Menopause : the journal of the North American Menopause Society
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The evidence regarding the risks, benefits, and quality of life impact of tamoxifen and raloxifene for prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women was reviewed. Five placebo-controlled trials were identified, four with tamoxifen and one with raloxifene. The individual placebo-controlled trials of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention vary in size and risk status of the women who participated. ⋯ The toxicity profiles for the two drugs were similar, with the exception of fewer hysterectomies, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis in the raloxifene-treated group. There are now two effective Selective estrogen-receptor modulators available for use in postmenopausal women to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women at high risk of breast cancer should be offered this therapy, and if one drug is not well tolerated, the other should be considered.
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Two competing hypotheses suggest how adiposity may affect menopausal hot flashes. The "thin hypothesis" asserts that aromatization of androgens to estrogens in body fat should be associated with decreased hot flashes. Conversely, thermoregulatory models argue that body fat should be associated with increased hot flashes. The study objective was to examine associations between abdominal adiposity and hot flashes, including the role of reproductive hormones in these associations. ⋯ Increased abdominal adiposity, particularly subcutaneous adiposity, is associated with increased odds of hot flashes, favoring thermoregulatory models of hot flashes. Body fat may not protect women from hot flashes as once thought.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Gabapentin for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial.
To compare the effectiveness and tolerability of gabapentin with placebo for the treatment of hot flashes in women who enter menopause naturally. ⋯ Gabapentin at 900 mg/day is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hot flashes.
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To determine whether reproductive hormone levels are affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and drug use. ⋯ Age and menopausal status are strongly related to reproductive hormones. Body mass index and use of opiates, cocaine, and highly active antiretroviral therapy as well as educational attainment and perceived health can significantly modify reproductive hormones during the menopausal transition and need to be considered when interpreting hormone levels in middle-aged women.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of soy isoflavone protein and soy lecithin on endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women.
To assess the effects of soy isoflavone protein concentrate and soy lecithin on endothelial function, measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in healthy postmenopausal women. ⋯ In this sample of healthy postmenopausal women, soy isoflavone protein and soy lecithin significantly improved the lipid profile. A favorable influence on endothelial function could not be confirmed.