The usual symptoms of a heart attack are what he describes as a “crushing chest pain radiating to the arm and/or jaw.” The symptoms often are associated with shortness of breath and sweating. However, he warns, those “typical” symptoms are not so common in women, with as many as 40 percent of women reporting that they never even experienced chest pain during a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infraction, or MI.

Dr. Hersh explains that women most often have “prodromal symptoms,” or symptoms for up to a month before having a heart attack. The warning symptoms include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, a feeling of indigestion, and anxiety. During an MI, women often experience symptoms such as a hot or burning sensation in their back (above the waist), shoulders, arms or lower jaw that is often sensitive to the touch. Other unusual symptoms include shortness of breath; overwhelming fatigue; severe nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; weakness in the arms; a sudden feeling of anxiety, panic or impending doom; and occasionally chest pain and other “typical” symptoms.

Menopause, on the other hand, carries symptoms such as hot flashes that typically start in the face and chest and then become generalized; sleep disturbances, which are often due to the hot flashes; and fatigue and depression. The common symptoms, Dr. Hersh points out, often are played out differently. For example, hot flashes that start all over the face and become generalized may be more likely to be due to menopause as opposed to a hot sensation in the lower jaw.

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women, so women with any concerning symptoms should address them with their doctor. And if you experience symptoms of an MI, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room. Early treatment can save your life.

SOURCE: Hormone Replacement Therapy › Menopause, heart attack symptoms sometimes can be similar

The changes, which go into effect immediately, are part of “Project Impact,” a restructuring plan announced by Wyeth in January that cuts 10 percent – or about 5,000 – of its workforce. As part of Project Impact, the company will narrow its focus to find more successful new drugs especially those for which no good treatments are available. Thus, it will scale back from research on 55 diseases to only 27.

Wyeth’s new focus will be on vaccines; cancer; inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, severe asthma and lupus; metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity; musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and spinal fracture; and neuroscience such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, depression, schizophrenia and chronic pain, according to the report.

Since the Women’s Health Initiative, which found hormone replacement therapy increased a woman’s risk for breast cancer and other serious diseases and conditions, Wyeth has been faced with numerous lawsuits over its hormone replacement drugs Premarin and Prempro, which dominated the market for menopause symptom treatments for years.

According to the report, Wyeth will continue with late-stage testing on experimental menopause drugs Aprela and Pristiq. (Currently, the FDA has demanded additional research data on Pristiq.) A study of 3,400 women indicated no evidence of increased breast cancer rates. Wyeth plans to submit Aprela for FDA approval in the second half of 2009.

SOURCE: Hormone Replacement Therapy › Wyeth to stop making HRT, focus on cancer research

For some the menopause can be uncomfortable and distressing. Symptoms can include: hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, depression, mood swings, weight gain, memory problems or sore joints. The majority of women however will only suffer hot flushes and irregular menstruation, whilst others may not experience any symptoms at all.

Throughout the last four decades the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has become the conventional treatment for discomfort. HRT involves taking supplements of oestrogen and progesterone or, occasionally, testosterone. The hormones used are either identical to human hormones, are extracted from horse urine or are manufactured synthetic substances.

Whilst it has been shown that long-term use of HRT may help to prevent osteoporosis and bowel cancer, studies have also indicated that the dangers of the treatment may far outweigh the benefits. The greatest concern is a much higher incidence of breast cancer cases, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in women taking HRT.

Many are now choosing to return to natural remedies to reduce and even prevent menopausal symptoms and there are many simple alterations to your life style that can also make the experience a much more pleasant one.

For instance many plants such as soya, tofu and flax seed contain oestrogen and regular consumption of these foods appears to have the same benefits as hormone replacement therapy. In fact, in areas of the world such as China, Japan, Thailand and India these foods are part of the daily diet and the incidence of unpleasant menopausal symptoms in women is minimal.

Hot spicy foods, smoking, caffeine, stress and alcohol can all exasperate symptoms and bring on hot flushes so all should be avoided or kept to a minimum. Lack of sleep can contribute to depression and mood swings so get plenty of exercise every day and avoid working late and large meals before going to bed.

Certain vitamins and minerals can also help. For example, vitamin B12 can support the nervous system and give you energy whilst vitamin E can alleviate symptoms and is a great antioxidant.

A herbalist or naturopath will also be able to recommend plant extracts that will help your body find its own natural balance. These include wild yam cream, red clover and evening primrose.

In some people hypnosis and self-hypnosis techniques have helped relieve symptoms and tackle problems of low self esteem and body image. XF

October 17th, 2007

SOURCE: Hormone Replacement Therapy › Natural menopause