Menopause Treatment
Menopause itself doesn't require treatment, but you may want to treat some symptoms and reduce your risk for long-term medical conditions, such as heart disease and osteoporosis, that are more common after menopause. Many treatment options are available, so it is important to discuss them with your doctor.
In the past, a number of women took hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which consists of supplemental estrogen and progesterone. Those without a uterus (womb) sometimes took estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), which consists of supplemental estrogen alone. Only women who have had a hysterectomy usually take ERT, because taking estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer.
Taking HRT seemed to help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, and it was thought that it also reduced a woman's risk of heart disease. Right now the some evidence shows that taking estrogen long-term slightly increases the risk for breast cancer, and taking it with progesterone increases the risk more.
Researchers have begun new studies to look at HRT, but the results aren't known yet. Researchers don't know if the same results would apply to women who took HRT early in menopause, or for a shorter period of time. Currently, the decision about whether to take HRT is an individual one. If your menopause symptoms are so severe that they interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using HRT for a short period of time.
Several medications are available to treat the symptoms of menopause and to help you maintain your health as you grow older.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) -- Your doctor may suggest using supplemental estrogen to provide relief from your symptoms depending on a number of factors, including your medical and family history, risk for hormone-related cancers (such as breast cancer), age, and the severity of your symptoms. You and your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits of HRT and prescribe the lowest dose of estrogen for your symptoms.
Low-dose antidepressants -- Venlafaxine (Effexor), an antidepressant that is related to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin uptake reinhibitors (SSRIs), can help reduce hot flashes. Other SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), may also help.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) -- This drug, which is approved to treat seizures, also helps reduce hot flashes.
Bisphosphonates -- These drugs are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. They reduce bone loss and the risk of fractures.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) -- This type of drugs has a positive effect on bone health, much like estrogen but without estrogen's side effects. Currently one drug, raloxifene (Evista), is approved for use. It can cause hot flashes, and should not be taken by anyone with a history of blood clots.
Vaginal estrogen -- Estrogen tablets, rings, or creams can be applied locally to relieve vaginal dryness.
By: Cathy
Menopause Treatment Recommended Resources:
University of Rochester Medical Center
University of Maryland Medical Center
Heather Wilkins 16.04.09 at 11:22am Amanda Ricks 27.04.09 at 07:09am Kaye 08.07.09 at 20:25pm nancy 27.07.10 at 17:11pm
