Treatments
The intensity and frequency of menopausal symptoms
vary from woman to woman. If symptoms are problematic or a woman is at
high risk of developing osteoporosis or heart disease, medical
treatment may be recommended.
Ultimately, the decision to have treatment is a very personal one and should be made by the woman only after receiving a full explanation from her doctor of the benefits and counter benefits of the various treatment options.
Treatment options include:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT involves replacing hormones previously produced by the ovaries. It can be effective in relieving the symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats and dryness of the vagina. HRT can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis following menopause. Facial hirsutism (excess hair growth) can increase after menopause due to hormonal changes. This growth may be slowed with HRT.
HRT can be given as tablets, skin patches and as vaginal preparations such as creams and pessaries. Vaginal preparations can help to reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness, incontinence and bladder and vaginal infections.
Some forms of HRT may increase the risk of endometrial cancer and using some forms of HRT for longer than 5 years may increase the risk of breast cancer. However, recent research has indicated that some forms of HRT may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and bowel cancer and may help to prevent some aspects of skin ageing. As there are many different forms of HRT it is important to discuss with a doctor which type and delivery method is most appropriate.
Alternative Therapies
Some women have found that alternative therapies have proved successful in reducing menopausal symptoms. These include natural hormones, herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals and homeopathic remedies.
Examples of these include evening primrose oil, vitamins B, C and E, ginseng, garlic, camomile, St. Johns Wort and soy based phyto-oestrogens (natural hormones). Treatments such as acupuncture, massage and reflexology have also proved successful for some women.
Unsupervised use of alternative therapies, particularly herbal preparations, can cause adverse effects and monitoring by a health practitioner trained in their use is strongly advised. It is also advisable to discuss the intended use of these therapies with a doctor, especially if taking prescription medications.
Ultimately, the decision to have treatment is a very personal one and should be made by the woman only after receiving a full explanation from her doctor of the benefits and counter benefits of the various treatment options.
Treatment options include:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT involves replacing hormones previously produced by the ovaries. It can be effective in relieving the symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats and dryness of the vagina. HRT can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis following menopause. Facial hirsutism (excess hair growth) can increase after menopause due to hormonal changes. This growth may be slowed with HRT.
HRT can be given as tablets, skin patches and as vaginal preparations such as creams and pessaries. Vaginal preparations can help to reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness, incontinence and bladder and vaginal infections.
Some forms of HRT may increase the risk of endometrial cancer and using some forms of HRT for longer than 5 years may increase the risk of breast cancer. However, recent research has indicated that some forms of HRT may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and bowel cancer and may help to prevent some aspects of skin ageing. As there are many different forms of HRT it is important to discuss with a doctor which type and delivery method is most appropriate.
Alternative Therapies
Some women have found that alternative therapies have proved successful in reducing menopausal symptoms. These include natural hormones, herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals and homeopathic remedies.
Examples of these include evening primrose oil, vitamins B, C and E, ginseng, garlic, camomile, St. Johns Wort and soy based phyto-oestrogens (natural hormones). Treatments such as acupuncture, massage and reflexology have also proved successful for some women.
Unsupervised use of alternative therapies, particularly herbal preparations, can cause adverse effects and monitoring by a health practitioner trained in their use is strongly advised. It is also advisable to discuss the intended use of these therapies with a doctor, especially if taking prescription medications.
Lifestyle Factors
Changes in lifestyle can help to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms and decrease the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Diet and exercise are two very important aspects of these lifestyle changes.
Diet
Women need a higher intake of calcium and vitamin D after menopause to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Excellent dietary sources of calcium include low fat dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), nuts, dark green vegetables (eg: broccoli, spinach) and fish with bones in (eg: sardines, salmon). Vitamin D, which helps the body to absorb calcium, is manufactured by the skin after exposure to sunlight. Small quantities are found in foods such as dairy products and eggs.
An intake of at least 1000mg of calcium daily is recommended for women after menopause. If the diet contains insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D, dietary supplements may be required.
Eating a healthy balanced diet that is low in fat and refined sugars and maintaining a healthy body weight is recommended. Limiting alcohol and caffeine and not smoking are also important.
We have a page dedicated to Menopause Diet here.
Exercise
Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, tennis, aerobics or golf helps in maintaining a healthy weight, fitness and general wellbeing. Exercise also helps to decrease the risk of osteoporosis by strengthening the bones and may assist in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. Specific pelvic floor exercises can help to reduce urinary problems such as incontinence and pain on urination.
Rest and stress reduction also play an important role in managing menopause symptoms. Fatigue and stress can worsen symptoms, so employing strategies to ensure adequate rest is attained and stress is managed will assist in alleviating symptoms.
We have a page dedicated to Menopause Exercise here
Changes in lifestyle can help to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms and decrease the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Diet and exercise are two very important aspects of these lifestyle changes.
Diet
Women need a higher intake of calcium and vitamin D after menopause to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Excellent dietary sources of calcium include low fat dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), nuts, dark green vegetables (eg: broccoli, spinach) and fish with bones in (eg: sardines, salmon). Vitamin D, which helps the body to absorb calcium, is manufactured by the skin after exposure to sunlight. Small quantities are found in foods such as dairy products and eggs.
An intake of at least 1000mg of calcium daily is recommended for women after menopause. If the diet contains insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D, dietary supplements may be required.
Eating a healthy balanced diet that is low in fat and refined sugars and maintaining a healthy body weight is recommended. Limiting alcohol and caffeine and not smoking are also important.
We have a page dedicated to Menopause Diet here.
Exercise
Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, tennis, aerobics or golf helps in maintaining a healthy weight, fitness and general wellbeing. Exercise also helps to decrease the risk of osteoporosis by strengthening the bones and may assist in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. Specific pelvic floor exercises can help to reduce urinary problems such as incontinence and pain on urination.
Rest and stress reduction also play an important role in managing menopause symptoms. Fatigue and stress can worsen symptoms, so employing strategies to ensure adequate rest is attained and stress is managed will assist in alleviating symptoms.
We have a page dedicated to Menopause Exercise here