Treating The Symptoms Of Menopause
Posted on: 17 July 2015
For many women, the thought of menopause can be a scary one. Several of the symptoms that are caused by menopause can be very uncomfortable. Some of these signs and symptoms include hot flashes, mood change, vaginal dryness, and weight gain.
Treating the Symptoms of Menopause
Although this biological change affects all women at some point, there is a lack of knowledge regarding treatments available for the various symptoms that can accompany it. There is no requirement to treat menopause, but there is a huge variety of options available to help ease the effects of this change.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Because menopause comes with a significant decline in hormone production, hormone replacement therapy can be one of the most beneficial treatments for many of the symptoms. In addition to its reproductive purposes, estrogen plays an important role in regulating both calcium and cholesterol levels. By replacing this hormone, women can protect their bones and heart as well as provide comfort for several of the uncomfortable signs and symptoms.
The most popular forms of estrogen are a pill that is taken daily and a patch that is applied weekly. Another common way that estrogen can be administered is with a vaginal gel or spray. This treatment is an excellent option for women who are experiencing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Antidepressants
Another effective treatment for several signs and symptoms of menopause is a prescription of a low dose antidepressant. The combination of fluctuating hormones, changes in body image, and other stresses can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression in some menopausal women.
Women who experience signs of depression should talk to a doctor about selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine. These drugs are often very effective in lessening depression and anxiety.
Lifestyle Changes
Many of the most difficult changes that come with menopause can be eased with simple changes in lifestyle. It is very important to ensure that the body gets enough rest. Decreasing caffeine intake can make it much easier to get adequate sleep. Another way to allow the body to rest is by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massage, and muscle relaxation.
Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are very important as well. These changes can help ensure that any weight gain that accompanies menopause stays manageable. Diet and exercise can also help protect against many of the conditions that come with aging.
While menopause does not require any treatment, it is important for women to know that there are many options available to help ease the symptoms, and that there is no reason to feel miserable. For more information, contact Bay Area Women's Care or a similar location.
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