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.

Dealing With Bleeding After Menopause

Bleeding after menopause may happen to some women. It may be because of the vagina getting dry and lost its elasticity as the estrogen level is decreasing. But it is not the normal symptom to get bleeding after menopause. So you must consult your doctor immediately. Sometimes the bleeding may happen because of taking birth control medicines, hormone imbalance etc. It may happen because of some non cancerous growth in the uterine.

Bleeding after menopause does not always mean cancer growth. But there is possibility of cancer in the womb. If there is any abnormal bleeding after menopause, then you have to check it whether it is happening because of cancer growth. Even if you have odor or pain in the vagina, then you have to consult your doctor.

Normally post menopause bleeding will occur due to some other gynecological problems. So you need not fear that there is always a chance of cancer. Mostly the post menopause bleeding is because of a hormone imbalance. Women who undertake hormone replacement therapy may experience this problem frequently. Lack of estrogen causes dryness in the lining of the uterine and the blood vessels in uterine breaks down and causes bleeding.

Polyps and fibroids may also cause post menopause bleeding. While polyps cause light bleeding, fibroids cause heavy bleeding that requires treatment immediately. Sometimes any over growth in the uterine lining may also cause bleeding. And 20% of such growth may be because of cancer.

If the patient is suffering from excessive bleeding after menopause, then the examination of the pelvis region including vagina and cervix is a must. A Doctor will examine her by passing a small tube device through the cervix. The doctor may also ash her to take a complete scan of uterine. Treatment will be given after examining her past medical report. If she had taken any hormone replacement therapy or if she had any fibroids then the doctor will give her treatment accordingly. If the bleeding is caused because of any cancer growth in the uterine, advanced treatment will be given including surgery.

Menopause bleeding may occur due to hysterectomy. Nearly 6, 00,000 hysterectomies are performed in US every year. If you do not have your menstrual cycle for more than one year, then only you will be considered that you are undergoing menopause. Sometimes you may have irregular periods. So you need not confuse that menstrual cycle not happening within 28 cycles as menopause.

Ovary cancer may lead bleeding after menopause. This requires surgical treatment including removal of the ovary. Even mental stress, strain, weight loss or weight gain suddenly may cause post menopause bleeding. Consuming more pills or sexual intercourse may also cause bleeding. If you have post menopause bleeding or more than two weeks and if the bleeding is heavy that you require changing your pad every 1 hour, then you must consult your doctor immediately.

The Symptoms and Treatments for Cervical Erosion

The most common vaginal disease is cervical erosion so if you are a female, you should definitely be aware about the various diseases relating to the female product systems and organs. The condition mentioned above pertains to the absence of the lining around the cervix. The cervix is the lining around the inside of the vaginal opening that protects the body against germs and bacteria. Without the absence of this lining, the body is prone to all sorts of uterine and vaginal infections. Furthermore the absence of lining causes the cervix to become red and swollen which makes it appear to be eroded.

The absence of this lining causes the levels of estrogen to rise rapidly as this lining is responsible to regulate the hormonal levels in the body. Hence, this can lead hormonal imbalance in the body that can cause irregular menstruation that can become the root to several other problems such as infertility. A major reason for the cause of this particular medical condition includes use of drugs, creams, medicines and patches to lower the level of estrogen. Hormonal replacement therapies are a major cause of erosion. Each woman has her own levels of estrogen and any unnatural means that are chosen to alter these estrogen levels causes problem for the female herself.

This disease is mostly seen amongst women before their menopause, as estrogen levels are high during the time period when a female is menstruating. When a woman reaches menopause, estrogen levels begin to fall and hence such a condition doesn't occur with them.

The common symptoms of cervical erosion include the following and if you are a female you should watch out for these symptoms and go for an immediate diagnostic check if they prevail.

• Painful sexual intercourse - if intercourse has become painful, it is better to always get yourself checked.


• Abnormal vaginal discharge - if you witness a change in the secretions from your vagina, especially when it comes to bleeding, it may be a symptom


• Change in the color of the vaginal discharge - the color of the discharge might change from being white or transparent to a light yellowish discharge


• The female might experience abdominal or back pain


• Pelvic infection may occur in those women where the situation is severe


• Ulceration may also occur in certain women

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should get in touch with a specialist immediately who will conduct any of the following three diagnostic tests to determine your condition. These tests might include:

• Smear tests


• Biopsy of the cervical

For treatment, according to the severity antibiotics, creams and drugs are prescribed to the patient.

• Cervical Erosion Medication and drugs


• Vaginal and anti fungal creams

Atrophy Treatment

Atrophy is a condition defined as wasting of muscle, which is a decrease in muscle mass. Atrophy is of many types, but the most common types of atrophy are vaginal atrophy and multiple system atrophy.

Vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is defined as the inflammation and thinning of the vaginal walls due to a reduced level of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy mostly occurs after menopause, but it can also occur during breast-feeding or at any other time when there is reduction in the estrogen level of the body. Vaginal atrophy makes sexual act painful for many women. In addition, healthy genital function is closely associated with healthy urinary system function. Treatments for vaginal atrophy are accessible. Decreased estrogen levels do result in changes to the body, but it does not mean that the victim has to live with the discomfort correlate with vaginal atrophy.

Following are the usual vaginal and urinary signs and symptoms;

• Vaginal dryness


• Vaginal burning


• Burning with urination


• Urgency with urination


• More urinary tract infections


• Mild bleeding after intercourse


• Unpleasantness with intercourse


• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple system atrophy is infrequent. It is a continuous nervous system disorder that disturbs many areas of the brain and nervous system. Multiple system atrophy substantially damages the body's systems that regulate the blood pressure, bladder function, heart rate. People who are suffering from this condition also have symptoms like Parkinson's disease involving tremor, balance problems and rigidity. Multiple system atrophy also frequently affects the brain's coordination and balance center, which is the cerebellum and may be misunderstand for other cerebellar conditions like those occurring on the basis of genetics. Dissimilar to many other neurodegenerative disorders, multiple system atrophy usually does not disturb thinking and memory.

Treatment options

Moderate symptoms of vaginal atrophy may be relieved by the use of an over-the-counter moisturizer. If symptoms are irritating, however, oral estrogen or either topical vaginal is a capable in relieving from vaginal dryness and itchiness, and enhancing vaginal elasticity. Vaginal estrogen has the benefit of being effective at lower doses and restricting the overall exposure to estrogen. Estrogen rubbed to the vagina can result in estrogen entering in the blood, but the quantity is least. The victim should observe obvious improvements after couple of weeks of estrogen therapy. Some severe symptoms may be required a long time to resolve. If the victim has history of breast cancer then oral estrogen therapy usually is not prescribed as it might promote cancer cell growth, particularly if the breast cancer was hormonally sensitive. Whether low-dose vaginal estrogen is secure for breast cancer survivors, it is not known whether even a small enhancement in the level of estrogen circulating in the blood may enhance the risk of the cancer coming back. The victim should be chosen non hormonal treatments like moisturizers and lubricants.

Topical estrogen

Vaginal estrogen therapy consists of several forms because they all seem to act similarly well, so the victim and the doctor can decide which one is appropriately.

Vaginal estrogen cream

Victim applies this cream directly into the vagina with the help of an applicator, usually use at bedtime. Doctor will guide that how much cream to use and how often to apply, commonly one time in a day for the first few weeks and then two or three times a week thereafter. Even though creams may offer more prompt relief than do other forms of vaginal estrogen.

Vaginal estrogen ring

It is also known as estring. It is a soft, movable ring, which is interjected into the upper part of the vagina by the victim or the doctor. The ring secretes a consistent dose of estrogen the ring needs to be replaced after three months.

Vaginal estrogen tablet

It is also known as Vagifem. Victim can use a disposable applicator to place a tablet of vaginal estrogen in the vagina. Doctor will guide how often to use the tablet usually doctor prescribed to use it daily for the first two weeks and then twice a week.

Oral estrogen therapy

If vaginal dryness is correlated with some other symptoms of menopause like mild or severe hot flashes, doctor may prescribe estrogen pills, or estrogen gel, or an estrogen ring of higher dose along with a progestin. Progestin is generally given as a pill, but conjunction estrogen-progestin patches also are accessible. Victim should talk to doctor to decide if hormone treatment is an option and which treatment is appropriate for the condition.

Signs Of Menopause Starting And What You Can Do

Oprah Winfrey may have had a great show discussing signs of menopause starting on 'how great menopause will be'. But the truth is that menopause means your mid-life has started. Your hair growth on legs slows down, memory starts faltering, skin sags and wisdom sets it - wisdom about realizing the fact that we are sitting on the biggest curves our life throws at us. But remember that mid-life also brings appreciation, and our bodies expand to hold all wisdom and love we have acquired till now. Here are a few pointers about menopause...

What is menopause?

When there is absence of menstrual cycle for a period of 12 months, it signifies the end of menstruation cycle and fertility in a woman. This means that the ovaries have stopped producing eggs and production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone has reduced. While some women feel fine throughout this transition, some women experience hot flushes and mood swings. Menopause occurs after the age of 40, and is marked by stressful symptoms. At this point of time it is important to understand that this is not an illness.

When woman's ovaries produce eggs, it also activates production of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are responsible for regulation of menstruation and ovulation. However, when ovarian activity decreases, reduced production of hormones leads to the onset of menopause.

What are the signs of menopause beginning?

Menopause entails many symptoms and some common ones include:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding: In perimenopause hormonal level changes interfere with ovulation. If ovulation doesn't take place, the ovary continues to make estrogen that causes the endometrium layer inside uterus to thicken. This event leads to late menstrual period and is followed by irregular bleeding.


• Hot flushes that are accompanied with night sweat: These are the most common signs of menopause starting. These episodes can happen several times an hour, each lasting for about three to six minutes. It is fully understood why these hot flushes occur, but they happen mostly because of erratic automatic control of our nervous system. This disturbance triggers the skin blood vessels to open, which signal the sweat glands to become active.


• There is vaginal dryness and women experience itching in that area. Some women even get rashes. This is due to lack of oestrogen, which means that glands in your vagina don't produce enough lubrication, causing stinging especially during sex.


• Mood swings: Depression, tiredness, forgetfulness and irritability can be very distressing to you and your family.


• Irregularity in sleep pattern: Sleep disturbances can occur due to restlessness or night time sweat. Women who tend to sweat more often have to change their sheets several times during night.


• Sexual desire lessens: Women often don't feel like having sex, while others may feel that their orgasms are less intense.


• Thinning of hair: Hair thinning can occur both on your head as well as pubic area.


• Breasts lose fullness: Loss of breast fullness is one of the most disturbing signs of menopause. Last year's bra may become loose, and without support your breasts may sag. At the same time you notice more fat in your abdominal region.

Menopause doesn't require any medical therapy. The existing treatments only help alleviating its signs and symptoms. But knowing the signs of menopause starting can help you cope with it.

Natural Menopause Treatments - How To Cure Hot Flashes And Other Symptoms Of Menopause

"They are not hot flashes. They are either "personal summers" or "my inner child playing with matches" or "power surges"." Unknown

MENOPAUSE, Are you Irritable, Have Hot Flashes and Mood Swings?

This can be the happiest and most miserable time of life, when you are beginning menopause. You have gotten rid of that monthly visitor but now Mother Nature seems to have a whole new set of problems waiting for you. When you are beginning the stages, the hot flashes are the only symptom, you feel like the situation is manageable. (Usually occurs in or around most women's 40's.) When you get into your 50's you might not be able to sleep, find yourself a little more anxious or nervous than you may be use too. You might start to notice horrible hot flashes and mood swings and generally want to bite the head off of every person (friend or foe) you come across. Dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches, memory lapse, depression, joint pain or even bladder problems along with the possibility of skin problems, oh, don't let us forget to thank Mother Nature again for the decreased libido that will slowly start to make its own general appearance. Let's recap ladies.... the situation now seems unbearable.

PLEASE don't fret, Ladies these symptoms can be relieved and even eradicated with a few lifestyle changes.

Menopause is a prime example of how Western Medicine thinks everything can be cured with a pill or shot. Ladies in this day and age, we're becoming so much smarter than that and are aware this. In fact, lowering estrogen levels in our bodies can be regulated by incorporating some or all of the following things into our diet.

繚 80mg Black Cohosh, two or three times a day has been known to deal with many menopausal symptoms. Give 6 to 8 weeks to take effect.

繚 Flaxseed, 1 to 2 tablespoons daily. Take with 8-10oz water. Water helps hydrate the system from hot flashes and clean system. Drink as much water as you can daily.

繚 Soy Products, if you don't like tofu and such, try soy milk, and no it's really just like thicker.

繚 Plant foods, whole grains fresh vegetables and Fruits have a hormone balancing effect.

繚 Tuna, Cod, and Salmon help with skin conditions.

繚 Cold pressed nut and seed oil regulates estrogen production.

There are also a few things you want to eliminate from your diet. Try eating hormone free animal products, to stop a hormone imbalance. Eliminate Carbonated or alcoholic beverages they can aggravate the hot flashes. (That will probably be the hardest part of all. No carbonated drinks like sodas, but better kidneys as well. No Martini or second glass of champagne, but healthier liver... but trust me ladies, one glass of wine is still allowed so I've been told.)

How to Reduce Menopause Sweating

Menopause is a stage in women's lives when menstruation has ceased for at least 12 consecutive months. Drastic hormonal changes characterize this stage and the period of "change" that precedes it, called perimenopause. This hormonal change is said to be responsible for menopause sweating or night sweats.

Night sweats are very annoying because it can wake you up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat and feeling very uncomfortable. It can keep you up and unable to go back to sleep. And when we don't get enough sleep, it can really affect our mood and productivity during the day.

Although we know that we cannot totally eliminate or stop the changes that take place, we can at least learn how to cope and reduce the incidence and discomfort of menopause sweating.

1. Right diet. To lessen the amount of menopause sweating you should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, flaxseed, food with plenty of fiber and low-fat protein foods such as soy.


2. Daily exercise. Increasing your metabolism during the day through daily exercise will help your body relax and be stress-free thus reducing your night sweats.


3. Relax before going to sleep. Take a relaxing bath with lavender oil or a calming shower using lavender soap at least an hour before going to bed. Relax before you go to sleep by listening to soothing music or just reading a book to reduce your menopause sweats.


4. Room temperature. Keep your room temperature cool either by turning on the air conditioner or a fan. Also use fresh and cool sleepwear to lessen your night sweats.


5. Clean beddings. Always have crisp and clean beddings on hand so that you will always feel fresh and cool. Having soiled beddings will make you fret and feel restless contributing to an increase in your night sweats. Also do not use heavy blankets which will just increase your sweating, use light sheets made from breathable fabrics instead.


6. Freshen up. If you are awakened during the night feeling flushed and perspiring, get up and freshen up. Take a shower or a sponge bath and change to fresh sleepwear if necessary to keep you cool and reduce your menopause sweats.


7. Vitamins and minerals. Vitamins B, C, E, magnesium and potassium are necessary to help our body function well and combat stress. Daily dosage of vitamins and minerals will reduce the frequency of menopause sweats.


8. Fragrance oils. Use fragrance oils in your room, on your beddings and in your bath water to help you relax and relieve you of the stresses of the day. This may help reduce menopause night sweats.


9. Sage. Sage tea made from fresh sage leaves is said to be a strong remedy for night sweats and other menopausal symptoms because of its cooling and drying effect. Although sage is not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, only one dose a day is enough for the rest of us to benefit from it.