Tag

Menopause

All articles tagged with #menopause

Social-media myths about perimenopause risk women's health and contraception decisions
health1 day ago

Social-media myths about perimenopause risk women's health and contraception decisions

Experts warn that misinformation about perimenopause on social media can lead to misdiagnoses, unnecessary medications, and women stopping contraception prematurely. Perimenopause is a transition, not a sudden onset, and contraception may be needed until menopause is confirmed. Health professionals urge evidence-based information and careful medical assessment to prevent harmful decisions and missed diagnoses.

Pain at Intimacy: A Couple’s Struggle with Vaginal Dryness
advice2 days ago

Pain at Intimacy: A Couple’s Struggle with Vaginal Dryness

Slate’s sex-advice column addresses a reader’s question about his wife’s pain during intercourse after brief natural lubrication. The answer suggests perimenopause-related vaginal dryness or atrophy as a possible cause, which can be helped with medical treatment (topical and/or systemic hormones prescribed by a gynecologist). In the meantime, practical steps include switching to longer-lasting lubricants (silicone-based) and exploring hydration or hyaluronic acid suppositories; it also notes other potential issues (yeast infections, infections, pelvic-floor concerns) and advises sensitivity around weight while prioritizing mutual pleasure and medical consultation for a proper diagnosis.

Midlife Eating Disorders: The Hidden Crisis Termed 'Menorexia'
health3 days ago

Midlife Eating Disorders: The Hidden Crisis Termed 'Menorexia'

A HuffPost feature highlights that millions in the U.S. will develop an eating disorder at some point in their life, with midlife cases—coined as “menorexia”—often going undiagnosed due to ageist assumptions and a focus on younger sufferers. Experts note midlife disorders share the same diagnostic criteria as younger cases but are triggered by menopause, life transitions, chronic illness, body changes, and pervasive diet culture. The piece underscores the research gap, calls for specialized and virtual treatment options, support networks, and cautions against weight-centric medical messaging that can worsen symptoms.

Plant-Forward Diets Shave Weight Gain During Menopause, Study Finds
health4 days ago

Plant-Forward Diets Shave Weight Gain During Menopause, Study Finds

A study of more than 38,000 women around menopause (published May 20 in JAMA Network Open) links plant-forward eating—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes and low in processed meats, salt, and ultra-processed foods—with less weight gain and lower obesity risk during the menopausal transition. Diet patterns such as the Mediterranean, DASH, and especially the Planetary Health Diet offered the strongest protection, while ultra-processed foods and high-insulin-raising diets predicted more gain. Experts advise adding plant foods you enjoy to meals, boosting fiber, and limiting processed items; supplements (B12, D) and dietitian guidance may help for fully plant-based plans.

Sex Toys and Younger Partners Linked to Softer Menopause Symptoms
relationships-and-sexual-health5 days ago

Sex Toys and Younger Partners Linked to Softer Menopause Symptoms

A PsyPost study of 150 perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants found that more frequent orgasms, particularly via masturbation with sex toys, are linked to fewer menopausal symptoms and better mental well-being; dating younger partners and being in consensual non-monogamous relationships also correlated with milder symptoms. The results suggest sexual satisfaction and well-being can buffer menopause, but as a correlational study they do not prove causation, and researchers advocate biopsychosocial approaches and more inclusive product design.

Surge in Estrogen Patch Demand Tests U.S. Supply
health16 days ago

Surge in Estrogen Patch Demand Tests U.S. Supply

Although the FDA says there’s no official shortage of estrogen patches, demand for transdermal estrogen has surged after last year’s removal of the black-box warning, leaving some pharmacies with limited doses and reports of shortages for certain brands in parts of the U.S. While manufacturers are ramping up production and some providers see no impact, others report ongoing access issues. Alternatives such as oral estrogen, vaginal rings, or gels can help patients stay on therapy, and patches remain popular due to cost and insurance coverage. Experts expect supply to improve by year-end, though timing remains uncertain.

Promising Menopause Helpers: Magnesium and Creatine Stand Out
health23 days ago

Promising Menopause Helpers: Magnesium and Creatine Stand Out

Magnesium and creatine emerge as the most evidence-backed menopause supplements, with magnesium aiding sleep and mood (not hot flashes) and creatine boosting strength and possibly brain function during perimenopause; collagen may modestly improve bone density and joint comfort, while lion’s mane has limited human data and largely non-menopausal studies. Overall, evidence is mixed and often not menopause-specific, product quality varies, and more research is needed. In the meantime, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress management remain the best long-term strategies.

After 50, Weight Loss Gets Harder: Hormones, Metabolism and Practical Tips for Women
health24 days ago

After 50, Weight Loss Gets Harder: Hormones, Metabolism and Practical Tips for Women

Weight loss becomes harder for women after 50 due to menopause-driven estrogen decline and a natural slowdown in metabolism, compounded by age-related muscle loss. Effective strategies include regular walking (30–90 minutes daily) with a target of about 7,000–8,000 steps per day (up to 10,000 for maximum cardio benefits) and higher protein intake to preserve muscle, along with quality sleep to regulate hormones. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance is recommended.

A New Era in Women’s Health: Menopause Care Shifts Toward Individualized Treatment and Inclusive Research
health25 days ago

A New Era in Women’s Health: Menopause Care Shifts Toward Individualized Treatment and Inclusive Research

As the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary, a WTOP series highlights how menopause care is moving from early 2000s fear of HRT to personalized therapy guided by updated FDA risk–benefit guidance, with increasing emphasis on sex‑specific, inclusive research (NIH policy and a 2024 executive order) and broader attention to how hormonal changes affect both general and oral health.

New Map of Aging Breast Tissue Reveals Why Cancer Risk Increases with Age
science26 days ago

New Map of Aging Breast Tissue Reveals Why Cancer Risk Increases with Age

A study analyzing normal breast tissue from 527 women (over 3 million cells) created a detailed map of how breast tissue changes with age, finding dramatic remodeling around menopause—shrinking milk-producing lobules, fewer epithelial and immune cells, increased fat, and a shift to a tissue environment that can better support cancer development. Younger breasts had more cancer-fighting B- and T-cells, while older breast tissue showed fewer of these cells and more pro-cancer immune cells like M2 macrophages, helping explain why breast cancer risk rises with age. The work, published in Nature Aging, underscores how aging tissue and immune landscape contribute to cancer susceptibility.

Five Subtle Clues Your Skin’s Collagen Is Waning—and How to Slow It
health27 days ago

Five Subtle Clues Your Skin’s Collagen Is Waning—and How to Slow It

Collagen makes up about 75% of the skin’s dry weight and begins to decline around age 25 (roughly 1% per year, with faster loss after menopause due to lower estrogen). Early signs include reduced firmness and sagging, drier skin, more noticeable wrinkles, less fullness, and subtle changes to facial shape. While collagen loss isn’t entirely preventable, you can slow it by protecting skin from sun, getting enough rest and managing stress, exercising, and eating a balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients. Use collagen-boosting actives (peptides, glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide) and consider retinoids to stimulate your skin’s own collagen production. Topical collagen creams may improve surface texture but don’t prevent deep loss; a dermatologist can tailor a plan.

Santa Barbara Symposium Highlights Gaps in Women’s Health Research
health1 month ago

Santa Barbara Symposium Highlights Gaps in Women’s Health Research

A Cottage Health–hosted Santa Barbara symposium with UCSB brain-health researchers highlighted under-researched areas of women’s health—postpartum recovery, chronic inflammatory conditions like endometriosis and bladder pain, and autonomic disorders such as POTS—calling for more funding, longer-term data, policy changes to include menopause in medical curricula, and thoughtful use of AI in health care to reduce bias while supporting clinical practice.

Gut-health Diet Reverses Menopause Hot Flashes After HRT Fails
health1 month ago

Gut-health Diet Reverses Menopause Hot Flashes After HRT Fails

When HRT stopped easing her menopausal hot flashes, Sarah Askwith tried Zoe’s six‑week gut‑health diet. A gut microbiome test guided her changes (more fiber, fruits, vegetables, seeds and pulses), and by week six her hot flashes were reduced by about 95%, with better sleep and lower anxiety as gut bacteria levels rose. Experts note diet can influence menopause symptoms—especially high‑fiber foods—and, while HRT remains common, it isn’t always the solution for every woman.

Women Embrace Cannabis as Lifeline for Health
health1 month ago

Women Embrace Cannabis as Lifeline for Health

Across the U.S., women are increasingly using cannabis to manage menopause symptoms, chronic pain, endometriosis, and cancer-treatment side effects, a movement driven by patient experiences, women-led cannabis businesses (notably in Oklahoma), and research highlighting cannabis’ potential—though it is not a cure-all and policy gaps remain.