Women may become overwhelmed with the number of options they have for menopause treatment methods. There is a plethora of information available, making it difficult to know what treatment is the safest, and which is the best option for the symptoms you are suffering from. Keep reading to learn more about which treatment plan may be the best for you.
The Treatment Methods for My Menopause Symptoms
One of the primary factors associated with menopausal symptoms is an imbalance of hormones in the body. When the ovaries are preparing for the cessation of their primary roles, the production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone is disrupted and the levels fluctuate. This fluctuation causes the body to act in bizarre ways.
Treating this hormonal imbalance is vital for alleviating symptoms. Fortunately, there are ways you can do this without causing harm to your body. By implementing the changes listed below, you can treat all menopausal symptoms at one time.
Make lifestyle changes
This involves the least amount of risk, but requires the most amount of self-discipline. However, you can adjust your hormone levels efficiently by being persistent with such changes. Engage in physical activity five times a week for at least thirty minutes. Maintain a healthy and well balanced-diet, which incorporates vitamins B, C, D, and E, plus foods that increase estrogen levels, like soy.
It's also important to stay hydrated, allow time for de-stressing (e,g., join a yoga class, meditate, or just treat yourself to time alone occasionally), avoid excess consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and aim to get eight hours of sleep each night.
Always avoid triggers
Whatever your symptoms might be, take the initiative and avoid conditions or circumstances that make it worse. For example, avoid warm environments and spicy foods if you have hot flashes.
Try alternative approaches
Alternatively, there are phytoestrogenic supplements, which can quickly treat hormone imbalance because they introduce plant-estrogen to the body, which has the same chemical make-up as a woman's natural hormones. However, these supplements shouldn't be used for long periods of time because they can hinder the body's natural ability to produce estrogen.
Medications or surgery
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has serious lasting side effects on your body. Always consult your doctor for the appropriate information and advice.Making positive lifestyle changes, avoiding triggers, and trying alternative approaches are always recommended before resorting to medications and surgeries and should only be done as a last resort, under the advice of a medical professional.
Recommendation
Always talk to your doctor if you are unsure of the options available to you. They can advise you about what is best, based on your medical history. It is also worth trying to establish whether you have an estrogen deficiency or estrogen dominance because this will affect what foods or what hormone-based products you should consume. For more information on menopause symptoms treatments, follow this link.
Sources
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
- Hopkins, Virginia. Lee, John R. M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. New York: Warner Books Inc., 1996.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Martin, Raquel. The Estrogen Alternative. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.