Hormone Therapy And Other Common Menopause Treatments
Menopause is a natural and inevitable phase for women and often comes with many physical and emotional changes that can be challenging to manage. Many women may see practical solutions to ease their discomfort and improve their quality of life as they transition through this stage.
This comprehensive guide may offer an insightful look at popular menopause treatments, providing valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate this journey.
Understanding menopause
This article refers to biological women as “women.” Biological or assigned sex at birth refers to reproductive organs and functions derived from chromosomes. This differs from gender, which refers to an individual’s gender identity. Current science has found no conclusive brain differences between sexes, but biological differences can potentially impact certain aspects of health, aging, and healthcare.
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle when the ovaries stop producing eggs. This leads to a decrease in estrogen levels. It's diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. It typically occurs between 45 and 55, with the average age around 51.
While menopause is a natural part of aging, it can be challenging for some women to manage. It could be helpful to recognize the common symptoms and possible treatments to make informed decisions about managing menopause effectively.
The decrease in estrogen that accompanies menopause can cause symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
Lifestyle adjustments
It's often beneficial to begin with lifestyle changes to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Some adjustments might include the following ideas:
- Diet: Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help support overall health during menopause. Some nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, benefit bone health.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity could help maintain health, improve mood, and enhance sleep quality.
- Stress management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises might assist in reducing stress and managing mood.
- Sleep hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment may improve sleep quality.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen and, in some cases, progesterone to replace the declining hormones during menopause. HRT has been proven effective in alleviating many menopausal symptoms. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and should be considered individually.
Types of hormone therapy
- Estrogen-only HRT: Often recommended for women who’ve had a hysterectomy.
- Combined HRT: Taking estrogen and progesterone may be recommended for women who still have their uterus to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining.
Health risks and benefits
- Benefits: HRT effectively reduces hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during intercourse. It might also help prevent osteoporosis and improve the overall quality of life.
- Risks: Potential risks include an increased chance of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers. Discussing these risks with a healthcare professional before starting HRT may be helpful.
Non-hormonal medications
Non-hormonal medications can offer alternative options for symptom relief for those who can’t or don’t wish to use HRT.
Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may help alleviate hot flashes and mood-related symptoms.
Gabapentin
Typically used for treating seizures and nerve pain, gabapentin could also help reduce hot flashes.
Clonidine
Initially developed for treating high blood pressure, clonidine might provide relief from hot flashes in some cases.
Natural and complementary therapies
Some popular options include:
- Phytoestrogens: Plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. They can be found in foods like soy, flaxseed, and legumes. Some studies suggest phytoestrogens may help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- Black cohosh: An herbal supplement used for centuries to alleviate menopausal symptoms, though research on its effectiveness remains limited and inconclusive.
- St. John's wort: Often used for mild to moderate depression, this herbal supplement might also help improve mood swings associated with menopause.
- Acupuncture: Some women find relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms through acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
Navigating menopause treatments
Finding the proper menopause treatment may involve considering individual symptoms, personal preferences, and potential risks. Some steps to help guide women through the process might include:
Keep track of menopause symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes
You might maintain a journal to record the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms. This information can be helpful when discussing treatment options with a healthcare professional.
Research menopause treatments
You can familiarize yourself with the available treatment options, including their benefits and potential risks.
Consult a healthcare professional
It can help to discuss menopausal symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider, who may help you find the most appropriate approach based on individual needs and medical history.
Monitor and adjust
After beginning a treatment plan, it might help to continue to track symptoms and communicate with the healthcare provider about any changes or concerns. It may be necessary to adjust the treatment plan over time to ensure the best possible relief from menopausal symptoms.
Online therapy for mental health challenges during menopause
Online platforms such as BetterHelp have mental health professionals who may be able to help women experiencing emotional symptoms related to or caused by menopause. Menopause often includes mood changes and increased stress levels, which can impact overall quality of life, and therapy can help women manage these symptoms and learn effective stress management techniques.
Effectiveness of online therapy in treating the psychological symptoms of menopause
Research into online therapy has shown that it can be as effective as in-person sessions. Another benefit of online therapy is the opportunity for clients to join sessions from the comfort of their homes. This means that mental health care can be available to people in locations where therapy may put them on long wait lists, involve heavy traffic commutes, or in rural settings. Embracing the journey of menopause with a proactive approach and a well-informed mindset can help women maintain a sense of balance and well-being during this natural life stage.
Takeaway
Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), could be a valuable part of any treatment plan; it may offer practical support and guidance during this transitional period. With this approach, women can maintain their mental health on their journey through the pause. Go on that journey with BetterHelp at your side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest treatment for menopause symptoms?
The safest treatment for menopause symptoms, or the treatment with the lowest risk, is lifestyle changes. These can include eating nutritious foods, sleeping well, and exercising regularly. If you’re interested in medication for treating your symptoms, speak to your doctor. Both pharmaceutical treatments and natural interventions are available.
What are common modern menopause treatments?
Modern menopause treatment depends on the individual, their symptoms of menopause, and any concurrent health problems or conditions they may have. Menopausal hormone therapy is a common option for addressing menopause symptoms and helping treat osteoporosis, though it’s not right for everyone. Speak to your doctor about this or other alternative therapies if you’re looking for treatment for your symptoms.
What is the most common hormone therapy for menopause?
Combined hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin) tends to be the more common type of hormone replacement therapy for treating menopause. Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy is usually only recommended for people who have had a hysterectomy.
How can I manage menopause symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes?
The most effective menopause treatments vary depending on the person and their health status and history. For example, estrogen therapy is often an effective treatment that may help relieve hot flashes and ease other symptoms of menopause, but it’s not recommended for people with a history of breast cancer, heart attack, liver disease, or stroke. Combined hormone therapy in particular may also slightly increase some people's risk of heart disease.
For those who can’t engage or aren’t interested in hormone therapy, complementary and integrative health treatments are available as well. You can speak to your doctor or a specialist about alternative treatments besides estrogen therapy, such as dietary supplements, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and others.
What is the best, non-estrogen menopause treatment?
The best non-estrogen treatment for menopause symptoms depends on which ones you’re experiencing and your health status and history. For example, hormone replacement therapy is generally not advised for those with a history of heart attack, stroke, or other types of heart disease.
Medication
Antidepressants are sometimes used for these individuals or those who otherwise aren’t interested in hormone therapy.
Alternative and complementary treatment
Lifestyle changes often help as well, and alternative treatments such as bioidentical hormones, supplements, and acupuncture may also offer benefits.
How can I increase my estrogen naturally without hormone therapy?
There are a few ways to increase estrogen levels naturally. One is by eating foods that contain phytoestrogens, such as apples, berries, barley, olive oil, almonds, tofu, broccoli, kale, and others. Another is by ensuring you get enough of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins D, B, and E. Speak to your doctor or nutritionist before significantly altering your diet or taking supplements.
Is it better to go through menopause without medication?
There’s no one right way to go through menopause, as each person’s experience will be different. Those who are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms and/or are having difficulty coping with them may be interested in looking into medication, such as oral or vaginal estrogen or antidepressants. Those who do not want to take medication can ask their doctor or a specialist about dietary supplements, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments.
What are the signs of low estrogen?
Some common signs of low estrogen levels associated with menopause and certain health conditions can include daytime or nighttime hot flashes, urinary symptoms such as bladder infections, mood swings, vaginal discomfort and/or dryness as a result of the thinning of vaginal tissues, wrinkled skin patches, and other symptoms.
What are the downsides of hormone therapy for menopause?
Potential side effects of hormone therapy for menopause can include vaginal spotting, breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches. Speak to your doctor about your risks if you’re considering hormone therapy.
Is the estrogen patch better than the pill for managing menopause symptoms?
Both options can be effective. Speak to your doctor about which might be right for your unique situation.
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