Menopause occurs when the ovaries fail to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This happens, at an average, around the age of 51. One of the first signs of menopause is the discontinuation or irregularity of monthly menstruation. This can be accompanied by hot flashes. Some women have trouble sleeping or experience vaginal dryness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, there are a variety of ways to make menopause less intrusive in your daily life.
Hot Flash Help and HRT
One of the most frequent complaints of menopause is the hot flash. A hot flash starts in the brain, where the hypothalamus falsely perceives that the woman's body is too warm. It then triggers a cooling-down response which causes the woman's face to flush; her heart may pound faster and she starts to sweat. All of this is followed by a feeling of being cold. Hot flashes don't last very long (approximately a half-minute), but if they are intense or bothersome you can talk to your doctor about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). In HRT women are prescribed estrogen with progesterone or estrogen alone. HRT can also alleviate the vaginal dryness associated with menopause. Be advised that HRT has been shown to increase a woman's risk for breast cancer, stroke or heart attack. So, many women choose to turn to alternative medications to prevent their hot flashes, or simply endure the hot flashes.
Other Helpful Medications
Other drugs that help control hot flashes are Gabapentin, Clonidine and Megestrol, although these drugs are not FDA-approved. Some natural products that have been shown to help relieve the intensity of hot flashes are vitamin E, licorice, primrose oil, quai tea, chasteberry, phytoestrogen, black cohosh and wild yarn. Vaginal estrogen cream can be applied directly to the vaginal area to help with the discomfort of dryness. Some doctors will also prescribe antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Paxil and Effexor to treat hot flashes. These medications help by decreasing incidents in about 60 percent of women.
Helpful Lifestyle Changes
Certain changes in lifestyle or modified behaviors can also help alleviate menopausal problems. Doctors recommend daily exercise such as walking to keep the body healthy and help with sleep problems. Exercise also helps to prevent heart disease and osteoporosis. A proper diet with plenty of lean protein and vegetables can help keep the body strong and lessen the intensity of symptoms. Doctors also recommend not smoking, especially if patients are undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy, because this could increase the risk for cardiovascular illness.
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