Menopause Treatment Options & Therapies For Unwanted Symptoms

Menopause a Natural and Common Transition

Menopause is a natural and common transition for women, but that doesn’t mean it’s comfortable. During perimenopause, the body’s transition phase into menopause, estrogen levels significantly decrease, and the ovaries stop releasing eggs to be fertilized. This rapid shift in reproductive hormones forces women to experience a wide variety of symptoms, though the intensity of the symptoms differs for everyone.

Some of the most common signs of menopause are irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. In addition to these symptoms, women experiencing menopause also have an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and higher blood pressure. Research indicates that menopause is associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, largely due to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen has protective cardiovascular effects, and its reduction can lead to stiffening of blood vessels and increased arterial resistance, which can raise blood pressure levels.
This is a lot for one body to go through. Fortunately, there are multiple treatments and lifestyle choices that can help with menopausal symptoms and improve your general wellness.

Menopause's Symptoms & Treatments

Irregular Periods

While many women are not diagnosed with menopause until their 40s or 50s, symptoms of perimenopause may begin 8 or 10 years earlier. One of the most common symptoms of perimenopause is irregular periods. Irregular periods may be heavier, lighter, or more spotty than normal, or periods may be skipped for months before reappearing again. Many women also have more intense premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like breast tenderness and more painful cramps.

The Treatments

There are multiple medications and treatments for irregular periods and additional intense PMS symptoms. One of the most common menopause treatments is hormone therapy, where estrogen is prescribed to help regulate or increase estrogen levels. An estradiol transdermal gel, patch, and spray is frequently used to these treat menopausal moderate to severe symptoms. You may also experience some relief from cramps with a dose of an over the counter or prescription pain medication.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

When experiencing hot flashes, your cheeks may feel flushed, and you’ll likely feel a wave of heat over your body. This is a common symptom of menopause, but the duration and intensity will vary. Some women experience hot flashes for the rest of their lives, while others have hot flashes for a short period before they disappear. It is also common to have chills shortly after a hot flash as the sweat from the sudden heat cools down.

Treatment Options

Hot flashes can also be treated with hormone therapy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replaces hormones that the body no longer produces in sufficient quantities. However, you may also relieve hot flashes through a better diet. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking can all trigger hot flashes, so avoiding these may lead to fewer or less intense hot flashes. However, tight or restrictive clothing and anxiety may also induce a hot flash, so keeping an eye out for any patterns in your routine, diet, or clothing may also help reduce hot flashes.

Soy isoflavones, a type of plant-derived compounds found in soybeans, may offer relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Isoflavones act as phytoestrogens, meaning they have a similar structure to estrogen and can mildly mimic its effects in the body, which can be particularly beneficial as estrogen levels decrease during menopause. However, the effectiveness can vary, and results may be moderate. Since soy isoflavones may interact with certain medications, such as thyroid medications, blood thinners, and hormone therapies. It’s essential for those taking these medications to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating soy isoflavones into their routine.

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) products and herbal supplements that may help manage menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and low libido. Some commonly used supplements include black cohosh, L-theanine, St. John's wort, pollen extract, and Asian ginseng. Each of these has shown some potential benefits, although their safety and effectiveness can vary, and it's important to consider scientific evidence and guidelines since they may carry risks, particularly if used long-term or alongside other medications. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Vaginal Dryness and Bladder Control

Estrogen levels are directly linked to the moisture and elasticity of the vagina, meaning a decrease in estrogen will also affect the vagina. Vaginal dryness may lead to much discomfort in life and sexual intercourse, as the dryness may result in bleeding.

The elasticity and moisture of the vagina also affect bladder control. During menopause, women may experience urinary incontinence, painful urination, or the repetitive feeling of needing to urinate at night.

Treatment Options

Vaginal dryness can be treated with a water-based moisturizer that is safe to use on the vagina, including lubricants that can be obtained without a prescription. You can also receive an estrogen topical cream or ring that can be inserted inside the vagina. These treatments release small levels of estrogen that help moisturize the vagina, which may help with sexual intercourse and discomfort.
Estrogen creams, tablets, or rings that release estrogen directly into the vaginal tissue may also help with bladder control problems. You can also decrease incontinence by performing Kegel exercises or other strength-building movements to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Mood Swings and Mental Issues

It’s common for women to experience mood swings during menopause, especially considering the amount of discomfort many women find themselves in. Irritation, aggression, and anxiety are most commonly seen in women going through menopause. Still, some women also experience more intense periods of depression in addition to brief lapses in memory or having difficulty concentrating. While these emotions are not caused by menopause, women may feel these more intensely during this time.

Treatment Options

Mood swings may be helped by better exercise, sleep, and relaxation exercises such as deep breathing. It may also be helpful to become involved in a group or creative activities during intense mood swings or depression. If you feel your depression or anxiety is getting beyond your control, contact your doctor to ask about anti-depression or anti-anxiety medications.

How Lifestyle Choices Affect My Menopause Symptoms?

Many of the symptoms experienced during menopause can be helped through healthy lifestyle choices, especially for the following risks:

• Weight gain
• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis

Researchers have observed a strong link between women’s bone density and estrogen levels, both of which decline during menopause. As estrogen levels drop, unhealthy cholesterol levels may rise, increasing the risk of heart disease and contributing to weight gain. Treating menopause complications, including heart health and weight management, can involve vitamins and supplements. However, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthier diet can also significantly improve these symptoms. Reducing alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, and prioritizing quality sleep can help alleviate common menopause-related issues like low energy and motivation. Additional treatments—such as yoga, acupuncture, and plant-based estrogen may also offer relief, but consult your doctor before exploring any alternative therapies.

At our Nore Women’s Health locations in both in Marietta and Roswell, GA, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care for every woman navigating menopause. Our expert team understands the unique challenges of this life stage and offers comprehensive treatments tailored to relieve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Whether through bioidentical hormone therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or alternative remedies, we work closely with you to find the most effective solutions for your needs. Take control of your menopause journey with personalized support from Nore Women’s Health and start feeling your best at every stage. Reach out to us today by phone or REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT to schedule a consultation and begin your path to balanced wellness.