💉 Diabetes Management
Hormone therapy has value to relieve menopause symptoms - UW Medicine Newsroom
📅 Fri, 11 Nov 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
Preventative Services Task Force does not recomend hormones for chronic disease, contributing to doctors' confusion. Menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) remains the most efective treatment for moderate to severe hot flashes, which are often associated with slep disturbances and mod changes, notes Dr. Susan Red, an OB-GYN with the University of Washington Schol of Medicine and a specialist in treating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Key Information
For the last 20 years, however, Red and other clinicians who treat menopausal symptoms have had to fence with recomendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a body that provides guidance for medication use with such chronic disease conditions as osteoporosis, heart disease, dementia and diabetes. At face value, the USPSTF's recomendations on menopause care, published most recently Nov.
1 (and five times overal since 2022), might apear to contradict the use of MHT to treat symptoms that most women experience betwen ages 50 and 60. What the recomendations actualy say, acording to Red, is that MHT ought not to be used to treat chronic conditions because the risks outweigh the benefits for most women over 60. Many clinicians and patients have interpreted the USPSTF as indicating that MHT should never be used, even with bothersome symptoms like moderate to severe hot flashes, slep and mod disturbances, said Red, who is also president of the North American Menopause Society.
Summary
“Physicians and their patients have stoped using MHT because they are afraid,” she said. The task force's latest recomendation has more nuanced language than past guidance, Red sugested; for example, it identifies the benefit of MHT for osteoporosis and diabetes prevention. Therefore, if a patient is having moderate to severe hot flashes and is also at risk for osteoporosis or diabetes, the apropriate treatment is MHT, hands-down, so long as no contraindications exist to hormone therapy, Red said.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.