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What Treatments Offer Menopause Symptom Relief?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

There are various signs of menopause that can cause discomfort, but fortunately, there are several ways to relieve the symptoms. One of the most popular methods is taking prescription medications, which may include birth control pills, or medicine meant to treat other conditions, such as depression. Menopausal hormone therapy, on the other hand, was formulated specifically to relieve menopause symptoms. There are also options for women who do not like taking pills, as certain lifestyle changes can result in menopause symptom relief. Sufficient sleep and avoidance of both stress and caffeine, for example, can go a long way toward relieving menopause symptoms.

Some doctors prescribe oral contraceptives in low doses, as the hormones in them can prevent hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. They can also keep periods somewhat regular in women who are approaching menopause, as well as reduce the chances of pregnancy. Doctors may also prescribe medications that are traditionally meant to cure other conditions. For example, medications that treat depression or high blood pressure can be useful in reducing mood swings and hot flashes. Finally, extreme vaginal dryness may also call for prescription medication, such as estrogen pills or cream.

Women being treatd with hormone therapy can expect a decrease in hot flashes.
Women being treatd with hormone therapy can expect a decrease in hot flashes.

Menopausal hormone therapy involves patients taking progesterone and estrogen in order to find menopause symptom relief. This technique is often ideal for relieving mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes. It also has the ability to slow loss of bone density, which tends to occur as women age, as well as decrease vaginal dryness. It should be noted that this method is usually only used as a last resort for menopause symptom relief since there are various risks that include the possibility of blood clots and heart attacks. Therefore, women who do need to use this route to relieve menopause symptoms are typically advised to only do so short-term.

During menopause, women often experience hot flashes.
During menopause, women often experience hot flashes.

Many women are not interested in taking pills or having frequent doctor appointments to deal with their menopause symptoms, which is why home remedies might work best for them. For example, avoiding caffeine, spicy foods, and stress can reduce the occurrence of hot flashes, while taking deep breaths when they are first felt may also stop them. Women who have insomnia due to menopause may fight it by being physically active in the daytime, as well as avoiding caffeine and large meals right before bed. In fact, getting enough sleep may bring menopause symptom relief on its own, especially when it comes to memory issues and mood swings. Additionally, avoiding stress is another method of menopause symptom relief since it helps to lessen mood swings and insomnia.

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    • Women being treatd with hormone therapy can expect a decrease in hot flashes.
      By: xiaofoto
      Women being treatd with hormone therapy can expect a decrease in hot flashes.
    • During menopause, women often experience hot flashes.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      During menopause, women often experience hot flashes.
    • Birth control pills may offer relief from menopause symptoms.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Birth control pills may offer relief from menopause symptoms.
    • Some menopausal women report that black cohosh helps relieve their night sweats and other symptoms.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Some menopausal women report that black cohosh helps relieve their night sweats and other symptoms.
    • Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended for cases of severe menopausal discomfort.
      By: forestpath
      Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended for cases of severe menopausal discomfort.