Danbury Hospital Doctors Address

Issues Of Menopause At Medical Town Meeting

DANBURY — Experts at Danbury Hospital tried to clear up misconceptions and fears about menopause at a recent Medical Town Meeting entitled, “The Maturing Woman: Exploring Health Concerns During and Beyond Menopause.”

Menopause is a constant issue of debate, according to Howard Blanchette, MD, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Danbury Hospital. There’s debate about managing symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis and heart disease.

“But menopause is a natural evolution,” said Dr Blanchette, a time for both enjoyment and challenges. One thing that shouldn’t be a challenge is suffering with symptoms and worry. Patrick Malloy, MD, chairman of the Department of Radiology, and Vadim Tikhomirov, MD, Department of Medicine, spoke along with Dr Blanchette about ways to treat problems and manage symptoms of the maturing woman. Dr Malloy spoke about new minimally invasive surgery to shrink fibroid tumors, while Dr Tikhomirov discussed the risk of and heart and vascular disease.

The average age for menopause in the United States is 51, and each woman will experience the process differently. Some may experience hot flashes, interruption of sleep, lack of libido, depression and skin changes. These changes occur due to declining estrogen levels when a woman stops menstruating.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), while controversial, is actually very beneficial, according to Dr Blanchette. For starters, it can help minimize the effects of osteoporosis, the thinning of bone due to aging and loss of estrogen. Many women in menopause can suffer from fractures due to bone loss. HRT also helps protect a woman from heart disease.

Women may be worried about HRT increasing one’s risk of breast or uterine cancer. “The jury’s still out on this,” said Dr Blanchette, who recommends that women consider their options and weigh the risk and benefits of HRT. “For many women, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Being on HRT for five years, the risks are usually very low. It can help get you through menopause.”

As with any health risk, minimizing problems begins with practicing good health. The doctors recommend eating well, staying active, refraining from smoking and too much alcohol, and talking to your doctor about how to have a healthy menopause.