MENOPODThe Mechanical Device for the Relief of Hot Flashes

Dr. Ananda Kumar Kondepati, M.D. andDr. Shalini D. Pasumarthi, M.D.

Canada, 2015

Clinical Research Program Supervisor:Pr. Peivand Pirouzi, Ph.D., M.B.A., C.C.P.E.

Menopause

Defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months.

It is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases.The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual process. Menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of ageThe average age of menopause is 51 years .

Symptoms of Menopausecan include irregular vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal and urinary symptoms, and mood changes.

HRT

Hormone therapy can help alleviate many of the troublesome symptoms of menopause, but hormone therapy is not without its own risks.Low-dose oral contraceptive (birth control) pills are one option for perimenopausal women to help manage symptoms.Other potential treatments that can help relieve symptoms include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and lifestyle modifications.

HRT

Long-term use of hormone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer, so it is recommended that the lowest dose of hormones that are effective be taken for the shortest time possible.However, even short-term use is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, stroke and coronary heart disease.

HRT

Long-term studies (the NIH-sponsored Women’s Health Initiative, or WHI) of women receiving combined hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone were halted when it was discovered that these women had an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer when compared with women who did not receive HT.

ET

Later studies of women taking estrogen therapy alone showed that estrogen was associated with an increased risk for stroke, but not for heart attack or breast cancer. Estrogen therapy alone, however, is associated with an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) in postmenopausal women who have not had their uterus surgically removed.

Alternative treatment

Many women try alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms. According to the US National Institutes of Health, there is too little well-designed research to prove the benefits of therapies like red clover, dong quai, soy, or black cohosh.

Hot flashes

The average woman who has hot flashes will have them for about five years. They last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

Mechanism of Hot flushes

Dr. Naomi Rance, a professor in the department of pathology at the UA College of Medicine, has come closer to understanding the mechanism of hot flushes, a necessary step for potential treatment options down the road. This research was published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Mechanism of Hot flushesThe team identified a group of brain cells known as KNDy neurons as a likely control switch of hot flushes. KNDy neurons (pronounced "candy") are located in the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain controlling vital functions that also serves as the switchboard between the central nervous system and hormone signals. KNDy neurons are not viewed as a thermoregulatory center at all, but rather a group of cells that has the ability to influence thermoregulatory centers.

An important switchboard between the brain and the body's hormonal system, the hypothalamus (red) is where the KNDy neurons - the potential triggers of hot flushes - reside.

Mechanism of Hot flushesKNDy neurons respond to circulating estrogens, When these hormones are at very low levels, as is the case in menopause, these neurons go haywire . They grow very large and manufacture several times more neurotransmitter than they did with estrogens present.This increased signaling activity triggers heat loss mechanisms like sweating and opening up of blood vessels in the skin. (Vasodilatation)

Symptom Relief for Women

MenopodThe Menopod is the brainchild of Canadian couple Patricia and Steve Copeland of Barrie, Ontario. He’s an industrial designer and she’s a professional presenter who grew tired of embarrassing, disruptive and debilitating hot flashes.When ice cubes and cooling pillows weren’t cutting it, Ms. Copeland turned to her husband and asked him to design something to stop her flashes cold.

Menopod

The Menopod – developed by Barrie, Ont.-based Alexander Medical – is a first-of-its-kind natural cooling device for hot flashes associated with menopause.Lightweight and portable, the Menopod is a hand-held, rechargeable electronic device that resembles a wireless computer mouse, and is stored in a discreet compact case.

Menopod

Menopod is an elegant, patented medical device that when applied to the back of the neck at the onset of a hot flash will attenuate symptoms providing women with a natural, reassuring non-hormonal intervention to improve quality of life during menopause. Menopod is activated by pressing and holding the power button for 2 seconds. A vibration and low audible sound signal the unit is active and the copper plates instantly cool to 7 degrees Celsius in five seconds.

The compact and discreet nature of the device makes it ideal for women who need relief throughout the day in any situation. The portable Menopod is approximately the size of a computer mouse. Twelve 60-second treatments are available with a full charge. The battery can be quickly recharged with a standard wall plug or USB connection. A simple eInk display shows the battery level.

Symptom Relief for Women

Menopod

Menopod™ is a winner of the Red Dot Award for Medical and Life Science

MENOPOD

The Menopod™ is a patented electronic cooling device that provides relief for hot flashes.

It is sleek, convenient and durableCan be used repeatedly throughout the day on a single chargeProvides instant cold by utilizing Peltier technology

Menopod

The device uses a USB connection for charging. This allows you the ability to plug into your computer, car or wall adapter for convenience.It is non-invasive. Now you have instant cooling relief in the palm of your hand wherever you are, whenever you need it.

Design makes a difference1.Solid Construction – The Menopod™ shell is made from durable ABS plastic.2. eInk Display – This unique display allows users to see the level of charge without using power3. Peltier Technology – copper plates will reach 5°C in less than 10 seconds.4. Built in Sensors – Each unit has advanced sensors to control the temperature and time limit for every situation.

How it Works

With the simple flip of a switch, the patented technology inside Menopod™ will instantly cool reaching approximately 41°F (5°C) within four (4) seconds. Just place it on the back of your neck and say goodbye to that hot flash. Use in one minute intervals, at least ten minutes apart, to provide necessary cooling.

How it Works

Menopod™ is designed to work best in ambient temperatures between 60°and 90°F (0° and 35°C) and stored in temperatures between 0° and 95°F (-20° and 45°C). Menopod™ can be damaged, and battery life shortened, if stored or operated outside of these temperature ranges.

How it Works

Ambient temperatures will affect the operation of Menopod™. It is normal for Menopod™ to get warm with prolonged use. On average you may expect one to five (1 - 5) consecutive cycles before the device will need to cool before being used again. The recommended waiting period is ten to fifteen (10 – 15) minutes.

Avoid exposing Menopod™ to dramatic changes in temperature or humidity. The Menopod™ should never be submerged into water. If the unit is ever submerged, do not use the device.

How to Use

Before using your Menopod™ fully charge the battery with the included USB power cord and adapter for approximately 30-45 minutes until all 4 LED lights are solid green. A full charge will provide approximately twelve (12) one (1) minute cycles.

Disconnect the Menopod™ from the power source.

Menopod

Menopod™ : $199.99 CAD

FREE SHIPPING- UNITED STATES AND CANADA

Mechanical Device for the Relief of Hot Flashes

Mechanical Device for the Relief of Hot FlashesThis study has been completed. Sponsor: Queen's University Collaborator: Alexander Medical Inc.Information provided by (Responsible Party):

Dr. Robert Reid ( Principal Investigator) , Queen's University

Mechanical Device for the Relief of Hot Flashes

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01281332First received: January 19, 2011Last updated: October 21, 2014Last verified: October 2014

References

www.monopod.comwww.muntech.comwww.clinicaltrials.govwww.uanews.org/story/what-causes-hot-flushes-during-menopausehttp://nuviun.com/content/hot-flash-news-flash-handheld-menopod-helps-stop-hot-flashes-cold