How do you treat menopause?
Menopause is a life-stage where a woman’s monthly period comes to an end due to changes in the production of hormones in one’s body. The hormonal changes we experience directly affect parts of our body and our psyche. These are the symptoms that we experience which tend to be mild or severe depending on how your body reacts to the decline in the production of estrogen.
If the symptoms are disrupting your usual activities, it is best to visit a doctor and ask for medications to help you get by. Treatments will depend on the type of symptoms and your medical records. Read on to have an idea on the different treatment for menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT
This treatment is the most effective treatment for common symptoms such as vaginal symptoms, urinary tract infection, hot flushes and night sweats. It is also known to treat osteoporosis. It is because this is used as a supplement to replace new hormones in our body.
The two types of HRT that can be prescribed by your doctor are Estrogen Theraphy and the Progesterone/Progestin-Estrogen HRT or combined HRT.
Tibolone
Works the same way as HRT but uses man-made hormones. This is ideal in treating hot flushes and night sweats and if you want to increase your libido. It is also recommended if you want to end your period. There are risks in using this alternative such as breast cancer or stroke so it is not recommended for women in their 60’s
Vaginal lubricants
When you experience an itching or burning sensation around your vaginal opening and sexual intercourse is painful to you then you are experiencing vaginal dryness. Using vaginal lubricants, moisturizers and other vaginal estrogen products can ease what you are feeling.
Antidepressants
On the onset of a menstrual-related depression, you can take venlafaxine, fluoxetine, citalopram and paroxetine. Some antidepressants have side effects like nausea or dizziness so it is safer to ask your doctor which of these medicines should you take.
Low-level antidepressants are taken by some women with menopausal symptoms.
Other alternative treatments
Some people will prefer natural treatments to treat menopausal symptoms. Some alternative treatments are acupuncture, massage therapy and dietary or herbal supplements.
Listed below are some dietary or herbal supplements that can treat menopausal symptoms.
- Black Cohosh helps reduce hot flushes/flashes and made up from the root of a black cohosh plant.
- Flaxseed has lignans which is known to balance female hormones and treat mild menopausal symptoms.
- Calcium. Declining hormones can result to bone loss or osteoporosis. Increase the intake of calcium like milk to fight bone loss.
- Vitamin D. Your body can’t absorb calcium if you don’t have vitamin D, and the cheapest way to absorb this is by basking in the sun for at least 10 to 15 minutes daily.
- Wild Yam. Clinical studies shows that wild yams has compounds that are identical to estrogen and progesterone and found to be helpful in easing menopause symptoms.
- St. John’s Wort is said to treat mild depression. If taken with black cohosh, it can lessen the menopausal mood swings one experience.
- Soy is also known to ease hot flashes due to the compounds similar to estrogen that is found in this plant. It also helps to fight osteoporosis.
Frequent check-up
It is best to visit your doctor depending in what type of treatment are you using. You will need a follow-up every three months if you are using HRT or Tibolone, while for supplements or other alternative treatments at least, see your doctor once a year.