AGING GRACEFULLY

Menopause

Understanding the menopausal transition

Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman's last period. The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause.

The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body's production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly.

The menopausal transition affects each woman uniquely and in various ways. The body begins to use energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight more easily. You may experience changes in your bone or heart health, your body shape and composition, or your physical function

Sexual Health

Sexual health relates to healthy relationships, family planning and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual health is not limited to the expression of sexuality but includes the mental, emotional, spiritual and psychological aspects of one’s being. Sexual wellness includes a respectful approach to sexual relationships that is free of harassment, prejudice and violence. The World Health Organization states that sexual health is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.

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Pelvic Floor Physical therapy

The pelvic floor is made up of the muscles, bones and connective tissues that support your bladder, reproductive organs and bowel function. When these structures are weak or don’t function as they should then one is said to have pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic floor physical therapy may help.

There are many contributors to pelvic floor dysfunction. Some examples are heredity, aging, weight lifting, pregnancy, overuse of the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor injury, pelvic surgeries, high impact exercises, history of physical abuse, chronic coughing, being overweight and vaginal deliveries.

The initial assessment will obtain a thorough medical history, evaluate the strength, coordination and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles and outline a plan to restore function and alleviate symptoms.

The actual therapy may involve both internal and external manipulation. Through the use of electrical stimulation, trigger point injections, biofeedback, and Kegel exercises the desired outcome may be achieved.

Conditions that may improve with pelvic floor physical therapy are: constipation, urinary frequency, problems controlling your bladder or bowels, and pain with intercourse.

Fresh off the press: VEOZAH

What is VEOZAH™ (fezolinetant)?

VEOZAH is a prescription medicine used to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. VEOZAH is not a hormone. Vasomotor symptoms are the feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden intense feelings of heat and sweating (“hot flashes” or “hot flushes”).

Before you use VEOZAH, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

have liver disease or problems.
have kidney problems.
have any medical conditions that may become worse while you are using VEOZAH.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VEOZAH may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VEOZAH works.

What are the possible side effects of VEOZAH?

The most common side effects of VEOZAH include:

stomach (abdominal) pain
diarrhea
difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
back pain
hot flashes or hot flushes

These are not all the possible side effects of VEOZAH. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

VEOZAH can cause serious side effects, including:

increased liver blood test values. Your healthcare provider will do a blood test to check your liver before you start taking VEOZAH. Your healthcare provider will also do this blood test at month 3, month 6, and month 9 after you start taking VEOZAH.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have the following signs and symptoms of liver problems:

nausea
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
pain in the right upper stomach (abdomen)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use VEOZAH if you:

have cirrhosis
have severe kidney problems or kidney failure
are taking certain medicines called CYP1A2 inhibitors

Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information, talk to your healthcare provider and see Patient Product Information for VEOZAH (fezolinetant).

AGING GRACEFULLY

Menopause

Sexual Health

Pelvic Floor Physical therapy

Fresh off the press: VEOZAH

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