Medications for Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause itself does not require any medical treatment, but certain aspects of this natural biological process, such as hot flashes, depression and vaginal dryness, can be unpleasant . Many medications are available to you to treat symptoms of menopause. Your doctor can decide which ones are most appropriate for your situation.

Hormone therapy

• Decreased estrogen production is what triggers menopause and causes accompanying symptoms. Replacing estrogen is the most effective treatment for targeting numerous menopause-related problems. This form of therapy carries risk for certain women who have had or are at risk for certain cancers. Your doctor will determine dosages based on this information to minimize this risk.

Hot flashes

• Low doses of antidepressants in the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) class have demonstrated the ability to decrease hot flashes. Effexor is the most commonly used. Other SSRI's that can be used include Prozac, Sarafem, Paxil, Celexa and Zoloft.

  Neurontin, normally used to treat seizures, has proven effective in significantly reducing hot flashes. Clonidine, normally used to treat high blood pressure, can also treat hot flashes, but side effects are common; it is available in patch or pill form.

Bone loss

• Estrogen plays a vital role in new bone formation. Decreased production during menopause makes women at this stage more vulnerable to bone loss.

  Bisphosphonates like Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva are hormone-free treatments that treat and prevent osteoporosis. They successfully counteract bone loss and the risk of fractures and have replaced estrogen as the principal treatment for osteoporosis in females.

  Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) include drugs that contain raloxifene. This chemical imitates estrogen's positive effects on bone density in women and does not carry the same risks as estrogen.

Vaginal dryness

• Vaginal dryness is a troubling symptom for many women going through menopause since this symptom can negatively impact sexual activity; it can also cause urinary problems. A common medical treatment is vaginal estrogen in the form of a tablet, ring or cream. These treatments release small amounts of estrogen that seep into the vaginal tissue.

Other Suggestions

• Besides medications, some self-care strategies can offer relief from menopausal symptoms. For many women, certain food can trigger hot flashes. Making an effort to monitor episodes can help you manage them better, such as eliminating certain foods and beverages. Water-based vaginal lubricants such as Astroglide and Vagisil are readily available in supermarkets and drugstores and can relieve dryness. Adequate sleep is also crucial; avoid caffeine, exercise in the daytime and employ relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Kegel exercises, which target the muscles involved in urination, can improve urinary incontinence. A balanced diet with lots of whole fresh foods can also manage symptoms.