Menopause marks the end of fertility and menstruation. It occurs a year after the last menstrual period. Transitioning to menopause starts at the mid-30’s, but most women get there in their late 40’s and early 50’s. For some women, it comes early because of various health conditions that include cancer treatment, surgical removal of ovaries, and eating disorders.
Menopause results from hormonal changes in the body particularly reproductive hormones like estrogen, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. There are multiple treatment options for menopause discussed in detail below:
1. Hormonal Replacement Therapy
This is a medical procedure that involves the use of female hormones (progesterone and estrogen) to treat menopause symptoms and aging. Progesterone is added to protect women who have a uterus against uterine cancer. This is because when you take progesterone, you increase the risk of uterine cancer (lining of the uterus). Thus, it is prescribed to lower the risk through thinning the lining. However, some risks linked to this treatment option include heart disease, blood clots, and breast cancer.
It is advisable to take a low dose of hormonal therapy and for a short period. This is because hormones swallowed in the form of pills increase these risks as compared to hormones which you take in other forms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical and personal history. This will help decide whether the benefits you get are worth the risks.
2. Estrogen Hormone Therapy
This is a menopause treatment that involves estrogen-only therapy. It is prescribed for women who do not have a uterus because of hysterectomy. Hundreds of studies have proven that use of estrogen whether combined with progesterone or not is effective in reducing menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and bone loss. Moreover, it can also improve sexual relations, quality of life, and improve sleep.
Estrogen hormone therapy risks include blood clots, uterine cancer, heart disease, and gallbladder disease.
3. Healthy Diet
It is advisable to eat foods and fruits that can help decrease menopause symptoms. Thus, your diet should include healthy fats and essential minerals. Add foods that are nutrient-dense, hormone-balancing, and unprocessed as they help manage weight and reduce intake of empty calories. You need to maintain your weight. Thus, you must consume fewer calories. Limit the intake of processed foods and focus on healthy diet.
Ensure you eat organic vegetables and fruits. This is because they contain dietary fiber that helps control appetite. Moreover, they contain antioxidants that slow the aging process. They also contain phytosterols which balance hormones. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli contain indole-3-carbinol that regulates estrogen levels. The good thing about this type of vegetables is that it contains vitamin K, vitamin C, and electrolytes that are useful for heart health and blood pressure.
4. Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is vital in managing risks that are associated with menopause such as being obese or overweight, poor sleep, chronic stress, inflammation, muscle wasting, and bone loss. Even if you have not been active in the past, beginning an exercise regime that consists of strength-training and aerobic exercise at least four times a week, you will realize improvements in depression, insomnia, and sleep quality.
It is advisable to engage at least 30 minutes per day in exercise. Also, include high-intensity interval training like burst training. This will strengthen your bones and even help preserve lean muscle mass, and prevent weight gain. Also, it helps lower risk of obesity and osteoporosis.
5. Dietary Supplements
The following are dietary supplements that are effective menopause treatments:
Flaxseed oil – It helps in eliminating night sweats. This is because it is a rich source of lignans that help to balance female hormones. Studies on this are still ongoing.
Calcium – This is one of the dietary supplements that help prevent bone loss. In fact, bone loss is a serious problem a woman will face after menopause because of decreasing hormone levels. Ensure you get adequate calcium daily. The recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams per day.
However, before you use dietary supplements, it is important to ask your doctor if you are suffering from terminal illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
6. Herbal Supplements
The following are some herbal supplements that can help you get rid of menopause symptoms:
Red clover – This is a popular menopause treatment although it has not been clinically and scientifically proven. The main reason it is used is that it contains natural plant estrogens that help ease menopausal-related symptoms. You should contact your doctor before using this herbal supplement.
Wild yam -This is an alternative option to estrogen hormone therapy. Creams and pills that are made from wild yam are very popular in reducing menopause symptoms. Some compounds in these yams have been found to be like progesterone and estrogen. However, studies have not shown whether they are active when consumed by people.
7. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is very helpful in reducing menopausal symptoms. For instance, it reduces symptoms such as night sweats, pains, aches, and hot flushes. This remedy helps offer relief from such symptoms and helps you to return to your normal life. Although it is an ancient medical practice, it provides therapeutic benefits and few side effects. This explains why it is safe for women.
How Acupuncture Works
An acupuncturist inserts sterile needles into the skin at certain points on your body where vital energy runs. The needles are left for about 30 minutes to stimulate the energy. The body may as well release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. You should note that acupuncture will not only manage pain, it also improves blood flow and energy flow that can be useful in getting rid of these symptoms.
