If you are going through menopause, there are a number of treatment options available to you to help with menopause relief.  Keep in mind that menopause does not require medical treatment.  Rather, treatment options are designed to help alleviate the symptoms associated with the natural biological change.  Among the treatment options you have to choose from include:

 

• Hormone therapy

• Low-dose antidepressants

• Gabapentin

• Clonidine

• Bisphosphonates

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators

• Vaginal estrogen

 

Each of these treatment options is intended for different purposes, so it is important to talk with your doctor in order to determine which treatment is best for you.

 

Hormone Therapy

 

Hormone therapy is used to help restore the balance of hormones that become disturbed by the process of menopause.  Although hormone therapy can help a woman be more comfortable as she goes through menopause, several long-term studies have shown that the risks involved with hormone therapy may not be worth the benefits. In fact, the risks are so troublesome that one study into the effects of hormone therapy was stopped because it was putting women in the study at an increased risk for heart attack.  Further tests have shown that the therapy also increases the chance of suffering from a stroke.

 

Although there are risks, hormone therapy is still considered to be the most effective method for treating vaginal discomfort and hot flashes.  In addition, low levels of estrogen is sometimes enough to treat these symptoms.  In this case, the risks are significantly lowered.

 

Anti-Depressants

 

Anti-depressants are effective at treating women that are experiencing emotional problems with dealing with menopause.  On the other hand, they do have a tendency to increase hot flashes. In fact, they may be increased by up to 60%.  In addition, anti-depressants can cause dizziness, nausea, and sexual dysfunction.

 

Gapbapentin, Clonidine, and Bisphosphonates

 

Gabapentin is normally used to help treat seizures, but research has shown that it can also help reduce hot flashes.  Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, swelling, and nausea.  Clonidine, which was originally intended to treat high blood pressure, also helps fight off hot flashes.  It can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and dry mouth.

 

To prevent or treat osteoporosis, you may also take bisphosphonates.  This medication helps to reduce bone loss, which also helps to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a fracture.  Side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and esophageal irritation.

 

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

 

Selective estrogen receptor modulators are drugs that mimic the beneficial effects of estrogen.  This helps to improve bone density without having the same risks as using estrogen for this purpose.  Unfortunately, hot flashes are a common side effect of SERMs and the drug should not be used for those with a history of suffering from blood clots.

 

Vaginal Estrogen

 

Vaginal estrogen is used to relieve problems with vaginal dryness.  This medical treatment can be applied through a ring, cream, or a vaginal tablet.  By releasing just a little estrogen within the vaginal tissue, dryness and discomfort associated with intercourse and urination is relieved. 

 

Before beginning any treatments for menopause, it is important to discuss the benefits and risks associated with each in order to determine the one that will be best for you.