Current perspectives in the management of the menopausal and postmenopausal patient: introduction

Article Abstract:

Much is now known regarding the female menopause, and it can be regarded as a ''potential endocrinopathy'' or disorder of endocrine function. Physical changes in ovarian size, decreased hormone levels, and the deterioration of tissues the hormones affect, all take place. Whether menopausal women should take estrogen drugs (female hormones) has long been a cardinal issue. Distinction must be made between women who enter menopause spontaneously and those who enter it as the result of oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries). Women in the latter group may lack physiological compensatory mechanisms that are available to those in the former group. Awareness has also grown regarding consequences of menopause that take years to make themselves manifest, such as osteoporosis (loss of bone mass). Decisions about estrogen supplementation to reduce osteoporotic damage should consider the quality of life that will be achieved for a patient, as well as the relative risks of heart disease, cancer, and complications of hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Such problems are especially pressing for physicians, whose patient populations will increasingly be composed of older women. The proceedings of a symposium entitled Current Perspectives in the Management of the Menopausal and Postmenopausal Patient, held in May 1989, are presented in Obstetrics and Gynecology, volume 75, number 4 (supplement). (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Estrogen, Estrogens, Gynecology, Obstetrics

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Exercise in the menopausal woman

Article Abstract:

A regular exercise program can help to relieve many of the problems faced by menopausal women, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis (loss of bone density), and depression. Research results supporting this claim are reviewed and evaluated. The beneficial effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system are felt by both men and woman, especially as they age. The production of estrogen, a female hormone, almost ceases after menopause. A discussion is provided regarding the role of estrogen in body weight and fat. Fat is lost more effectively by exercising than by dieting. Since both muscle mass and strength decline with age, exercise can combat this trend and help prevent weakness. Although it cannot make up for estrogen deficiency as far as maintaining bone mass is concerned, keeping physically fit can positively affect bone density. Exercise may increase levels of catecholamines and serotonin; diminished levels of both are associated with depression. Thus, exercise can be beneficial for menopausal women. It is the responsibility of physicians to encourage their patients to take part in regular exercise programs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Physiological aspects, Exercise, Exercise therapy, Exercise physiology

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Phytoestrogens

Article Abstract:

Phytoestrogens are substances found in many plants that have similar effects as estrogen. They are marketed as natural substitutes for estrogen replacement therapy. The most common phytoestrogens are isoflavones, which are found in soybeans, cereals, fruits, and legumes. Black cohosh and red clover are also sources of phytoestrogens. The evidence that phytoestrogens are helpful for menopausal women comes mostly from epidemiological studies. The long-term adverse effects of phytoestrogen consumption are not known.

Health aspects, Plant hormones, Flavonoids, Flavones

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