Menopause Treatment Options: You Don't Have to Suffer Silently

The symptoms of menopause affect all women to some degree, but thanks to many treatment options no woman has to suffer through it.

  3. Menopause Treatment Options: You Don't Have to Suffer Silently

While every woman wants to age with dignity and grace, the changes brought on by menopause can leave even the most poised woman feeling dismayed. From the infamous hot flashes to unexpected problems like urinary tract infections, the symptoms of menopause may leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause can affect many aspects of a woman's health. Some of the most common symptoms that women seek treatment for include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Irregular periods and uterine bleeding
  • Vaginal dryness and irritation
  • Urinary problems, such as increased frequency or urinary tract infections

Urinary problems often catch women off-guard. Learn more about the connection between menopause and painful urination.

Menopause Treatment Options

  • Hot Flashes: Several options are available to tame hot flashes. Some medical options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-estrogen medication. If you’re looking for natural treatment options, flaxseed, black cohosh and vitamin E have proven effective. You can also reduce your hot flashes by avoiding spicy foods, coffee and alcohol – these are often dubbed “trigger foods.”

  • Vaginal relief: Water-based lubricants, vaginal moisturizers or low-dose estrogen creams are effective ways to soothe vaginal dryness typically caused by a drop in natural estrogen during menopause. It’s also very common for menopausal women to experience vaginal atrophy, which causes your vaginal walls to thin out and dry out. Similar treatment options are available for this condition as well, so talk to your gynecologist if you’re dealing with dryness, pain during urination or sex, burning or incontinence.

  • Heavy or Irregular Bleeding: Progestin IUDs and endometrial ablation are options for women who suffer from heavy bleeding, large clots and irregular menstrual cycles. Hormonal IUDs have been shown to lighten and shorten periods, providing much needed relief for many women.
  • Urinary Tract Infections: Menopausal women can have increased problems with UTIs. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat them, but you can also try home remedies. Some effective ways to treat a UTI at home include: increasing your water intake, taking large doses of vitamin C, adding a quality probiotic to your diet and staying away from bladder irritants (caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol and spicy foods).

  • Exercise: Regular exercise can help control menopause symptoms such as sleep disturbances and depressed mood. Striving for at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise a day can not only help with weight loss but also balance out hormone levels and decrease hot flashes.

  • Lifestyle changes: Changes such as cutting out caffeine and alcohol may help reduce the intensity of hot flashes as well as genitourinary irritation. Adding protein, calcium and vitamin D can also be beneficial for preventing osteoporosis, which can surface during menopause because of decreased estrogen levels.

Talk to Your Doctor

Menopause doesn't have to control your life. At All About Women, we're here to help you find effective menopause treatments that improve your quality of life. If you live in Gainesville, Lake City, Williston, Live Oak or a surrounding community, contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your personalized treatment options for menopause.