what is a treatment for menopause

Symptoms

Some complementary and alternative treatments that have been or are being studied include:

• Plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). These estrogens occur naturally in certain foods. There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. ...
• Bioidentical hormones. These hormones come from plant sources. The term "bioidentical" implies the hormones in the product are chemically identical to those your body produces. ...
• Black cohosh. Black cohosh has been popular among many women with menopausal symptoms. ...

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Causes

What are Common Herbal Remedies for Menopause?

• Sage. You may be used to using sage in cooking, but its benefits extend outside of the kitchen. ...
• Black Cohosh. Black cohosh is one of the most commonly used supplements for menopause. ...
• Red Clover. Red clover contains phytoestrogens, which means it can mimic estrogen in your body. ...
• Kava. ...
• Dong Quai. ...
• Ginkgo Biloba. ...
• St. ...
• Passionflower. ...

Complications

Treatments may include:

• Hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. ...
• Vaginal estrogen. ...
• Low-dose antidepressants. ...
• Gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin). ...
• Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay). ...
• Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis. ...

What are the best treatments for menopause?

Treatments you can try at home include:

• Staying active. Getting regular exercise can help with mood swings, sleep problems, and mild hot flashes.
• Healthy sleep habits. Getting enough sleep may help ease mood swings. ...
• Dressing in layers. This can help with hot flashes, since you can remove layers when you feel hot. ...

What are the most common herbs used to treat menopause?

What is the best over the counter medication for menopause?

Which are treatments cause menopause?

Do you need treatment for menopause?

You may need treatment for a few years, until most of your menopause and perimenopause symptoms have passed. You can choose to continue taking HRT. The doctor or nurse prescribing your HRT can discuss with you the benefits and risks, so you can decide what's right for you.

Can menopause be treated with medication?

During menopause, a woman's body makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Lower hormone levels may lead to symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness along with thin bones. Some women choose to treat their menopause symptoms with hormone medicines sometimes called Hormone Therapy.

What is first line treatment for menopause?

Antidepressants — Antidepressant medications are recommended as a first-line treatment for hot flashes in people who cannot take estrogen. SSRIs – The selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) are the class of antidepressants used most commonly for treating hot flashes.

How can I treat my menopause naturally?

Here's a list of 11 natural ways to reduce the symptoms of menopause.Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. ... Maintain a moderate weight. ... Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. ... Avoid trigger foods. ... Exercise regularly. ... Eat more foods that are high in phytoestrogens. ... Drink enough water. ... Reduce refined sugar and processed foods.More items...

What are the 3 stages of menopause?

There are three stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. ... Menopause occurs when you've stopped producing the hormones that cause your menstrual period and have gone without a period for 12 months in a row.More items...•

What are the top 10 signs of menopause?

SymptomsHot flashes.Chills.Night sweats.Sleep problems.Mood changes.Weight gain and slowed metabolism.Thinning hair and dry skin.Loss of breast fullness.More items...•

What is the normal age for menopause?

The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years.

Do you need to see a doctor for menopause?

“When a period stops, women feel OK and they don't need a doctor to diagnose menopause.” But women may struggle with symptoms because they interfere with their daily lives. That's when they should consult a gynecologist.

What foods make menopause worse?

What Foods to AvoidSpicy foods: Not surprisingly, spicy foods can make hot flashes worse. ... Alcohol: Having a glass of wine a few times a week probably won't affect your symptoms. ... Fatty foods: Except for fatty fish and nuts, try to keep your intake of fat-laden foods to a minimum.

What's the best supplement for menopause?

11 Supplements for MenopauseBlack Cohosh: Help for Hot Flashes? 1/12. ... Flaxseed: Easing Night Sweats. 2/12. ... Calcium: Preventing Bone Loss. 3/12. ... Red Clover: Popular but Unproven. 4/12. ... Vitamin D: Get Some Sun. ... Wild Yam: Alternative to Hormones. 6/12. ... Ginseng: Mood Booster. 7/12. ... St. John's Wort: Control Mood Swings.More items...•

How do you confirm menopause?

A change in menstrual patterns and the appearance of hot flashes are usually the first signs. Although blood tests are not required, healthcare providers can run blood or urine tests to determine levels of the hormones estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

How can I increase my estrogen levels naturally?

7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.

What medicines treat menopause symptoms?

If your menopause symptoms bother you, talk to your doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse can suggest medicines to help with your symptoms. All medicines have risks, and your doctor can help you figure out which medicines are best for you.

What is menopausal hormone therapy?

Menopausal hormone therapy is prescription medicine to help relieve your menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, if they are severe enough to disrupt your daily life. Menopausal hormone therapy is sometimes called hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy.

What is topical hormone therapy?

Topical (TOP-ih-kuhl) hormone therapy is usually a low-dose estrogen cream applied directly to the vagina. It relieves vaginal dryness but does not help with other symptoms, such as hot flashes. It also is available as a vaginal ring, insert, and gel.

Is menopausal hormone therapy safe?

Menopausal hormone therapy, sometimes called hormone replacement therapy, is safe for some women, but it also has risks. That is why the FDA advises women who want to try menopausal hormone therapy to use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.

Who should not take menopausal hormone therapy?

Menopausal hormone therapy may not be safe for some women. You should discuss your risks with your doctor if you have: 2

How long should I take menopausal hormone therapy?

The FDA recommends that women take estrogen-only or estrogen plus progesterone menopausal hormone therapy at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.

What is bioidentical hormone therapy?

Companies that make bioidentical hormone therapy use the term “bioidentical” to suggest that their products are exactly the same as natural hormones. Many of these companies also claim that their products are safer than menopausal hormone therapy. However, the FDA does not recognize this term or regulate these products.

What are some ways to help menopause?

Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, including deep-breathing exercises and massage, a healthy lifestyle (good nutrition and daily exercise ), and enjoyable, self-nurturing activities may all be helpful. Some women try to treat their menopause symptoms with over-the-counter products such as St. John’s wort or vitamin B6.

How does menopause affect sexual function?

Menopause contributes to sexual function changes through the decreases in ovarian hormone production and may lead to vaginal dryness and a decline in sexual function. To counteract these changes, try:

How to stop incontinence without surgery?

Luckily, there are strategies to help improve the various forms of incontinence without medication or surgery. Try drinking adequate water to keep urine diluted (clear and pale yellow), and avoid foods or beverages with a high acid or caffeine content, which may irritate the bladder lining. These include grapefruit, oranges, tomatoes, coffee, and caffeine-containing soft drinks. Also try Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce incontinence episodes.

How to stop hot flashes at night?

To get relief from night sweats (hot flashes that occur during sleep), try different strategies to stay cool while you sleep: 1 Dress in light nightclothes. 2 Use layered bedding that can easily be removed during the night. 3 Or, try wicking materials for both. 4 Cool down with an electric fan. 5 Sip cool water throughout the night. 6 Keep a frozen cold pack under your pillow and turn over the pillow often so that your head is always resting on a cool surface, or put a cold pack on your feet.

What are the effects of perimenopause?

Some women find that hormone fluctuations in perimenopause create a feeling of being out of control. Reports of increased irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and blue moods are not uncommon.

How to get rid of night sweats?

To get relief from night sweats (hot flashes that occur during sleep), try different strategies to stay cool while you sleep: Dress in light nightclothes. Use layered bedding that can easily be removed during the night. Or, try wicking materials for both. Cool down with an electric fan.

How to get rid of sleepiness?

Establish a regular sleep schedule and sleep routine: Wake up and go to bed at consistent times, even on weekends. Relax and wind down before sleep by reading a book, listening to music, or taking a leisurely bath. Milk and peanuts contain tryptophan, which helps the body relax.

What are some natural remedies for menopause?

Complementary and Alternative Therapies. Supplements, herbs and botanicals like black cohosh, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed are thought to relieve menopausal symptoms.

What is HRT after menopause?

Treatment & Care. After menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to resupply the body with the hormones it no longer produces. There are a number of different treatment options to consider if you're suffering from symptoms of menopause. HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, ...

What is the purpose of estrogen replacement therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and estrogen replacement therapy) uses female hormones -- estrogen and progesterone -- to treat common symptoms of menopause and aging. Doctors can prescribe it during or after menopause. Estrogen Hormone Therapy.

Can you take estrogen pills after menopause?

Doctors can prescribe it during or after menopause. There are many types of estrogen therapy in many different forms -- pills, patches, suppositories, and more. The best type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) depends on your health, your symptoms, personal preference, and what you need to get out of treatment.

What is the best medication for hot flashes?

Treatment of Hot Flashes and Night Sweats. Several prescription drugs are available to relieve hot flashes and night sweats: Clonidine, a blood pressure drug. Gabapentin, a seizure drug that has been shown to reduce hot flashes. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)

How to stop hot flashes?

Keep a fan on in your bedroom at night. Sip a cold drink of water or juice. Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol. When you feel a hot flash coming on, take several slow, deep breaths.

What is the treatment for osteoporosis and bone loss?

Treatment for Osteoporosis and Bone Loss Related to Menopause. Because bone loss increases in the first two years after menopause , health care providers may order a bone density test, such as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan.

What are the best supplements for osteoporosis?

Medications commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis include: 3. Bisphosphonates. Calcium + vitamin D.

Is menopause a disease?

Menopause is a normal part of aging and every woman goes through it. It can't be prevented and normally doesn't require treatment. However, some symptoms of menopause can be lessened or perhaps even eliminated with treatment. Likewise, the risk of disorders or diseases associated with menopause , such as osteoporosis and heart disease, ...

How does estrogen therapy work?

Hormone therapy works by replacing the hormones that your body stops making when you’re going through perimenopause and menopause — estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen therapy: This is the best treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

What are the benefits of hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy can help with: reducing hot flashes. vaginal dryness. sleep problems. urinary tract infections and sudden urges to pee. arthritis pain. lowering your risk of colon cancer. lowering your risk of diabetes. Some of the options for how to take hormone therapy are like the options for taking hormonal birth control.

What supplements help with hot flashes?

keeping a record of when you have hot flashes to help you figure out if anything is triggering them. There are plant and herbal supplements some say help with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. These include soy, red clover, black cohosh, and certain Chinese herbs.

How to keep your body warm during hot flashes?

keeping a healthy weight. Meditation or relaxation techniques. cooling down the temperature of your living space (especially your bedroom) wearing thin layers of cotton clothes (so you can take layers off during hot flashes) Using breathable (like cotton) bed sheets.

Can hot flashes be a symptom of menopause?

Hot flashes are a common (and often temporary) symptom of menopause and perimenopause. Nothing makes them stop completely, but there are some natural remedies for hot flashes that may help. You can try: There are plant and herbal supplements some say help with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Can you take hormones in pill form?

Hormones that you swallow in pill form increase some of these risks more than hormones that you take in other forms. If you’re thinking about taking hormone therapy, your doctor or nurse will ask about your personal and family medical history. They can help you decide if the benefits are worth the risks.

Does hormone therapy cause heart disease?

Hormone therapy can have some risks, depending on your personal medical history and your family’s medical history. Combined hormone therapy may increase your risk for: heart disease. breast cancer (if you take it for more than 3-5 years) blood clots. Estrogen therapy may increase your risk for: blood clots.

Overview

Menopause is a stage in life when you stop having your monthly period. It’s a normal part of aging and marks the end of your fertile, reproductive years. Menopause typically occurs in your late 40s to early 50s. However, people who have their ovaries surgically removed undergo "sudden" surgical menopause.

Symptoms and Causes

You may be transitioning into menopause if you begin experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:

Diagnosis and Tests

There are several ways your healthcare provider can diagnose menopause. The first is discussing your menstrual cycle over the last year. Menopause is unique in that it is diagnosed after the fact. If you have gone a full year (12 straight months) without a period, you have entered menopause and may be postmenopausal.

Management and Treatment

Menopause is a natural process that your body goes through. In some cases, you may not need any treatment for menopause. When discussing treatment for menopause with your provider, it’s about treating the symptoms of menopause that disrupt your life. There are many different types of treatments for the symptoms of menopause.

Living With

Some people may experience trouble sleeping through the night and insomnia during menopause. Insomnia is an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. This can be a normal side effect of menopause itself, or it could be due to another symptom of menopause. Hot flashes are a common culprit of sleepless nights during menopause.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will know you have reached menopause when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause. Vaginal bleeding after menopause could be a sign of a more serious health issue like endometrial cancer.

How to stop hot flashes during menopause?

Changes in your lifestyle may help ease the symptoms of menopause. You may feel better if you: 1 Quit smoking, which can cause hot flashes 2 Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day 3 Keep your body weight at a healthy level 4 Take calcium supplements

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Vaginal dryness. Chills. Problems sleeping. Mood problems. Weight gain. Hair or skin changes. Loss of breast fullness. Some women decide to treat their symptoms with herbs and dietary supplements instead of hormone replacement therapy. There are a number of natural options for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Does soy milk help with menopause?

Benefit: Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens ). Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. However, other studies have found no benefit. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended.

Can herbal supplements cause menopause?

Consult with your doctor before using them. Changes in your lifestyle may help ease the symptoms of menopause.

Does black cohosh help with hot flashes?

Benefit: Black cohosh is derived from a species of buttercup. Studies have had mixed results on whether black cohosh is effective in reducing hot flashes. Some studies indicate it may help with mild hot flashes and night sweats for short-term treatment. May lower blood pressure, as well.

Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine