Four Ways to Manage Menopause

Four Ways to Manage Menopause

By Dr. Jugeet Kanwal and Dr. L. Deanna Howard

L. Deanna Howard, MD
Gynecology

Menopause is a great time to recharge your life. Menopause is not a medical condition but instead a natural phase of life. It is defined by a complete year without a menstrual period, and the period remains absent permanently.

Numerous women experience one or more symptoms of menopause in their adult life, typically in their 40s and up. Although physical side effects can be uncomfortable, they are manageable. Some women experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low sexual desire (libido), hair loss, memory issues, and overall dry skin. Urinary urgency, sleeping problems, mood changes, anxiety, depression, weight gain, and appetite changes can also accompany menopause.

Once you recognize these normal symptoms of menopause, it will be easier to address them. If you experience any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Here are some suggestions you may want to talk about with your doctor to help you prepare for many healthy years ahead leading up to and during menopause:

1. Natural remedies: A balanced diet, daily exercise, stress-reduction techniques, good sleep habits, and relaxation are beneficial. Supplements, such as black cohosh, St. John’s wort, vitamins B6 and E and others, may help relieve menopause symptoms, but do not use them without discussing them with your health care provider first to make sure it’s safe for you to use them because they can interact with prescription medications.
2. Non-medical sleep remedies: Sleeping problems are common during menopause due to hot flashes and night sweats, but natural remedies can help soothe the heat. Keep your bedroom cool, wear breathable cotton pajamas, drink more water during the day, avoid caffeine and spicy foods after lunch, and skip alcohol at night. Discuss night sweats with your provider as they can be symptoms of some illnesses.
3. New non-hormonal prescription medications: You may want to ask your health care provider about new prescription medications Veozah™, which can reduce moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats, and Osphena® to relieve vaginal dryness and/or painful intercourse.
4. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): For women who experience no relief after using lifestyle modifications or natural remedies, HRT in pills or skin patches replaces the estrogen the body stops making during menopause. Although HRT has been proven to also prevent bone loss, it comes with some cardiovascular and breast cancer risks that depend on the length of treatment and the age and overall health of the patient. Vaginal estrogen to relieve dryness carries less risks as it is absorbed locally through the use of creams, rings, and suppositories. Non-hormonal options include over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers.

Remember to consult with your health care provider about these many options so you can prepare for a positive transition.

Dr. Kanwal is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. Dr. Howard is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. To schedule an appointment, call Saint Michael’s Central Avenue Professional Services at 973-877-5080.