Facebook Pixel

Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms

1 Comments

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life. But, the symptoms affect every woman differently. Perimenopause is a transitional phase which can last for six or more years and ends one year after the final menstrual period. A change in the ovarian hormone levels precipitates hot flashes, irregular menstrual periods, sleep disturbances, mood swings, low libido and vaginal dryness. Here are current options for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. If your symptoms are bothersome, consult your healthcare provider to find the best option for you. Photo: Getty Images

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Menopausal hormone therapy, which was previously called hormone replacement therapy,uses estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen alone is prescribed if a woman has had her uterus surgically removed. MHT appears to effectively reduce hot flashes, sleep disturbances and irritability, eases vaginal dryness and discomfort, and slows bone loss. MHT may increase the risk for blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer and gallbladder disease. Hormone therapy is available in oral form or topical form such as patches, creams and vaginal preparations. Photo: Getty Images

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy involves synthesized hormones which are manufactured to be chemically identical to your own hormones. This treatment option has become popular because of celebrity endorsements and concerns about standard hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is not FDA approved. The FDA is unaware of any credible scientific evidence that bio-identical hormones are safe and effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, nor effectively prevent or cure heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. While some bio-identical hormone products are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, others products are made at special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies. These preparations are compounded for each individual and are not standardized. Compounded pharmacies are not required to report adverse reactions caused by this form of bio-identical hormones. Photo: Getty Images

Oral Contraceptives (OC)

Oral contraceptives can be used to treat irregular bleeding, daytime and nighttime hot flashes, anxiety, stiffness and nausea. Oral contraceptives appear to preserve bone density and reduce the risk of bone loss and bone fractures. The risk for stroke, heart attack and deep vein thrombosis associated with the use of OC increases in women over the age of 35 who smoke. The transition to menopausal hormone therapy is often implemented when a woman reaches her mid-50s. Photo: Getty Images

Antidepressants

The use of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes in healthy menopausal women. The results of an eight week trial use of 10 to 20 mg of escitalopram were published in the January 19, 2011 issue of the American Journal of Medicine. Photo: Getty Images

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are chemical compounds found in plants and have a chemical structure similar to your own estrogen. These plant estrogens can interfere with the action of your own estrogen. But, during menopause, when estrogen levels drop, isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors on cells and ease menopausal symptoms. Soybeans, chick peas and lentils are sources of isoflavones. As in all situations, consult your healthcare provider before beginning any herbal therapy. Photo: Getty Images

Black Cohosh

The use of the herb, black cohosh, is gaining popularity to relieve menopausal symptoms. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises women to limit their use of black cohosh to six months or less. In the United States, black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement. Preparations are made from the roots and rhizomes of the plant. Rigorous scientific research is being conducted by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine to determine the efficiency of black cohosh in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh can cause stomach discomfort, headaches and in rare cases, liver damage. Article by Maryann Gromisch Sources: The North American Menopause Society WomensHealth.gov: Menopause FDA: Bio-Identicals: Sorting Myths from Facts OBGYN.net: Transitional Management: The Use of Oral Contraceptives in Perimenopause JAMA: Efficacy of Escitalopram for Hot Flashes in Healthy Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Isoflavones.info: Isoflavones Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh Photo: Getty Images

Add a Comment1 Comments

Expert

Looking for something new to try? Please read our article on EmpowHer. Dr. Dan Purser has created a wonderful product that may help with your challenges of menopause.

https://www.empowher.com/groups/essential-oils-everyday-living/posts/how-essential-oils-maybe-beneficial-menopause

In Health
Chalyce
Wisdom By Nature

February 8, 2011 - 6:06pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment