Finding Relief
Common Menopause Symptoms and Treatment Options
Ok, Gen X Sisters: Menopause and estrogen are having their moment in the sun right now…in the medical world and on social media. With new research findings and recommendations, there is a lot to unpack about this new phase of life. As a certified menopause practitioner, I’d like to take a look at common symptoms as well as different types of options for relief so that you can be more informed when discussing your own transition with your doctor.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
While the hallmark of menopause (one full year without a natural period) is the fall of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, the hallmark of perimenopause (the transitional years leading up to menopause through the first year following your final period) is hormone fluctuation. This fluctuation and gradual drop in female sex hormones doesn’t just affect our reproductive organs. Our bodies are full of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and as hormone levels fall, many women experience new and different symptoms they may not realize are related to perimenopause or menopause.
Some of the most common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, muscle and joint aches, brain fog, sleep disturbances, weight changes, vaginal dryness and sexual discomfort, heart palpitations, thinning hair, dry skin, mood swings, and more.
Menopause Treatment Options
The good news is women are not resigned to suffering through menopause symptoms. Here are a few of the many treatment options:
- Hormone Therapy. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), often referred to as hormone replacement therapy, is the gold standard for menopause symptom treatment. MHT is FDA-approved to treat the vasomotor symptoms of menopause (hot flashes and night sweats), vaginal dryness, and the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. Many women also find relief with muscle and joint aches, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. MHT is generally low-risk, although it is not appropriate for women with certain medical conditions.
- Non-Hormonal Medical Therapy. The FDA-approved non-hormonal medications for menopause symptoms are ideal choices for women who cannot use estrogen therapy, such as breast cancer survivors.
- Vaginal estrogen. Topical vaginal estrogen treats dryness and burning and helps with pain with intercourse by delivering estrogen directly to the vaginal tissue. It is safe and may be used by women with a history of breast cancer.
Additional options for relief include non-hormonal vaginal treatment, cognitive behavior therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Learn More and Find Relief
My full article at vpfw.com discusses all of these treatment options and answers questions about over-the-counter supplements and whether hormone testing can be helpful. You can also find details for an upcoming screening of “The M Factor” (a documentary about menopause) and a panel discussion VPFW is co-hosting. I encourage you to make an appointment with your GYN provider who can help you navigate your transition and find treatment that is right for you.
To read the full article, scan the QR code:
Dr. Emily Stone is a certified menopause practitioner at Virginia Physicians for Women who sees patients at VPFW’s St. Francis and Prince George offices.