Drugs Used For Anxiety Disorders Linked To Bone Fracture Risk In Women

Drugs prescribed to control curb menopausal symptoms may boost bone fracture risk. The heightened risk associated with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) a class of anti-depressants seems to last for several years.

"SSRIs appear to increase fracture risk among middle-aged women without psychiatric disorders -- an effect sustained over time -- suggesting that shorter duration of treatment may decrease (this)," said researcher Matthew Miller from Northeastern University in the US.

Dealing with Menopause Symptoms Through Lifestyle Changes
You can deal with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain and forgetfulness by making simple lifestyle changes.

For the study, the researchers focused on 137,031 women with no mental health issues and aged between 40 and 64 who started treatment with SSRIs between 1998 and 2010.

They were compared with more than 236,294 women of the same age prescribed H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), typically used to treat indigestion, over the same time-frame.

Analysis of the data showed that fracture rates were significantly higher among the women treated with SSRIs.

Menopause Weight Gain - Simple Tips to Deal with It
Menopause and weight gain in menopause often go hand in hand. But with simple lifestyle changes, menopause weight gain can be easily managed.

The fracture rate was 76 percent higher among those prescribed SSRIs one year after starting treatment, 73 percent higher after two years and 67 percent higher after five years than it was among those treated with indigestion drugs.

Anti-depressants may alter bone turnover, shifting the balance in favor of bone thinning rather than bone strengthening activities, the researchers suggested.

What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the state of permanent cessation of menstrual cycles (periods) for 12-months.

Source-IANS

Menopause and Sex - Symptoms, Signs, Natural remedies
Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormone estrogen. Since estrogen is linked to sex drive, a woman will experience changes in sexual desire around the time of menopause.