Surgettes, It's July, and the Summer Solstice doesn't do diddly-squat for our hot flashes, but we Surge ahead! Pull up an air-conditioner and read this interesting information about hormone therapy. Dearest MENO_DEPRESSION QUOTE "There's a tendency to just prescribe anti-depressants because it's easier to get people to follow through," says Stanford University psychiatrist C. Barr Taylor. "But it's a disservice to patients. Exercise is a way of doing something positive for yourself--often a first step toward breaking the cycle of depression. It should be part of almost any treatment." MENO_READING Linda Gannon - The Potential Role of Exercise in the Alleviation of Menstrual Disorders and Menopausal Symptoms. In Women and Health Sadja Greenwood - Menopause Naturally: Preparing for the Second Half of Life, 1989 Gretchen Henkel - Making the Estrogen Decision - "Explore all sorts of alternatives to HRT and also give excellent HRT information". Lock, M. (1993) - Encounters with Aging: Mythologies of Menopause in Japan and North America. Berkley, CA: University of California Press Michael Murray ND - Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine - among "books which talk about the relationship between estrogen and fibroids and fibrocystic disease" Page, L. (1993) -- Menopause and Emotions: Making Sense of Your Feelings When Your Feelings Make No Sense. Vancouver, British Columbia: Primavira Press. Gayle Sand: -- Is It Hot In Here or Is It Me? - Harper Collins Barbara Seaman & Gideon Seaman, M.D. - Women and the Crisis in Sex Hormones [Courtesy of the Menopaus List] MENOPAUSE CENTER OFFERS HORMONE THERAPY AND ALTERNATIVES; BREAST HEALTH AN ISSUE MILLBURN, N.J., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Women can explore many approaches to treating clinical conditions associated with menopause, according to physicians at Diamond Institute for Menopause in Millburn, New Jersey. Continuing publications of studies evaluating the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer contribute to a heightened awareness among the perimenopausal and postmenopausal population, according to Diamond Co-directors Matan Yemini, MD and Arie Birkenfeld, MD. The two reproductive endocrinologists counsel more than two hundred patients annually at the unique Millburn Avenue facility dedicated to women facing the spectrum of menopause-related problems. "For women who have not undergone a hysterectomy, estrogen replacement is routinely accompanied by progesterone," says Dr. Yemini. "This has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. This week's New England Journal of Medicine study indicates that added progesterone, however, does not add protection against breast cancer." The study Dr. Yemini cites deals primarily with postmenopausal women over 55 who have used hormone replacement for at least five years. "At Diamond Institute, we individualize treatment according to current diagnostic findings and family history," notes Dr. Birkenfeld. "When it is decided that hormone replacement is not appropriate, we are able to offer other regimens guarding against the major physical associatives of menopause. These include a complete exercise program, nutrition planning and mental-health counseling, all by certified Diamond staff Members." During menopause, the diminishment of natural estrogen increases a woman's risk for two major health problems -- osteoporosis and heart disease. Other manifestations of menopause include insomnia, depression and hot flashes. At menopause, the equilibrium between bone formation and loss is disturbed; this can lead to an annual bone mass loss of three percent. Without treatment, women can experience pain, height loss, spinal deformity and, in extreme situations, spontaneous fractures. Diamond uses non-invasive bone densitometry to detect early osteoporotic stages and guide treatment. Estrogen depletion also causes increased risk for post-menopausal ischemic heart disease (causing heart attacks). Diamond Institute laboratory studies accurately assess blood chemistries related to heart and vessel function. Based on these studies, patient histories and individual indications for or against HRT, Drs. Birkenfeld and Yemini develop treatment plans. "Diamond patients are continually evaluated," says Dr. Yemini, "with an emphasis on the total portrait. We have an extensive referral network for ongoing breast health evaluation as well." "Even women on regular hormone replacement therapy benefit from varied programs offered through Diamond," says Dr. Birkenfeld. "We aim to create the most effective and healthy approaches for all our patient in context of their physiologic needs and symptoms and their attitudes toward the availability of accepted treatments." Diamond Institute consistently reviews current literature and emerging medication information. "Ongoing studies indicate that there soon will be additional effective drugs for osteoporosis," says Dr. Yemini. "This is good news for those women who are not good candidates for or who do not want to use hormone replacement." "Women now spend a third of their lives facing the special challenges related to all components for the menopause process," says Dr. Birkenfeld. "Discussion with patients in our practice of gynecological medicine and reproductive disorders indicate that many women are comfortable in a central location where they can find answers to all their questions about this time in their lives. It is important, when looking for the answers, that they are given and understand the wealth of information available today as they make their healthcare decisions." Drs. Yemini and Birkenfeld are members of the North American Menopause Society, (Dr. Birkenfeld is a founding member) and the American Fertility Society. Also co-directors of Diamond Institute for Infertility, the physicians have lectured widely about menopause and conducted seminars on the subject. Diamond Institute for Menopause is open, by appointment, Monday through Friday...located in New Jersey. POWER SURGE DISCLAIMER The Power Surge Newsletter disclaims any representation for the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein. The sharing of information herein is not indicative of Power Surge's personal endorsement of same. It is purely for informational purposes. Health matters should be taken up with one's personal physician. Nothing in the Power Surge Newsletter is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Sharing is what Power Surge is all about Dearest Love And Good Health! OWN YOUR BODY!

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