Fractures: Yes,
HRT does appear to reduce risk of vertebral fractures, but no, according to the latest
research, it doesn’t offer protection against other fractures, such as arm, hip,
thigh.
Heart disease prevention: No, HRT
turns out to be a risk factor, not a protection against heart disease.
Alzheimer’s disease: Case for protection
against this condition not proven.
Mr Dooley concluded
that an integrated approach to the menopause was the way for the future, and that included
alternative therapies.
Menopause symptoms
Every
woman’s experience of the menopause is different. Some
find it a frustrating and difficult time, others seem to sail through it without any
problems. In physiological terms, the
menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and she has her last
period. In the approach to the menopause women may
experience symptoms due to hormonal changes. Such
as: irregular periods, aching joints, vaginal dryness and changes in sexual desire, a
decreased ability to concentrate or remember things, hot flushes and excessive sweating,
particularly at night, a need to urinate frequently, insomnia, mood changes, headaches. (Only an unfortunate minority experience all of them;
most women experience one or two at most.)
Different
symptoms, different cultures
In the UK and
United States, the menopause is medicalised. Women
are told to expect unpleasant symptoms and to look to their doctors for treatments and remedies.
 In Greece and Japan, fewer symptoms are
recorded. Studies in Japan have revealed that women experience few if any adverse symptoms
at the time of the menopause (there is no Japanese translation for “hot flush”)
and they have half the hip fracture rate of women in the West. But there is another cultural difference to take into
account: Japanese women are discouraged about
expressing symptoms.
In China, the
menopause is considered a natural part of ageing.
In Indonesia, the
menopausal woman is venerated.
In Canada, menopausal
women are considered to have healing powers.
In Africa, the
menopause is associated with sexual liberation.
What
do you do if you don’t want HRT?
There are
several alternatives for bone preservation or reversal available on prescription, such as
biphosphonates which have been used for several years. New
treatments are in the pipeline too. Scientists are
pinning their hopes on a drug called Actonel which
is showing good results in research trials from Columbia University in New York. But it is the
holistic approach, using natural supplements, good diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle,
that is attracting most interest.
Natural remedies
There’s a
growing body of evidence to support claims that isoflavone supplements reduce symptoms of
menopause such as hot flushing, sleep disturbance, mild anxiety or depression, and loss of
libido. Dr Paola Albertazzi, Clinical Lecturer at
the Centre for Metabolic Bone Disease, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals, has found that
women experienced relief of hot flushes by 45% with soya isoflavone supplementation.
 Producers of Arkopharma, a soya isoflavone, back
this up with a double-blind study showing a reduction of symptoms of between 40 and 60%. Novogen, makers of another isoflavone, Redclover, report
a 44% reduction of hot flushes in users after a 12-week trial. Isoflavones are plant-based oestrogens (another word for
them is ‘phyto-oestrogens’), and there is a questionmark about their safety. The theory is that they could have an effect on breast
cells similar to that from HRT, and therefore there is a possible small risk of triggering
breast cancer if used on a long-term basis. Anyone
with a family history of breast cancer should discuss the situation with their doctor. Both products are available from chemists and health
food stores.
Other alternative
remedies include taking fish oil supplements, calcium and vitamin D. Herbal remedies include boron, St John’s
Wort, black cohosh which are said to relieve hot flushes, depression and vaginal dryness. Acupuncture and homeopathy have been known to help
reduce various symptoms.
Diet and lifestyle
·
Many women find
that keeping alcohol consumption low minimises hormonal fluctuations. Avoiding caffeine can reduce the incidence of
night sweats, mood swings and headaches.
·
Hot spices can
make even non-menopausal women (and men) break into a sweat. Compensate with
use of fresh herbs and other flavour enhancers such as lemon and lime juice.
·
To reduce night
sweats, keep a jug of water infused with some
lemon slices and mint leaves by the bed to drink. Wear
cotton nightwear, not synthetics.
·
A diet low in
fatty foods may help, which means keeping a strict eye on intake of cheese, cream, and
fatty animal products. Use olive and other
vegetable or nut oils instead of butter. These
oils also contain vitamin E (as do avocados, mangoes, blackberries and seeds) which has
been linked with an improvement in menopausal symptoms.
·
Exercise becomes even
more important than usual. It can reduce
cholesterol, improve circulation, bone mass density and general well-being.
·
Find the exercise
which suits you and your fitness level, whether it is going for a walk in the morning or
evening two or three times a week, going swimming once a week or joining your local gym.
Try yoga or pilates to increase flexibility and core body strength.
·
Relaxing during the
menopause is also important to reduce stress. A
regular massage, aromatherapy oils in the bath, listening
to classical music have a calming effect.
Contacts
National Osteoporosis Society www.nos.org.uk publishes booklets, runs helpline
Women’s
Nutritional Advisory Service offers
diet advice, alternative treatments
|
