scholarly journals Justice for the Menopause: A Research Agenda

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
Naomi Cahn
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Partial Explanation ◽  
Cultural Images ◽  
Legal Reforms ◽  
Grandmother Hypothesis ◽  
Post Menopause ◽  
Pilot Whales ◽  
Precise Relationship ◽  
Post Menopausal

Menopause is defined by its relationship to menstruation––it is the cessation of menstruation. Medical texts identify menopause as part of the cycle of “decay” associated with female reproductive functions; early menopause is often a dreaded result of various medical treatments and a sign of disfunction. It turns out that only three types of animals experience menopause: killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, and humans, while other animals can reproduce until death. Although the precise relationship between evolutionary theory and the physical development of human menopause is still uncertain, scientists and anthropologists suggest that the “grandmother hypothesis” provides a partial explanation: older women, who can no longer produce their own children, ensure their genetic legacy by playing a critical role in helping to feed, raise, and nurture their grandchildren. The average woman will spend almost as many years “post-menopause” as they will menstruating, and they may spend four years (or more) experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, the transition time between “normal” menstruation and menopause. But legal issues relating to perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause are just beginning to surface, prompted by the movement towards menstrual justice, feminist jurisprudence, and developments in the law of aging. This Essay is an initial effort to catalogue various legal approaches to menopause and to set out areas for further analysis. It briefly explores cultural images of menopause and post-menopausal women, including the ubiquitous hot flashes; analyzes potential legal claims for menopausal justice; and suggests the interrelationship between such approaches and social attitudes towards menopause. It suggests that “normalizing” menopause––acknowledging its realities––is one means for removing the associated stigma and “disabilities” and might result in reinterpreting existing laws and guiding future legal reforms.

ANDROST-5-ENE-3β,17β-DIOL IN OVARY OF POST-MENOPAUSAL HYPEROESTROGENIC WOMEN

1968 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 364-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Pesonen ◽  
M. Ikonen ◽  
B-J. Procopé ◽  
A. Saure
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Cortical Layer ◽  
Vaginal Smears ◽  
Incubation Experiments ◽  
Cell Groups ◽  
Post Menopause ◽  
Reducing Activity ◽  
Post Menopausal ◽  
One Year

ABSTRACT The ovaries of ten patients, at least one year after the post-menopause, were incubated with two Δ5-C19-steroids and also studied histochemically. All these patients had post-menopausal uterine bleeding and increased oestrogen excretion of the urine. The urinary estimations of gonadotrophins, 17-KS, 17-OHCS and pregnanediol were carried out on all patients. Vaginal smears were read according to Papanicolaou, and the endometrium and ovaries were studied histologically. The incubation experiments indicate the presence of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase. When androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol was used as precursor the formation of testosterone occurred without any concomitant production of DHA and/or androstenedione. This seems to indicate the possible role of the Δ5-pathway in the formation of testosterone by post-menopausal ovarian tissue. The histochemical reactions indicated a reducing activity on NADH, lactate and glucose-6-phosphate, in certain corpora albicantia, atretic follicles and in diffuse thecoma regions in the cortical layer of the ovary. Steroid-3β-ol-dehydrogenase and β-hydroxybutyrate-dehydrogenase were found only at the edges of certain corpora albicantia, in some individual stroma cell groups and in some atretic follicles. Our studies, both biochemical and histochemical, suggest that the observed increase in the urinary oestrogens of the patients studied might in part at least, be of ovarian origin. This opinion is also supported by the postoperative oestrogen values.

Sleep in post-menopausal women: Differences between early and late post-menopause

2009 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Hachul ◽  
Lia Rita Azeredo Bittencourt ◽  
José Maria Soares ◽  
Sergio Tufik ◽  
Edmund Chada Baracat
Keyword(s):  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Post Menopause ◽  
Post Menopausal

scholarly journals Grandma plays favourites: X-chromosome relatedness and sex-specific childhood mortality

2009 ◽  
Vol 277 (1681) ◽  
pp. 567-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Fox ◽  
Rebecca Sear ◽  
Jan Beise ◽  
Gillian Ragsdale ◽  
Eckart Voland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
X Chromosome ◽  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Childhood Mortality ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Kin Investment ◽  
Grandmother Hypothesis ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Post Menopausal ◽  
Developmental Traits

Biologists use genetic relatedness between family members to explain the evolution of many behavioural and developmental traits in humans, including altruism, kin investment and longevity. Women's post-menopausal longevity in particular is linked to genetic relatedness between family members. According to the ‘grandmother hypothesis’, post-menopausal women can increase their genetic contribution to future generations by increasing the survivorship of their grandchildren. While some demographic studies have found evidence for this, others have found little support for it. Here, we re-model the predictions of the grandmother hypothesis by examining the genetic relatedness between grandmothers and grandchildren. We use this new model to re-evaluate the grandmother effect in seven previously studied human populations. Boys and girls differ in the per cent of genes they share with maternal versus paternal grandmothers because of differences in X-chromosome inheritance. Here, we demonstrate a relationship between X-chromosome inheritance and grandchild mortality in the presence of a grandmother. With this sex-specific and X-chromosome approach to interpreting mortality rates, we provide a new perspective on the prevailing theory for the evolution of human female longevity. This approach yields more consistent support for the grandmother hypothesis, and has implications for the study of human evolution.

Dilemmas Associated with Hormone Therapy for Post-menopausal Women

2008 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 108
Author(s):  
Collins John
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Estrogen Deficiency ◽  
Vaginal Dryness ◽  
Urogenital Atrophy ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Post Menopausal

More than 50% of women going through the menopause experience hot flashes, which may cause sleep disturbances and lethargy. The symptoms are due to estrogen deficiency, which may also cause urogenital atrophy and vaginal dryness. In 25% of women, symptoms of the menopause are severe enough to seek relief. In women who do not undergo treatment, the proportion with hot flashes decreases to about 30% within three years.1

scholarly journals Does hormone replacement therapy benefit post-menopausal women? – a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Vinodkumar Mugada ◽  
Raj Kiran Kolakota ◽  
Sujana Bhargavi Jadda ◽  
Urmila Kotapadu ◽  
Mounika Veesam
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Replacement Therapy ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Post Menopausal

Post-menopausal women experience symptoms such as irregular periods, lower fertility, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) relieves menopausal symptoms. The aim of this review was to assess the benefits and risks of HRT in post-menopausal women. A scoping review was conducted for original peer-reviewed English language papers using the electronic databases of PUBMED, JAMA, BMC and TRIP. The papers were subjected to a three-stage screening process. The type of study, year of study, age, participants, type of therapy and the aim of the study defined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. HRT was associated with reduced risk and prevalence of end-stage kidney disease, gastric esophageal reflex disease (GORD) symptoms, periodontal disease and associated with the increased risk of overall cancers. The benefits of HRT depend on the duration of therapy, formulation, route of administration, time of initiating therapy (age <60 years) and type of therapy. Post-menopausal symptomatic women mostly benefited with hormone replacement therapy. To reduce risks of adverse events, HRT should be initiated with appropriate monitoring.

A study of pre-operative (neoadjuvant) letrozole in combination with bevacizumab in post-menopausal women with newly diagnosed operable breast cancer: A preliminary safety report

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11020-11020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Forero-Torres ◽  
I. Percent ◽  
J. Galleshaw ◽  
L. Nabell ◽  
J. Carpenter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Hormonal Therapy ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Uncontrolled Hypertension ◽  
Her 2 ◽  
Definitive Surgery ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Post Menopausal ◽  
Research Consortium

11020 Background: Our preclinical studies suggest that up-regulation of tumor cell VEGF is a mechanism to subvert estrogen dependence in hormone responsive breast cancer resulting in reduced efficacy or acquired resistance; we hypothesized that the combination of Bevacizumab (an anti-VEGF MoAb) and hormonal therapy would be more effective than hormonal therapy alone for breast cancer. Methods: Post-menopausal patients with ER and/or PR positive and Her-2-neu negative operable (T2–4a-c/N 0–2/M0) breast cancer were enrolled. Patients received letrozole (2.5 mg po daily) and Bevacizumab (15 mg/kg IV q 3 wks). Patients were reevaluated every 6 wks for a total of 24 wks; patients with CR/PR/SD in the first evaluation continued in the trial; after an additional 6 weeks of therapy patients with PD or SD were taken off-study and only patients with PR/CR completed 24 weeks of therapy. Definitive surgery was performed at the discretion of the surgeon no sooner than 4 wks after the last dose of bevacizumab. Patients continued letrozole while waiting for surgery. Up to December 2006, 27 patients have been enrolled with 13 patients too early to evaluate. Results: The 14 patients off-study had a median age of 63 years (range; 56 to 79) and an ECOG score of 0 for all patients. None of the patients received therapy for breast cancer before enrollment in the trial. 11 patients were stage II and 3 patients stage III. No treatment-related severe adverse events were seen. Treatment related toxicities were: grade 3 hypertension (n=1), grade 2 hypertension (n=7), grade 2 fatigue (n=2), grade 2 joint pain (n=3), grade 2 hot flashes (n=2), grade 1 proteinuria (n=1); 2 patients were taken off-study because of uncontrolled hypertension occurring on initial infusion of bevacizumab (not evaluable for efficacy). Of the 12 patients evaluable for response, 2 patients had pCR, 8 PR and 2 PD (at 9 weeks and 16 weeks). There have been no problems with wound healing or bleeding related to surgery or progressive disease while awaiting surgery. Conclusions: Combination letrozole and bevacizumab has substantial clinical efficacy and is well tolerated. The combination therapy will be evaluated in a randomized Breast Cancer Research Consortium Trial. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Memory Decline in Peri- and Post-menopausal Women: The Potential of Mind–Body Medicine to Improve Cognitive Performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. IMI.S15682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim R. Sliwinski ◽  
Aimee K. Johnson ◽  
Gary R. Elkins
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
Estrogen Production ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Mind Body Medicine ◽  
Post Menopausal

Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint during the menopause transition and among post-menopausal women. Changes in memory correspond with diminished estrogen production. Further, many peri- and post-menopausal women report sleep concerns, depression, and hot flashes, and these factors may contribute to cognitive decline. Hormone therapy can increase estrogen but is contraindicated for many women. Mind–body medicine has been shown to have beneficial effects on sleep, mood, and hot flashes, among post-menopausal women. Further, mind–body medicine holds potential in addressing symptoms of cognitive decline post-menopause. This study proposes an initial framework for how mind–body interventions may improve cognitive performance and inform future research seeking to identify the common and specific factors associated with mind–body medicine for addressing memory decline in peri- and post-menopausal women. It is our hope that this article will eventually lead to a more holistic and integrative approach to the treatment of cognitive deficits in peri- and post-menopausal women.

MENOPAUSAL WOMEN AND THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert V. High ◽  
Patricia A. Marcellino
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Mood Changes ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Survey Instruments ◽  
Post Menopausal

A survey was taken of working, post-menopausal women, concerning their menopausal symptoms. The survey addressed itself to any difficulties the women may have faced in the work environment as a result of their menopausal symptoms. The final sample consisted of N = 89 completed survey instruments. In addition to night sweats and hot flashes, other symptoms reported by at least 40% of the women included weight gain, irritability, depression, bloating, and mood changes. These symptoms were reported as being disruptive to their lives by 47% of the respondents, with 30% indicating that their job performance had been adversely affected. The symptoms of irritability and mood changes showed significant correlations with job performance. The sample was further analyzed with regard to whether the respondent was in a managerial or non-managerial position. Excluding the expected night sweats and hot flashes, the non-managerial group showed a significantly higher percentage reporting each symptom in seven of the eight symptoms listed.

Depression, anxiety and stress [DASS21] symptoms in menopausal Arab women: Shedding more light on a complex relationship

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S119-S119
Author(s):  
A. Bener
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Complex Relationship ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Menopause ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Post Menopausal

ObjectiveTo determine correlation between depression, anxiety and stress in menopausal and post-menopausal women and shedding more light on a complex relationship.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was used and 1468 women aged 45–65 years were included and 1101 women agreed to participate (75.0%). Depression, anxiety and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Data on body mass index (BMI), clinical and other parameters was used.ResultsA total of 1101 women agreed to participate after informed consent was obtained. The mean age and SD of the menopausal age was 49.55 ± 3.12, the mean and SD of postmenopausal age was 58.08 ± 3.26 (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between menopausal stages with regards to age, ethnicity, educational status, occupation status, and place of living. Also, there were statistically significant differences between menopausal stages with regards to BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, and diseases. Depression and anxiety were more common among post-menopause women. Also, there were no differences between the groups regarding the frequency of certain levels of stress among menopause and post-menopause. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that age in years, diastolic BP, consanguinity, regular exercise were predictor for depression. Meanwhile, diastolic BP, occupation and physical activity considered the main risk factors for anxiety. Furthermore, age in years, occupation and sheesha smoking habits were considered as the main risk factors associated with stress.ConclusionA large number of factors were associated with experiencing menopausal and psychosocial problems which had negative effects on the quality of life among Arabian women.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals N-Linked Glycosylation and Sequence Changes in a Critical Negative Control Region of the ASCT1 and ASCT2 Neutral Amino Acid Transporters Determine Their Retroviral Receptor Functions

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 2936-2945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Marin ◽  
Dimitri Lavillette ◽  
Sean M. Kelly ◽  
David Kabat
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Neutral Amino Acid ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Endogenous Virus ◽  
Partial Explanation ◽  
Type D ◽  
Carboxyl Terminal

ABSTRACT A widely dispersed interference group of retroviruses that includes the feline endogenous virus (RD114), baboon endogenous virus (BaEV), human endogenous virus type W (HERV-W), and type D primate retroviruses uses the human Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter type 2 (hASCT2; gene name, SLC1A5) as a common cell surface receptor. Although hamster cells are fully resistant to these viruses and murine cells are susceptible only to BaEV and HERV-W pseudotype viruses, these rodent cells both become highly susceptible to all of the viruses after treatment with tunicamycin, an inhibitor of protein N-linked glycosylation. A partial explanation for these results was recently provided by findings that the orthologous murine transporter mASCT2 is inactive as a viral receptor, that a related (ca. 55% identity) murine paralog (mASCT1; gene name, SLC1A4) mediates infections specifically of BaEV and HERV-W, and that N-deglycosylation of mASCT1 activates it as a receptor for all viruses of this interference group. Because the only two N-linked oligosaccharides in mASCT1 occur in the carboxyl-terminal region of extracellular loop 2 (ECL2), it was inferred that this region contributes in an inhibitory manner to infections by RD114 and type D primate viruses. To directly and more thoroughly investigate the receptor active sites, we constructed and analyzed a series of hASCT2/mASCT2 chimeras and site-directed mutants. Our results suggest that a hypervariable sequence of 21 amino acids in the carboxyl-terminal portion of ECL2 plays a critical role in determining the receptor properties of ASCT2 proteins for all viruses in this interference group. In addition, we analyzed the tunicamycin-dependent viral susceptibility of hamster cells. In contrast to mASCT1, which contains two N-linked oligosaccharides that partially restrict viral infections, hamster ASCT1 contains an additional N-linked oligosaccharide clustered close to the others in the carboxyl-terminal region of ECL2. Removal of this N-linked oligosaccharide by mutagenesis enabled hamster ASCT1 to function as a receptor for all viruses of this interference group. These results strongly suggest that combinations of amino acid sequence changes and N-linked oligosaccharides in a critical carboxyl-terminal region of ECL2 control retroviral utilization of both the ASCT1 and ASCT2 receptors.

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