Dealing with menopause

Dealing with difficult symptoms

If menopausal symptoms are causing you problems, talk to your doctor. He / she can help you reliably calculated risks and benefits of using hormone therapy in menopause, so called hormone replacement therapy. If you are in a perimenopause maybe you will benefit from low-dose of birth control pills, antidepressants, antihypertensives and other medications that can help in stabilising the hot waves; vaginal estrogen creams can help for symptoms of vaginal dryness.

Hormone replacement therapy - HRT

This therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms. Today there are various hormone products for the treatment of hot waves and vaginal symptoms. In strictly indicated cases combined estrogen-progestin hormone therapy is used in the prevention of osteoporosis, or in exceptional cases where there is a risk of occurrence of osteoporosis. HRT increases the levels of estrogen and progestin in the body. There are several standard layouts for HRT, including cyclic and continuous use.

If used estrogen without progestin increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Joint use of progestin with estrogen decreases this risk.

It is recommended that hormone therapy be short and taking the lowest effective dose that leads to relief of symptoms. Numerous studies have linked the use of hormone replacement therapy with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, thrombosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cholelithiasis and dementia.

When is contraindicated the use of HRT?

• positive personal history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of the endometrium;

• positive personal history of pulmonary embolism, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke;

• if you have vaginal bleeding for an unknown reason;

• you have active liver disease; Alternatively you can use the estrogen transdermal patches or vaginal creams that bypasses metabolism in the liver.

What is the benefit of using HRT?

HRT increases estrogen levels in the body that leads to:

• reducing the frequency and severity of hot waves;

•it improves mood and reduces the problems with  sleeping;

• maintenance of the vaginal mucosa which reduces irritation;

• it helps in increasing the level of collagen found in the skin;

• assisting in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis;

• reduces the risk of dental problems such as teeth falling and gum disease.

Alternative therapy for menopausal problems

Many herbal preparations can produce good results in the treatment of menopausal problems. Here are some of them:

1. Viburnum prunifolium - have special clinical effects on the female reproductive system. It relieves spasms of the uterus, relaxes the muscles of the uterus and reduces blood pressure. Its sedative effects help sleep.

2. Leonorus cardiaca - traditionally used to treat all aspects of women's reproductive health. It relieves spasms of the uterus, reduces hot waves, insomnia and anxiety. It also helps in reducing the  blood pressure.

3. Vitex agnus castus - monks used this to reduce sex drive because of its effect on hormone status. This herb is used 2,500 years ago to regulate menstrual disorders. Act centrally on the hypothalamus and pituitary and leads to the establishment of balance in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Indirectly affect the creation of increased progesterone and normalisation of prolactin levels. This plant is primarily used to regulate menstruation and reduce libido in men and women, and described even Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. Today in Germany is approved treatment with extract of this plant to regulate menstruation, PMS and breast pain.

4. Urtica dioica - it is not unknown that this herb is rich in vitamins, iron, calcium and other nutrients. But, helps to alleviate many menopausal problems. Nettles tea or steam cooked nettle as vegetable gives excellent results.

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra - Act anti-inflammatory, (the coughing), mild measures to regulate constipation, antiviral, reduces spasms and tension of internal organs, immune - stimulating. It regulates the metabolism of estrogen and alters the level of this hormone as needed. This herb should be avoided in people who suffer from high blood pressure.

6. Sea brown algae (Phaeophyceae) - rich with nutrients and must be regularly included in the diet as the control variable mood in menopause and help in the treatment of other perimenopausal symptoms.

7. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - very useful adaptogen is used to adjust the body in terms of increased effort and stress. Considering the fact that one of the main trigger factors of menopausal symptoms is stress, ginseng can certainly help relieve these symptoms by increasing psychophysical endurance in conditions of physical and mental exhaustion. This herb contains precursors of estrogen and progesterone and maintains hormonal balance. Siberian ginseng is a weaker form of stimulant compared with Chinese ginseng.

Adapting to the new way of life

Besides the above-mentioned herbal preparations, women who are approaching menopause period must at the same time adjust their way of life. This course includes physical activity and changes in dietary habits (lots of fluids and foods rich in fiber). Physical activity may not reduce hot waves and sleep problems, but reduces stress and improves quality of life.

Menopause is a new beginning and a perfect time to enter more physical activity into daily life that will be beneficial for the heart, to prevent weight gain, strengthen bones and bring refreshing mood.