Menopause is not an illness. It is part of the normal aging process for women. However, it involves problematic symptoms which require treatment. The medication used in the treatment process will be influenced by the level of discomfort the woman is in. The symptoms vary widely ranging from minor changes in lifestyle like dislike of spicy foods to being put on prescription menopause medication.
Mostly, changes in your eating habits and exercising routinely are enough to control the symptoms, keep complications at bay and eliminate the symptoms. Anti-hypertensive medications, hormonal replacement therapy, anti-seizure medication and antidepressants are some of the medications used in management of menopause medical conditions. Estrogen declines significantly during this time and this makes the woman prone to suffering from osteoporosis, Alzheimer disease, colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases and glaucoma. The most effective approach is taking preventive measures most of the times.
Estrogen replacement therapy is the most effective technique for relieve of hot flashes. However, it needs thorough family and medical history taking in order to determine whether the person is fit to take this hormone. At times, if the related risk is not so great, it can be prescribed in low doses. For those who have not undergone hysterectomy, progestin has to be taken along with the estrogen. This hormone also prevents loss of bone density and cardiovascular diseases.
Vaginal estrogen may be necessary if the woman is experiencing vaginal dryness. It is in form of a ring, tablet or a cream. It is released in small amount into the tissues of the vagina. Vaginal dryness causes irritation and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or when the person is urinating. The estrogen prevents this.
Mood swings may have to be managed by antidepressants drugs if other non-pharmacological techniques have failed. Those in the SSRI class are preferred. Women who are not able to take estrogen due to a number of reasons can benefit a lot from these drugs.
Neurontin is an anti-seizure medication which is approved in treating menopause hot flashes. Also, it is prescribed to those who are not in a position to take estrogen due to various reasons. In addition, for those who suffer from migraines, this is the best alternative.
Osteoporosis is another troublesome symptom when women hit menopause. This is even worse for women who already had low bone density before. Low estrogen level is one of the biggest contributors of osteoporosis. Management involves taking of estrogen, vitamin D and calcium. Salt intake should be reduced. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided and the woman is advised to exercise regularly.
The approach to use in managing menopausal conditions will depend on a number of factors which will be picked out after thorough family and medical history taking. Physical examination is also needed and at times, the woman has to undergo laboratory tests or scans. The plan to be followed has to be reviewed annually to determine how effective it is and if there are any changes needed.
Mostly, changes in your eating habits and exercising routinely are enough to control the symptoms, keep complications at bay and eliminate the symptoms. Anti-hypertensive medications, hormonal replacement therapy, anti-seizure medication and antidepressants are some of the medications used in management of menopause medical conditions. Estrogen declines significantly during this time and this makes the woman prone to suffering from osteoporosis, Alzheimer disease, colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases and glaucoma. The most effective approach is taking preventive measures most of the times.
Estrogen replacement therapy is the most effective technique for relieve of hot flashes. However, it needs thorough family and medical history taking in order to determine whether the person is fit to take this hormone. At times, if the related risk is not so great, it can be prescribed in low doses. For those who have not undergone hysterectomy, progestin has to be taken along with the estrogen. This hormone also prevents loss of bone density and cardiovascular diseases.
Vaginal estrogen may be necessary if the woman is experiencing vaginal dryness. It is in form of a ring, tablet or a cream. It is released in small amount into the tissues of the vagina. Vaginal dryness causes irritation and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or when the person is urinating. The estrogen prevents this.
Mood swings may have to be managed by antidepressants drugs if other non-pharmacological techniques have failed. Those in the SSRI class are preferred. Women who are not able to take estrogen due to a number of reasons can benefit a lot from these drugs.
Neurontin is an anti-seizure medication which is approved in treating menopause hot flashes. Also, it is prescribed to those who are not in a position to take estrogen due to various reasons. In addition, for those who suffer from migraines, this is the best alternative.
Osteoporosis is another troublesome symptom when women hit menopause. This is even worse for women who already had low bone density before. Low estrogen level is one of the biggest contributors of osteoporosis. Management involves taking of estrogen, vitamin D and calcium. Salt intake should be reduced. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided and the woman is advised to exercise regularly.
The approach to use in managing menopausal conditions will depend on a number of factors which will be picked out after thorough family and medical history taking. Physical examination is also needed and at times, the woman has to undergo laboratory tests or scans. The plan to be followed has to be reviewed annually to determine how effective it is and if there are any changes needed.
