Menopause typically occurs after a woman reaches age 45. At this time, a woman's ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen. Symptoms of menopause may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, hair loss and trouble focusing. Some symptoms, such as hot flashes, become so intense that medical treatment is required. You can also make lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep and identifying hot flash triggers, to ease symptoms.
Step 1
Get more sleep. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding caffeine and not exercising too close to bed time. Deep breathing and guided relaxation tapes can also assist in managing the symptoms of menopause. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Step 2
Identify hot flash triggers. For most women, hot flashes have a trigger. Common triggers include spicy food, alcohol and hot beverages. Create a log and write down when hot flashes are occurring. This will assist in identifying possible triggers. Avoiding these triggers will assist in minimizing the occurrence of hot flashes.
Step 3
Use hormone therapy. According to MayoClinic.com, estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for minimizing menopause symptoms and hot flashes. Talk with your doctor to determine if this therapy is right for your circumstances. Typically, a physician will prescribe the lowest dose of estrogen possible. If you don't respond, she will increase the strength of your prescription until you experience symptom relief.
Step 4
Request low-dose antidepressants. Antidepressants, such as Effexor, have been shown to minimize hot flashes, according to MayoClinic.com. Other antidepressants that may provide relief include Sarafem, Paxil and Zoloft. Take medication as directed by your physician.
Step 5
Use the medication clonidine to minimize the frequency of hot flashes. This medication is available in both oral pill and patch. Take the medication as directed by your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Smoking increases the frequency of hot flashes, according to MayoClinic.com. It can also increase your risk for serious health issues, such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. Discontinue the use of cigarettes to ease symptoms and safeguard health.
- Talk about side effects of medication before choosing a treatment option. Each medication has different side effects. Understanding the risks and benefits of each medication will assist in making the right choice for your situation.
