1. There is No Cure-All for Menopause
Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to prevent menopause from occurring. But there are a variety of treatments that can relieve your signs and symptoms, which may include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood swings, vaginal dryness and thinning hair. From pricier prescriptions to more affordable herbal remedies, you have a plethora of choices. But before you pop any pills, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks associated with all treatments.
2. Hormone Therapy May Help Prevent Menopause Symptoms
Touted by many as the treatment with the best results, hormone therapy (HT) specifically targets hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Basically extra supplements of estrogen and progesterone or both, HT is also said to reduce the development of osteoporosis and brittle bones---a common concern among menopausal women. But with its benefits comes risks, too: One study in 2002 discovered that women who used hormones had an increased chance of developing blood clots, endometrial cancer and heart disease. Again, that's why it's key to consult your doctor when you decide to try any treatment.
3. Other Meds Can Do the Trick To Treat Symptoms
For those who opt against hormones, there are other medications that can alleviate the aggravating symptoms of menopause. Alternative choices include drugs like Clonidine and Gabapentin-both shown to significantly reduce hot flashes-and antidepressants such as Venlafaxine, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, which keep swinging moods stabilized and hot flashes at bay.
4. Natural Remedies Can Come to Your Rescue
If pills and hormones just aren't your thing, you can go the natural route, instead. Herbal treatments such as black cohosh and St. John's Wort extract boost levels of feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin in the brain, improving mood and sleep, and reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Another popular herb, vitex, is thought to stimulate the release of a hormone from the pituitary gland, increasing progesterone and relieving bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and fatigue. Soy products may also help fight off symptoms, as they contain phytoestrogens, chemicals that may naturally relieve symptoms of falling estrogen levels at menopause.
5. You Can Take Simple Steps to Reduce Symptoms
You may choose to squash symptoms of menopause without having to ingest anything at all. Experts say exercise-specifically yoga and cardio work such as bike riding or power walking-relaxes the body, thus reducing mood swings, depression and insomnia (and strengthening bones, too). Acupuncture may do the same, while avoiding spicy food, caffeine and alcohol and taking hot baths or showers before bed may keep the hot flashes away. Maintaining a low-fat, high-fiber diet will further fight menopause symptoms, so go for greens and grains that have nutrients that mimic the body's natural estrogen-broccoli, cauliflower, oats, tofu, miso and flaxseed-whenever you can.
