Health Risks - Perimenopause

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><p>As women age, they often anticipate menopause. After 40 years of monthly cycles, there is little reason not to want menopause to start and get it over with ASAP. Going through menopause can take several years, but once the change has happened and all eggs are released and passed – life does change.</p>
<h2>What happens post-menopause?</h2>
<p>After the body has passed all eggs, the ovaries cease to function. <a href="https://babymed.com/womens-health/estrogen" target="_self">Estrogen</a> and other reproductive hormone levels fall to near non-existent levels. While periods stop, so does libido, vaginal moisture, and ability to control fat stores, in some cases. Natural menopause progression and hormone changes are subtle, which often means symptoms may appear gradually.</p>
<p>If surgical menopause pushes women immediately into post-menopause, symptoms may appear quickly and hit her like a brick wall. Gynecologists will often start hormone replacement therapy in the recovery room to prevent symptoms during recovery.</p>
<h2>Sex post menopause</h2>
<p>Just because a woman can no longer have children does not mean sexually transmitted diseases cannot be passed from one sexual partner to another. Having sex post-menopause is just as unsafe as having sex without protection before menopause. The same <a href="https://babymed.com/std-recommended-screening" target="_self">STDs</a> are out there.</p>
<h2>Pelvic exams post menopause</h2>
<p>Women who pass into menopause naturally need to continue yearly pelvic exams and&nbsp;<a href="https://babymed.com/node/4605" target="_self">Pap smears</a> until the age of 65 to 70. Some experts believe women over the age of 65 with no history of abnormal Pap smears can move to pelvic check-ups every three to five years.</p>
<p>Surgical menopause is a bit different. If a total hysterectomy was performed, there are no female organs left to check during the yearly Pap smear. Pap smears are used to check cervical health and screen for cervical cancer. Women who have undergone a complete or total hysterectomy have no cervix in most cases. Pap smears only need to be performed when women have received a hysterectomy because of cervical illness or disease.</p>
<h2>Bone density, HRT and more</h2>
<p>As soon as hormone levels drop, <a href="https://babymed.com/menopause/menopause-exercises" target="_self">bone density will suffer</a>. Most often, women who are Caucasian and thin have trouble with bone density more often than women who are larger or of a different heritage. Bone density scans can be used early in post menopause to set a baseline for future scans. Increasing calcium and vitamin D intake is crucial during post-menopause.</p>
<p>HRT or hormone replacement therapy comes with risks, but also rewards. HRT can reduce menopause symptoms and slow bone loss.</p>
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As women age, they often anticipate menopause. After 40 years of monthly cycles, there is little reason not to want menopause to start and get it over with ASAP!

Post-Menopause – After the Change of Life

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><p>As the female body ages, estrogen levels decline and so does bone mass. After menopause, the sheer lack of reproductive hormones can increase the decline in bone mass resulting in osteopenia and osteoporosis. Women who want to stop bone mass decline have several options.</p>
<h2><strong>Hormone replacement therapy</strong></h2>
<p>Estrogen levels are restored when women in menopause choose to take daily hormone replacement therapy. Therapy options today include patches, pills, and creams. Patches have the lowest dose of estrogen and thus tend to have fewer potential side effects. Alternative treatments and herbal remedies may decrease menopause symptoms, but they will not stop bone mass loss.</p>
<h2><strong>Exercise</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://babymed.com/is-it-safe-lift-weights-during-pregnancy" target="_self">Weight-bearing exercise</a> significantly decreases bone loss and may even increase bone mass to counteract bone lost before an exercise program was started. Aging women start losing bone mass in their late 20s. After menopause, the decline speeds up. If postmenopausal women are active with 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise like hiking, jogging, and dancing most days of the week, bone mass can often be regenerated.</p>
<h2><strong>Vitamin supplementation</strong></h2>
<p>Most people living in the United States are grossly deficient in Vitamin D. Major cereal manufacturers are just catching wind of the problem and vitamin D enriched cereals are now becoming a popular choice among children. <a href="https://babymed.com/food-and-nutrition/do-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women-need-more-calcium-and-vitamin-d" target="_self">Vitamin D should be taken </a>in conjunction with calcium when in menopause. Calcium is the building block of new bone mass and when proper supplementation is combined with daily exercise the effect can be astounding.</p>
<h2><strong>Drink milk</strong></h2>
<p>Children learn early on in life that milk builds strong bones. As we age, lactose intolerance or a sheer dislike for the taste of milk can reduce our dairy intake. Milk and yogurt are great sources of vitamin D and calcium and even with supplementation, the more calcium and vitamin D the better.</p>
<h2><strong>Go outside</strong></h2>
<p>Direct sunlight causes the body to manufacture vitamin D. Glass stops the natural metabolism so sitting inside in the sunlight shining through a window will not have the same effect. People with dark skin need more sunlight exposure than those with light skin. Sunscreen also prevents the body from absorbing UV rays needed to metabolize vitamin D. While using sunscreen is essential, sitting outside in the early morning when UV levels are lowest can increase natural vitamin D levels tremendously.</p>
<p>Bone mass is directly linked to menopause. Women in menopause should take daily calcium and vitamin D, exercise regularly, drink milk, and get out in the sun at least 10 to 20 minutes a day to prevent loss of bone mass.</p>
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As the female body ages, estrogen levels decline and so does bone mass. 

Remedies for Loss of Bone Mass

<div data-rte-type="old">According to a study published in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.springer.com/medicine/gynecology/journal/404">Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics</a>, women who exercise regularly protect bone mass during pregnancy by doing so. Researchers studied women who exercised regularly and those who did not. The bone mineral density was measured in both groups between 14 and 20 weeks and again between 36 and 38 weeks. All physically active women in the study completed a minimum of 10 hours of exercise per week with the median exercise time measured at 13.1 hours per week. The non-exercising group of women was low-risk so no other factors were present that could contribute to bone mineral density loss.&nbsp;<br><br>The physically active group of pregnant women consisted of 24 participants. The non-physical group consisted of 94 pregnant women. At the end of each pregnancy, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Women in the physically active group lost, on average, 0.015 g/cm². Women who were not physically active during pregnancy lost, on average, 0.041 g/cm².&nbsp;<br><br>Bone loss occurs naturally in women as they age. When women hit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://babymed.com/womens-health/menopause">menopause</a>, bone loss speeds up as estrogen and progesterone stop being produced as pre-menopause rates. Women in menopause are told to exercise regularly to<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://babymed.com/menopause/menopause-and-bone-mass"> maintain bone mass</a> and potentially increase bone mass over time. It appears, according to this study, that pregnant women should follow the same suggestions.&nbsp;<br><br>Depending on a pregnant woman’s health, physical activity limitations may differ so always speak with your obstetrician before starting a new exercise program during pregnancy. Weight bearing exercises are commonly used to prevent bone loss, but not all weight bearing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://babymed.com/lifestyle-and-beauty/exercise-pregnancy">exercises are safe during pregnancy</a>.&nbsp;<br><br>Source:&nbsp;</div><div data-rte-type="old">William W.K. To and Margaret W.N. Wong. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 9 April, 2012.</div>

According to a study published in the Archives of Gynecology and
Obstetrics, women who exercise regularly protect bone mass during
pregnancy by doing so.

Physical Activity During Pregnancy Saves Bone Mass

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><p>Endometrial cancer occurs most often in women from the ages of 55 to 70 years old and is responsible for 6% of <a href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer" target="_blank">cancer cases in women</a>.<br><br><strong>What Is Endometrial Cancer?</strong><br><a href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-symptoms" target="_blank">Endometrial cancer </a>develops in the lining of the uterus, also called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine cancer. While the majority of cases of endometrial cancer occur in older women from 60 to 70 years old, there are a few diagnosed cases before the age of 40.<br><br><strong>How Endometrial Cancer Develops</strong><br>Endometrial cancer is caused by a growth of abnormal cells in the uterine lining. Endometrial cancer may also be referred to as uterine cancer. The good news is that this type of cancer can normally be cured when it is detected early. In most cases, endometrial cancer is detected in the early stages before it has spread beyond the uterus.<br><br><strong>Endometrial Cancer Causes and Risk Factors</strong><br>The main cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be related to levels of estrogen in the body. Estrogen stimulates the buildup of the uterine lining; research has shown that high estrogen levels in animals can cause excessive growth of the uterine lining to result in cancer.<br><br>Endometrial cancer is thought to be caused by having an imbalance of estrogen compared to progesterone in the body. This type of hormone imbalance will cause thickening of the uterine lining, which will build up and cause potential cancerous cell growth.<br><br>Here are several factors that could increase the risk of endometrial cancer:</p>
<ul>
<li>Diabetes</li>
<li>History of endometrial polyps</li>
<li>Infertility</li>
<li>Infrequent periods</li>
<li>Estrogen replacement therapy without using progesterone</li>
<li>Tamoxifen, a drug prescribed to treat breast cancer</li>
<li>Never having been pregnant</li>
<li><a href="http://www.babymed.com/pcos-polycystic-ovarian-ovary-syndrome-what-is-it" target="_blank">Polycystic ovarian syndrome</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy/obesity-guidelines" target="_blank">Obesity</a></li>
<li>Early menstruation before the age of 12</li>
<li>Menopause after the age of 50</li>
</ul>
<p>Other health conditions have been associated with endometrial cancer, like <a href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer/introduction-colon-cancer-women-causes-and-risk-factors" target="_blank">colon cancer</a>, <a href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer/introduction-breast-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors" target="_blank">breast cancer</a>, <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gallbladderdiseases.html" target="_blank">gallbladder disease</a>, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and high blood pressure.<br><br>Since endometrial cancer can often be caused by an abnormal overgrowth of the uterine lining, also called endometrial hyperplasia, a doctor may recommend a <a href="http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/hysterectomy.cfm" target="_blank">hysterectomy</a> to prevent this condition from developing into cancer. Although hyperplasia is not cancer, it can often develop into endometrial cancer. Hyperplasia most commonly occurs in women after the age of 40.<br><br>Women who are obese also have a greater risk of developing endometrial cancer. This risk continues to increase if a woman has never had children, had an early first menstrual period before age 12, or went through menopause after age 55.<br><br>A doctor may also examine a woman’s family health history to determine if she has a mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. Women with a family history of endometrial cancer have an increased risk of developing the illness. This risk is also increased if a woman has a family history of genetic colorectal cancer, otherwise called <a href="http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/lynch-syndrome" target="_blank">Lynch syndrome</a>.<br><br>Keep in mind that women who develop endometrial cancer may not have any of the above risk factors, and women with the risk factors above are not guaranteed to develop uterine cancer.</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cancer</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Causes and Risks</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Symptoms</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Diagnosis</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Treatment</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Endometrial Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-endometrial-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Cervical Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-cervical-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/cervical-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/cervical-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/cervical-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ovarian Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-ovarian-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors-0">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/ovarian-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/ovarian-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/ovarian-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Breast Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-breast-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/breast-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/breast-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Colon Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-colon-cancer-women-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/colon-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/colon-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/colon-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br><br>Source: "Definition of Endometrial cancer." www.medterms.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2011.</p></div></div></div></body></html>

Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus, also called the
 endometrium. Endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine
cancer.

Introduction to Endometrial Cancer

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><p>The most common symptom caused by <a href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer/introduction-endometrial-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors" target="_blank">endometrial cancer</a> is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This bleeding may at first look watery and slightly bloody and could soon develop into heavier vaginal bleeding. If a woman has already gone through menopause, any type of vaginal bleeding is considered to be abnormal.</p>
<h2><strong>Other common symptoms of endometrial cancer include:</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Abnormal menstrual periods</li>
<li><a href="http://www.babymed.com/metrorrhagia-irregular-spotting-or-bleeding-between-menstrual-periods" target="_blank">Bleeding between menstrual periods before menopause</a></li>
<li>Vaginal bleeding/spotting post-menopause</li>
<li>Heavy episodes of vaginal bleeding after age 40</li>
<li>Abdominal pain or cramping</li>
<li>Clear or white vaginal discharge post-menopause</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="img-right" style="float: right; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px;" title="endometrial-cancer-symptoms.jpg" src="https://babymed.com/sites/default/files/shutterstock_endometrialcancer.jpg" alt="endometrial-cancer-symptoms.jpg" width="192" height="173"></p>
<p>A woman may also experience pain when urinating or pain during sex as a symptom. Keep in mind that these symptoms could be caused by endometrial cancer, but they may also be caused by other health issues. <br><br>It is important for a woman experiencing any of the symptoms above to consult with her doctor right away so that any underlying medical issue can be diagnosed as early as possible.</p>
<h2><strong>Endometrial Cancer Symptoms: Anemia</strong></h2>
<p>Patients may develop anemia as a result of blood loss from chronic vaginal bleeding caused by <a href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer" target="_blank">uterine cancer</a>. Anemia is a condition that results in a low red blood cell count because of blood loss. Some symptoms of anemia caused by uterine cancer could include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lightheadedness</li>
<li>Weakness</li>
<li>Shortness of breath</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Pale complexion</li>
</ul>
<p>As is common in many cancers, weight loss could also be an initial symptom of uterine cancer.</p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<h2><strong>Endometrial Cancer Symptoms as You Age</strong></h2>
<p>As women age, it is more important than ever to pay attention to the above uterine cancer symptoms. The risk of endometrial cancer increases with age. Other risk factors that contribute to endometrial cancer include irregular menstrual periods, diabetes, obesity, and never having been pregnant.<br><br>Women between the ages of 50 and 75 years old who are at risk for endometrial cancer and experience any of the above symptoms should make an appointment with their doctor immediately.<br><br>It is important that the above uterine cancer symptoms are not overlooked. Many women don’t give a second thought to heavy vaginal bleeding before menopause, but it still could be a precursor to endometrial cancer.<br><br>If a woman experiences any abnormalities in her menstrual cycle before menopause or abnormal bleeding after menopause, she is encouraged to visit her doctor immediately since it could be a sign of a more serious issue.<br><br>The above symptoms of endometrial cancer do not guarantee that a woman has the disease, but it is still important that all symptoms are taken seriously so that a woman can receive immediate medical treatment. The earlier that uterine cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat and even cure completely.<br><br>If you have risk factors for endometrial cancer, as well as a family history of the disease, your doctor may already be keeping a close eye on your health to detect any warning signs of cancer. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, it is imperative to bring them to your doctor’s attention so that you can be tested for endometrial cancer and receive immediate treatment if necessary.</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cancer</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Causes and Risks</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Symptoms</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Diagnosis</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Treatment</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Endometrial Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-endometrial-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/endometrial-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Cervical Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-cervical-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/cervical-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/cervical-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/cervical-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ovarian Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-ovarian-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors-0">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/ovarian-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/ovarian-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/ovarian-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Breast Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-breast-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/breast-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/breast-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Colon Cancer</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/introduction-colon-cancer-women-causes-and-risk-factors">Introduction: Causes and Risk Factors</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/colon-cancer-symptoms">Symptoms</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/colon-cancer-diagnosis-and-staging">Diagnosis and Staging</a></td>
<td><a href="https://babymed.com/cancer/colon-cancer-treatment">Treatment</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Source: American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Endometrial Cancer; What is Endometrial Cancer?</p></div></body></html>

The most common symptom caused by endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal
 bleeding. This bleeding may at first look watery and slightly bloody
and could soon develop into heavier vaginal bleeding.

Endometrial Cancer Symptoms

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><p>Past studies have proven a direct relationship between obesity and increased risk of endometrial cancer. Researchers from National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health recently published the results of the study in the journal Endocrine-Related Cancer.<br><br>Data for participants in the study were pulled from the B-FIT (Breast and Bone Follow-Up of the Fracture Intervention Trial). Sixty-two women diagnosed with endometrial cancer were found in the follow-up. Researchers pulled 124 matching controls from the cohort. Blood samples were tested for adiponectin, leptin and HMW adiponectin.<br><br>Conclusion: Leptin, in relationship to <a title="BMI" href="http://www.babymed.com/tools/bmi">BMI</a>, may play a role in <a title="endometrial cancer risk" href="http://www.babymed.com/cancer/introduction-endometrial-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors">endometrial cancer</a> risk, but researchers are unsure just what role leptin plays. Higher levels of leptin were found in patients with endometrial cancer independent of estrogen. Researchers believe additional studies are needed to learn more about leptin’s role in endometrial cancer.<br><br>Dallal CM, Brinton LA, Bauer DC, Buist DS, Cauley JA, Hue TF, Lacroix A, Tice JA, Chia VM, Falk R, Pfeiffer R, Pollak MN, Veenstra TD, Xu X, Lacey JV. Obesity-related hormones and endometrial cancer among postmenopausal women: a nested case-control study within the B~FIT cohort. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2012 Dec 5.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a title="PubMed" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23222000">PubMed</a></li>
</ul></div></div></div></body></html>

Past studies have proven a direct relationship between obesity and
increased risk of endometrial cancer. Researchers from National Cancer
Institute and National Institutes of Health recently published the
results of the study in the journal Endocrine-Related Cancer.

Hormones and Endometrial Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

<div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><p>Mutations in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11257103" title="BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes">BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 </a>are associated with increased risk of various reproductive and estrogen-fed cancers. Researchers from the Department of Obstetrics at UC San Francisco recently published a study testing a possible connection between BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations and early onset menopause.<br><br>Researchers identified 382 patients carrying a mutated BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene. All patients were part of the Breast Cancer Risk Registry Program at the college. The active participants were compared with women who did not possess the mutated genes. The control group consisted of 765 women.&nbsp;<br><br>After all relevant risk factors, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.babymed.com/12-steps/how-quit-smoking-during-pregnancy-12-steps" title="smoking">smoking</a> and use of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.babymed.com/contraception/all-about-birth-control-pill" title="oral contraception">oral contraception</a>, were taken into consideration, women in the active group entered natural menopause an average of three years before women in the control group. Researchers concluded that BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations were directly associated with early onset menopause. Heavy smoking decreased the age at time of natural menopause in the active group.&nbsp;<br><br>Source:&nbsp;</p><p>Lin WT, Beattie M, Chen LM, Oktay K, Crawford SL, Gold EB, Cedars M, Rosen M. Comparison of age at natural menopause in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with a non-clinic-based sample of women in northern California. Cancer. 2013 May 1;119(9):1652-9.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div>

Researchers from the Department of Obstetrics at UC San Francisco
recently published a study testing a possible connection between BRCA 1
and BRCA 2 mutations and early onset menopause.

Are BRCA 1/2 Mutations Associated with Early Onset Menopause?

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old">After being diagnosed with fibroids or uterine fibroids, treatment is discussed with the patient. There is a long list of treatment options, with a specific treatment plan individualized including one or more treatments for each patient. Fibroid treatments may involve waiting, <a href="http://www.babymed.com/medications" title="medications">medications</a> or surgery.<br><br><strong>The Wait and Watch Approach</strong><br>Just because a woman is diagnosed with fibroids does not mean aggressive treatment is necessary. Many fibroids are too small to cause fertility problems or serious symptoms. In these cases, doctors typically schedule regular <a href="http://www.babymed.com/ultrasound" title="ultrasound">ultrasounds</a> to measure and count fibroids. The most common fibroids are slow-growing or non-growing, causing no problems with fertility or pain. After <a href="http://www.babymed.com/menopause" title="menopause">menopause</a>, fibroids shrink or disappear due to reduced estrogen and progesterone levels.<br><strong><br>Medications</strong><br>Doctors use <a href="http://www.babymed.com/medications" title="medications">medications</a> to control the level of hormones in the body to shrink fibroids or improve symptoms of fibroids. The medication approaches most commonly used fall on opposite ends of the spectrum.<strong><br></strong><p></p><ul><li><strong>GnRH</strong>: Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) stops production of progesterone and estrogen, leaving the patient in a temporary state of menopause. Without the hormones needed for growth, the fibroids shrink and often disappear. Women suffering from heavy or prolonged bleeding see improvement as menstruation stops while taking GnRH.</li><li><strong>Birth Control</strong>: <a href="http://www.babymed.com/contraception/all-about-birth-control-pill" title="birth control pill">Low-dose birth control</a>, often progesterone based, is sometimes used to control menstrual bleeding and shorten bleeding times. The low dose does not pose the threat of supporting fibroid growth.</li></ul><p><strong>Surgical Interventions</strong><br>Surgical treatment of fibroids ranges from non-invasive to highly invasive. Doctors tend to choose less invasive means of treatment, including medications, prior to suggesting surgery of any kind.<strong><br></strong></p><ul><li><strong>Non-Invasive</strong>: A relatively new approach to treating fibroids combines MRI and ultrasound technology. The MRI is used to focus an ultrasound-based heating device. When the fibroid is located, the ultrasound focuses heat on the fibroid to shrink the growth. Sound waves are used to produce heat.</li><li><strong>Minimally-Invasive</strong>: Minimally-invasive procedures tend to focus on stopping blood flow to the fibroids with embolization or myolysis. Embolization blocks blood flow using medications injected into uterine arteries and myolysis shrinks blood vessels with lasers or an electrical current.<br>Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures aim to remove fibroids through a small incision or cervical entry, respectively. Laparoscopy can be used to remove fibroids growing outside the uterus while hysteroscopy is reserved for fibroids growing within the uterus. Ablation, a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus, may also be used.</li><li><strong>Invasive</strong>: Often a last resort, invasive fibroid treatments involve major surgery, including abdominal surgery to remove large or deep fibroids. Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is the only definitive cure for fibroids that prevents regrowth.</li></ul><p>Treating fibroids does not necessarily mean you have to have major surgery, but that could be an option for women with severe pain, bleeding and anemia caused by loss of blood. Each patient is given a list of treatment options and suggestions after fibroids are diagnosed.</p><p><a href="http://www.babymed.com/womens-health/uterine-fibroids-leiomyoma-uteri" title="uterine fibroids"><strong>&lt; Uterine Fibroids</strong></a></p></div></body></html>

After being diagnosed with fibroids or uterine fibroids, treatment is
discussed with the patient. There is a long list of treatment options,
with a specific treatment plan individualized including one or more
treatments for each patient.