Menopause and Women's Health Edition | Topical and Non-Hormonal Therapies
Mar 14, 2024
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Discussing the economic impact of menopause on women, non-hormonal treatment options, lifestyle triggers for menopausal symptoms, moisturizing and hormonal considerations in menopausal health, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and acupressure
Menopause impacts women's health and public health, costing billions annually.
Non-hormonal therapies offer effective solutions for managing menopausal symptoms and improving quality of life.
Deep dives
Importance of educating patients and healthcare professionals on non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms
Educating patients and healthcare professionals on the importance of non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms is crucial. Women experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness are often undertreated, with symptoms lasting for an average of seven to ten years. Understanding non-hormonal treatment options is essential to address these symptoms effectively.
The public health impact and economic costs of menopause
Menopause is not just a significant health issue for women individually but also a public health concern. By 2060, approximately 90 million women in the United States will be postmenopausal, leading to $1.8 billion in lost workdays and nearly $25 billion in annual medical costs. The economic burden and workforce impact highlight the importance of addressing menopause and its associated health challenges.
Differentiating bioidentical hormone therapies and hormonal therapy for menopause
The discussion on bioidentical hormone therapies reveals that they are technically the same as hormone therapy, marketed differently. While bioidentical hormones mimic what the body naturally produces, FDA-approved hormone therapy is also bioidentical but with a different marketing approach. The focus of today's discussion leans towards non-hormonal options for menopausal women who cannot or prefer to avoid hormonal treatments.
Non-hormonal options and considerations for addressing vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances
Addressing vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances in menopausal women may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, and non-medication options. Lifestyle adjustments like identifying trigger foods and utilizing cognitive-based therapies can significantly reduce symptom severity. Additionally, non-hormonal treatments like cognitive therapy and hypnosis present low-risk alternatives with notable benefits for managing menopausal symptoms.
Menopause symptoms for women not only have a personal impact on the individual, but also a public health impact. Studies have shown an annual economic impact of 1.8 billion dollars in lost workdays and 25 billion dollars in medical costs for women coping with the symptoms of menopause. Hannah C. Nordhues, M.D., and Amber Klindworth, P.A.-C., serve as guests to discuss the impact of menopause on everyday life for women and discuss non-hormonal treatment options for these patients.
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