Dealing With Menopause

Whether you’ve had symptoms of menopause for years or you have just started to notice them, you are probably tired of this stage of life already – hot flashes and other symptoms can get old fast. You do have options, however, for dealing with your menopause symptoms so that you can feel better. Read on for some more information on hormone therapy to help you deal with menopause as well as some home remedies you can try.

What is menopause?

As women get older, the body starts to make less and less estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that are very important during the reproductive years and for other health reasons. The body reacts to this lessening of hormones with symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness that can cause painful intercourse, and difficulty sleeping.

What can you do to help menopause?

Of course, you should talk with your doctor about menopause and your symptoms. At home, you can

• Treat hot flashes by figuring out what triggers them. For many women, hot weather, stress, alcohol, or caffeine may trigger a hot flash. Even just sipping on a cool drink or turning a fan on can help.

• Try an over-the-counter lubricant to help with vaginal dryness.

• Make sure you keep up a healthy lifestyle – get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly.

Your doctor may have different options to help you as well, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can be used as a pill, patch or cream, and it may be made up of estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. You and your doctor can decide which type of HRT is right for you, or if it’s right for you at all. There are certain health risks that come with HRT, and your doctor will want to consider any other health issues you may have and your menopause symptoms to decide if you should try HRT or if a nonhormone treatment would be better.

You don't have to live with annoying menopause symptoms – the staff at the Women’s Health Medical Group can help you to find a solution that will work for you. Call (817) 345-5336 to schedule an appointment today.