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I reviewed the Warmi research. There are three clinical trials completed but not published on the product.   It appears to offer the hot flash, cold sweat and mood swing relief I’ve found with better natural menopause remedies.

But there are additional benefits….

Research suggests it supports the cardiovascular system and bone resorption markers.  That’s important because heart and bone health typically decline with the onset of menopause.   And patients in the Warmi studies noted several sexuality improvements, including enhanced arousal, satisfaction and orgasm frequency as well as less vaginal dryness and intercourse discomfort.  Overall, Warmi users reported better overall quality of life and sexual quality of life.

Warmi is the first menopause supplement I’ve seen comprised largely of organic ingredients.  Organic ingredients are grown without persistent pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), sewage sludge or irradiation. This supplement may be especially appropriate for those with food allergies or sensitive systems.  Warmi contains no estrogen, isoflavones, soy, gluten, wheat, milk, eggs, lactose or animal products.  It was well tolerated by patients in clinical research.

How this product works is being studied.  Some researcher believe Warmi has a weak estrogenic effect but with no adverse effect on cellular proliferation.   The vegetable and fruit extracts contain “good” chemicals such as glucosinates, beta-sitosterol and hesperidin. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol which is widely recommended for cholesterol management and immune support.    Hesperdin, a citrus bioflavonoid, and glucosinates are generally believed to be nutrient protectors for the body with benefits noted for inflammation, cardiovascular health and bone metabolism.   No adverse side effects have been reported in the Warmi studies and the supplement appears to work within weeks.  Patients reported significant improvement in many areas after just a month, improving with continued use.

I find Warmi to be a credible and unique product.    I have also agreed to endorse Warmi in some advertising for the manufacturer.   Look for it soon at the MenopauseRx online store.

Q: Since I went through menopause, I have noticed more gas and bloating. The symptoms are becoming more embarassing and nothing seems to help. Is there an association between gas and menopause? 

A:  Over the last few years, it has become quite apparent that a very common symptom of menopause is bloating in the intestinal tract due to the production of gas. Recent survey results have found over two-thirds of women experience stomach gas during menopause.

While gas and bloating are very common symptoms during menopause, it is unclear if this is related to the actual hormonal adjustments of menopause or solely an issue of aging . Since approximately one quarter of women have noted increased gas during menopause, some doctor’s have suggested that decreasing hormone production may play a role in this process. Other experts have stated that a change in diet around the menopause transition may lead to more gas and bloating. In fact, over 60% of women were eating more fruit and vegetables and over 70% have made changes in their diet during menopause according to a recent survey.

There are many approaches to reducing gas and flatulence. Fortunately, eliminating healthy gas producing foods does not need to be done.

When ingesting gassy foods such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, legumes, grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, and whole-grain breads consider a digestive aid to eliminate gas. Many foods that are part of a healthy diet can cause gas.

Click here for an expanded list of ‘gassy’ foods ( http://www.menopauserx.com/news/gas.htm).

As with all medical conditions, it is recommended to discuss your specific symptoms with your health care provider.

John A. Sunyecz, M.D.
MenopauseRx

If you are age 35 + this question has probably entered your mind… Is menopause affecting my memory or am I starting to have symptoms of dementia?

Menopausal women often complain of clouded thinking, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating; some even wonder if this is the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease. Fluctuating hormone levels could be what are causing these symptoms, so is hormone replacement the answer or part of the problem?

A report released 10/14/10 called The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s found that 10 million American women either have Alzheimer’s or are caring for someone with the disease. This report not only shines a light on the disease, but it reignites a fire to the hormone therapy controversy. 

Important Issues:

In 2003, the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study found that women age 65 and older taking combination hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin) had twice the rate of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, compared with women who did not take the medication. The study also found that the combination hormone therapy (both estrogen and progestin) did not protect against the development of dementia. Other studies also concluded that hormone therapy initiated during late postmenopause does not improve memory; in fact it increases dementia risk. The research did not examine the consequences of hormone therapy earlier than age 65. However, some other studies imply that use of hormone therapy at the time of menopausal may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

What Can You Do Now?

1. Talk to your doctor… discuss your menopausal symptoms, including any memory loss or changes in cognitive function
2. Remember that Menopause Treatment is not ‘a once size fits all’… each women is different, therefore, each treatment plan may vary. The current Position Statement from The North American Menopause Society recommends, “ using hormone therapy only when needed to treat moderate to severe symptoms of menopause. Consistent with that approach is the recommendation to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. Each woman, in consultation with her healthcare provider, needs to prioritize her midlife health concerns and determine whether hormone therapy is an acceptable choice for her.”
3. Test your memory for signs of dementia… and discuss results with your healthcare provider

Visit http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html

The new data relates to the risk of dying from breast cancer.  The study showed an extra 1 to 2 deaths from breast cancer per 10,000 women per year.  Specifically, for every 10,000 women in the study who were randomized to placebo, there were 1.3 deaths from breast cancer per year. For every 10,000 women randomized to combined hormone therapy, there were 2.6 deaths from breast cancer per year.  

Importantly, these results apply to the use of the combination of estrogen and progestin and not to estrogen alone. Therefore, for women who have had a hysterectomy and taking only estrogen…these results do not apply.  Similarly, the study did not study all types of hormone therapy.  Neither estradiol products or progesterone products were studied….therefore, no conclusion can be drawn about these products. 

It is important to keep in mind the following:  The increased risk of breast cancer using estrogen plus progestin for 5 years is very similar to the increased risk of breast cancer associated with having menopause 5 years later. This increased risk of breast cancer occurs with a woman’s own internal, natural estrogen and progesterone.

 The current Position Statement from The North American Menopause Society recommends using hormone therapy only when needed to treat moderate to severe symptoms of menopause. Consistent with that approach is the recommendation to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. Each woman, in consultation with her healthcare provider, needs to prioritize her midlife health concerns and determine whether hormone therapy is an acceptable choice for her.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on 10/20/10 (Chlebowski RT, et al)

For more information visit

http://www.alz.org/shriverreport/index.html

The thyroid gland is one of the major endocrine (hormone secreting) glands of the body. It is a small gland located near the Adam’s apple and shaped like an “H”. Unless enlarged, it can barely be felt or seen. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that adjust the body’s metabolism. Your metabolism controls the speed at which chemical processes occur in the body, which affects many functions such as heart rate, temperature, and stamina/energy. The element iodine is needed to produce the two thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). The release of T4 and T3 is dependent on a hormone called TSH (thyroid secreting hormone).

 What are the Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism?
In the U.S., between 7 and 10% of the population over the age of 55 are affected by a thyroid disorder, with Caucasians more commonly affected than African-Americans. Females are 5-8 times more likely to have a thyroid disorder compared to men.

Hypothyroidism can be due to a variety of causes, including history of thyroid radiation, treatment for an overactive thyroid (Graves disease), removal of thyroid gland, and certain medications, such as lithium, amiodarone and iodine. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a medical condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can initially be very insidious. Some studies have found only 25-70% of elderly showing typical symptoms. A clinical exam does not establish the diagnosis in many cases. In fact, only 10% of patients with confirmed hypothyroidism were identified on a physical exam. The most important aspect of hypothyroidism is to be very cognizant regarding the subtle signs and symptoms that may develop. Alerting your physician to these signs and symptoms would allow laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Common symptoms include:

• dry skin
• hair loss
• cold intolerance
• confusion
• difficulty in concentrating
• constipation
• fatigue
• sluggishness
• hoarseness
• depression
• muscle cramps
• weight gain
• menstrual irregularities

How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
The best test to aid in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is a TSH blood test. The American Thyroid Association recommends testing all patients if suspicious symptoms. Many physicians feel routine screening in women is prudent. The American College of Ob/Gyn recommends screening only high risk women, while the American Thyroid Association recommends screening women every 5 years after 35 years of age.

How is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Once the diagnosis of hypothyrodism is made, the preferred medication is levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid). Levothyroxine mimics exactly the action of the thyroid hormone in your body, therefore acting as a thyroid replacement. The amount of levothyroxine necessary for full replacement of the thyroid decrease with age. Full replacement dose is 110 micrograms per day, although the usual starting dose is 25 – 50 micrograms per day. Excess thyroid replacement is associated with anxiety, fatigue, muscle dysfunction, bone mineral loss, and cardiac problems.

Absorption of levothyroxine may be hampered if taken with some vitamins and medications such as iron, antacids, cholestyramine, calcium carbonate, and sucralfate. Often, small adjustments in dosing is required and may take several months to achieve adequate dosing, therefore patience is required. Often, a repeat TSH test is performed 6-8 weeks after making a dosage adjustment in thyroid medication.

What effect does Menopause have on Hypothyroidism?
Since women are more commonly affected with hypothyroidism and the incidence of hypothyroidism increases with age, it is important to understand the implications of menopause on the thyroid. Symptoms for both hypothyroidism and menopause commonly occur and include depressed mood, decreased energy and decreased memory. If one assumes these symptoms are related only to menopause, then a delay in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism can occur.

A study revealed that women being treated for hypothyroidism were shown to have increased requirements when started on estrogen. Estrogen may increase the need for levothyroxine by altering the binding of hormone in the body. Thirty nine percent of women showed a need for dosage adjustment after starting estrogen. Therefore, measurement of TSH approximately 8 – 12 weeks after starting or stopping estrogen is prudent.

Lastly, there is a concern for women using soy protein for menopause symptoms and taking levothyroxine. Soy protein may inhibit the absorption of levothyroxine. Alerting your physician to long term soy protein use in your diet.

 http://www.fightBCnow.com

 The book empowers one to fight cancer proactively through diet and lifestyle changes based on the latest medical research. For example, switching  to a low-glycemic diet can reduce relative risk by over 250%.   Doctors don’t have time to share this information with their patients so it is critical that we educate others now.

John A. Sunyecz, M.D.

The range of perimenopause symptom duration may be quite variable, from 2 to 8 years, or even longer. In general, the later in life that perimenopause symptoms begin, the shorter the transition to menopause. The hormonal changes taking place probably represent the major cause of symptoms experienced. These changes can produce many symptoms that are traditionally thought to only occur after menopause.

Contrary to popular belief, the perimenopause may be associated with elevations of estrogen levels. However, these elevations are generally followed by abrupt falls in estrogen levels. The constantly changing hormone levels of the perimenopause can precipitate significant hot flashes and night sweats. The ‘peaks and valleys’ of estrogen production during the hormonal ‘roller coaster’ invariably contribute to these symptoms. Other medical conditions commonly seen during the perimenopause years that can mimic these symptoms are thyroid irregularities and diabetes.

Other commonly described changes during this transition are related to changes in estrogen production. Vaginal thinning can lead to discomfort, itching and dryness, and pain with sexual relations. Urinary complaints include burning, urgency and frequent urination. Mood changes are very common during this transition and include irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and frustration. Hormonal fluctuations may contribute to these symptoms, although many other reasons can be identified as a contributor to these symptoms. In numerous instances, balancing a career, marriage, elderly parents and adolescent children contribute to these hormonal fluctuations.

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 to 52 years of age; therefore the perimenopause may start as early as 40 to 45 years of age. Clinically, many practitioners note a continuum in certain patients. Patients with significant premenstrual symptoms at 30 to 40 years of age often proceed to perimenopausal symptoms. Therefore, many of the treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are effective for the perimenopause. According to the Study of Women Across the Nation, irritability and fatigue are common features of the perimenopause. Diminished libido and hot flashes also occur with relative frequency. These hot flashes may be the classic, intense ones that leave women drenched afterwards…..or they may be milder with a sensation of warmth and minor sleep disturbances.

The diagnosis of the perimenopause is based upon a careful menstrual cycle history and symptom review. Maintaining a ‘menstrual calendar’ for 4-6 months will detect a pattern of changing cycle lengths and flow patterns. Evaluating for other conditions that are common during the perimenopause and may mimic symptoms of the perimenopause is also important. Therefore, thyroid and diabetes testing is prudent. The most prudent use of FSH testing and estrogen levels during the perimenopause has not been determined and should always be used in the context of a person’s menstrual history and symptoms. The transition to menopause can be diagnosed after no menses for a 12 month period of time and signifies cessation of ovarian function. Often associated with symptoms, this diagnosis does not routinely require laboratory testing.

There are a number of proposed treatment options for the perimenopause. These treatments in large part depend upon the symptom complex that is most troubling for the individual. There is no treatment that works well for every person. If your symptoms are dominated by vasomotor alterations, like hot flashes, certain natural herbal products work well.  Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial in the perimenopause. Proper diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation is vital for optimal health. Weight loss, tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol intake will improve long term health prospects. Lastly, stress reduction is very important.

The perimenopause is a period when many changes are occurring in a women’s life. Changes in her family, career stressors, and hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on many women. Stress relief cannot be emphasized enough to help deal with these multiple factors. Keeping a detailed symptom log and discussing your specific symptoms with your health care provider will provide an opportunity for optimal evaluation and treatment options.