Menopausal hormone therapy and menopausal symptoms Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. But its benefits go beyond just symptom management. HRT can also play a key role in improving vaginal health by alleviating dryness and discomfort, which are common complaints among women in menopause. Additionally, it helps prevent bone loss, significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which are more common after menopause. Despite its many benefits, HRT is not one-size-fits-all; it’s essential to tailor treatment based on individual health profiles, taking into account the risks like breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease that come with prolonged use.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study explored the role of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) in managing symptoms of menopause, focusing on the use of estrogen and progestogen-based therapies. Specifically, it evaluated the therapeutic effects, the optimization of treatment methods for alleviating symptoms like vasomotor symptoms, and the prevention of long-term health risks such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and colorectal cancer.
Who was studied?
The research involved postmenopausal women, with a particular focus on women transitioning through menopause, both in early and late stages. The subjects were examined for risk factors like obesity, smoking, hypertension, and metabolic disorders, which can influence the outcomes of MHT. A significant number of these participants were in their late 50s and early 60s.
Most important findings
The study’s findings revealed the effectiveness of MHT in the management of menopausal symptoms, especially vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It was also found that MHT significantly reduces the risks of osteoporosis and colorectal cancer. However, the study highlighted the complexities of MHT use, particularly the varying risks associated with the timing of therapy initiation and the types of hormone preparations used. For example, estrogen-only therapy was linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer in certain groups, while combined estrogen-progestogen therapy showed increased risks of coronary heart disease and breast cancer, particularly when started later in life. The study also underscored that personalized MHT approaches, considering individual risk factors and timing, lead to more favorable outcomes.
Key implications
The primary implication is that while MHT offers significant benefits in managing menopausal symptoms and preventing long-term diseases, its risks must be carefully managed. Starting MHT within the “window of opportunity” during perimenopause or early postmenopause reduces cardiovascular and metabolic risks. However, therapy initiation after 60 years or more than 10 years postmenopause may increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular events and breast cancer. Hence, individualized treatment plans, based on patient health profiles and risks, are essential for optimizing MHT use.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. But its benefits go beyond just symptom management. HRT can also play a key role in improving vaginal health by alleviating dryness and discomfort, which are common complaints among women in menopause. Additionally, it helps prevent bone loss, significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which are more common after menopause. Despite its many benefits, HRT is not one-size-fits-all; it’s essential to tailor treatment based on individual health profiles, taking into account the risks like breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease that come with prolonged use.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.