A number of non-hormonal remedies are available for the treatment of hot flashes. Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether, but to diminish their intensity and frequency. Some of these interventions (e.g., vitamin E, black cohosh and soy products) are available over-the-counter. Others are available by prescription. Drug Dosage Side Effects Evening Primrose Oil Variable Nausea, diarrhea, blood clots. Do not use if seizure history or on…

While post menopause hormone therapy (HT) is generally an effective way to manage menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, it is not recommended for everyone. The following quiz may help you determine whether or not HT is right for you. Please answer yes or no to the following questions: Do you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as extremely heavy periods, spotting between periods or missed periods?Yes___ No___ Is there a history of breast cancer in your family?Yes___…

Approximately 75 percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes, a condition that can make it difficult for women to sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 40 percent of menopausal women have sleep problems caused by hot flashes. How Can I Treat Sleep Problems Related to Menopause? The traditional treatment for the symptoms related to menopause has been hormone therapy (HT). HT consists of estrogen given as a pill, patch or vaginal cream, either alone or combined…

Actonel: also known as risedronate, Actonel is a drug that has been shown to build back bone density to help protect bones that are vulnerable to fracture. Actonel is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis and to treat other forms of bone mass loss in men and women. Atelvia (Risedronate) taken weekly after breakfast. Adjuvant therapy: treatment provided in addition to the primary treatment. Alternative medicine:…

Heart disease becomes a greater risk for women after menopause. In young women who have undergone early or surgical menopause, who do not take estrogen, their risk for heart disease is also higher. Women who have gone through menopause and also have other heart disease risk factors are at even greater risk. Other heart disease risk factors include: Diabetes Family history of heart disease High blood pressure Low HDL (high density lipoproteins) or "good" cholesterol High LDL (low…

Hormone therapy is a treatment that is used to supplement the body with either estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone in combination. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are produced by a woman's ovaries. When the ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of these hormones, HT can be given to supplement the body with adequate levels. Why Does the Body Need Estrogen and Progesterone? Estrogen and progesterone together thicken the lining of the uterus, preparing it for the…

Estrogen Levels During Perimenopause and Menopause The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause triggers physical as well as emotional changes including depression or anxiety as well as changes in memory. Like any other point in a woman’s life, there is a relationship between hormone levels and physical and emotional symptoms. Some physical changes include: Irregular or skipped periods Heavier or lighter periods Hot flashes What Are My Options for Treating…

Menopause and Osteoporosis Menopause can be a difficult time for some women, because their hormonal balance is changing. However, what many women may not realize is that their risks for osteoporosis also increase during this period. Menopausal and post-menopausal women should check with their doctors to find out their risk of osteoporosis. 8 Tips to Help Prevent Osteoporosis All women should receive counseling on the risk factors for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent risk factor for…

Estrogen Levels Declining estrogen levels associated with menopause have many side effects. They can also cause hot flashes and cause women to experience: Aggressiveness Anxiety Difficulty concentrating Fatigue Feelings of sadness Irritability Lack of motivation Mood changes Tension If you are feeling irritable and sad there is a good chance it could be related to menopause. However, the previously listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause. There are a number of…

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. Literally meaning "porous bone," it results in an increased loss of bone mass and strength. The disease often progresses without any symptoms or pain. Generally, it is not discovered until weakened bones cause painful fractures. Most of these are fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. Though osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, women are four times more likely to develop the…

What Is Vertebroplasty? Vertebroplasty is a technique for treating vertebral compression fractures, small breaks in the thick mass of bone that makes up the vertebral body. Vertebral body fractures lead to the collapse, or compression, of the vertebra causing the spine to shorten and curve forward. Thinning of bones is the main cause of vertebral compression fractures. How Is Vertebroplasty Performed? Vertebroplasty is a procedure to reinforce a collapsing vertebral body using a special…

Falls are common, often dreaded events in the lives of older people. Aside from the obvious injuries and even death that might result, falling can cause wide-ranging consequences, including loss of independence, mental decline and decreased activity and mobility. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries to older people in the United States. Fortunately, research has shown that the majority of falls are preventable. Many medical risk factors for falling can be controlled.…

More than ever before, women are taking an active part in their breast health. At the center of this change is our growing concern and understanding of breast cancer, the second most common form of cancer among women in the United States. What is Breast Cancer? Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. Sometimes cells will divide for no reason, creating a mass of tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In…

Screening for Breast Cancer There is no doubt that the best chance for curing breast cancer is through early detection. Early detection relies on a program of screening, which involves breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination and mammography. Women who have not had any breast problems should probably have their first baseline mammography examination at age 50. Screening intervals should be individualized and at least every other year between ages 50-79. Mammograms are the…

The Cleveland Clinic Breast Program is unique because it follows the Cleveland Clinic multidisciplinary approach to medical care. The program serves as a model—an excellent example of how teams of specialists from all disciplines can work together for the good of the patient. There is no other place in the world like Cleveland Clinic—and no better place to receive care. Our team approach is unique, and serves as the very fiber of Cleveland Clinic. We are a national and…

Women with a genetic risk for breast cancer account for five to ten percent of all women with the disease. Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer poses the greatest risk to other female members of the family – three to five times that of the general population. Several characteristics may suggest that a woman has a breast cancer gene: Diagnosis of breast cancer before age 40 Several family members diagnosed with breast and/or ovarian…

Please visit the listing below for answers and support concerning your breast cancer needs. *Note: This is not a complete listing and inclusion does not imply endorsement by Cleveland Clinic. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor and healthcare team. Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors Project Breast Cancer Connections Breast Cancer Resource Locations Breast Net Westmead Breast Cancer Institute P.O. Box 143 West Mead, NSW, 2145 Australia Cleveland Clinic…

Younger women generally do not consider themselves to be at risk for breast cancer. However, breast cancer can strike at any age, and women should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer. What Is Different About Breast Cancer in Younger Women? Diagnosing breast cancer in younger women (under 45 years old) is more difficult because their breast tissue is generally denser than the breast tissue in older women. In addition, breast cancer in younger women may be aggressive and…

Keeping your skin healthy in the elements can be the easiest first step to protecting your skin. Excessive dryness can damage skin over time, and being out in the sun all afternoon can hurt your appearance. By focusing on these aspects of skin health, you can have a good starting point to looking younger and staying cancer-free. Dry Skin Care Dry skin is defined as flaking or scaling when there is no evidence of inflammation of the skin. It is most prominent on the shins, hands and sides of…

We expose ourselves to the sun every day, which can cause damage to our skin without us even knowing. We need to protect ourselves from sun damage, because it can wear our skin down, cause wrinkling or sunburn and, in extreme cases, skin cancer. Does the Sun Have Benefits? You may have been taught as a child that you need sunlight for your body to make vitamin D, because vitamin D is not found naturally in most foods. Milk is fortified with vitamin D as well as other foods and drinks. And one…