The Best Treatment for Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman's life that essentially marks the end of her fertility. It usually begins with the transitional phase known as perimenopause and leads to the official end of menstruation identified as menopause. During this span of time, the signs of menopause often begin, and you start to experience menstrual irregularities, hormonal fluctuations, hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disruptions. For many women, dealing with these symptoms is extremely difficult, and it may compel you to seek out treatment to ease any discomfort. As with almost anything, some modes of care are far better than others.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Of all the treatments for menopause, hormone replacement therapy is often the most effective, especially when dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and other associated symptoms. Estrogen is by far the most common, but your doctor may recommend a combination of hormones, including both estrogen and progestin, to bring about relief. Therapy is usually administered daily in the comfort of your home with follow-up visits to your doctor to supervise the effects of the medications.

  While this form of therapy is considered the most effective treatment for menopause, there are number of potential health risks. Actually, it is now believed that the health risks could outweigh the benefits, especially when a combination of hormones are used, increasing your chances of heart disease, breast cancer and stroke. However, this doesn't mean that every woman who uses hormone therapy will experience these side effects; it just places you at a higher risk, so make sure you and your doctor talk about your specific risk factors.

Other Forms of Treatment

• If you are uncomfortable using hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, consider turning to other forms of treatment. Some women respond favorably to certain antidepressants or even blood pressure medication in treating symptoms of menopause. Topical estrogen creams applied in and around the vagina combat dryness and burning.

  Other women find it necessary to employ alternative modes of care, such as dietary changes that include foods containing phytoestrogens (soy products, chickpeas, flax and legumes). Even taking a supplement of vitamin E, licorice or evening primrose can lessen menopausal symptoms. Progesterone creams made of wild yam are also believed to bring about relief.

Self-Care Treatment

• When you want to avoid subjecting yourself to medicines and supplements in the treatment of menopause, consider using some self-care measures to counteract the symptoms. This includes dressing for hot flashes, keeping rooms cool and windows open, running an oscillating fan and avoiding potential triggers (like alcohol and spicy foods). Regular exercise and a healthy diet can go a long way to lessening some symptoms. Even taking part in a smoking cessation program (if you smoke tobacco) can help relieve symptoms and make you feel better.