Menopause is a normal part of aging, but menopause symptoms can seem anything but normal. Hot flashes, hair loss, weight gain, vaginal dryness, incontinence, and memory issues are just a few of the symptoms women can experience. They can be very disruptive, for example, when hot flashes occur frequently and make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
The difficulty in managing these symptoms arises from the fact that each woman’s menopause experience differs from the next. Some women have extreme hot flashes, heart palpitations, and weight gain, while others may feel warm at times but have more issues with brain fog, etc. Whatever menopause symptoms you experience, there are ways to manage them with your OBGYN’s guidance.
Managing Menopause Symptoms
With menopause, the first route for managing symptoms is by making lifestyle changes. When symptoms are more severe, hormone therapy—which includes topical treatments as well as prescription pills—may be prescribed. Review the first signs of menopause.
Menopause symptoms that disrupt your life usually mean it is time to see your gynecologist. Frequent hot flashes that drench you with sweat, painful sex due to vaginal changes, and difficulty sleeping are among the top reasons women seek treatment for menopause.
Lifestyle Changes in Menopause
When menopause symptoms are mild, lifestyle changes are the first course of action. The modifications women can make include the basics of quitting smoking, eating right, and exercising.
- Diet – Eliminating some foods and beverages and increasing other foods that contain phytoestrogens, such as beans, fruits, and vegetables, can provide greater nutrition and eliminate triggers to hot flashes. Foods to avoid or reduce include alcohol, caffeine, and spicy and sugary foods. Some women begin having reactions to foods such as dairy products. You may wish to keep a diary of your symptoms and possible food triggers.
- Exercise — Regular exercise helps menopausal women maintain muscle mass and ensure better quality sleep. Easy, beneficial exercises include walking, yoga, and light weight training. Exercise can also help you avoid weight gain.
- Meditation — Mindfulness practices can enhance focus, improve sleep, and alleviate the stress of menopause. Free videos and meditation apps make it easy to find the music and guidance that works best for you.
- Over-the-Counter Solutions — The pharmacy is full of products developed to help with menopause symptoms. For example, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can be used to reduce vaginal dryness that causes painful intercourse. Consult your OBGYN for recommendations.
Hormone Therapy for Menopause
Hormone therapy comes in a variety of forms. The prescribed pills and creams treat severe symptoms as a woman’s estrogen and progesterone levels drop. In addition to treating hot flashes, these medications can counteract the risks of menopause, such as osteoporosis. For vaginal dryness, a topical hormone cream may be the right option.
A blood test can determine your hormone levels. Based on the results and your symptoms, your gynecologist can provide the appropriate prescription for you. Hormone treatment may not be right for you if you are a cancer survivor. Other prescription medications may be a safely used, such as antidepressants, Veozah, and the MonaLisa Touch Treatment.
While menopause symptoms can be baffling, they can be managed. Don’t let your quality of life suffer — see your gynecologist to develop a treatment plan for menopause symptoms. West Des Moines OBGYN Associates’ all-female doctors can help you manage your reproductive and post-menopausal health.
