Common Menopause Symptoms and Treatments

Menopause is something many women dread from the time they are very young. As women age and the production of certain hormones slows, the process brings with it an assortment of unpleasant symptoms.

Since menopause has been around as long as the human race, though, by now most women know what to expect, and there are a number of common, effective treatments for the most persistent menopause symptoms.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

A number of drug-based treatments have proven effective in combating hot flashes, including hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants. Women may prefer to avoid these treatments for a variety of reasons, though. For these women, the remaining options are time-tested home remedies.

Certain lifestyle changes, for example, can have a strong effect on hot flash reduction. Quitting smoking is a great start, and should be paired with adjustments in eating and drinking habits. Specifically, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods should be avoided, as they have all been known to trigger hot flashes.

Relaxation techniques can also be of great value for preventing and reducing hot flashes. Activities like yoga and meditation can relieve milder cases, and carry the added benefit of helping with the sleep issues that may also affect women during menopause.

In addition to the above methods, the main method women can use to avoid hot flashes is rather simple. Fans to circulate the air, cool beverages and a lower ambient room temperature can all help keep the body regulated.

Fatigue and Sleep Disorders

In addition to temperature issues, sleep disorders are also among the most prominent menopause symptoms many women experience. While dealing with sleep issues can be difficult for some, for others, simple lifestyle changes and a commitment to maintaining a routine have proven quite effective.

The routine is perhaps the most important aspect. By simply going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, women often find that they can stabilize their sleep. Avoiding caffeine and staying properly hydrated are helpful here as well.

Additionally -and this can also help with night sweats-– maintaining a proper exercise routine encourages a healthy sleep schedule not just for women going through menopause, but for all women. At least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily, ideally performed at the same time and early in the day, promotes healthy, undisturbed rest.

For fatigue during the day, which can happen even to women who have healthy nighttime sleep patterns, a brief nap is often the best treatment. Keep it short - ideally no more than 10 to 15 minutes-– and you should wake rested and ready to go. Resist the urge to fight daytime fatigue with caffeine, particularly later in the day, as stimulants can remain in the system for several hours and have a serious detrimental impact on sleep patterns.

When at-home treatments don't help

The symptoms of menopause can range from being slight annoyances to causing a serious detriment to your life. If you've tried all of the at-home treatments but are still suffering from hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats and sleep disorders, it's time to make an appointment with your OB/GYN.