ABSTRACT
Although menopause is a normal developmental milestone through which all women pass, the transition has been long associated with chronic pain conditions that may be more accurately viewed as secondary to aging. Clinicians need to understand management of pain problems women may experience. This article examines pain syndromes including headache, back pain, osteoarthritis, pelvic pain, vulvo-vaginal pain, and burning mouth syndrome.
Subject(s)
Aging , Menopause , Pain/etiology , Pain/nursing , Women's Health , Back Pain/etiology , Back Pain/nursing , Breast Diseases/etiology , Breast Diseases/nursing , Burning Mouth Syndrome/etiology , Burning Mouth Syndrome/nursing , Female , Headache/etiology , Headache/nursing , Humans , Osteoarthritis/etiology , Osteoarthritis/nursing , Pain/drug therapy , Pain/prevention & control , Pelvic Pain/etiology , Pelvic Pain/nursing , Risk Factors , Vaginal Diseases/etiology , Vaginal Diseases/nursing , Vulvar Diseases/etiology , Vulvar Diseases/nursingABSTRACT
Until the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) were released in July 2002, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had been thought to be the most effective way to manage unwanted menopausal symptoms and to prevent long-term health problems associated with aging. The results of the WHI, showing that HRT is less beneficial and associated with more risks than previously thought, has complicated the management of unwanted menopausal symptoms. This article discusses the effectiveness of HRT and other modalities used to relieve menopausal symptoms and discusses how to choose an HRT product to match specific menopausal complaints and provide maximum safety.
Subject(s)
Estrogen Replacement Therapy , Menopause , Aged , Aging/drug effects , Aging/physiology , Breast Neoplasms/chemically induced , Breast Neoplasms/prevention & control , Clinical Trials as Topic , Coronary Artery Disease/chemically induced , Coronary Artery Disease/prevention & control , Estrogen Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Estrogen Replacement Therapy/standards , Female , Hot Flashes/prevention & control , Humans , Menopause/drug effects , Menopause/physiology , Middle Aged , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Safety , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/prevention & control , Stroke/chemically induced , Stroke/prevention & control , Urinary Incontinence/prevention & control , Vaginal Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
In a randomized, 2-group clinical study, acupuncture was used for the relief of menopausal hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. The experimental acupuncture treatment consisted of specific acupuncture body points related to menopausal symptoms. The comparison acupuncture treatment consisted of a treatment designated as a general tonic specifically designed to benefit the flow of Ch'i (energy). Results from the experimental acupuncture treatment group showed a decrease in mean monthly hot flush severity for site-specific acupuncture. The comparison acupuncture treatment group had no significant change in severity from baseline over the treatment phase. Sleep disturbances in the experimental acupuncture treatment group declined over the study. Mood changes in both the experimental acupuncture treatment group and the comparison acupuncture treatment group showed a significant difference between the baseline and the third month of the study. Acupuncture using menopausal-specific sites holds promise for nonhormonal relief of hot flushes and sleep disturbances.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy , Hot Flashes/therapy , Menopause , Mood Disorders/therapy , Sleep Wake Disorders/therapy , Acupuncture Points , Acupuncture Therapy/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Menopause/psychology , Middle Aged , New England , Severity of Illness Index , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Women's HealthABSTRACT
Midwives manage health care of women throughout the life cycle including prescribing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This article presents a history of research on the use of HRT, as well as risks and benefits. Older research on the effects of HRT on heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer is included. The results and recommendations of the Women's Health Initiative are examined.
