This article aims to identify the physical and psychological symptoms of the menopause and describe the use and possible side effects of regularly used pharmaceutical drugs to help in relief of these symptoms. Natural relief of symptoms will also be described. This article does not aim to describe all all of the physical or psychological characteristics of the menopause, these will be covered in a later article.
Physical Symptoms Of The Menopause.
The menopause usually affects women between the ages of 40-50 years. The menstrual cycle becomes irregular about 5-7 years before the onset of the menopause. Nearer the onset the number of cycles where ovulation does not occur increases. During the menopause the woman may experience dryness of the vagina. This can cause inflammation and an increased risk of infection. A decrease in libido is usually experienced, yet some women get an increase. Some women suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). Hot flashes are common caused by an decrease in estrogen levels.
Psychological Symptoms Of The Menopause.
The psychological symptoms were, for many years, dismissed by many Doctors and Physicians. However, they have found to be real, usually connected to low estrogen levels. Symptoms can include irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and severe emotional disturbances. These can be treated and managed by the use of small amounts of estrogen
Treatment Of The Menopause By The Use Of Pharmaceutical Drugs.
HRT: Hormone replacement therapy.
Estrogen: Estrogen is used to treat 'hot flashes' (sometimes called 'hot flushes') in women who are experiencing menopause. Some brands of estrogen are also used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, or burning, or to prevent osteoporosis. However, women who need a medication only to treat vaginal dryness or only to prevent osteoporosis should consider a different treatment. Side effects of estrogen include increased risk of endometrial cancer, and vaginal bleeding amongst others.
Progestogen: Progestogen is used to regulate the effects of estrogen and are often prescribed together. In women with a uterus, the addition of a progestogen cyclically (for at least 10 days per 28-day cycle) reduces the additional risk of endometrial cancer; this additional risk is eliminated if a progestogen is given continuously. However, this should be weighed against the increased risk of breast cancer.
Oestrogen:Oestrogen is given systemically in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period. Menopausal atrophic vaginitis may respond to a short course of a topical vaginal oestrogen preparation. Systemic therapy with an oestrogen or drugs with oestrogenic properties alleviates the symptoms of oestrogen deficiency such as vasomotor symptoms.
Tibolone: Tibolone given in the postmenopausal period also diminish postmenopausal osteoporosis. Tibolone combines oestrogenic and progestogenic effect and it is given continuously, without cyclical progestogen. Tibolone increases the risk of breast cancer.
Clonidine: Clonidine may be used to reduce vasomotor symptoms in women who cannot take an oestrogen, but clonidine may cause unacceptable side-effects.
Possible Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, endometrial cancer ( which may be reduced by a progestogen), breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Women who start combined HRT more than 10 years after menopause have an increased risk of heart disease. Women using combined or oestrogen-only HRT are at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (commonly DVT) and of pulmonary embolism especially in the first year of use. An oestrogen may be given by mouth or it may be given by subcutaneous or transdermal administration (patch). In women who have a personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, severe varicose veins, obesity, the use of HRT needs to be given careful consideration.
Like all drugs, HRT has side effects yet has helped many women through the 'change' (menopause).
Treatment Of The Menopause By The Use Of Natural Means.
Agnus Castus: Vitex agnus-castus. Clinical studies have shown that these berries work on the pituitary gland and help stabilise hormone fluctuations so helping menopausal symptoms..
Black Cohosh: Cimicifuga racemosa. The primary use of black cohosh extract is for alleviation of menopausal symptoms. It has been widely researched, especially in Europe, for its ability to alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause. While black cohosh is generally considered safe, people with liver disease or a family history of liver disease should consult their physician before taking black cohosh.
Damaiana: Turnerna diffusa. This shrub historically been used as an aphrodisiac and has been claimed to induce euphoria.
Dang Gui: Angelica sinensis. Dang gui acts as a phytoestrogen and has similar, but milder, effects of oestrogen. Dang gui also helps support the cardiovascular system, which can of help to menopausal women suffering hypertension (high blood pressure).
Soy: Soy contains natural plant estrogens called phytoestrogens. These are weaker than human estrogens However, studies show they behave similarly in the human body. In the body, phytoestrogens help balance a woman's estrogen level.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Studies have been done that suggest it may help relieve hot flashes and postmenopausal vaginal dryness and it has been popular for that purpose ever since.
There are other natural remedies said to help women experiencing the menopause.
No comments:
Post a Comment