MedNews — Menopause
Concerns Voiced Over Long-Term Effects of Synthetic Progestins
In a study done at the University of Oregon, the widely used synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) decreased endothelial function in premenopausal women. The finding, researchers said, raises concerns about the long-term effects of MPA and possibly other synthetic hormones on vascular health in young women. More »
Cardiologists Call for New Approach in Treating Chest Pain
In a joint statement by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), physicians are calling for a more aggressive approach to evaluating patients presenting with chest pain (unstable angina)—and quickly determining whether the therapeutic approach should be medical, invasive or a combination of two.
Guidelines released today by the ACC encourage the early use of tests such as a stress test, an echocardiogram or a radionuclide angiogram (which visualizes the coronary arteries) in patients considered stable. More »
Menopause Pill Pristiq Fails to Get FDA Approval
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA), in its letter to Wyeth—the manufacturer of the menopause Pill Pristiq—has outlined the need to perform at least one more year of clinical tests on the drug before it is aproved.
The FDA has called for more data on how Pristiq affects the heart and liver health of patients.
Wyeth, which is the largest manufacturer of hormone treatments today, has developed Pristiq to control menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes and has forecast an annual revenue of $2 billion from the drug.
Smoking May Lead to Early Menopause
Research done by Norwegian scientists reveals that menopause, which usually occurs around the age of 50, may occur earlier in women who smoke on a regular basis.
Menopause, which marks the end of menstruation cycle in women is usually accompanied by frequent mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disorders.
Regular smoking has been known to cause more than 85 percent of all deaths due to lung cancer. It may also lead to many other types of cancer and a large array of other health-related issues. More »
Treatment Options for Menopause-related Hot Flashes
There are numerous treatment options for menopause-related hot flashes, from pharmaceutical drugs, to alternative therapies and exercise.
Hormones might not be safe for everyone, and some supplements may not be safe or effective.
Since supplements are not widely tested or regulated by the FDA, it is more difficult to determine their effectiveness. More »
