Menopause is a phase in women where they stop menstruating. It officially begins when you go for twelve consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. During menopause Houston, your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating, and luteinizing hormone levels reduce. A drop in these hormones may lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood changes, reduced libido, painful joints and urinary tract infections.
In most women, menopausal symptoms are minor to moderate and can be managed with home remedies. Severe cases may need medical attention. Menopausal treatments focus on symptom relief and the management of chronic issues associated with aging. Here are effective treatments that can help manage menopausal symptoms.
Hormone therapy
Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for alleviating hot flashes. Your doctor may recommend the lowest dose of estrogen for a short period depending on your personal and family health history. The doctor will add progestin if you still have your womb. Estrogen therapy also helps prevent bone loss. Research shows that starting hormone therapy around menopause benefits most women. Long-term use of hormone therapy can lead to cardiovascular and cancer risks, so discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks before treatment.
Vaginal estrogen
Your doctor can administer estrogen directly to your vagina or recommend you use vaginal cream to relieve vaginal dryness. This therapy releases a small amount of estrogen that is absorbed by your vaginal tissues, relieving vaginal dryness. It can also help alleviate painful sex and some urinary symptoms.
Gabapentin and clonidine
Doctors use gabapentin to treat seizures but can also help ease hot flashes. This drug can be beneficial if you cannot use estrogen therapy or have nighttime hot flashes. Clonidine is available in the form of a patch or a pill. Doctors typically use it to treat high blood pressure, but it can help reduce hot flashes.
Medication for osteoporosis
Your specialist may recommend certain medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis. There are various medications available that can help minimize bone loss and the risks of fractures. Your provider may suggest vitamin D supplements to strengthen your bones.
Low-dose antidepressants
Certain antidepressants related to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce menopausal hot flashes. A low-dose antidepressant can help manage hot flashes if you cannot take estrogen for health reasons or require an antidepressant to stabilize your moods.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes often help manage minor to moderate menopausal symptoms. Exercise can help increase energy, promote better night sleep, improve mood, and improve overall health. Exercise can also help reduce weight if you are overweight. Avoid smoking. Smoking can worsen your menopausal symptoms. Also, limit alcohol intake as it can worsen your symptoms. Heavy drinking can increase your health risks during menopause. Taking calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and boost your energy levels.
The decrease in hormonal levels during menopause lead to various symptoms that can lower your quality of life. Your doctor can help manage your menopause symptoms through hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, osteoporosis medication, gabapentin, clonidine, low-dose antidepressants, and lifestyle changes. Schedule an appointment at Memorial Women & Specialists for menopause treatment to improve your quality of life.
