At the onset of menopause, the first question a woman may have is — "What to do and how to treat it?". But before you try out the advice of friends and traditional medicine, you should know that menopause itself does not need treatment! The help of a doctor is required only if there are concomitant diseases or the menopause itself is too painful.
Complications may occur as a result of menopause.
After menopause, the risk of certain diseases increases, such as:
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. When estrogen levels decrease, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Therefore, it is important to exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet for maintaining a healthy weight. You can ask your doctor for advice on how to protect your heart, (for example, to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure if it's too high).
- Osteoporosis. This condition causes the bones to become brittle and weak, increasing the risk of fractures. During the first few years after menopause, bone density is lost. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are particularly prone to fractures of the spine, hips, and wrists.
- Urinary incontinence. As the tissues of the vagina and urethra lose elasticity, a woman may experience frequent, sudden, and strong urges to urinate, especially when she coughs, sneezes, laughs, or lifts heavy objects (stress incontinence). A tendency for urinary tract infections may also appear. In this case, the doctor may recommend strengthening the pelvic floor muscles using Kegel exercises and local estrogen.
- Sexual function. Due to a moisture production decrease and loss of tissue elasticity, discomfort, and slight bleeding during sexual intercourse are possible. In addition, decreased sensitivity can reduce libido.
- Weight gain. Many women gain weight during the menopausal transition and after menopause due to a slower metabolism.
There are many effective ways to relieve menopause symptoms, from lifestyle changes to hormone therapy. But if it concerns hormones, it is better to consult a gynecologist.
Usually, the elimination of menopausal symptoms is aimed to improve well-being and prevent or treat chronic conditions that can occur with age.
Treatment may include:
- Preventive care usually includes recommended screening tests, such as colonoscopy, mammography, and triglyceride screening. Your doctor may also recommend other tests and exams, including thyroid testing or breast and pelvic exams.
- Hormonal therapy (or estrogen therapy) is the most effective treatment option for hot flashes during menopause. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend hormones in the minimum dose and for the short term needed to relieve symptoms. Hormones can also help prevent bone loss. But only a doctor should prescribe hormone therapy, as its long-term or uncontrolled use can cause cardiovascular diseases or even breast cancer. Be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of hormone therapy specifically for you with your doctor.
- Antidepressants in low doses. Some antidepressants belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce hot flashes during menopause. Low-dose antidepressants for hot flashes may be helpful in women who cannot take hormones due to medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about which antidepressants are right for you.
- Medicines for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis during menopause. Depending on individual needs, a doctor may recommend medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis, which will help reduce bone loss and the risk of fractures. These can be vitamin D supplements to strengthen bones.
Before deciding on any treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits of each variant. Review your treatment options annually, as your needs may change. But all this does not mean you need to panic and get upset. It means — you need to pay more attention to your health than before.
