Wednesday 13 November 2013

Get Respite from Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is a phase faced by women in the age group of 40 to 50 years. There are symptoms of menopause that are both mild and severe. If the symptoms are mild, one can manage herself even without any medication but if the symptoms of menopause are severe and they affect the day to day life then in that case medication is recommended.

The varied treatment options include:
  • Hormone replacement therapyTibolone
  • Clonidine
  • Vaginal lubricants
  • Antidepressants

The kind of the treatment however will depend on the types of symptoms, the preferences of the patient and also his or her medical history.

Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT is used in treating the most common symptoms that include hot flushes, vaginal symptoms, urinary tract infections and night sweats. HRT is also used in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The method talks about reducing the female sex hormones or widely known as oestrogen. This hormone keeps on getting decreased once the menopause approaches. The HRT used is of three kinds:
  • Continuous HRT which is for post-menopausal women
  • Combined HRT which is for women having menopausal problems but are having periods till date
  • Oestrogen-only-HRT which is suggested for women having their ovaries and womb removed

HRT is available in medical stores in the form of tablet, medicated cream, as an implant and even as a gel.

Tibolone is a man-made hormone that acts in a similar way as HRT. The menopausal symptoms that can be treated with tibolone are night sweats and hot flushes. It may also help in improving sexual problems and spine fractures.

Clonidine is a medicine meant to treat high blood pressure but it has also worked well in reducing the common symptoms like night sweats and hot flushes in menopause. This medicine is widely recommended. If the symptoms are not treated well with this medication then its intake should be stopped.

If a person experiences vaginal dryness during Menopause then a moisturizer or a vaginal lubricant can be used.

Depression and mood swings are some of the common problems in women in menopause. This makes them switch to antidepressants which are found to be effective during this phase like citalopram, paroxetine and venlafaxine.

If you are among those who are taking HRT then doctors will make sure that your symptoms are under control through monthly and annual checkups. And if you use non-HRT treatments like the ones listed above then an annual checkup is recommended and once the symptoms have stopped the medical practitioner will suggest you to stop the treatment.

There is a Menopause Center in Australia where you may visit and get effective treatments. In order to know about it, you can refer to the Australian Menopause Centre reviews. This will largely help you in selecting the right center for the best treatment for menopause.


Friday 8 November 2013

When Should I Talk To My Doctor About My Menopause Symptoms?


During menopause, your hormones are raging as your body makes the transition from being reproductive to infertile. Many of the symptoms you might be having are new experiences for your body. You might experience hot flashes, fatigue, headaches, vaginal dryness and a loss of libido, amongst a whole host of never-felt-before bodily sensations.

With so many changes and new experiences, it can be confusing to know what's normal, and what isn’t. It can be difficult to know whether an ache or pain is a symptom of menopause, or if it needs medical attention. It is important to be aware of the common symptoms of menopause, and know when it is appropriate to consult a doctor. Read on to learn 6 key symptoms that you can expect from menopause, and 6 moments when it might be a good idea to seek medical help.

6 Moments to Speak to Your Doctor

You should speak to your doctor about your menopause symptoms when:
Considering Treatments
There are a number of treatments available for menopause symptoms. These range from changes you can make in your day-to-day life, to herbal supplements, and hormone replacement therapy. Deciding which one is right for you can be overwhelming. Speaking to your doctor might help you reach your decision.

Side effects 

Different people's bodies react differently to different treatments. If you find that your symptoms change for the worse, or you experience side effects such as swelling, rashes or headaches, see your doctor.
Unexpected symptoms

The six symptoms listed above are the most common symptoms of menopause. However, there are many others, including irritability, anxiety, dizziness and fatigue. If you experience a particularly unusual pain or sensation, that doesn't cohere with the more common menopausal symptoms, seek medical advice.

Extreme physical symptoms

Women suffer physical menopausal symptoms to varying degrees. Some will barely notice a hot to varying degrees. Some will barely notice a hot flash, while in other cases a hot flash will reduce a woman to a dithering, sweaty mess. If you find that your menopausal symptoms are particularly intense and you are finding them difficult to cope with, speak to your doctor.

Extreme emotional symptoms

As with physical menopausal symptoms, the emotional symptoms of menopause can occur to varying levels. Mood swings, anxiety and irritability are normal symptoms of menopause. However, they can impact your relations with the people around you. If you find that you cannot control your emotional menopausal symptoms, and that it is damaging your quality of life, you might want to seek medical help.

Ongoing symptoms

The length of menopause varies from woman to woman. The transition is considered complete one year after the woman's last period. Some symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and loss of libido, might continue into post menopause. However, periods will not continue, so if you experience bleeding more than 12 months after your last period, you should see a doctor.