Women's Health Texas – San Antonio

From hot flashes to weight gain, there are ways to find menopause relief

From hot flashes to weight gain, there are ways to find menopause relief.

People like to make jokes about menopause. But if you’re experiencing the symptoms, then you know it’s no laughing matter. Our ObGyns will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan because every woman’s experience during menopause is unique.

Menopause Defined

Most women want to begin discussing menopause in their mid to late 40s. Symptoms usually start about four years before a woman’s menstrual periods end during a period called perimenopause. A better term for these years would be “menopause transition.”

During perimenopause, your periods may become irregular or even stop for a few months. Menopause is defined as going one year without a menstrual period.

Relieving the Symptoms of Menopause

Here are some of the more common symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause, and strategies to help you find relief:

Hot flashes (or flushes)

  • Avoid things that trigger hot flashes, including alcohol, caffeine, stress/anger and hot environments.
  • Try deep, calming breaths to relax.

Vaginal problems

  • When vaginal tissues receive less estrogen, the tissues may atrophy or become dry, causing pain during sexual intercourse. Try using over-the-counter lubricants (like K-Y Jelly or Astroglide) during sex.
  • Try an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer (like Replens).
  • For severe vaginal dryness, the best option may be a prescription vaginal estrogen product.

Sleep difficulties

  • For night sweats, dress in layers so clothing can be removed or added as the body temperature changes.
  • Place a fan near the bed.
  • To help with insomnia, try to be consistent about bedtimes and when you awake. Also, avoid naps and exercising too late at night.

Mood changes

  • Try stress management techniques like centering, meditation or yoga.
  • Consider joining a support group or talking to your ObGyn if your symptoms become severe or you feel depressed.

Weight gain

  • Step up your exercise and really pay more attention to the way that you eat—not just quantity, but quality—to maintain your weight.

Hormone Therapy May Help Some Women with Menopause Symptoms

When the symptoms of menopause become severe, you may need hormone replacement therapy. Our physicians can prescribe either oral or local hormone therapy (which is placed directly in the vagina) to help provide relief as needed. Oral hormone therapy is usually only prescribed for a period of three to four years before being tapered off.

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, our physicians understand it can also be a difficult one. We will work closely with you to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible as you go through menopause, and we’ll advise you on the best ways to feel better as well.

Our caring physicians and staff are here for you every step of the way. Request an appointment to discuss menopause and how you can make this transition in the healthiest way.

 

Date Published: December 2018