Menopause sets in when a woman hasn’t had her courses in the previous 12 consecutive months. It also means that a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally. Generally, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, some women can develop this before or after this age range.
Women experience various uncomfortable symptoms, some of which include:
*** Hot flashes
*** Weight gain
Over time, it has come to light that Menopause cannot be treated completely. In fact, many treatments focus on relieving merely the symptoms of menopause. Most treatment which is administered help in preventing and managing the chronic conditions which are likely to occur with age. Some of the common menopause treatments include:
*** Hormone therapy:
Also known as Estrogen therapy. It is perhaps the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. This treatment is administered in low dosages and only after taking a look into your family's medical history. Once your doctor is well aware of your family's medical history, he/she can tell the shortest time frame needed to provide symptom relief for you. This menopause treatment can also help prevent bone loss, which is one of the most common phenomena.
However, prolonged use of this treatment can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular and breast cancer. Hence, it is better to discuss the pros and cons of the treatment before you indulge in one.
*** Vaginal estrogen:
Another common symptom of menopause is vaginal dryness. To rid you of this, many doctors may prescribe vaginal estrogen. The estrogen can be administered directly to the vagina in the form of a vaginal cream, tablet, or ring. What these applications do is, they release just a small amount of estrogen which is easily absorbed by the vaginal tissues. This treatment can help you get rid of the discomfort during intercourse and some urinary symptoms which are caused due to vaginal dryness.
*** Low-dose antidepressants:
Menopause treatment also includes addressing emotional symptoms such as depression. Certain antidepressants can help a great deal to decrease menopausal hot flashes. Doctors may prescribe a low dose of antidepressant for hot flashes to those women who may issues with estrogen for health reasons.
*** Medications to treat osteoporosis:
These medications also prevent osteoporosis. So, depending on your needs and what may suit you, your doctor may recommend medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Today, medical advancements have given an array of medications that help reduce bone loss and the risk of fractures.
Menopause treatment may differ from person-to-person. Hence, before you zero down on any form of treatment, it is imperative that you discuss the course of treatment with your doctor. You can also calculate the risks and benefits involved in each treatment with your OBGYN.