A Guide To Menopause Treatment

Menopause is a normal part of life and aging, which significantly changes levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones in women's body, bringing the freedom from pregnancy and child-raising responsibilities, but is also very challenging both physically and emotionally. If a woman does not get periods for 12 months in a row, and there is no other medical cause for it such as illness or pregnancy, she has reached menopause.

The time of change is called menopausal transition, or perimenopause by the doctors, and if you feel that you might be going through this transition phase, it is advisable to talk to your physician and let him or her know the symptoms. It is also important to understand that menopause affects each woman differently, and the only common symptom you might experience is end of your periods. Change in the period pattern, hair loss, vaginal dryness, trouble focusing, hot flashes, trouble sleeping through the night, crying spells, forgetfulness, fuzzy thinking, weight gain, flushed complexion, diaphoresis, breast tenderness and irritability are some of the common symptoms of menopause.

Agnus Castus, black Cohosh, dong quai, femal, evening primrose oil, ginkgo biloba, kava kava, St John's wort, sage, maca, and wild yam offer alternative treatment options, however, keep in mind that natural does not mean safe and certain herbal preparation may contain contaminants such as lead, arsenic and mercury which are extremely toxic to kidneys and liver. To deal with moderate and severe symptoms of menopause, hormonal or estrogen treatment can be quite effective, however decision regarding taking hormones must be made after knowing about all the benefits and side-effects. Some of the symptoms of menopause can be relieved by using ERT and HRT, and though HRT has been excellent in treating the hot flashes and preventing fractures related to osteoporosis, it can increase the risk of other problems such as stroke, heart attack and breast cancer.

Menopause is not a disease or disorder, and it does not require any definitive cure and treatment. Using SSRI drugs, vitamin E, neurontin and megestrol acetate for hot flashes, low dose vaginal estrogen ring, vaginal moisturizers, estrogen by mouth and water-soluble lubricants for dry vagina and painful intercourse, estrogen, counseling, and SSRI drugs for depression and mood swings, and bisphosphonates, raloxifene, calcitonin, vitamin D, tamoxifen and estrogen for bone loss during menopause are quite helpful.

So far, estrogen is considered the most effective treatment for hot flashes, however, the benefits and risks associate with this therapy must be carefully considered. Meditation, relaxation therapy massage, and acupuncture are the alternative therapies to help relieve symptoms of menopause, and certain natural remedies are quite useful for women who cannot take estrogen due to side effects.