Menopause is the end of fertility and menstruation for women. The process usually begins after the age of 45, according to Medline Plus. When the ovaries stop the production of eggs and the female sex hormones progesterone and estrogen, menopause begins. Once a woman does not menstruate for a year, she is menopausal. Symptoms of menopause may begin a few years before the end of menstruation occurs. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, bone loss and vaginal dryness. Treatment options help manage unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Hormone Therapy
The most common hormone replacement therapy used to treat the symptoms associated with menopause is estrogen. The hormone is available in pill form or as a vaginal ring, cream or tablet. Taking low doses of estrogen may help decrease hot flashes, increases vaginal moisture and helps prevent symptoms of osteoporosis, such as bone fractures. Long-term use of estrogen helps prevent bone loss while short-term use focuses on treating the other symptoms of menopause. Taking estrogen for longer than three to five years is long-term use and there are increased risks associated with the therapy, according to the Hormone Foundation. Disadvantages to taking estrogen include an increased risk of developing breast cancer and blood clots.
Managing Hot Flashes
Dilated blood vessels cause the symptoms of hot flashes, such as flushed skin and perspiration. While the cause of hot flashes is not known, some foods and drinks, such as spicy items and hot coffee, may increase the risk of developing hot flashes. Keeping a food and beverage diary may help conclude if any items cause an increase in hot flashes. Taking supplemental vitamin E capsules may help reduce the amount of hot flashes a woman experiences. Prescription medications such as low-dose antidepressants, gabapentin and clonidine may help manage hot flashes.
Vaginal Lubrication
During menopause, the moisture in the vagina lining thins and causes dryness and a loss of elasticity. The dryness may make sexual intercourse painful for the woman and increases the possibility of vaginal infections, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. Using an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant or moisturizer helps increase the moisture, especially during intercourse.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are oral medications that prevent osteoporosis and help treat symptoms associated with active osteoporosis. The prescription medicines help decrease the possibility of bone loss and fractures in menopausal women. Bisphosphonates are safer options for preventing osteoporosis in women who cannot take estrogen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
