University Medical Researchers Find Connection Between Estrogen Receptors and Heart Disease in Post-Menopausal Women
Researchers from Western University set out to discover why some women were more prone to heart disease than others. They found that an estrogen receptor, previously shown to regulate blood pressure in women, also plays a role in regulating LDL cholesterol. This may help to explain why some post-menopausal women with lower levels of estrogen are more likely to have multiple risk factors for heart disease. Results from the study will be published in the journal, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
Alternative to Popular Cholesterol Drug May Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes
Scientists at the American Heart Association’s Annual Meeting report that an alternative to the popular statin drugs have been found to lower cholesterol and protect people from heart attacks and strokes, according to a New York Times article. This news can help millions at high risk of having a heart attack but cannot tolerate or do not respond to statins. Statins are able to lower cholesterol by preventing LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) from being made while the alternative, Ezetimibe, lowers LDL by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed in the gut.
Testosterone Not As Important for Menopausal Women’s Sexual Interests Than Previously Thought
Testosterone is not as important in driving the sexual interests of menopausal women according to a new study recently published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. It is understood that testosterone is a major sex hormone for men. However women produce the hormone in small quantities via their ovaries. It seems that sexual interests of menopausal women are more dependent upon emotional wellness and the quality of intimate relationships.
Eating Soy May Reduce Hot Flashes for Some Menopausal Women
Eating soy may help menopausal women with hot flashes according to Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society. However, it seems to help only 20% to 50 of North American and European menopausal women who produce soy metabolite equol. Of the 357 participants in the study, those who produced equol and had the most soy in their diet were 76% less likely to report a higher than average number of hot flashes and night sweats than those who ate less soy. Eating soy had no affect on the severity of the hot flashes and night sweats.
