The most bothersome symptoms for many going through menopause are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, disrupted sleep, and mood changes. The root cause is shifting hormone levels, mainly decreasing estrogen. There are various treatment options to help relieve symptoms.
Hormone therapy is very effective at easing troublesome menopausal signs. The most commonly prescribed hormones are estrogen alone (for women without a uterus) or estrogen combined with progestin (for those with a uterus). Potential benefits beyond symptom relief include preserving bone mass and reducing fracture risk. However, hormones do carry some health risks like blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer. It's a complex decision that women should thoughtfully consider with their doctor.
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen is a localized treatment option for vaginal symptoms without many systemic effects.
- Some women may try over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers first. Prescription vaginal estrogen provides more complete relief if those aren’t sufficient.
Alternatives to traditional hormone therapy:
- Plant-derived estrogens and progesterone creams
- Compounded "bioidentical" hormones
- Soy isoflavone supplements
- Black cohosh and other herbs
The safety and efficacy of these alternative remedies are less proven than FDA-approved hormones. Some women feel more comfortable starting with natural products. However, studies are still limited, and the quality varies greatly between brands.
Lifestyle adjustments can also ease some menopausal discomforts:
- Staying cool - avoiding hot drinks, spicy foods, etc. Dressing in loose, breathable clothing. Using fans, air conditioning, or taking a cool shower when hot flashes strike.
- Stress relief - yoga, meditation, counseling for mood issues
- Good sleep habits - consistent bedtime, limiting caffeine
- Vaginal moisturizers/lubricants - for comfortable intimacy
- Quitting smoking - worsens hot flashes
Ultimately there is no "one size fits all" approach to managing menopause. It's very individual based on a woman's health profile and prominence of certain symptoms. Close monitoring and open communication with a doctor can help navigate this transition.
Women experiencing extreme
fatigue,
anxiety, hot flashes or vaginal pain may ask their physician about bioidentical hormones provided by
Hormone Wellness Center. Their comprehensive menopause treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs with careful safety monitoring. Many patients find great symptom relief from professional customized care.