Over the past ten years, physicians and researchers have had a much greater sensitivity to gender differences in medical management.  We have also become increasingly aware of racial differences:  not only how different diseases may affect different populations, but how different cultural values may affect the treatment options patients choose.  Menopause is one area in which these differences are striking.  Here with us to discuss this is Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, Professor of Medicine and Director of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Dr. Montgomery-Rice, what issues do you think are of particular importance for women of color who are in menopause or going through the change?

"Women of color believe that they are not at risk for the consequences, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.  But in fact, women of color after menopause have higher rates of heart disease, and if they do develop osteoporosis, they have more complications."

What do you think women of color need to know about menopause and its management?

"Women of color should also recognize that they too can benefit from hormone replacement therapy as it relates to the prevention of heart disease and osteoporosis".

Not all menopausal women are candidates for hormone replacement therapy.  If this is a concern of yours, talk with your doctor.

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Created: 4/3/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.