How to manage menopause: Treatment options and things to consider
People with symptoms related to menopause may benefit from hormone therapy, nonhormonal medications, lifestyle adjustments, and complementary therapies.
The menopausal transition occurs when a person’s body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. Menopause is official when a person has not had a period for
The years before menopause, when changes are starting, are called perimenopause. The years after menopause are called postmenopause.
Fluctuating hormone levels may cause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Menopause can also increase the risks of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Treatment can help people manage menopause symptoms and reduce the risk of associated health problems.
This article looks at treatments that may help a person manage menopause, including hormone therapy (HT), other medications, lifestyle modifications, and alternative and complementary approaches. It also discusses the possible long-term health consequences of menopause and when to speak with a doctor.
MHT replenishes hormones that decline during menopause. Hormone therapy (HT) is the term doctors use for younger people requiring hormone treatment unrelated to menopause.
MHT and HT involve using the lowest effective dose of supplemental estrogen, or a combination of estrogen and a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin.
MHT and HT are available in various forms, such as pills, topical gels or creams, implants, and skin patches.
MHT can also help reduce the risks of hormone-related health issues, such as osteoporosis.
The therapy involves risks as well as benefits. It can lead to serious side effects and increase the likelihood of certain health conditions in some people.
The risks of serious health complications due to HT are typically low and may vary depending on a person’s health history, age, the dosage of the medication, and how long a person uses it.
If a person has the following risk factors, a doctor may suggest alternative treatments.
It is important for people who use MHT to attend regular mammograms and health check-ups. Although the risks of MHT are usually low, they may increase with age and the length of time a person uses the medication.
According to the
Healthcare professionals do not recommend the use of herbal remedies to treat menopause symptoms, such as black cohosh and red clover.
There is not enough clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of these and other herbal remedies. Some herbal remedies may also interact with other medications or cause side effects.
Some research suggests that approaches involving relaxation techniques and mind-body interventions may help some people manage menopause symptoms. These include:
Menopause causes changes that may increase the risks of some health problems. Treatment and lifestyle approaches, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, may help reduce these risks.
Estrogen contributes to heart health by helping maintain a balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol and keeping the blood vessels open and relaxed. Cholesterol may accumulate on the artery walls as estrogen declines, which
The cardiovascular benefits of estrogen therapy only exist when someone starts it close to the time of menopause.
The prevalence of cognitive issues like memory decline is between 44% and 62% in those undergoing menopause.
Scientists believe that estrogen may help protect neurological function, and a decrease in the hormone may affect the structure and ability of the various systems of the brain.
Lower levels of estrogen can
Menopause can affect people differently. Some people may experience no or mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that significantly affect their health or quality of life.
A person may want to contact a doctor if their symptoms affect their daily life. A doctor can help create a personalized treatment plan to manage the symptoms and reduce the risks of complications.
If a person is on prescribed medication, a doctor may be able to adjust it or suggest alternative treatments if their symptoms worsen, stay the same, or they experience side effects.
During treatment such as MHT, a person should attend regular health check-ups, including mammograms and tests to screen for various health conditions.
If you’d like treatment for menopause symptoms, try to find a Menopause Society-trained healthcare professional. Be prepared to speak about how you may no longer “feel like yourself”, your family history, lifestyle, and personal goals.
Lab work such as blood tests is not always necessary and testing hormone levels is often not helpful because they can fluctuate. An exception to this is when someone has had a hysterectomy and a doctor needs to determine its effect on hormone levels.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
The transition into menopause can include challenging physical, emotional, and health changes. Support is available to help people connect with others and access helpful resources.
Menopause can cause symptoms and increase certain health risks. Treatment and approaches to help manage the transition include hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies.
HT involves some health risks, especially for individuals who have a high risk of certain conditions. These include breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. A doctor may adjust the type or dosage of HT for high-risk individuals or suggest a different treatment method.
A person may want to speak with a doctor if their symptoms affect their quality of life. Treatment may help them manage the challenges of menopause and reduce the risks of health complications.