Menopause Treatment

Menopausal symptoms can start months or even years before periods completely stop and typically last around four years after the final period. Common symptoms include:

Hot flashes

Mood swings

Vaginal dryness, low sexual desire

Forgetfulness, trouble sleeping

Urinary incontinence

Osteoporosis

Treatment Options

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

o Available as tablets, skin patches, gels, and implants, HRT helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by replacing estrogen.

2. Vaginal Estrogen

o Creams, lubricants, or moisturizers specifically address vaginal dryness.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

o This form of talking therapy can assist with low mood and anxiety.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

o Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can help manage symptoms and promote overall well-being.

Managing Hot Flashes

• Wear light clothing.

• Keep the bedroom cool at night.

• Take cool showers, use fans, or have cold drinks.

• Reduce stress levels

• Avoid triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol.

• Engage in regular exercise and lose weight if necessary.

Heart Disease Prevention

Post-menopausal women have double the risk of heart problems. To mitigate this risk, it is important to:

• Follow a healthy diet

• Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week.

• Limit lifetime weight gain through diet and exercise.

• Quit smoking.

• Take cholesterol-lowering medication if prescribed.

• Have annual health checks, including:

o Physical examination

o Weight (BMI)

o Blood pressure

o Blood tests for cholesterol, triglycerides, and diabetes screening

Osteoporosis Prevention

Regular bone density tests (BMD) are recommended if:

You are over 65.

You have broken a bone after age 50.

You are menopausal with risk factors.

You have a family history of osteoporosis.

You experienced premature menopause.

You have infrequent periods.

You lost periods due to exercise.

You have a low BMI.

You have medical issues such as thyroid problems, high prolactin, malabsorption, or arthritis.

You take medications like steroids, antiepileptics, or heparin.

You have limited mobility.

You consume alcohol or smoke.

You have low calcium or vitamin D levels.

Maintaining Bone Health

To ensure good bone health:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Reduce smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and steroid use.

Exercise

• Engage in weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises for at least 30 minutes, four days a week.

Dietary Supplements

• Calcium: Women under 50 should consume 1000 mg/day, while those over 50 should consume 1200 mg/day.
• Vitamin D: Women under 50 should take 400-800 IU/day, and those over 50 should take 800-1000 IU/day.