Key To Why
  77. Powdered Greens: Do They Really Work?
  78. Pros and Cons of A High-Carb Diet: Can You Lose Weight?
  79. Recipe Adventure: Tasty Ways To Reach Your Daily Fiber Goal
  80. Science In 5: Episode #101 – Do Sweeteners Help With Weight Loss?
  81. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
  82. The Advantages of A Vegetarian Diet
  83. The Best Collagen-Rich Foods
  84. The Best Foods To Eat for Better Memory and Brain Health
  85. The Best Foods for Vitamins and Minerals
  86. The Eatwell Guide
  87. The Importance of Nutrition In Menopause and Perimenopause—A Review [21 December 2023] [Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary]
  88. The Skinny on Unsaturated Fats: Why You Need Them and the Best Sources
  89. The Truth About Menopause and Weight Gain
  90. These 3 Things Are Proven To Help Menopause
  91. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Metabolic Syndrome In Midlife Women
  92. Webinars: Previous – The Microbiome and Nutrition in Midlife Women
  93. What Are Cruciferous Vegetables — and Why Are They So Good for You?
  94. What Goes Into A Mediterranean Diet, and How To Get Started
  95. What Is Intuitive Eating? 10 Principles To Follow
  96. What Selenium Is and Why You Need It (But Not Too Much of It)
  97. What To Eat When You’re Trying To Heal
  98. What You Need To Know About Allulose
  99. When Is the Best Time to Drink Coffee?
  100. Why You Stress Eat and How To Stop

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Healthy Diet: For Adults. 29 April 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet Accessed: 01 April 2024
  2. Healthy Diet: For Adults. 29 April 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet Accessed: 01 April 2024
  3. Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Basics – Nutrition Basics. 21 November 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/basics/nutrition-basics/hlv-20049477 Accessed: 01 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 April 2024

/by

Hormone Therapy and Estrogen Therapy

“If you do not have a uterus,
you can take estrogen alone,
without a progestogen”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Estrogen Therapy Umbrella include?

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

  • Estrogen Alone
  • Estrogen Therapy (ET)
  • Estrogen-Alone HRT/MHT
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Oestrogen-Only HRT
  • Oestrogen-Only Therapy/Oestrogen Only Therapy
  • Systemic ET

No UterusHormone Therapy and Estrogen Therapy

Who may choose to use estrogen therapy (ET)?

On page two in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Estrogen Alone or Estrogen Plus Progestogen, published July 2022, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) note:

“If you do not have a uterus, you can take estrogen alone, without a progestogen”.2

On page one in HRT: Which HRT? Oestrogen Alone, published November 2021, the (British) Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:

“The core ingredient of all forms of HRT is oestrogen. Oestrogen relieves hot flushes and the other menopausal symptoms and maintains bone strength. This is suitable for women who have had a total hysterectomy, where the whole womb including its neck (cervix) has been removed. Oestrogen alone can be taken as a daily tablet, a weekly or twice weekly patch, a daily gel or an implant. Varying doses of oestrogen are available”.3

Formulations and Options

What are some ET formulations and options?

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – MHT Formulations and Options: Estrogen Therapy, published online 30 October 2023, the authors elaborate on:

“Estrogen can be used systemically as oral conjugated equine estrogen, estradiol valerate, estrone sulfate or micronized estradiol; transdermal estradiol (patches, gels, spray); a vaginal estradiol ring; and implanted estradiol pellets (mostly not regulator-approved). Vaginal pessaries and creams are used to treat urogenital symptoms”.4

Venous Thromboembolic Disease

What is the association between venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) and ET?

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy the authors include:

  • “Oral estrogen is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE), although the absolute risk is small for women aged <60 years. The risk is lower/not at all with transdermal estradiol, which is preferred for women at increased risk of VTE (i.e. smokers, obese women and diabetic women)”.5

Health Care Provider

If I choose to use ET what are my risks?

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

If I choose to use estrogen plus progestogen (EPT) what are my risks?

Different women who choose to use EPT can have different risks. 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 first published online 10 June 2022, one 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”.6

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Estrogen Alone or Estrogen Plus Progestogen, the NAM explain:

“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”.7

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z on you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  3. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  4. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  5. BMS TV: HRT and Bleeding
  6. BMS TV: HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits
  7. BMS TV: HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer
  8. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  9. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  10. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  11. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  12. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  13. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  14. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
  15. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens [Video]
  16. Estrogen Dependent Cancers
  17. Estrogen Therapy and Breast Cancer In Randomized Clinical Trials: A Narrative Review
  18. Estrogen: What It Does and 5 Benefits
  19. FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
  20. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy [Video]
  21. HRT
  22. HRT & Menopause Extra
  23. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  24. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy
  26. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Oestrogen Tablets, Patches, Gel and Spray
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: About Vaginal Oestrogen
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  33. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: Side Effects of Vaginal Estrogen
  34. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  35. Hot Flashes
  36. Hot Flashes
  37. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  38. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video]
  39. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  40. 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
  41. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
  42. Management of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  44. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  45. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  46. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  47. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
  48. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Women’s Health: An Umbrella Review
  49. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  50. Menopause
  51. Menopause
  52. Menopause
  53. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
  54. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Does It Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
  55. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  56. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Medication Tracker
    Hormone Therapy and Estrogen Therapy
  57. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  58. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  59. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  60. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  61. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  62. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  63. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  64. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  65. Menopause and HRT
  66. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  67. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  68. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  69. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  70. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  71. Oestrogen Tablets, Patches, Gel and Spray
  72. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  73. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  74. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  75. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  76. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  77. Types of Hormone Therapy
  78. Vaginal Dryness
  79. Vaginal Oestrogen
  80. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  81. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  82. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  83. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  84. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  85. Video: Leslie Cho, MD, Discusses CV Risks, Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  86. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  87. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Women’s Health Initiative – What Can We Believe?
  88. Webinars: Previous – Management of Menopause In Patients With Obesity
  89. Webinars: Previous – The Heart of the Matter
  90. What Are the Benefits and Risks of HRT?
  91. What Does Estrogen Do?
  92. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  93. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted above?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Estrogen Alone or Estrogen Plus Progestogen. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2024
  2. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Estrogen Alone or Estrogen Plus Progestogen. 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2024
  3. HRT: Which HRT? Oestrogen Alone. November 2021: 1. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/09-WHC-FACTSHEET-HRT-NOV2022-B.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2024
  4. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – MHT Formulations and Options: Estrogen Therapy. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 31 March 2024
  5. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 31 March 2024
  6. 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: 31 March 2024
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Estrogen Alone or Estrogen Plus Progestogen. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 31 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 31 March 2024

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Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer

“Current evidence suggests that oestrogen alone HRT
is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer
than combined HRT”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Umbrella include?

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

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer of the Breast
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

2002

What does the background hormone therapy (HT) and breast cancer include?

In Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk last updated on 07 January 2024, the (United States) Breastcancer.org explain:

“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”.2

Contraindication or Not

Is breast cancer a contraindication to the use of HT?

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause, published online 30 October 2023, the authors note:

  • “Breast cancer is a contraindication to the use of MHT”.3

Risk

What is currently known about breast cancer risk and HT?

In Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): What Are the Risks of HRT? Breastcancer.org explain:

“Breast cancer risk differs depending on the type of HRT and a woman’s personal history of breast cancer”.4

Breast Cancer Risk

What else is is known about breast cancer risk and HT?

On page two and 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:

“Current evidence suggests that oestrogen alone HRT is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer than combined HRT. Breast cancer risk is duration dependent and may vary with the type of progestogen used. The risk of breast cancer should be considered in the context of the overall benefits and risks associated with HRT intake”.5

In Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk: Summary of Findings, published 2022, the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) explain:

  • “Estrogen-alone systemic menopausal hormone therapy does not significantly increase and may even reduce breast cancer risk.
  • Low-dose topical estrogen does not increase breast cancer risk.
  • Combined menopausal hormone therapy confers a small increased risk but this decreases after treatment is stopped.
  • Risk differs according to the progestogen used, being higher with medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel and norethisterone and lower with dydrogesterone and progesterone.
  • Breast cancer risk has to be put into clinical perspective, with account taken of other risk factors”.6

In Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer? Should I Take HRT? Cancer Research UK explain:

“Cancer risk from HRT is small and depends on many different things. This includes the type of HRT used, how long someone takes it for, their age, and general health. The benefits of taking HRT will be different for each person too. Cancer risk is only part of the decision on whether to take HRT. Your doctor can help you make an informed choice on what is right for you”.7

Uterus

Hormone Therapy and Breast CancerIf a woman has a uterus and chooses to use estrogen plus progestogen therapy, what is her breast cancer risk?

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

“Hormone therapy (combined estrogen and progestogen) might slightly increase your risk of breast cancer if used for more than 4 to 5 years”.8

No Uterus

Hormone Therapy and Breast CancerIf a woman does not have a uterus and chooses to use estrogen therapy, what is her breast cancer risk?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks, published June 2022, the NAMS explain:

“Using estrogen alone (for women without a uterus) does not increase breast cancer risk at 7 years but may increase risk if used for a longer time”.9

Risk Comparison

What puts a woman at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than taking HRT?

In Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk: Summary of Findings the EMAS note:

  • “Regular alcohol consumption, obesity and physical inactivity increase the risk of breast cancer by 32–46%, 26–152%, and 7–33% respectively. This is much higher than the risk conferred by menopausal hormone therapy”.10

Breast Cancer Screening

If a woman chooses to use HT, what is important about breast cancer screening?

In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Risks – Breast Cancer the (United Kingdom) NHS note:

“It’s especially important to attend all your breast screening (mammogram) appointments if you’re taking HRT”.11

Breast Cancer Patients

Is HT recommended for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

In Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk last updated on 07 January 2024, the (United States) Breastcancer.org explain:

“HRT also can increase your risk of the cancer coming back (recurrence) if you’ve 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)”.12

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:

“A history of breast cancer should be considered a contraindication to systemic HRT. The risk of breast cancer recurrence with HRT is higher in women with oestrogen receptor positive cancer, but women with oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer are also considered to have an increased risk of recurrence with HRT. HRT may, in exceptional cases, be offered to women with breast cancer with severe menopausal symptoms if lifestyle modifications and non-hormonal treatment options are not effective. This should be done after discussion with the woman, her menopause specialist and her breast/oncology team”.13

Questions To Ask

What questions can you ask about HT and your breast cancer risk?

In Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Steps You Can Take Breastcancer.org explain:

“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?”14

Health Care Provider

If I choose to use HT how can I follow up?

The (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

  • “Seek regular follow-up care. See your doctor regularly to ensure that the benefits of hormone therapy continue to outweigh the risks, and for screenings such as mammograms and pelvic exams”.15

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 20 Years of Data Lead To Changes In Perceptions, Usage of Menopausal HT
  2. 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. Association of Menopausal Hormone Therapy With Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality During Long-Term Follow-Up of the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Clinical Trials
  5. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  6. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  7. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  8. BMS TV: HRT and Bleeding
  9. BMS TV: HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits
  10. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  11. BMS TV: Menopause – Weight Gain, Nutrition and Lifestyle
  12. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  13. Breast Cancer
  14. Breast Cancer Risk Factors
  15. Breast Cancer: Risk Factors
  16. Breastcancer.org
  17. Breastcancernow.org
  18. Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping
  19. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  20. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  21. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  22. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  23. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  24. Emerging Research In the Management of Menopausal Symptoms
  25. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  26. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
  27. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens [Video]
  28. Estrogen Dependent Cancers
  29. Estrogen Therapy and Breast Cancer In Randomized Clinical Trials: A Narrative Review
  30. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  31. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  32. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  33. HRT & Menopause Extra
  34. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  35. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  36. HRT: The History
  37. Hormone Replacement Therapy
  38. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  39. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) With Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong
  40. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  41. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  42. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  43. Hot Flashes
  44. Hot Flashes
  45. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  46. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  47. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  48. How To Prevent Cancer: 6 Ways To Lower Your Risk
  49. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  50. 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
  51. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
  52. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  53. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  54. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  55. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  56. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk: Individualization Is the Key To Safety
  57. Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Why We Should No Longer Be Afraid of the Breast Cancer Risk
  58. Menopause
  59. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer
  60. Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
  61. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  62. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  63. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  64. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  65. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  66. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  67. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  68. Menopause and HRT [Breast Cancer Risk]
  69. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  70. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  71. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  72. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  74. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  75. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  76. Prosayla Supported by ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  77. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  78. Systemic or Vaginal Hormone Therapy After Early Breast Cancer: A Danish Observational Cohort Study
  79. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  80. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  81. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials of Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer: Findings In Context
  82. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  83. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  84. ‘Tis But A Scratch: A Critical Review of the Women’s Health Initiative Evidence Associating Menopausal Hormone Therapy With the Risk of Breast Cancer
  85. Types of Hormone Therapy
  86. Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
  87. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
  88. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  89. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  90. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  91. Video Series-2023: Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  92. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  93. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  94. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  95. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  96. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Women’s Health Initiative – What Can We Believe?
  97. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  98. Webinars: Previous – Breast Cancer
  99. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  100. Why We Don’t Have Good Evidence To Show That HRT Is Safe After Breast Cancer [Video]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. 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 2022:2-3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 31 March 2024
  2. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk. Last Updated: 07 January 2024. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/using-hormone-replacement-therapy Accessed: Accessed: 31 March 2024
  3. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 31 March 2024
  4. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): What Are the Risks of HRT? Last Updated: 07 January 2024. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/using-hormone-replacement-therapy Accessed: Accessed: 31 March 2024
  5. 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 2022:2-3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 31 March 2024
  6. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk: Summary of Findings. 2022 European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Menopausal-hormone-therapy-and-breast-cancer-risk.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2024
  7. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer? Should I Take HRT? Last Reviewed: 22 March 2023. Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk#breast Accessed: 31 March 2024
  8. 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: 31 March 2024
  9. 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: 31 March 2024
  10. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk: Summary of Findings. 2022 European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Menopausal-hormone-therapy-and-breast-cancer-risk.pdf Accessed: 31 March 2024
  11. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Risks – Breast Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 08 February 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/risks/#breast-cancer Accessed: 31 March 2024
  12. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk. Last Updated: 07 January 2024. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/using-hormone-replacement-therapy Accessed: Accessed: 31 March 2024
  13. 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: 31 March 2024
  14. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Steps You Can Take. Last Updated: 07 January 2024. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/using-hormone-replacement-therapy Accessed: Accessed: 31 March 2024
  15. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You? Who Can Benefit From Hormone Therapy? If You Take Hormone Therapy, How Can You Reduce Risk? 06 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372 Accessed: 31 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 31 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 31 March 2024

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