Navigating Menopause: A Guide to the Different Treatments Available

Menopause is a phase of life for women. It comes when her reproductive years end and typically arrives in her late 40s or early 50s. She will no longer have monthly periods, and the production of certain hormones in her body will slow. Women often have horror stories about menopause and the effects it has had on their lives, but there are ways to manage this transition. 

Subtle Signs of Menopause

A woman may notice subtle signs her body is undergoing these changes. Her periods become irregular, and the flow may change. Hot flashes often occur, and many women struggle with night sweats. The woman might notice intercourse is now painful, or she experiences vaginal itching and dryness. Mood swings are common as hormone levels fluctuate. She might struggle to sleep and feel fatigued. 

Women often gain weight during menopause and find it hard to drop the extra pounds. They may lose interest in sex and find they struggle with brain fog. Urinary tract infections become more common during menopause, and osteoporosis becomes more of a concern. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help women manage these symptoms and lead a high quality of life. There are several revitalizing menopause treatments that can be of help. 

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes help many women cope with menopause symptoms. Establishing a sleep routine and eating a healthy diet are two ways to manage this transition in life. Calcium-rich foods protect bone health, as does regular exercise. Women should talk with others who are going through the same phase in life and speak with their doctors about treatment options, including alternative and complementary treatments. 

Relaxing activities are of help with handling the mood swings that come with menopause. Night flashes and hot sweats are two of the most irritating signs of menopause, and women often struggle to control them. Reducing stress, limiting caffeine intake, and keeping the bedroom cool at night can help. 

Bone health isn’t something women are overly concerned about. They believe everything is fine because they can’t see the changes their bones are undergoing. Vitamin D can strengthen bones, so they need plenty of sunshine and should consider using a vitamin D supplement. Exercise and a healthy diet also keep the bones strong. 

Treating Menopause

Most doctors recommend hormone replacement therapy for women who need help managing the symptoms of menopause. They might recommend replacing estrogen in the body with skin patches, a topical gel or spray, implants, or tablets. Progesterone must also be replaced to balance the estrogen, which comes in similar forms. When testosterone levels in a woman drop, her sex drive is affected, so the doctor might recommend replacing this hormone. For those who cannot benefit from hormone replacement therapy, other options are offered. 

Clonidine and gabapentin may help with hot flashes and night sweats. Women who suffer from mood swings should ask their doctors about antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy may help. However, women may want to consider complementary and alternative treatments to obtain symptom relief. 

Before trying any alternative or complementary treatment, such as acupuncture, women should speak to their doctors. While many treatments are safe, not all are. Herbal medications, touted as natural hormones, may interfere with other medicines a woman may take, so it is always best to talk to the doctor to learn what is safe and what isn’t. 

Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, but it doesn’t have to be. Treatments are available. Speak to a doctor today to learn more about them and how they can help. Relief may be a phone call away.