Menopause: Live Question and Answer, May 13, 2003

When does menopause begin? What can you expect? What vitamins should you take?

A live question and answer session about menopause was held on Tuesday, May 13, 2003. Thank you to our sponsors and healthcare professionals at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare.

Q: Julie of Milwaukee - Does having been pregnant or breast feeding affect your future menopause start and/or symptoms?
A: Moderators - Not at all. But nursing your babies will reduce your chances of getting breast cancer.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Deb of Franklin - What is an androgen?
A: Moderators - Androgens are "male" hormones like testosterone. Actually, women's bodies produce a significant amount of these hormones and newer research is beginning to point out the importance these "male" hormones have for women.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Haley of Cedarburg - What changes can I expect to see in my period as menopause begins?
A: Moderators - Irregularity is the rule in the time just before the menopause. Cycles may become more or less frequent, periods may become heavier, lighter, shorter, longer or any combination. If your periods are "too much"- too heavy, too often, too long, or if bleeding in between occurs, please consult a physician.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Jennifer of Green Bay - Can I add any certain exercises to relieve symptoms?
A: Moderators - While I strongly encourage regular exercise for general good health, there are no exercises which will improve hot flushes. Exercise will maintain strength, help with sleeping and help control weight, all of which are important as we age.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Helen of Kenosha - Are symptoms worse in certain times of the year? I seem to have more hot flashes in the winter. Do you know why this would be?
A: Moderators - Depending on whether you are truly menopausal or are in the "perimenopause" you symptoms may wax and wane (get better or worse on their own). In my experience, more women have stronger symptoms during the summer when it is already hot. If your symptoms are afecting your life, you may wish to consider hormone replacement. A consultation with a physician knowledgable in the menopause would be a good idea.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Rita of Milwaukee - Does a woman's race influence the type of symptoms she will experience?
A: Moderators - Not really. Some reports suggest that as a group, oriental women have fewer symptoms than others, but it is still very individual.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Deb of Franklin - Can one have TOO MUCH estrogen? I now take Femhrt and the Combipatch. They seem to be very helpful with hot flashes and night sweats, but I'm concerned it's too much estrogen. How do I know?
A: Moderators - Normally, I do not use such a combination. Adding more estrogen for someone who is not completely responding to a normal dose of replacement (either FemHRT or Combipatch) often does not work. Some women need the addition of some Androgen to allefiate their symptoms. More estrogen may increase the risk of being on it without giving additional benefit. You may wish to consult a Gynecologist with expertise in menopausal medicine.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Kristen of Oconomowoc - I have heard there may be skin changes during menopause. Is this true? What might I expect?
A: Moderators - The skin changes of menopause may be hard to distinguish from the skin changes of normal aging. Estrogen replacement has been shown to maintain skin softness and elasticity in menopausal women. Protecting your skin from sun exposure is the best thing to do at any age to prevent premature skin aging.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Loretta of Madison - I went thru menopause 10 years ago but still have a hot flash every couple of weeks. How long will this last?
A: Moderators - It varies. Some women will have them resolve in one or two years, some women have them as long as they live if they do not take estrogen replacement.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Betsy D. of Brookfield - What is the typical age for menopause to start?
A: Moderators - The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 52. That is the age at which the average woman has had her last period. Many women will have menstrual irregularity and/or hot flush symptoms off and on for 2-4 years before that.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Sarah of Racine - My mother recently mentioned she is no longer taking hormone replacement therapy because of the risks associated with it. Can you enlighten me on the pros and cons of hormone replacement, please?
A: Moderators - Pros: lowers risk of fractures of the spine and hip, lowers slightly the risk of colon cancer, may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and treats menopausal hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness

Cons: increases the risk of blood clots in the legs, may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Controversial: most studies do not suggest an inccrease in the risk of breast cancer, but a few have suggested this risk may also be present

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Megan of Mequon - How is pereimenopause different from menopause?
A: Moderators - Menopause is that time in a woman's life when she no longer has a spontaneous periods. Her ovaries no longer produce eggs or estrogen. "Perimenopause is best explained as that time before true menopause when periods may be quite irregular and hot flushes and other symptoms may come and go. This time might last 2-4 or more years in some women.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Tracy of Cudahy - Thank you for doing this chat. I have learned so much this evening. I would like to know if there is any evidence that men go through a menopause of their own.
A: Moderators - Men do not go through menopause (which is the cessation of periods).

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Diane of Milwaukee - My mother had some nasty mood swings through menopause, though she never thought they were as bad as others did. As I approach my own menopause, is there anything I watch out for so I don't make my family crazy? Are there any medicines that will help prevent such problems?
A: Moderators - Many women going through the menopause have mood changes because of lack of normal sleep from hot flushes or night sweating episodes. Hormone replacement for those women can make a great difference. There are many reason for mood changes other than the menopause. Consulting your physician if troublesome moods occur is important.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Asvanced Healthcare


Q: Nancy of Oregon - My grandmother said she was completely thru menopause by age 30. And no hot flashes! Is this unusual?
A: Moderators - Very! Menopause before age 35 is considered "premature" and is quite unusual.


Q: Gwen of Stoughton - I am 65 and have never taken meds for menopause. Do you think I should start now?
A: Moderators - If you do not have hot flushes, night sweats or vaginal dryness (all symptoms of Estrogen deficiency), you probably do not need hormone replacement. You might wish to discuss benefits and risks with a physician.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Martha of New Berlin - You have mentioned that soy does not seem to have the cure-all effect that many women would like to see. Are there foods that may cause an increase in symptoms? Are there any foods that should definitely be avoided?
A: Moderators - No, this is very individual, but no food consistently worsens or lessens menopausal hot flushes.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Sally of Waukesha - I am only 31, but am wondering if there is anything I can do in my thirties and forties that may help me get through menopause easier. Thanks for your answer.
A: Moderators - Taking good general care of your health is the best thing you can do to ease your travel through menopause. Eat a healthy, well balanced diet, exerccise regularly and get annual pap smears and pelvic exams. There is no specific therapy needed otherwise at your age.

Gerald L. Vitamvas, MD
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Suzanne of Big Bend - I seem to have gone thru the major part of menopause now, the hot flashes have stopped and the night sweats are down to 1 a night, but I've totally lost my sex drive - no interest in sex or a climax......I hear other women say it's the best sex time of their lives because they don't have to worry about getting pregnant but at least they must be interested.....what can I do. Am I in the majority or minority?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - When a woman's estrogen levels drop, testosterone levels drop as well, which is what gives women their sex drives. There are medications your physician can prescribe to help.

Q: Mary of Racine - How long can I expect hot flashes/night sweats to continue? I had my uterus out at age 31, ovaries out at age 47, started Premarin then, stopped cold turkey taking Premarin at age 61, 9 months ago. Frequent hot flashes and insomnia w/night sweats. HELP!!
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - Most women find hot flashes get easier after five year of the start of menopause. If they are bad enough, you should consult with your physician about treatment options.

Q: Sherry of Milwaukee - I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 35 and have been taking HRT for 9 years. I recently stopped taking HRT because of the dangers associated with the medication. Shortly after stopping, I began experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. When can I expect these symptoms to subside? I stopped taking the medication in October of 2002, although the symptoms are not a violent as once was, I am still experiencing them. Also, am I doing more harm than good by not taking any HRT, I was taking the soy-based product Cenestine when I stopped.
A: Moderators - There are lots of options. The first is homeopathic: 1) Aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week. 2) 400 I.U. of Vitamin E each day. 50 mg of Vitamin B-6 2 times per day. 3) Avoid alccohol and refined sugar.

-Deb Larkey, MD
Ob/Gyn, Columbia St. Mary’s

Q: Lois of West Bend - In speaking with other women who are going through menopause, I've noticed there is a large variance in degree of experience with getting hot flashes. Since not all women experience these, what exactly is it that causes some women to have hot flashes during menopause?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - Why some experience hot flahses and some don't, we are not sure. It is caused by the brain trying to trigger the ovaries to start producing again because they are not responding the way the previously did. Weight is a contributing factor as are genetics to increasing a woman's possibility of having hot flashes.

Q: Wendy of Milwaukee - What is the age at which I will experience changes, and what will they be? What are things I should be doing to help changes to be milder? Thanks, Wendy
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - Menopause typically starts between the ages of 50 - 55, but it can vary. Usually about 3 -4 years prior, changes start to occur, such has hot flashes and irregular periods. To minimize problems, eat healthy, maintain a proper weight, exercise, eat more calcium rich foods and add more soy to your diet. For hot flashes, it helps to wear layered clothing and avoid alcohol.

Q: Linda of Waukesha - I had a complete hysterectomy in June, 1983 at the age of 35. I have been on various types of HRT since then. I have used the estradermpatch (.05) for the past ten years. My primary care physican thinks I should stay on the patch. I would like to stop using any form of HRT. I do have a few health issues but nothing life threating. Can I slowly withdraw from my estraderm patch on my own?
A: Moderators - You should always consult with your physician before changing your medications. It is generally considered reasonable though, to either stop hormones, or slowly wean off them over time. You would then know how severe your symptoms would be. Your doctor could then discuss other medications and diet changes to address the other signs of menopause (bone loss, etc.)

Dr. Westreich

Q: Diane of New Berlin - I am 45 years old. Had a total hysterectomy @ 43 yrs. of age, which put me into surgical menopause. I am on 0.1 Estradiol estrogen patch which is working very well, however, I find I am slowly gaining weight (about 6 #'s total). I do step aerobics 3x's per week, try to follow the Weight Watchers plan. I started @ 136 #'s, now up 6#'s. It's not stopping the gain.
A: Moderators - Theoretically, your symptoms of the menopause should be stable on a stable dose of estrogen. Thyroid dysfuntion, however, can cause some of the symptoms that you describe. In addition to discussing the long term use of Estrogen replacement with your doctor, you might consider testing your thyroid function. It is a simple blood test.

Dr. Fred Westreich

Q: Mary of Saukville - I am 50 yrs old, excellent health, vegetarian for 10 yrs, take vitamin E and B complex for 10 yrs, exercise regularly, height and weight proportion. My doctor has run the appropriate blood test and shows I am in menopause. I have been taking premphase for three months. My biggest problem is complete exhaustion and joint ache. My weekends are usually spent sleeping day and night. Is this common of women in menopause?
A: Moderators - It is rather uncommon for women to have these symptoms, especially on Hormone Replacement Therapy. Vegetarians with varied diets usually don't run into anemia problems, but it might be useful to test both your blood count and thyroid function.


Q: Mary Tolbert of Milwaukee - HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE APPROACHING THE PER-MENOPAUSAL? WHY ARE THE HOT FLASHES ASSOCIATED WITH MENOPAUSAL? WHAT IS A FAST RELIEF FROM HOT FLASHES?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - As you get closer to menopause, periods start to get closer together and then start spreading out. The bleeding typically changes, becomes lighter, and periods become shorter. As the periods start becoming further apart, hot flashes usually start until the periods stop all together. While this is average, women can vary greatly in their symptoms, but this is an average indication.

Q: Patricia of Wisconsin Rapids, WI - I was on Premarin for 29 years until my doctor weaned me off it. Since being off, I have experienced frequent hot flashes even though I take the recommended 800 I.U. of vitamin E and Black Kohosh. What harm is there in my taking Premarin after being on it for 29 years with no ill effects?
A: Moderators - If you were taking only Permarin, the study publicized last summer showed no problems with the women in that group. It is still continuing. The other study grouop – those on Prempro – was discontinued. There were no recommendations to have patients discontinue Permarin. Talk to your doctor; you may want to go back on it.

Paul Lucca, MD
Ob/Gyn
Advanced Healthcare

Palpitations mean the heart is throwing off an extra beat or two every now and then. Everybody has them, some more than others. I’m not aware with this being associated with menopause. Things that can make it worse are caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, and stress. If you still have questions, or if the palpitations are lasting more than 1-2 beats, or making you feel dizzy or light-headed, you should pursue this with your doctor.

Cynthia Jones-Nosacek, MD
Family Practice
Columbia-St. Mary’s

Q: cindy of oak creek - What about heart palpitations? I have these and was told this is common. It was never mentioned it the article.
A: Moderators - Heart palpitations (occasional fast beating of the heart) are not necessarily associated with menopause. However, if a woman is getting bad hot flashes and night sweats, she may also experience palpitations associated with these symptoms. In that case, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat the major symptoms should have some beneficial effect on the palpitations.

Paul Lucca, MD
Ob/Gyn
Advanced Healthcare

Q: SHERRY of MILWAUKEE - CAN THE MOOD SWINGS BE CONTROLLED? IF, SO, HOW?
A: Moderators - Mood changes associated with the menopause can be treated in many ways. It is important to realize though, that the irritability and sleep changes gradually tend to diminish over time. Traditionally, these symptoms have been treated by estrogen replacement, but new studies regarding the risks of estrogen have made us focus more on the class of medications called Seritonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (eg Paxil). These also have some side effects, but are generally effective at addressing the symptoms.

Q: shilia of milwaukee - What happen when you lose all your estrogen if you are not taking any medication? Is there any medication you can buy over the counter? Do estrogen pill suppose control the hotflashes if not what will? Is it important to take the medication if I don't what will happen? Is there another brand of pills that you can take that will not let you gain weight and enlarge your breast.
A: Moderators - When women “lose their estrogen” by going into menopause, about half of them will become symptomatic and develop hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Estrogen pills will help the greater majority of these women. Over-the-counter medications only contain a small amount of estrogen, and will help some women with mild symptoms. Most prescription estrogen medications will cause some mild bloating and breast swelling in some women who are a bit more susceptible to the side effects than others. Unfortunately there’s no way to predict this other than to try the medication and see if any side effects develop.

Paul Lucca, MD
Ob/Gyn
Advanced Healthcare

Q: Jan of Menomonee Falls - Does the loss of bone density have anything to do with early menopause?
A: Moderators - Yes. As women go thru menopause, they tend to lose most of their bone density early.

-Deb Larkey, MD
Ob/Gyn, Columbia St. Mary’s

Q: Darlene Howard of Grafton - Please explain CRP and if estrogen elevates this test result. If I've had an elevated CRP and am now off of HRT, how long before the CRP should be repeated? Can this value be lowered?
A: Moderators - Dr. Fred Westreich - C-Reactive Peptide is a rather non-specific protein. It can sometimes indicate inflammation. many things can change this level, hormones included. In general, I would recommend being off Hormones for one month before rechecking any lab tests.


Q: Judy of Wauwatosa - Do you continue to have a period as long as you take hormones and would periods start again if they have already stopped completely (if you started to take hormones)?
A: Moderators - There are many ways of taking hormones, some with continuous HRT that will eventually stop uterine lining proliferation.

-Deb Larkey, MD
Ob/Gyn, Columbia St. Mary’s

Q: Megan of West Bend - At the age of 46 I had a complete hysterectomy. I am now 60 years of age. I have been on estrogen all of this time. Last year I started to develop night sweats at the age of 59. My question is why did I not have all of this before I reached 59. I also started on an antidepressant at the time this occurred. I have never experienced what is reffered to as a hot flash, but I do sweat easily during the day. My doctor is certain that this is not related to the antidepressant medication. Please advise.
A: Moderators - I assume that you are still taking your estrogen supplimentation. If you've decided that this is the best course for you in controlling your symptoms of menopause, you may want to consider having your thyroid function checked. This may be the cause of your change in symptoms.


Q: judy of milwaukee - Hot flashes are driving me crazy, especially when I'm trying to sleep. Is there anything, other than hormones, that can be done for this?
A: Moderators - Some people would recommend herbal remedies or phytoestogren (1/4 soy nuts, flaxseed, oil of primrose, Tylenol PM).

-Deb Larkey, MD
Ob/Gyn, Columbia St. Mary’s

Q: Kim of Brookfield - I am 50 and I think that I am in perimenopause. At what point should I have my hormone levels checked to see where I am in the menopause process? I know that my personality fluctuations have been somewhat erratic lately.
A: Moderators - By definition, if you are 50 and menstruating, you are in perimenopause. Everyone has different levels at different times. It does not matter where in menopause you are, but what you can do for yourself during the process (ie exercise, weight loss).

-Deb Larkey, MD
Ob/Gyn, Columbia St. Mary’s

Q: Nancy of Merton - When I was taking HRT, I developed many, many cysts in my breast; is this an effect from taking HRT? Since I have stopped HRT, the cysts have stopped.
A: Moderators - Yes, it is known that estrogen can promote "fibrocystic" changes in the breasts in women. This side effect can also occur for some women on oral contraceptives (the pill).

Holly Leider MD
Advanced Healthcare
3003 W. Good Hope Rd
414-352-3100

Q: Ruth of Sussex - On average, how many years will a woman experience hot flashes and sleepless?
A: Moderators - It is different for every woman; for one woman it may be two months, for another it could be 6 months; I usually tell my patients that it may last up to a year.

Holly Leider MD
Advanced Healthcare
3003 W. Good Hope Rd
414-352-3100

Q: cindy of oak creek - i didn't feel that heart palpations was addressed fully-please explain more details
A: Moderators - Heart palpitations can be caused by many factors. Certainly any chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating associated with palpitations should be evaluated immediatly. Other common causes are anemia, thyroid problems and heart valve changes.


Q: glorystine of milwaukee - Is it normal to have hot flashes during the day, even though I'm on Estraderm patch 0.1mg/daily.And night sweats although my bedroom is cool.
A: Moderators - For most women, the dose of estrogen that you're on will controll the symptoms that you describe. Occasionally though, women will require slightly higher doses. The symptoms present, however, whenever the hormone levels fluctuate (morning, noon, or night). The larger question is whether you want to continue on hormone supplimentaion in general. This should be an on-going discussion with your doctor.


Q: nancy of kenosha - I won't take HRT but at 56 am bothered by hot flashes without(thank goodness)the sweating. I tried eating more soy and drinking low fat soy milk,but seemed to gain weight. This of course didn't help my mood any! So,would taking the soy capsules,like HEALTHY WOMAN 55mg., help without the weight gain? It is embarrassing to all of a sudden have my neck,then face and even my EARS turn red at any given time at work. I get teased about being embarrassed about whatever was just said in conversation. But the worst is when dealing with the public and having it happen. HELP! Thanks.
A: Moderators - Sadly, there is no easly answer here. We have looked carefully at Soy and other suppliments, and have never shown them to be effective at helping with the symptoms of the menopause. These symptoms will gradually resolve on their own. It could be valuable to also check your thyroid function.


Q: Carol of Racine - What type of treatment(s) to you suggest for women who have had breast cancer and cannot take HRT for hot flashes? Also, what is the average duration, in years, for hot flashes to last once you are in menopause?
A: Moderators - Seratonin Re-uptake inhibitors (eg Paxil) have shown some promise in helping with these symptoms. It is important to realize though, that even if untreated these symptoms generally resolve over time.


Q: Dennis Jenders of Oak Creek, Wisconsin - How does a Hysterectomy effect menopause in women?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - Women who have had a hysterectomy typically enter menopauase two years earlier than women who have not had surgery. Periods stop after a hysterectomy, making it more difficult to detect the onset of menopause. However, the actual process of menopause is the same.

Q: Mya of Milwaukee - I'm 49 year-old woman. I follow all the dietary, exercise amd environmental guidelines for a healthy sleep regimen, but my sleep is disturbed 2 to 3 times a night by 'night sweats.' (I never experience hot flashes during the day.) I'm feeling the effects of sleep deprivation. Outside of HRT, is there anything I can do to get some uninterrupted sleep?
A: Moderators - Hot flashes are certainly more common at night; keeping the room cool with air conditioning can help, keeping cool water at your bedside; if these simpler measures fail, there are medications that may be beneficial including SSRI's, a type of depression medication. It helps to know that eventually these symptoms diminish as your body adapts.

Holly Leider MD
3003 W. Good Hope Rd
414-352-3100

Q: Dee of Brookfield - Without HRT, what is the likelihood of the symptoms of menopause diminishing or completely disappearing once the process is complete?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - Without HRT, most women find symptoms get better over a period of five years.

Q: Louise of Racine - What are you advising women about long-term use of birth control pills? I've been taking the pill for the past 25 years on and off in between having children. Now I read in the medical moment that some doctors say it minimizes menopause symptoms. Should I just stay on it as I head into my mid-forties?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - It is true that the pill does minimize perimenopausal symptoms, but side effects such as heart attack and stroke do increase dramatically after age 40. It is best to individualize your treatment with your physician.

Q: Pat of kenosha - I have been on Premarin.625 for 17 years and have recently gone off. How long am I likely to have to deal with hot flashes which come about 8-10 times a day? I am taking a soy supplement once a day
A: Moderators - These symptoms last for varying times in each woman. Sadly, we have no way to know who will be affected more intensely. Soy in the diet has many benefits, unfortunately, we have never shown that they decrease the symptoms of the menopause. The good news, is that these symptoms will gradually improve, then resolve.


Q: Kay of Madison - How late is too late to become pregnant? Is a pregnancy late into menopause a cause of increased risk for mother and child?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - It is never "too late" to become pregnant as long as a women is healthy. Risk factors do increase with age, with both the baby and mother, which can complicate the pregnancy and have long-term effects on the child.

Q: linda of menomonee falls - women with risk factors, small frame, fm hx of osteopenia, should they check bone density earlier than normal women, say at the begining of menopause?, at age 50, if symptoms have been ongoing for 6 mo?
A: Moderators - We are starting to recommend BMD testing early and often. It has become more important now that the increased risk of HRT has become apparent. There are other non-Hormonal medications which improme bone mineral density.


Q: Kerry of Waukesha - Will fibroid cysts in the uterus shrink or disappear durring menopause? I'm asking because I am 39 and I have a fibroid and my doctor says that I would need surgery to remove it if it gets to be a problem. He also suggested a hysterectomy because of where it is located. I am having very little problems with it and I am wondering if I should wait it out before doing something so invasive. Thanks for taking my question! A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - Fibroids do tend to shrink after menopause and are typcially treated only if they become a problem.

Q: Susan of Germantown - I am about to enter my 50's and I am in major menopause with "Hot Flashes" and my joints ache terribly. I take an anti inflammatory for the pain but what types of exercise is good for arthritis and when does the hot flashes stop!!! I don't want to go on HRT I've tried some of the meds and they didn't work out for me. What do you rexcommend and what about soy products?
A: Moderators - Unfortunatly, Soy estrogens have not been shown to affect the symptoms of menopause. Every women experiences these symptoms differently, and for different periods of time. There is some evidence that Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitors(eg Zoloft)can help. Excersize is also helpful.


Q: MPEARS of MILWAUKEE - WHY ARE'T WOMEN GIVEN MORE IFORMATION ABOUT MENOPAUSE FROM THEIR DOCTOR? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS?
A: Moderators - Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek - For years, it was not a general topic of medical discussion. Women typically did not discuss it with their physicians, and people didn't discuss it with one another. It was accepted as a life occurance. Fortunately, today there is an increased awareness and there are treatment options available - hormonal and non-hormonal.

Q: Nancy of Merton - 1. How many years do the typical menopause symptoms last? I started hot flashes, and unable to sleep at about age 50, I am now 57 and they are still here. 2. You could set a clock by my hot flashes, I get them at 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.; is this usual? 3. When I was taking Premarin, I developed multiple breast cysts; is this an effect from taking replacement hormones? 4. I have osteoporosis and last summer I stopped taking Premarin because of new reports in the medical journals. I am taking Fosamax and 1500 mg of calcium a day. What do you project will happen to my quality of life in my 70’s?
A: Moderators - There is no typical duration of these symptoms. Every woman experinces these symptoms differently. I would expect however, for these symptoms to have resolved by now. You may want to consider other causes such as thyroid dysfunction.

The Fosomax, as well as calcium supplimentation and weight bearing excersize is very effective at supporting bone. This can be easily tested by doing a Bone Mineral Density Study.

Dr. Fred Westriech

Q: Kris of Mequon - How long should I expect the unfortunate side effects of menopause to last?
A: Moderators - Some people may have no symptoms, while others may have symptoms into their 80's. The best answers may come from your relatives. You could ask your mother or sister how long their symptoms persisted, and that will be the closest answer to your question. - Dr. Rincon