How to Relieve the Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatment focuses on relieving menopausal symptoms and preventing certain conditions that occur with aging. While most women don’t need the relief of their symptoms, there are women whose symptoms are particularly troublesome. In such a case, treatments may include:

Hormone therapy. Therapy with progesterone and estrogen is the most effective in relieving menopausal hot flashes. Women who have undergone hysterectomy may benefit from Premarin, an estrogen only medication, efficacious in treating hot flashes as well as dryness, itching and burning of the vagina. It also aids in bone loss prevention and is beneficial for treating osteoporosis. Women with the uterus preserved will need progesterone in conjunction with estrogen pills.

Antidepressants. Antidepressants of the SSRI class, as well as SNRIs, are widely used in treating mood swings and anxiety in menopausal women. Moreover, these drugs have been shown efficacious in treating moderate to severe hot flashes and may be especially beneficial for women who cannot receive estrogen for other health reasons.

Anticonvulsants. Some anticonvulsant agents, like Gabapentine, approved for treating seizure disorders and nerve damage, have demonstrated ability to reduce hot flashes. They are very effective in women who cannot receive estrogen and in those who suffer from night sweats.

Antihypertensives. Some drugs typically used to treat hypertension, like Clonidine, may be beneficial in providing relief from hot flashes.

Vitamins. Vitamins A, E, B6, B12 and D can help minimize the consequences of low estrogen. Vitamin A is essential to healthy bones, vitamin E helps reduce stress and depression, vitamin B6 helps produce serotonin responsible for mood swings, vitamin B12 plays a role in bone health and formation of red blood cells, whereas vitamin D deficiency increases bone fractures, pain and osteomalacia.

As you see, treatments are needed depending on individual needs. Before choosing any form of treatment, review Drugs-med.com about benefits and risks involved in each and always talk to your doctor before starting treatment for menopause symptoms relief.