What Can I Do to Relieve My Symptoms?

Considering that most women today live an average of 81 years, up to one-third of their lives can be spent in the post-menopausal period. So when it comes to managing menopause-related symptoms, it's comforting to know you do have choices.

To help you handle both the short-term and long-term changes, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT replaces the estrogen that decreases after menopause. It also reduces the number and severity of hot flashes, cuts down the risk of heart disease, and prevents osteoporosis.

However, as effective as it is, HRT is not for everyone. In fact, there are both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options available for most menopause-related conditions. Your doctor can help you determine which treatment would be right for you.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Indications:		Contraindications:
Symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary frequency/urgency with or without incontinence, urinary tract infections, insomnia, painful intercourse.		History of hormone sensitive cancers, esp. breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
Hypercholesterolemia an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol and a decrease in "good" HDL cholesterol.		History of clotting disorders.
Osteoporosis ("thinning of the bones")		Inability to tolerate side effects of hormones (weight gain, breast tenderness, and/or mood changes).
Problems with memory, mood swings, and/or concentration.

Different Kinds of HRT

SERMs (Raloxifene, Tamoxifene)
	Oral Estrogens
		Transdermal Patches (skin attachment)
			Vaginal Creams
				Progestogens
					Estrogen/Progestin Combinations
						Testosterone
	•				•		Strong Impact on Cholesterol
	•			•	•		Relieves Hot Flashes
	•	•	•		•		Relieves Vaginal Dryness
	•	•	•		•		Relieves Urinary Complaints
•	•	•			•		Promotes Strong Bones
	•	•			•		Promotes Healthy Heart
•				•	•		Protects Uterus
						•	Increases Sexual Desire
•							Protects Breasts
•	•	•		•	•		May Cause Bleeding/Spotting
•	•	•	•	•	•		May Cause Bloating
	•	•	•	•	•		May Cause Breast Tenderness
•	•	•	•	•	•		May Cause Nausea
•	•	•	•	•	•		May Cause Headaches
•	•	•	•	•	•		May Cause Mood Swings
		•					May Cause Skin Irritation

How Long Would I Need to Take HRT?

Effective HRT requires a long-term commitment, but its benefits are many. Not only will it reduce hot flashes and night sweats, but it will also prevent some of the less obvious changes, such as bone loss, an increase in bad cholesterol, memory loss, and vaginal dryness.

That depends on what kind of hormone replacement therapy your doctor prescribes. About 30% of women may have some bleeding during the three months after starting HRT. Many stop bleeding after a short time. Ultimately, this is only a short-term side effect, and well worth the long-term benefits.

All treatments – even those available without a prescription – have potential risks. In some studies, HRT has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the North American Menopause Society believes that there are not enough data for it to make a more definitive statement about such a risk.

In the meantime, some epidemiologists believe that the benefits of HRT may outweigh the risks for those women who are at high risk for heart disease or osteoporosis. Discuss the pros and cons of HRT with your doctor, and together make a decision about what would be right for you.

There is evidence that some supplements, such as soy, contain phytoestrogens that may increase estrogen levels. Other products, including vitamin E and vitamin B complex, and certain herbs, such as black cohash, appear to help some women with hot flashes and other changes. However, these supplements have not been studied completely. And though they may appear to help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, these supplements are not proven to help prevent bone loss or improve the health of your heart.

Feeling Good about Life's Next Big Step

At a time in life when most women are at their busiest and most fulfilled, their bodies go through yet another transition. This transition usually begins around age 40 when ovarian function begins to change.

Menopause is simply another "change of life" that every woman goes through. There's no reason to be worried about it – your life can still be healthy, active, and worry-free. And while you may experience various symptoms associated with menopause, today most can be effectively managed to minimize their effects on you.

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the body starts to produce less of the female hormone estrogen and progesterone. Eventually, the menstrual cycle stops. Menopause often occurs around age 51, but the exact timing is different for each woman.

Your genetics may be a factor in determining when your menopause occurs. However, smoking has been found to cause menopause to begin an average of two years earlier than it would in nonsmokers. Contrary to popular belief, other factors, such as the number of children you have had, whether you took oral contraceptives for birth control, or how early you had your first period, have no bearing on when it occurs.

Menopause-related changes begin about 6 years before actual menopause. This is often referred to as the perimenopause. Short-term physical changes and symptoms that may occur during this time are caused by fluctuations in the levels of hormones produced by your maturing ovaries.

While it's true that the time of onset of menopause and its signs are different for each woman, the one common thread is menstrual irregularity and unevenness in the amount of menstrual flow.

Keeping a Healthy Attitude about Menopause

• For many women, menopause marks the beginning of the best years of their lives.
• While the hormonal changes that come with menopause may affect you, there are other things you can do to help yourself:
• If you smoke, stop. Even one cigarette a day increases your risk of heart and lung disease.
• If you don't exercise, start. Just 40 minutes of brisk walking three times a week can reduce your risk of coronary disease by 40%.
• Eat wisely. Avoid saturated fats in your diet, and eat meals that include fresh fruit, vegetables, and grains.
• Take 1500 milligrams of calcium and 400 – 800 IUs of vitamin D each day to maintain bone mass. And take 1000 milligrams of vitamin C to help protect against heart disease.
• Keep a positive attitude. Enjoy life. Set time aside for yourself, and fill it with your favorite activities.

By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and relying on the guidance of your doctor, your life can be as busy and fulfilling as ever. So get out there and exercise, eat right, and enjoy what could be the best time of your life!