Association between menopausal state and prognosis of endometrial cancer

T. Nakanishi, H. Ishikawa, Y. Suzuki, T. Inoue, S. Nakamura, K. Kuzuya (2001) Association between menopausal state and prognosis of endometrial cancer
International Journal of Gynecological Cancer 11 (6) , 483–487 doi:10.1046/j.1525-1438.2001.01056.x

Abstract

Nakanishi T, Ishikawa H, Suzuki Y, Inoue T, Nakamura S, Kuzuya K. Association between menopausal state and prognosis of endometrial cancer.

The purpose of our study was to examine the menopausal state as an independent prognostic variable of endometrial cancer and determine the conditions under which the menopausal state would be an independent prognostic variable of such cancer. We studied the clinical and pathologic variables of 255 patients with invasive endometrial cancer.

In comparisons of the clinicopathologic variables between menopausal states, obesity and deep myometrial invasion were found more frequently in older patients than in younger ones. Multivariate analysis performed on 255 cases with complete pathologic data identified menopausal state, cervical invasion, pelvic lymph node metastasis, and tumor grade as prognostic variables. Univariate analysis revealed that survival of older patients with FIGO pathologic stage Ib disease was significantly poorer than in younger patients, while there was no significant difference in the analyses of stage Ic or advanced disease beyond stage II.

We conclude that menopausal state was an independent prognostic variable for patients with early endometrial cancer, but not for patients with advanced disease.

How To Accept Menopause In A Positive Way

For some woman, menopause is a blessing; for others, it’s a continuation of the curse.

It depends upon one’s view of the glass; is it half full or half empty. How to accept menopause in a positive way is the subject of this discourse.

While menopause is considered to be another change in the cycle of a woman’s life, each and every woman reacts differently to it. While some view it as a “new lease on life,” encompassing all of the physical, emotional, and sexual freedom associated with it, others see it as an end to that part of life which is fulfilling and nurturing. Depending upon the symptoms and their severity, one can look upon menopause in a positive manner, while simply dismissing the associated drawbacks as just a part of the overall process.

The acceptance of menopause, when viewed as a positive benefit, is most likely associated with these immediate benefits: No longer do you have to deal with monthly menstrual cycles which include the cramping, the bloating, and the mood swings. You can have sex as often as you like without having to worry about becoming pregnant. Reportedly, sex is even better than before! Your relationships reach an entirely new level of communication. Menopause is the quintessential sign you have reached an emotional and physical maturity to be able to handle anything that life throws at you.

You can accept menopause in a positive way by embracing life and living it to its fullest. While most women accept the changes their bodies will undergo over time, menopause allows you the opportunity to embrace your body and the changes it is going through.

Remember what it was like when you had your first period? In fact, you probably looked forward to that time. While you may have felt a bit awkward, nonetheless, your body changed, and you blossomed into a woman. The same is true of menopause; during menopause there are some periods of awkwardness as you learn to adapt to your changing body, both physically and emotionally. However once you have passed through this period you will blossom once again into your mature self, an empowered women filled with wonder and excitement.

Just as you accepted and embraced your rise to womanhood, it is important to recreate the same feeling of happiness. This is another milestone in your life which should be embraced with positive mental and emotional thought. Loving relationships, intimacy, and communication are parts of the circle of life after menopause. There are always other women you can talk to and discuss what you are going through. Their comfort and reassurance will guide you to a path of immeasurable freedom and joy.

Menopause: What Are The Symptoms

“For those who understand; no explanation is necessary. For those who do not; no explanation will suffice.”

When the ovaries stop producing estrogen, and periods cease for one year; this is the time of life called menopause. It is a natural process, however complex. When estrogen levels are low, menopausal symptoms begin to occur. What are the symptoms? Some women may experience none; while others may run the gamut from hot flashes to mood swings to night sweats. Other symptoms may include irregular periods, and vaginal or urinary tract infections. It is estimated that about 75% of women report some troublesome symptoms during menopause, but the severity and frequency of symptoms actually varies from woman to woman. Let’s discuss some of these symptoms in depth.

Irregular bleeding can occur up to menopause. In some cases, periods may be of a short duration, or last longer than usual. In addition, the bleeding may vary from light to heavy. The time between periods may also fluctuate.

Hot flashes are symptomatic of menopause. What is a hot flash? It is a sudden feeling of intense heat which encompasses your entire body. For example: your face feels very red; you begin to sweat, and sometimes experience anxiety or irritability. It is uncomfortable at best; but once you understand the cause, you can deal with it. Hot flashes can last from seconds to minutes. However, it must be said that it does feel quite longer. Again, it varies from woman to woman.

While studies suggest hot flashes occur in the first two years after menopause and gradually lessen, there is also documentation that some women have hot flashes for several years after menopause; up to 40 years or longer. This is evidenced by another case in which a woman is still having hot flashes at the age of 80. Disheartening, but true! In addition, hot flashes that occur during the night can disrupt sleep. In fact, some women report that their bed sheets become soaked with sweat when they have a hot flash during the night.
Vaginal dryness can also occur, as may itching or irritation. Although few women experience serious problems with vaginal dryness and thinning right after menopause, both dryness and thinning continue to occur over time. Some doctors estimate that at least half of all women older than 60 years have some degree of vaginal dryness. Regular sexual intercourse can help to keep the vagina moist and toned.

Mood swings occur frequently in menopausal women. In fact, these symptoms mimic PMS.