The study looked at mothers who averaged age 51 and had given birth at least 19 years ago. They found that on average they had waist circumferences that were  of 2.6 inches smaller than mothers who had never breast-fed. They also found their waist-to-hip ratio was 4.7 percent higher but they don’t disclose what that WHR was. Since it is WHR and not waist measurement that is the marker for cardiovascular risk it seems a strange omission.

If you read through the report, it later states that “researchers didn’t find any statistically significant differences in belly fat in women who were in late perimenopause and menopause”.

So basically whatever if any benefits are there in the pre or early peri stages of menopause are lost.

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The study found that women who used bisphosphonate drugs, such as Fosamax, Boniva and Zomita, for more than two years had a nearly 40 percent reduction in risk as compared to those who did not, according to lead author Polly Newcomb, Ph.D., M.P.H., head of the Cancer Prevention Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

“This large study provides new evidence that the use of bisphosphonates is associated with a potentially important reduction in breast cancer risk,” Newcomb said.

The protective effect was observed only among women who were not obese. “Obese women may have elevated estrogen levels, so underlying hormones may influence the ability of bisphosphonates to reduce breast cancer risk,” Newcomb said.

The way in which these drugs may prevent breast cancer is not known, but several research observations may be relevant. “These drugs may affect cell function and be important in cell growth and death – specifically the death of tumors or even premalignant disease,” Newcomb said. Researchers have found that some kinds of bisphosphonates directly cause tumor apoptosis (cellular suicide), inhibit angiogenesis (prevent tumors from establishing a blood supply) and prevent tumor-cell adhesion (the ability of cancer cells to bind to one another).

The study involved nearly 6,000 Wisconsin women, aged 20 to 69. Half had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and, for comparison purposes, half had not. The women were interviewed about their bone health – their history of fractures, whether they’d been diagnosed with osteoporosis and their history of bisphosphonate use.

Breast cancer risk factors such as first-degree family history of the disease, age at first birth, postmenopausal hormone use and body mass index were accounted for in the analysis. “Because we were able to account for important cofounders, these findings may reflect real benefits due to the anti-tumor mechanisms of these medications,” the authors wrote.

The National Cancer Institute funded the study, which was conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

About Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Hutchinson Center researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. http://www.fhcrc.org/ About the British Journal of Cancer (BJC) The BJC is owned by Cancer Research UK. Its mission is to encourage communication of the very best cancer research from laboratories and clinics in all countries. Broad coverage, its editorial independence and consistent high standards have made BJC one of the world’s premier general cancer journals. http://www.nature.com/bjc

Media Contacts:
Kristen Woodward
206-667-5095
kwoodwar@fhcrc.org

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com/. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center CONTACT: Kristen Woodward of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center,+1-206-667-5095, kwoodwar@fhcrc.org Web Site: http://www.fhcrc.org

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Apparently, naturally secreted estrogen appears to protect the eye from cataract, but estrogen from outside sources in the form of hormone replacement therapy does not.

Study data showed that women who had ever used hormone replacement therapy had a 14% higher risk of cataract than women who had never used therapy. Current users had an 18% higher risk of cataract than women who never used hormone replacement therapy.

Results showed that among women who consumed alcohol, current hormone replacement therapy users had a 29% higher risk of cataract extraction than those who did not use therapy. Current users who consumed more than one alcoholic beverage daily had a 42% higher risk of cataract.

Current hormone replacement therapy users who smoked had a 29% higher risk of cataract than women who neither used therapy nor smoked. Current users who never smoked had a 26% higher risk of cataract than women who neither used therapy nor smoked.

Women who currently used hormone replacement therapy and alcohol and were smokers were at a 38% higher risk of cataract.

Further information about the study can be read at ScienceDaily.

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More importantly they need to know that the symptoms of heart attack are different from men.

Men often experience chest discomfort while women have other, more subtle symptoms  such as fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, jaw pain or abdominal discomfort.

Apart from eating right and getting fit, we should all get our blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked every year.

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“The amount of calcium that people consume on a daily basis through a normal diet is generally not sufficient for post-menopausal women and as they get older they require more Vitamin D as well. Supplements may be necessary to prevent osteoporosis and reduce this scourge of old age,” he says.”

A free test at menopause would be a wake up call for many women who, according to Professor Nordin, are not aware  that their calcium requirements rise sharply once they reach menopause.

If you are thinking of taking Calcium supplements then there is a little more involved that simply swallowing Calcium. Read our thoughts on calcium and menopause.

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“Symptoms of depression and anxiety were reduced by about 80 per cent following 90 days of supplements containing 80 milligrams of red clover isoflavones, according to findings of a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial published in Maturitas”.

They further noted that in early 2009, EFSA scientists have concluded that “ red clover-derived isoflavones do not increase the risk of breast cancer and can offer very real relief to post-menopausal women.”

Red Clover, a phytoestrogen, is said to reduce hot flashes and night sweats for women in menopausal transition so this is an added benefit . However, before you rush out and buy some, remember any use of Red Clover has to take into consideration  its blood thinning properties.

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The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that increased blood levels of DHA were associated with improved nonverbal reasoning and working memory in people between 35 and 54, but intakes of other omega-3 fatty acids ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) were not.

Another reason to keep eating fish and/or taking your Omega-3 Supplements.

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Be one of the next 100 customers to sign up for a Free Account AND become a Fan on Facebook. 

When you do we’ll upgrade your account to a Paid Account which will get you not only access to our great Alerts feature but also 10% off our Menopause Test Kits for one whole year!

What have you got to lose?  Nothing!  So sign up, tell a friend, tell all your friends.  They’ll thank you.

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The test measures  the concentration of a specific hormone found in a woman’s ovaries called anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). A low AMH level indicates a low egg reserve. 

It will be available in Australia next month for AUD $65. 

How it would actually predict menopause is not exactly clear.

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