What treatments are available?

The signs and symptoms of menopause can be challenging at the least! There are different avenues of treatment for relieving the symptoms:

 

·        Diet: To reduce hot flashes it is recommended to go light on anything with caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and refined sugar. These foods seem to trigger or increase hot flashes. Also, drink plenty of water. Eating high-carbohydrate foods may help depression because they increase serotonin levels in the brain. To curb the weight gain, cut down on high-fat foods and eat healthier fats such as olive oil and canola oil.

·        Exercise: This is a key element for a feeling of well-being during menopause. Exercise increases endorphins in the

brain which helps give energy to a person. Exercise also helps keep weight gain under control.  In addition, it will help to prevent some of the possible side-effects of menopause, such as heart-disease and osteoporosis.

·        Supplements: Primrose oil and vitamin D are two supplements that are recommended for coping with menopausal symptoms.

·        Prescription Drugs: Antidepressants, sleeping aids and even tranquilizers may be prescribed to help a woman with her menopausal symptoms.

·        Topical treatments: Vaginal creams and moisturizers with a type of sealant to hold water in the skin are available for dryness and itching.

·        Hormone Replacement Therapy: This treatment has had a lot of press in the last few years. Is it safe? Do the pros outweigh the cons? Here is a quick look at just that:

 

The pros of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are that it decreases the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis and may relieve hot flashes. HRT may also give a general since of well-being and reduce mood swings. The cons of hormone replacement therapy are that it may increase the risk of breast cancer and cancer of the uterus. Another negative point of HRT is that it may cause bloating and irritability (on top of that caused by menopause!) In women who have blood clots HRT can be life-threatening.