Peri Menopause Symptoms |
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However, despite these beneficial effects, recent research has shown that long-term hormone replacement therapy may actually be harmful, increasing the chance of serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, certain types of breast cancer, dementia and gallstones. The US Food and Drug Administration guidelines have been revised and now recommend that women receive only short-term hormone replacement therapy. This is usually beneficial in reducing symptoms without the health risks that long-term therapy poses. Only women who are considered to be at high risk for osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become progressively weaker, may benefit from long-term hormone replacement therapy. Before starting any HRT treament a woman must have a breast examination and, if thought necessary by her physician, a mammogram to rule out breast cancer. Women with osteoporosis may be prescribed drugs such as biphosphonates to reduce bone loss - reduction in bone density. There are also a number of lifestyle changes a woman should make that can greatly improve the symptoms and these include stop smoking, less alcohol intake, a regular exercise and fitness routine and eating a healthy diet. These changes help maintain weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy products are rich in plant estrogens, and are reported to reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Menopausal women have tried various forms of meditation with varying levels of success.
Although hormone replacement therapy is effective against distressing symptoms of menopause, recent research shows that it has serious side-effects. Therefore, alternative menopausal therapies are being developed, including new drugs to fight osteoporosis, changes in diet and lifestyle, and meditation; every woman needs to address several areas of thier life before resorting to HRT and these include reducing stimulants (coffee, nicotine, alcohol) and increasing exercise.
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