What are the treatments for menopause?

Treatments for menopause

Treatment options can help alleviate menopause symptoms. Over 70% of women experience menopausal symptoms. However, some women can experience extremely uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Severe hot flashes have been linked to poor sleep and depression. Vaginal dryness can affect sexual function.

Hormone replacement therapy and menopause

Hormone therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for improving moderate to severe menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, weak bone density, and cholesterol levels. Hormone therapy consists of estrogen alone or in combination with progestin. The lowest effective dosage is always recommended due to the risks of hormone therapy and should be taken only as a short term therapy.

In 2002, a major study showed that hormone therapy in menopausal women caused an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Estrogen therapy without progestin carries an increased risk in endometrial cancer and stroke. Estrogen may also increase the risk of gallbladder disease.

Newer research suggests that the increased risk of heart problems caused by hormone therapy is applicable to older women.

Hormone therapy must be discussed in detail with a health professional to access health risks versus benefits.

Other Medical treatments for hot flashes

• Antidepressant drugs can reduce hot flash symptoms.
• Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant drug indicated for seizures but is very effective at treating hot flash symptoms.
• Progesterone is another hormone that can treat hot flashes.