Latest news with #Menopause
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum surprised to find out she started menopause after trip to the dentist
Angela Cook, 49, from Oxfordshire, was left struggling to understand why she was experiencing 'unbearable' gum pain A mum was left gobsmacked when an unusual dental complaint turned out to be a sign she had started menopause. Angela Cook, 49, began suffering from "unbearable" gum pain, especially around her molars, when eating hard or chewy foods and couldn't understand why. Her favourite treats – humbug sweets, sugar cane and apples – became "impossible" to enjoy, and soon even everyday meals became just as painful. Given the nature of the problem, the psychologist from Banbury, Oxfordshire, booked a trip to the dentist and was told the discomfort was likely due to ageing. It was only when she overheard a chat on the radio about menopause and gum health that everything "clicked into place" – and she realised she was going through it. Experts say hormonal fluctuations, particularly a drop in oestrogen during menopause, can cause gums to become inflamed, bleed and ache. But despite experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings 12 months prior to this in 2021 - at the age of 45, she hadn't linked the two. Angela started scouring the internet for potential treatments and stumbled upon 'gum massaging' on YouTube which involves gently rubbing the gums under each tooth with her fingers after flossing, once a day. When she began doing it daily in June 2022 she said she noticed an "instant difference". While she still experiences occasional aching, the episodes are far less frequent. She said: "I never had any tooth or gum problems before the menopause – dentists would tell me how healthy my teeth were. So, this was a massive surprise." Now she says she misses eating humbug sweets, but said the risk of having gum ache curbs her cravings. This follows research by CanesMeno involving 1,000 women experiencing or having experienced menopause, which revealed that over half felt unprepared for this life stage, calling for better education on the subject. Likewise, 48 per cent think the wider public needs to be better educated on the topic, while 35 per cent wish they'd been taught about menopause at school, university, or college. The data suggests a fifth of women still consider menopause to be a mystery, as well as a 'taboo' subject. In addition, three quarters of those who have gone through menopause admitted they avoided talking about their symptoms with others. Angela added: "I felt relieved when I came across the radio segment - I didn't feel so alone. It made me feel validated – there was a reason for what I was experiencing." A spokesperson for CanesMeno, which has launched a training programme to educate Boots pharmacists on the signs of Menopause, said: "It's still somewhat of a mystery for many women – perhaps even for those who have experienced it. "People will have their perceptions of what they think the menopause is, but it impacts those going through it many ways, way beyond what they might expect. "And this study highlights some of these ways – sadly there is a bit of a knowledge gap and we want to change that."
NZ Herald
20-07-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Expressions of anger decreased over time, suggesting that control grew as women aged
Women feel more anger but express less of it as they age, according to a recent analysis in the journal Menopause. Photo / 123rf Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Expressions of anger decreased over time, suggesting that control grew as women aged Women feel more anger but express less of it as they age, according to a recent analysis in the journal Menopause. Photo / 123rf Women feel more anger but express less of it as they age, according to a recent analysis in the journal Menopause. Researchers looked at health reports and menstrual data from 501 participants in the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study, analysing a subset of data from 271 women to look for possible connections between age, reproductive stage, and anger in women. The women who were studied were between 35 and 55 and still menstruating. The average participant was 41.6 years old, well educated, employed, married, and in a median income range when the study began in 1990 and 1992. The majority were white. Angry feelings, or 'state anger', increased with age, the researchers found. But expressions of anger decreased as women aged, suggesting that anger control grew with chronological age. Participants' anger spiked in the late reproductive stage of women's lives, but as menopause approached, participants expressed their anger less frequently and with less aggression or hostility.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
After an Osteoporosis Diagnosis, I Increased My Bone Density Naturally—Here's Everything I Did
After an Osteoporosis Diagnosis, I Increased My Bone Density Naturally—Here's Everything I Did originally appeared on Parade. A lot happened to Luisa Milo when she was 51 years old. For starters, the now-retired dentist and certified personal trainer in New York was filing for divorce after finding out her spouse had cheated multiple times. She left the robust life and loving home she worked hard to create and maintain. And she received an osteoporosis diagnosis. Related: The One Simple Workout Move an Endocrinologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Do for Bone Health'The timing was cruelly poetic,' she says. "My body ached so badly and felt weaker than ever before. I felt broken emotionally and, now, physically…or so it felt at the time.' Her story isn't without hope, however. Ahead, read about her experience and how she increased her bone density naturally. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 Getting Diagnosed With Osteoporosis Milo's osteoporosis journey started when she entered menopause two years prior. And she's not alone in her experience: One in 10 postmenopausal women has osteoporosis. This population needs to consume more (but not too much) the start of menopause, she had lost 13 percent of bone density in sites except her wrist. She also needed a tooth extracted, a bone graft and a dental implant. But how do the latter three items play into her osteoporosis diagnosis?Essentially, she couldn't treat it all simultaneously. As a dentist, she knew she couldn't defer the dental procedures. However, she also remembered the chief of endocrinology at a top NYC hospital telling her that she needed an antiresorptive infusion, which slows down or prevents bone loss. Going through all that at once isn't necessarily safe or in a person's best interest. 'Antiresorptive medication can compromise the jaw bone's ability to heal from oral surgery in the time following the infusion,' Milo explains. She begged three doctors for estrogen replacement, and they all refused. Then, one outlined the necessity of heavy resistance training, which she soon began. Related: The #1 Best Strength Training Exercise for Bone Health, According to Personal Trainers for Seniors Milo decided to move forward with a more natural approach for another reason too. 'After surviving breast cancer at 34 and living with neuropathy from reconstructive surgery, I had no desire to rely on medications unless absolutely necessary,' she says. 'I wanted to reclaim agency in my healing and inspire others to do the same—especially those living with invisible disabilities like osteoporosis and neuropathy.' How Milo Increased Her Bone Density Naturally Milo naturally increased her bone density by five percent in eight months, effectively reversing the diagnosis. She shares the steps she took to get there with Parade. Resistance training Milo participated in progressive weight-bearing movements that stimulate osteogenesis, or bone-building. She also engaged in a variety of exercises: Pilates 2 times a week Walking with a weighted vest on every day with increased duration Heavy resistance training 3 times a week (including functional movements, like squatting, hinging, pulling, pushing and carrying) HIIT training 1-2 times a week Ballroom dancing for 2-4 hours a week Not going super hard from the start with the weighted vest is crucial, so she shares the progression that worked for her. It looks like this: Body weight walks and light runs with bodyweight resistance training, including Tai Chi-style movements. Wearing a five-pound weighted vest daily for 30 minutes, then an hour, then two hours—basically, as long as she could tolerate Wearing a 10-pound vest on walks and runs to resistance-train, and while running errands Wearing a 20-pound vest, resistance training with and without it, and walking and running in it Milo wants to clarify a few things, however: her routine isn't the only answer, weighted vests can cause discomfort and harm, and a person's best bet is to talk to their doctor first. Nutrition From a food standpoint, Milo encourages a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D with K2, magnesium, protein and whole foods. Some foods that fit into those categories include green, leafy vegetables, dairy products, seeds, nuts, chicken, eggs, quinoa, whole grain bread, fish and also suggests a protein-dense breakfast. For her, that meant consuming 30 grams of protein from various sources: eggs, meat, avocados, yogurt, cottage cheese, protein powder and ensure you're getting the ideal amount for your body, consider working with an anti-diet dietitian. Related: 'I'm an Osteoporosis Specialist, and This Is the Type of Cheese I Swear By for Bone Health' Restorative sleep Milo went to bed in a cold, dark room at 9 p.m. as consistently as possible, aiming to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Getting enough quality sleep is important for bone health because during sleep, old bone tissue is removed and new bone tissue is formed. This could explain why getting five or fewer hours of sleep is associated with lower bone mineral density and higher odds of osteoporosis. Emotional and spiritual wellness This category includes a lot of moving parts. Milo mentions therapy, journaling, spending time outdoors, enjoying being alone and spending time with people who leave her feeling energized. The research on how this benefits bone health is quite interesting. There's the fact that prolonged elevated levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can inhibit bone formation. Additionally, relaxation techniques reduce stress, which reduces inflammation in the bones and other areas. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychiatryconcluded that there are potentially molecular links between a pathological response to stress and the development of bone disease. This information is only a start. Medical insight Milo didn't go on this journey without medical help. She still went in for tests and imaging, and she consulted with various healthcare professionals for their best advice.'Dr. Kyle Gillett helped optimize my internal environment through judicious selection of bioidentical hormones and comprehensive and continued health metric monitoring over time,' Milo says. 'Bioidentical hormones' are created by compounded pharmacies or other manufacturers, she explains, and are derived from plants in the likeness of naturally occurring hormones. Her doctor helped her select some of those supplements to help with the menopause piece. The 'health metric monitoring' part, for her, entailed tri-annual or quarterly labs and follow-ups. Leaning into community resources Spending time with her support system also helped Milo. She recommends getting connected with resources, research and purpose through the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation's peer educator, advocacy and training opportunities. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. While this approach may not work for everyone, it worked for Milo—and the results speak for themselves. 'Within eight months of my osteoporosis diagnosis, I reversed my osteoporosis diagnosis and continued to restore my bone density,' Milo says. 'More than the numbers, I reclaimed my strength and mobility and safeguarded the vibrancy of my life.' Up Next:Sources: Luisa Milo, a retired dentist and certified personal trainer who increased her bone density naturally Menopause and Bone Loss, Endocrine Society Getting a good night's rest is important for better bone health, University at Buffalo The Link Between Stress, Mental Health, and Bone Health, National Osteoporosis Foundation South Africa Bones and Beyond: The Benefits of Self-Care for Both Body and Mind, Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation Impacts of Psychological Stress on Osteoporosis: Clinical Implications and Treatment Interactions, Frontiers in Psychiatry After an Osteoporosis Diagnosis, I Increased My Bone Density Naturally—Here's Everything I Did first appeared on Parade on Jul 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Perimenopause Affects Every Major Organ In Your Body. Doctors Reveal What's Really Happening And How To Stay Healthy.
Welcome to the Perimenopause Playbook—your guide to navigating the most overlooked and misunderstood phase of the menopausal transition. Read the rest of the stories, from how to get a diagnosis to treatment options to where to actually find good care, here. The hormonal changes we experience starting in perimenopause affect every major organ system in our body. Understanding these biological changes isn't just important for managing symptoms—it's critical for your long-term health. We enlisted Rajita Patil, MD, MSCP, and director of the UCLA Comprehensive Menopause Program, to share how these changes impact our health, plus tips to extend your healthspan in this next phase of life. Bone Health Estrogen plays a protective role in bone health. A loss of estrogen is associated with a decline in bone mineral density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis (when bones become weak and brittle) and fractures. The most rapid bone loss typically begins in late perimenopause, about two years before the final menstrual period, and persists for four to five years after. Tip: Strength train and engage in weight-bearing exercises at least three days per week; eat foods rich in calcium (at least 1200 mg/day) and Vitamin D (at least 800 IU per day), and supplement when necessary; avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. Consider hormone therapy, which has been shown to decrease the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Muscle Mass Declining levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone in menopause are associated with sarcopenia—a loss of muscle mass and strength. Tip: Some studies show that prolonged use of hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) is associated with higher muscle mass and lower prevalence of sarcopenia, but these effects aren't consistently observed across all populations or study designs. See the tips under 'Bone Health' to preserve muscle mass, plus make sure to eat a gram of protein per ideal weight daily. Heart Health Low estrogen levels are linked to an increase in cardiovascular risk in women, particularly after menopause. This accelerates cardiovascular disease (CVD) by promoting negative effects on cholesterol, body fat distribution (central deposition which is linked to insulin resistance), and blood pressure. Interestingly, low testosterone is associated with a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile. Tip: Hormone therapy is NOT recommended for CVD prevention in postmenopausal women. It can, however, be beneficial for perimenopausal women who are younger and farther from this timeframe. Additionally, eliminate smoking; prioritize regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise); eat a heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet; do regular screenings to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose; minimize stress; address mood changes; and aim for good quality and duration of sleep. Mental Health During the menopause transition, there's a well-documented increase in the risk of new onset depressive, anxiety symptoms, and exacerbation of pre-existing mood disorders due to fluctuations in estrogen and, to a lesser extent, progesterone. Tip: Studies show that transdermal estradiol (with or without intermittent micronized progesterone) is effective in preventing and treating depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women. Consider hormone therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or SSRI/SNRI for new onset mood changes. It's just as important to focus on physical activity and exercise; optimize sleep; reduce stress; adhere to lifestyle behaviors (proper diet, regular social engagement; avoid smoking and substance use). Brain Health Fluctuations or declines in estrogen cause altered neural connectivity and decreased activation of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions that are critical for memory and attention. While most of the time the brain fog is transient and people will not develop Alzheimer's Disease, for some there is progressive long-term neurodegenerative changes that put them at higher risk for development of cognitive impairment and, eventually, Alzheimer's Disease. Earlier menopause with a longer duration of estrogen deficiency and a strong family history of Alzheimer's disease are associated with higher Alzheimer's Disease risk. The role of testosterone and progesterone on cognitive function is less clear. Tip: Current evidence doesn't recommend hormone therapy for use of treating brain fog or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. However, there's some data to suggest that estrogen-only hormone therapy started in perimenopause may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), Mediterranean, and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets are associated with slower cognitive decline and lower risk of dementia. What's good for the heart is good for the brain (and vice versa). See lifestyle tips under 'Heart Health,' plus stay connected and socialize! Gut Health The gut microbiome and estrogen have a cozy relationship. Gut microbes regulate estrogen metabolism, and estrogen influences microbial composition and function. A decline in estrogen is linked to a shift in the gut microbiome and increased gut barrier permeability. This can cause inflammation and contribute to metabolic dysfunction. The link between progesterone and testosterone to gut health are less well-studied, though testosterone levels are linked to specific microbiome changes. Tip: For optimal gut health, eat the Mediterranean diet (it's strongly supported for its ability to increase gut microbial diversity, reduce intestinal permeability, and lower systemic inflammation), increase fiber intake from sources such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, engage in regular physical activity, potentially supplement with a pre- or probiotic, and, yes, consider hormone therapy. Metabolism Estrogen deficiency impairs energy homeostasis (the balance between food intake and food expenditure), leading to increased fat accumulation and reduced metabolic flexibility. Tip: Hormone therapy isn't recommended solely for the purpose of improving metabolic health or for weight loss, but when initiated in perimenopause, it's associated with reduced central adiposity, improved insulin sensitivity, lower fasting glucose, and a decreased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. See lifestyle modifications in the sections above to implement as well. Sleep Multiple studies demonstrate that declining estrogen and progesterone contribute to sleep disruption both directly—via effects on central nervous system sleep regulation—and indirectly by exacerbating vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, which can disrupt sleep. Tip: Hormone therapy can help improve sleep (both estrogen and combined estrogen-progesterone regimens are effective, with the addition of progesterone showing greater benefit for sleep disturbance than estrogen alone). On the other hand, CBT is the most effective nonpharmacologic intervention for improving sleep in menopausal women. Additionally, focus on physical exercise, mindfulness and relaxation techniques; address vasomotor symptoms; maintain a regular sleep schedule; and see a sleep specialist to rule out a sleep disorder for persistent issues. Genitourinary Health Estrogen deficiency can result in vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, dyspareunia (recurrent or persistent pain during sex), urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria (pain, burning, or discomfort during urination), and recurrent urinary tract infections. The decline in testosterone as we age contributes to the severity and persistence of these symptoms. Tip: Local estrogen therapy is the first-line treatment for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Clinical studies show that intravaginal DHEA (prasterone) improves GSM symptoms as well. Prasterone converts to both local estrogen and testosterone, which is an added benefit as there are androgens receptors in this area. Use oil-based or silicone-based lubricants and avoid irritants (e.g., perfumed soaps, douches) that exacerbate the vulvovaginal irritation and dryness; pelvic floor physical therapy can improve urinary, vulvovaginal, and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. Sexual Health Low estrogen levels are strongly associated with negative impacts on sexual health, particularly through the development of vulvovaginal atrophy (the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls), which leads to vaginal dryness, reduced lubrication, dyspareunia, and decreased arousal and orgasmic capacity. Estrogen deficiency also contributes to reduced vaginal blood flow and elasticity, further impairing sexual function. Low testosterone levels may contribute to reduced sexual desire and arousal. Tip: See "Genitourinary Health" section above. Structured programs—including CBT and mindfulness techniques—have demonstrated significant improvements in overall sexual function, as well as in specific domains such as desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Addressing communication, sexual myths, and partner dynamics is essential for optimizing outcomes; Testosterone therapy can also be considered in select cases of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hormone Therapy Can Be Life-Changing—And You Can Start It Sooner Than You Think
Welcome to the Perimenopause Playbook—your guide to navigating the most overlooked and misunderstood phase of the menopausal transition. Read the rest of the stories, from how to get a diagnosis to treatment options to where to actually find good care, here. By now, you've probably heard the negative messaging around hormone therapy (also known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT). It's dangerous! It causes breast cancer! It'll make you gain weight! Except these are half-truths. Hormone therapy can actually be life-changing for menopausal women—and provide the most benefits, with the lowest risks, for perimenopausal women. When we talk about hormone therapy, we're typically referring to low doses of estradiol (the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years) and progesterone. Unlike the hormones commonly found in birth control, these aren't synthetic hormones—they are known as bioidentical hormones, which have the same chemical makeup as the hormones in our body. Hormone therapy is FDA-approved to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful sex, and recurrent UTIs. It also offers some pretty amazing benefits, such as preserving bone health, improving heart health, and lowering the risk of diabetes. If a woman doesn't have a uterus, then she typically only takes estrogen, but if she does, she takes both estrogen and progesterone to protect the lining of the uterus from excess thickening. In perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone fluctuate wildly, which can make it a little tricky to find the right dosage (usually you start on the lowest dose and go up based on response, tolerability, and efficacy). This is why ob-gyns will often recommend birth control pills or a progestin IUD—potentially with an added low dose of estradiol—as a first course of action to alleviate symptoms. The birth control can turn off the crazy fluctuating hormones (therefore controlling irregular periods and, in some cases, eliminating them completely). It also provides contraception since you can still get pregnant while in perimenopause. But for perimenopausal women who haven't had great experiences with birth control, are experiencing bothersome symptoms, and aren't planning to get pregnant, experts agree that hormone therapy can be a good option for them. 'For young people who are having [perimenopausal] symptoms, unless they have an absolute contraindication like breast cancer, the benefits are going to outweigh the risks,' says Jan Shifren, MD, a gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and director of the Mass General Hospital Midlife Women's Health Center. Some other contraindications are a history of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, liver disease, estrogen-sensitive cancers, and unexplained vaginal bleeding. 'Once you are in your 50s, then you have to be a little bit more concerned about risks than a young person does.' For women over 60 who take estrogen and progesterone for more than four years, research has shown there's a slight increase in breast cancer risk—1 out of every 1,000 women—as well as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia (more on that in 'The Great Hormone Therapy Comeback' here). To experience the most benefits with the lowest risks, it's ideal to start hormone therapy before you turn 60 or within 10 years of your last period. That said, you can begin as early as your 30s. In fact, there are young patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (when a woman's ovaries stop working before she's 40) who require hormone therapy much earlier than others going through natural menopause. However, Dr. Shifren says perimenopausal women shouldn't start hormone therapy to prevent symptoms. Rather, they should think of hormone therapy as a potential treatment option for symptoms affecting their quality of life. Determining when to stop taking it, if at all, depends on your goals for the therapy weighed against potential side effects and risks. Make sure to discuss this with a certified menopause practitioner. Testosterone Enters the Chat Spoiler alert: Women produce three times more testosterone than estrogen before menopause. Testosterone gradually declines as we age, and that can impact mood, energy level, libido (a.k.a. sex drive), bone health, and muscle mass. As menopause has gone mainstream, some female urologists are advocating that women add testosterone to their hormone therapy regimen. The problem? There are zero FDA-approved testosterone products for women, which makes it difficult for us to access and afford it. 'The role of testosterone is just a lesson in gender bias,' says Kelly Casperson, MD, a urologist. 'Because 100 percent of women will have low testosterone and there's zero FDA-approved products. About 20 percent of men will have low testosterone and there are plenty of FDA-approved products.' Not all health care practitioners agree that women should be prescribed testosterone, though. Dr. Shifren, a gynecologist, notes that the actual benefit of testosterone above that of a placebo is very small—though she acknowledges a placebo works—and she prefers to get to the root cause of symptoms like low libido. 'Low libido is incredibly common for women, and it's often due to things like fatigue, stress, relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, and painful sex,' she explains. 'It's much easier to write prescriptions for off-label compounded testosterone and send someone on their way. But when you really take a thorough look at their history, you find a lot of things that people can improve to make their lives better.' Dr. Casperson argues that, placebo effect or not, there isn't harm in prescribing women low-dose testosterone—five milligrams per day in the form of a gel or a cream—if it improves their symptoms and they monitor their levels. (Though it's not recommended to go on T if you can or are planning to get pregnant, as it could affect the baby.) Consult a health care professional to discuss potential side effects and risks. This story appears in the Summer 2025 issue of Women's Health. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
