what treatment is used to treat some symptoms of menopause

Medication

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. ...

Therapy

Treatment - Menopause

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) HRT involves taking oestrogen to replace the decline in your body's own levels around the time of the menopause.
• Hot flushes and night sweats. ...
• Mood changes. ...
• Reduced sexual desire. ...
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort. ...
• Weak bones. ...
• Follow-up appointments. ...
• Complementary and alternative therapies. ...

Self-care

According to the doctors:

• The most common symptom of uterine cancer is bleeding after menopause. ...
• Unfortunately, ovarian cancer symptoms can be more subtle. ...
• Cervical cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in the early stages, but the good news is, by staying up to date with pap smears and getting vaccinated for HPV, it is ...

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Nutrition

You may feel better if you:

• Quit smoking, which can cause hot flashes
• Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day
• Keep your body weight at a healthy level
• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Get enough calcium (1,200-1,500 milligrams) and vitamin D (400 IU) every day

What is the best over the counter medication for menopause?

What are the best ways to treat menopause?

What medications treat menopause?

What is natural remedy for menopause?

Can menopause be treated with medication?

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)

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.

What are the best tablets to take for menopause?

Healthline's picks of the best supplements and multivitamins for menopauseThorne Meta-Balance. ... HUM Nutrition Fan Club. ... NOW Menopause Support. ... Natural Factors WomenSense MenoSense. ... Smoky Mountain DIM 200 mg with BioPerine. ... New Chapter One Daily Every Woman's Multivitamin 40+ ... Nutrafol Women's Balance.More items...•

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...•

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 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, ...

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.

Menopause symptom: Hot flashes

Hot flashes, also called hot flushes, are the most common menopause symptom. As many as three out of four women experience hot flashes. Some women begin having hot flashes before menopause, when they are still getting a period. 2

Menopause symptom: Vaginal problems and infections

Vaginal problems, such as vaginal dryness, may start or get worse in the time around menopause. Low levels of the hormone estrogen may cause your vaginal tissue to get drier and thinner. This can cause itching, burning and pain or discomfort. It also can make sex painful and cause small cuts and tears in your vagina during sex.

Menopause symptom: Irregular periods or bleeding

Your periods may come more often or less. They may last more days or fewer, and be lighter or heavier. Missing a few of periods does not always mean you are in perimenopause or the transition to menopause.

Menopause symptom: Problems sleeping

Many women in menopause find it hard to sleep through the night. Low levels of progesterone can make it hard to fall and stay asleep. Low estrogen levels can also cause hot flashes that make you sweat while you sleep. 6 This is sometimes called night sweats.

Menopause symptom: Memory problems

You might become forgetful or have trouble focusing. As many as two-thirds of women going through perimenopause say they have problems with memory or trouble focusing. 10 Menopausal hormone therapy does not treat or prevent memory loss or brain diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Menopause symptom: Urinary problems

Many women develop bladder or urinary problems during menopause. Lower estrogen levels may weaken the urethra. Some women find it hard to hold their urine long enough to get to the bathroom. This is called urinary urge incontinence. Urine might also leak out when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. This is called urinary stress incontinence.

Menopause symptom: Mood changes

You might feel irritable or have crying spells. If you had mood changes with your monthly periods or depression after giving birth, you may be more likely to have mood changes with menopause, too. 13 Even if you never experienced mood changes during your monthly periods or after giving birth, you may still get mood changes during menopause.

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 are the different types of hormones used during menopause?

Menopause Hormone Therapy. There are different types of hormone medicines used during and after menopause: Estrogen-Only Medicines. Progestin-Only Medicines. Combination Estrogen and Progestin Medicines. Combination Estrogen and Other Medicines. Information about non-hormone medicines for menopause is not included.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

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 the term for the period when a woman stops her period?

Menopause: Medicines to Help You. Menopause (sometimes called “the change of life”) is a normal time in a woman’s life when her period stops. During menopause, a woman’s body makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

What are the problems with vaginal bleeding?

have problems with vaginal bleeding. have or have had certain cancers such as breast cancer or uterine cancer. have or have had a blood clot, stroke or heart attack. have a bleeding disorder. have liver disease. have allergic reactions to hormone medicine.

Can estrogen cause dementia?

For some women who are 65 years old or older, hormone medicines may raise their chances of dementia. For women who still have their uterus, taking estrogen-only medicines raises their chance of getting cancer of the lining of the uterus or 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.

How to manage hot flashes during menopause?

You may be able to manage menopausal hot flashes with healthy-lifestyle approaches such as keeping cool, limiting caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and practicing paced relaxed breathing or other relaxation techniques. There are also several nonhormone prescription medications that may help relieve hot flashes.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Hormone replacement therapy is medication that contains female hormones. You take the medication to replace the estrogen that your body stops making during menopause. Hormone therapy is most often used to treat common menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal discomfort.

How old do you have to be to start hormone therapy?

Age. Women who begin hormone therapy at age 60 or older or more than 10 years from the onset of menopause are at greater risk of the above conditions. But if hormone therapy is started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks. Type of hormone therapy.

What is systemic estrogen?

Systemic estrogen — which comes in pill, skin patch, ring, gel, cream or spray form — typically contains a higher dose of estrogen that is absorbed throughout the body. It can be used to treat any of the common symptoms of menopause. Low-dose vaginal products.

How often should hormones be reevaluated?

For best results, hormone therapy should be tailored to each person and reevaluated every so often to be sure the benefits still outweigh the risks.

How old do you have to be to take estrogen?

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time needed to treat your symptoms. If you're younger than age 45, you need enough estrogen to provide protection against the long-term health effects of estrogen deficiency.

How to manage chronic health conditions?

Include physical activity and exercise in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, don't smoke, limit alcohol, manage stress, and manage chronic health conditions, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

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