Many women dread menopause for they take it as an illness. To note is that this is a normal stage in the life of a woman. The symptoms which come along with this stage may be very troublesome for some women while others may sail through without any issues. They can be anything from avoidance of spicy foods to serious issues requiring prescription menopause medication.
Maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising regularly helps the woman stay healthy, prevent complications and minimize the symptoms. Symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes may require taking of anti-seizures, anti-hypertensive, antidepressants and hormonal medications. Estrogen is one of the hormones which decline during this time. It predisposes one to conditions like colon cancer, glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Taking preventive measures can reduce the risk.
For those who are not experiencing medical problems as a result of menopause, medications are not necessary. On the other hand, if symptoms and signs are present the medications should focus on alleviating them. The most popular technique used in dealing with menopausal conditions is use of estrogen especially in hot flashes. It can be taken as a pill, or be applied as a cream. Estrogen rings are also available. Before prescription of estrogen, the physician needs to enquire about the medical and family history of the woman.
The next troublesome issue after hot flashes is vaginal dryness. This will make the woman avoid sexual intercourse because of the pain and sometimes it may mean painful urination. This can be relieved easily by application of vaginal creams to soften the vaginal walls.
Hot flashes can also be managed by taking antidepressants. The drugs in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the recommended ones. These drugs can be used to replace estrogen in women who cannot tolerate estrogen or those who cannot take it for medical reasons. Some women who have developed mood disorder as a result of menopause can be started on these drugs too.
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.
Many of the women who have hit menopause suffer from osteoporosis. For those whose bone density has already been compromised before reaching menopause, the situation is even worse. Several approaches are used in managing the condition including supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Reducing salt intake, cessation of smoking and drinking are recommended too. Exercises strengthen the bones and make them less susceptible to fracturing.
Before decisions are made on which treatment plan to be used, many factors have to be considered. The available options have to be discussed and the risk weighed against the benefits. This will require several laboratory tests to be done and also scans. After a consensus has been reached, the plan chosen requires yearly reviews to assess the effectiveness and determine whether there are any changes to be made. The woman and her doctor have to work hand in hand to facilitate this.
Maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising regularly helps the woman stay healthy, prevent complications and minimize the symptoms. Symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes may require taking of anti-seizures, anti-hypertensive, antidepressants and hormonal medications. Estrogen is one of the hormones which decline during this time. It predisposes one to conditions like colon cancer, glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Taking preventive measures can reduce the risk.
For those who are not experiencing medical problems as a result of menopause, medications are not necessary. On the other hand, if symptoms and signs are present the medications should focus on alleviating them. The most popular technique used in dealing with menopausal conditions is use of estrogen especially in hot flashes. It can be taken as a pill, or be applied as a cream. Estrogen rings are also available. Before prescription of estrogen, the physician needs to enquire about the medical and family history of the woman.
The next troublesome issue after hot flashes is vaginal dryness. This will make the woman avoid sexual intercourse because of the pain and sometimes it may mean painful urination. This can be relieved easily by application of vaginal creams to soften the vaginal walls.
Hot flashes can also be managed by taking antidepressants. The drugs in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the recommended ones. These drugs can be used to replace estrogen in women who cannot tolerate estrogen or those who cannot take it for medical reasons. Some women who have developed mood disorder as a result of menopause can be started on these drugs too.
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.
Many of the women who have hit menopause suffer from osteoporosis. For those whose bone density has already been compromised before reaching menopause, the situation is even worse. Several approaches are used in managing the condition including supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Reducing salt intake, cessation of smoking and drinking are recommended too. Exercises strengthen the bones and make them less susceptible to fracturing.
Before decisions are made on which treatment plan to be used, many factors have to be considered. The available options have to be discussed and the risk weighed against the benefits. This will require several laboratory tests to be done and also scans. After a consensus has been reached, the plan chosen requires yearly reviews to assess the effectiveness and determine whether there are any changes to be made. The woman and her doctor have to work hand in hand to facilitate this.
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