Treatments
Treatments for the Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are not illnesses. They are natural stages of life that all women eventually transition through. However, the changes taking place during these times can often create considerable discomfort and inconvenience. Don’t suffer needlessly. Seek relief, instead.
Treatment of perimenopausal symptoms is based on the specific types of symptoms the woman is experiencing. Consult your medical provider in order to select the most effective and safe treatment for you.
Birth Control Pills
For many women, the easiest treatment for many of the symptoms of perimenopause is a low dose birth control pill.
Birth control pills control bleeding and make periods lighter, shorter and very predictable.They can also prevent or relieve the discomfort of other common symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes. They work great, are easy to use and very effective.
Obviously, they also prevent pregnancy. If you are still having periods, you are still ovulating or producing an egg, and can get pregnant.
Bio Identical Hormones
Bio identical hormones are made from plants and converted in the lab to be identical in chemical structure to our own hormones. Estrogen is made from soy and progesterone is made from wild Mexican yam.
Bio identical hormones are not produced or marketed by pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, the safety of bio identical hormones has not been throughly studied or researched. Many medical providers are hesitant to endorse their use for fear of liability or lack of knowledge.
Bio identical hormones are prepared by compounding pharmacists. These are registered, licensed pharmacists who are able to mix hormones (and other medications) in different ratios, according to prescription.
How Do You Know When You Should Take Hormones?
Well, it all depends on what symptoms you have and how severe they are and is something you and your health care provider should determine.
Vitamins for Menopause
It is simple and effective to take daily vitamins and mineral supplements to prevent or treat osteoporsis. Calcium and Vitamin D are the most important.
Nutrition During Menopause
Good nutrition is essential. Increase your intake of calcium rich foods. Take vitamins. Reduce salt, caffeine and alcohol.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most effective thing you can do to combat the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Exercise. Quit smoking. Cut down on alcohol. Cut calories to maintain a healthy weight. Try to avoid dwelling on problems. Anxiety can have physical effects that can worsen some of your symptoms, like lack of sleep. So, try not to worry about everyday things like the weather or your life insurance policy. Save worrying for the big stuff.
Natural Treatments
It’s difficult to determine exactly what is and is not a “natural” treatment for relief of the symptoms of perimenopause because natural means different things to different people. It is wise to discuss your options with your medical practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment.
Cooling Products
There are quite a few products on the market that provide relief for hot flashes and night sweats, which in turn help with insomnia.
Personal Lubricants
Vaginal dryness is easily relieved by the use of lubricants.
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Question: My mother had breast cancer as well as my grandmother. Both were diagnosed in their early 60’s. I am reluctant to use any estrogen, bio-identical or not, but I am curious if I could use progesterone alone because I am having trouble sleeping and the progesterone seems to help. I am 56 years old.
Thank you