Menopause is defined, according to the Mayo Clinic, as the cessation of your menstrual period for at least 12 months. While menopause itself is a naturally occurring process, it can cause physical symptoms that some women find troublesome or even debilitating. Every woman experiences a different set of symptoms, from hot flashes to lack of sexual desire and mood swings. Fortunately, there are medications available to treat the symptoms related to menopause. Consult with your doctor about your symptoms so that you can get relief.
Hormone Therapy
Estrogen therapy is, according to the Mayo Clinic, the best treatment for hot flashes, which are sudden flushes of heat that occur in response to hormone fluctuations. Estrogen therapy is most commonly prescribed for short-term symptom relief, due to an increased risk of a stroke or blood clot that was found to occur with long-term use. Short-term use however, not only relieves symptoms of menopause but also appears to protect your body from osteoporosis, colon cancer and heart disease. Estrogen is often combined with progesterone for menopause symptom relief.
If you have a history of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease or blood clots, avoid using hormone therapy and talk to your doctor about alternative treatments for menopause symptoms. Side effects of hormone therapy include symptoms similar to those of premenstrual syndrome. These side effects, which include water retention, nausea, breast tenderness and changes in mood, can be decreased by lowering the dosage of hormones.
Antidepressants
The hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause may also cause mood changes in some women. Low dosages of some antidepressants are often prescribed for this symptom and also for hot flashes. Commonly prescribed antidepressants for menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic, are Venlafaxine, or Effexor; fluoxetine, or Prozac and Sarafem; paroxetine, or Paxil and others; citalopram, or Celexa; and sertraline, or Zoloft.
Each antidepressant has its own unique potential side effects however. In general, side effects of these medications can include stomach problems, decreased libido, anxiety and insomnia. People react differently to different antidepressants and you may need to try several to find the one that works best for you.
Neurontin
Neurontin is an anti-seizure medication that a 2005 study by the University of Rochester Cancer Center found is also effective in treating hot flashes. A dosage of 900 milligrams of this medication was found to be far more effective than lesser amounts in the study. The subjects of this particular study were all women who had a diagnosis of breast cancer. However, Neurontin is frequently prescribed to women experiencing hot flashes who don't have breast cancer.
Side effects of Neurontin include fatigue, uncontrollable shaking, vision problems, flu-like symptoms and cognitive problems. These side effects should subside over time, however. If you are experiencing side effects that are severe, talk to your doctor.
Clonidine
Clonidine, a prescription medication that is available as either a pill or a transdermal patch, is usually used to treat hypertension, but is also effective in treating hot flashes. Unfortunately, Clonidine often causes significant side effects that can impair your everyday functioning. Side effects include fatigue, weakness, anxiety, nausea and constipation. Most minor symptoms subside over time. However, because Clonidine can cause problems with regulating your blood pressure, you may continue to experience fatigue and dizziness when moving from lying down to a seated position.
Bisphosphonates
Medications such as Fosamax and Boniva, or bisphosphonates, are often prescribed to menopausal women to decrease bone loss that occurs with hormonal changes. These medications can also decrease the risk of bone fractures that commonly occur in postmenopausal women. Medications for bone loss work by increasing the thickness of bones and preventing breakdown and loss of bone tissue.
Side effects of bisphosphonates can include nausea, stomach problems, changes in the way food tastes and swelling of the joints. These side effects generally go away with time. However, if you are experiencing severe side effects, contact your health care professional immediately.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs, inhibit the effect of estrogen on breast tissue. These medications, which include tamoxifen, also mirror the bone density sparing effects of estrogen and are therefore also prescribed for menopause. Unfortunately, these medications can also cause significant side effects such as hot flashes, night sweats and fatigue, which are also symptoms of menopause. As a result, many women choose not to take SERMs for bone density loss. Additional side effects of SERMs include blood clots, chest pain, weakness, dizziness and abnormal vaginal discharge.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Menopause: Treatments and drugs
- Medline Plus: Hormone therapy
- National Institutes of Health: Facts About Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- National Institutes of Health: Gabapentin for hot flashes in 420 women with breast cancer: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
- National Institutes of Health: Alendronate
