Treating Symptoms of Menopause

Menopausal symptoms are being treated in various ways, these symptoms are hot flashes, urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, vaginal dryness etc. There are herbal treatments, over-the counter medicines, hormone replacement therapies, alternative therapies, prescription agents, diet controls and exercises. These treatments are described below:

· Herbal Treatments: Many women these days are approaching herbal agents to treat menopausal symptoms. Some may have proven effects; however, these agents can have adverse effects too. Black Cohosh is an agent most extensively used for menopausal symptoms; it can increase ovarian cancer risk. Flexseed, Duang Quai, Ginseng, Kava and DHEA (Dehydroepiandostrone) are other agents for treating menopausal symptoms.

· Over-the-counter Medicines: These drugs are usually called NSAID (Nonsteroidal anit-inflammatory drugs) which include common painkillers aspirins. They are used for short term relief of menopausal symptoms. Long term use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. They also include lubricants for vaginal dryness such as KY Jelly.

· Hormone Replacement Therapies: HRT has been a standard treatment for preventing many of the health problems associated with menopause. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer. This outweighs HRT's protection against osteoporosis and colon cancer. HRT agents include oral estrogens, oral progestins, oral combination of estrogens and progestins, skin patch administration, vaginal creams and other forms of vaginal administrations. HRT helps protect bone density, urinary tract infections, wrinkles and skin aging, beneficial against mental disorders etc.

· Alternative therapies: These include acupuncture, meditation and relaxation techniques which have been proven good for symptoms such as mood swings, stress, sleep disorders and heart effects.

· Prescription Drugs: These include oral contraceptives which can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Anti-depressants may be used for mood management. Testosterone can be used to increase bone mass and improve sex drive. Bellergal is non-hormonal drug which is specifically used for alleviating hot flashes. Gabapentin is another drug used to alleviate hot flashes.

· Diet Controls: Healthy diet is also a way to treat the symptoms of menopause. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that are important for heart and overall heath. Soy and animal meat have proteins that protect women from cancers and Alzheimer. Slight excess of fat help protects bone. Green tea, black tea and coffee also have positive effects on heart related problems.

Exercises: For protection against major age related health problems, weight gains and bone problems women should adopt such exercise programs as suited to their age and health conditions. Hiking, dancing and brisk walking are some beneficial exercises.