If you are experiencing discomfort from some of the symptoms of menopause there are many treatments, therapies and home remedies which can provide you with some relief. Thankfully, many women only experience mild symptoms and do not require treatment to cope with their menopausal symptoms. However, this is not the case for the other women who face moderate to severe symptoms and will likely require some form of treatment.
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause can be an uncomfortable phase in a woman’s life. With hot flashes and night sweats, muscle aches and joint pain, and increased levels of stress and depression, it’s no wonder women are always on the lookout for new treatments. The menopausal symptoms experienced by each woman are as unique as the women themselves. That being said, there are some symptoms that are more common than others.
There are quite a number of possible physiological and psychological symptoms that can accompany menopause. Some of the more common physical symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods. Many women will also experience mood swings, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Fortunately, there is quite a range of therapy options, including a variety of natural remedies and medical treatments to help ease both the physical and mental symptoms.
Medicinal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
For women who are suffering from menopausal symptoms, medical intervention may be needed. There are a number of medicinal options. The types of medication and over-the-counter medicines you could use depend on the symptom or symptoms you are trying to alleviate. Birth control pills can be effective for symptoms during perimenopause as they can help control irregular periods, hot flashes, moodiness and vaginal dryness. Additionally, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can be effective for severe menopausal symptoms. Medications used to treat depression, epilepsy and high blood pressure can also be used to successfully treat hot flashes and moodiness.
Be sure to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and the best treatments available, as there are many possible side effects that can accompany hormone replacement therapies as well as other medical treatments. It is important to discuss your options with your doctor and weigh the risks versus the benefits of any therapies you are considering. You may find that you’d rather try some alternative therapies for your symptoms before trying medications or menopausal hormone therapy.
Natural Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms
If you’re reluctant to try medication to treat your symptoms or if your symptoms are fairly mild, there are a variety of natural remedies that you can try. Some of these remedies are massage (in particular, aromatherapy massage) aerobic exercise, yoga, stretching, and meditation. All of these methods can help to decrease stress and may also ease night sweats. Wearing light clothing or layering is also effective for managing night sweats.
Some other possibilities that can aid menopause relief are dietary changes, herbs, natural hormone replacement therapies, black cohosh, natural progesterone and vitamin E. Keep in mind that many of these therapies are unproven. Be sure to research any therapy you are considering and discuss it with your doctor, especially if there are risk factors involved.
There are a lot of options to treat menopausal symptoms. However, a therapy that works for one woman may not work for the next. These treatments are not a “one-size-fits-all” response to menopause. Finding a therapy that is effective for you is what really counts, and luckily, there are quite a number of options available.
To learn more about treatments and a new innovative therapy that relieves menopause symptoms be sure to visit the team at KuhlCare today.
Great article – especially love the "Finding a therapy that is effective for you is what really counts" comment. Easiest and most efficient way to do that is with tracking and a journal!