Menopause Symptom Surveillance: Take Charge of Your Health.
The Onset of Menopause is Associated with an Elevated Risk of Developing Glaucoma.
The transition into menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, has been found to be closely connected to an increased risk of developing glaucoma, a serious eye condition. As hormonal changes occur during menopause, fluctuations in estrogen levels may contribute to changes in ocular tissues and intraocular pressure, which are key factors in the development of glaucoma. Therefore, it’s essential for women approaching or experiencing menopause to be aware of this potential risk and to engage in regular eye health monitoring to detect and manage glaucoma at its earliest stages.
According to a study published in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, there might be a connection between menopause and an elevated risk of developing glaucoma.
As individuals experience menopause, they undergo a decline in estrogen and other sex hormones, potentially heightening their susceptibility to glaucoma and vision-related alterations. While menopause is linked to the development of cardiovascular and bone health concerns, the correlation between menopause and eye conditions remains unverified.
In a particular study, it was observed that postmenopausal women exhibited an intraocular pressure ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 mm Hg higher than their premenopausal counterparts. However, postmenopausal women who underwent hormone replacement therapy demonstrated a reduced intraocular pressure of 0.5 to 3.0 mm Hg in comparison to those who did not receive this treatment.
Researchers aimed to ascertain if menopause could be a standalone risk factor for glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness arising from the progressive degeneration of retinal cells. To address this inquiry, a comprehensive study was carried out. The study, in particular, examined the connection between intraocular pressure and the likelihood of developing glaucoma. The findings from this investigation strongly indicate a notable association between alterations in estrogen levels and intraocular pressure, suggesting that menopause could be regarded as a potential risk factor for glaucoma.
Gaining insights into the interplay between estrogen and the risk of glaucoma could significantly impact clinical decision-making. Utilizing estrogen-based therapies might hold potential as an effective treatment approach for individuals vulnerable to glaucoma following menopause, and the identification of estrogen receptor targets could extend their applicability to various other eye-related ailments. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to underscore that further clinical trials are imperative to substantiate these possibilities. — Erin Hunter
The FDA Grants Approval for Fezolinetant in the Management of Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Linked to Menopause.
Fezolinetant (Veozah; Astellas Pharma Inc) has received FDA approval for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, resulting from menopause. These symptoms, which are prevalent during menopause, affect approximately 80% of menopausal women.
Menopause-induced hot flashes can impose a significant physical strain on women and have a detrimental effect on their overall quality of life,” stated Janet Maynard, MD, MHS, who serves as the director of the Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic, and Reproductive Medicine within the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, as mentioned in a press release.
In a state of equilibrium, estrogen and neurokinin B collaborate to oversee the body’s temperature regulation center. Nevertheless, the onset of menopause leads to a reduction in estrogen, upsetting this balance and giving rise to symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
FDA clearance relied on findings from the phase 3 SKYLIGHT 1 (NCT04003155) and SKYLIGHT 2 (NCT04003142) investigations. These trials demonstrated that a once-daily 45-mg dose of fezolinetant can serve as a secure and efficient therapy for managing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.
The prescribing guidelines incorporate a cautionary notice regarding increased hepatic transaminase levels. Prior to commencing fezolinetant, individuals should undergo liver function tests, and subsequent routine blood tests should be conducted every three months during the initial nine months of medication use.
In the press release, Erin Hunter quoted Maynard as saying, “The introduction of a novel compound for addressing moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause will offer women an extra, secure, and efficient therapeutic alternative.”
Research: Most Women Favor Group Discussions for Menopause Support
A study published in BMC Women’s Health suggests that women in the menopausal phase seem open to the idea of group consultations. Among them, premenopausal women displayed the highest level of interest in participating in such sessions, which have gained popularity and demonstrated improved patient outcomes in various conditions, including diabetes.
Virtually every woman will experience menopause, consisting of three distinct phases: premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.
Researchers administered an online survey aimed at assessing the willingness of women between the ages of 35 and 70, experiencing any phase of menopause, to participate in group consultations related to menopause. They categorized participants based on their specific menopausal stage and examined potential connections between the stage, receptiveness, and demographic characteristics.
The examination unveiled that 77% of respondents expressed a desire to engage in group consultations, with premenopausal women exhibiting a 2.84-fold higher likelihood of expressing interest in such sessions.
The survey also inquired about menopausal symptoms, and findings indicated that roughly 8 out of every 10 women encountered hot flashes and night sweats, while a comparable proportion reported experiencing sleep disturbances, as reported by Erin Hunter.
