Fractures resulting from osteoporosis are increasingly common in postmenopausal women, resulting in substantial bone-associated morbidities, and increased mortality and healthcare costs. Despite well-established treatment guidelines, there is an urgent need to improve the recognition of women at high risk for fracture and their treatment. 'Fast Facts: Postmenopausal Osteoporosis' provides an overview of current clinical guidelines and addresses the reasons cited for suboptimal fracture prevention. Finally, but importantly, best practice regarding patient support is described. This concise educational resource is ideal for any primary care practitioner involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Table of Contents: • Age-related changes affecting bone • Epidemiology • Screening and estimating risk • Diagnosis and assessment • Pharmacological management • Non-pharmacological management • Patient support

There is little doubt that quality of life can be substantially improved by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Evidence has also accumulated concerning the effects of estrogen in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. However, recent studies have cast some doubts about the effectiveness of HRT in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases as well as highlighting the possibility of undesirable effects in long-term use. A comprehensive clinical reference, Menopause: Hormones and Cancer examines the issues involved in the use of HRT. It presents new information on steroid receptors, estrogens and estrogen therapy, oral contraception, hormone therapies for ovarian cancer, progesterone therapy, endometrial cancer, phytoestrogens, hormone replacement therapy, estrogen receptors, neurosteroids, prophylactic oophorectomy and estrogen or testosterone implants, and the relationship between sex steroid therapy and colon cancer. The use of HRT is still relatively new and must be studied for many years before the alleged beneficial preventive effects can be seen and understood. In addition, long-term treatment, other than having the desired positive effects, also has some possible undesirable side effects that require further study. In Menopause: Hormones and Cancer top experts in the field focus on understanding the cardiovascular benefits of HRT and the long-term risks.

'Fast Facts: Menopause' is a concise handbook designed to provide an overview of menopausal and postmenopausal health issues and their management. Although effective therapies for symptoms are available, controversies surrounding some of the available treatments have made potential users wary. In the second edition of this succinct and practical text, two eminent specialists review, in detail, the causes and consequences of menopausal symptoms, and the options available to women today. The text is evidence-based, drawing on the results of the most recent research to provide general practitioners, specialist nurses, gynaecologists and other healthcare professionals with an increased understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of the menopause and to contribute to more effective management. Contents: • Stages, effects and implications • Vasomotor function • Osteoporosis • Urogenital changes • Neurological symptoms • Sexuality • Symptom management • Types of hormone therapy • Side effects of hormone therapy • Endometrial bleeding with hormone therapy • Risks of hormone therapy • Tibolone • Alternatives to hormone therapy.

Malnutrition and obesity are both common among Americans over age 65. There are also a host of other medical conditions from which older people and other Medicare beneficiaries suffer that could be improved with appropriate nutritional intervention. Despite that, access to a nutrition professional is very limited. Do nutrition services benefit older people in terms of morbidity, mortality, or quality of life? Which health professionals are best qualified to provide such services? What would be the cost to Medicare of such services? Would the cost be offset by reduced illness in this population? This book addresses these questions, provides recommendations for nutrition services for the elderly, and considers how the coverage policy should be approached and practiced. The book discusses the role of nutrition therapy in the management of a number of diseases. It also examines what the elderly receive in the way of nutrition services along the continuum of care settings and addresses the areas of expertise needed by health professionals to provide appropriate nutrition services and therapy.

Osteoporosis is one of the most clinically relevant disabling chronic disease encountered in clinical practice. A common cause of osteoporosis is glucocorticoid excess, as glucocorticoids may increase bone resorption, inhibit bone formation, have indirect actions on bone by decreasing intestinal calcium absorption and induce hypercalciuria. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the effects of glucocorticoids on bone metabolism and structure and on the diagnosis and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. It aims at providing updated information on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this often dramatic complication of glucocorticoid excess. Being one of the few publications completely devoted to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis it will heighten the awareness of specialists who prescribe glucocorticoids of the clinical relevance of this treatment complication. 'Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis' is addressed to clinical experts as well as to general practitioners who will both benefit from the comprehensive and integrative view of the management of patients exposed to glucocorticoids.

This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis illustrates the large burden that bone disease places on our Nation and its citizens. Like other chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the elderly, the prevalence of bone disease and fractures is projected to increase markedly as the population ages. If these predictions come true, bone disease and fractures will have a tremendous negative impact on the future well-being of Americans. But as this report makes clear, they need not come true: by working together we can change the picture of aging in America. Osteoporosis, fractures, and other chronic diseases no longer should be thought of as an inevitable part of growing old. By focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes, including physical activity and nutrition, as well as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Americans can avoid much of the damaging impact of bone disease and other chronic diseases. This Surgeon General's Report brings together for the first time the scientific evidence related to the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of bone disease. More importantly, it provides a framework for moving forward. The report will be another effective tool in educating Americans about how they can promote bone health throughout their lives. This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis provides much needed information on bone health, an often overlooked aspect of physical health. This report follows in the tradition of previous Surgeon Generals' reports by identifying the relevant scientific data, rigorously evaluating and summarizing the evidence, and determining conclusions.

The menopause, and the time around menopause, can be a stage of life when many women experience symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating. Much can be done to help, including lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and treatments for individual symptoms. Written by specialists, reviewed by patients, and packed with practical tips, this second edition of 'Fast Facts: Menopause for Patients' provides the information you need to have an informed discussion with your healthcare professional and to help you choose how you want to manage your menopause transition. Spaces have been provided to help you keep notes on your menopause journey and record any questions you may have. With detailed sections on the biology of menopause, how it can affect your life and work, and HRT, you can be sure to find answers to your most pressing questions. Tips for partners, useful resources, and a glossary complete this understandable and comprehensive guide. Table of Contents: • What is the menopause • What’s happening with my hormones? • Other reasons for menopause • How will the menopause transition affect me? • Managing the common symptoms • Sex and the menopause • Lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms • Long-term consequences of the menopause • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) • Weighing up the benefits and risks of HRT • The long-term benefits of HRT • HRT and breast cancer • FAQs about HRT • Tips for partners • Menopause and the workplace • Breaking the taboo and getting support