Menopause Treatment - What Is Available

There are various remedies available for menopause treatment. Menopause is a time of physical, mental and emotional upheaval. The hormonal changes lead to a long list of symptoms that occur. These are as different as the women experiencing them. These can last for up to 15 years. It is important to be able to handle them and live with them.

There are three stages to the process. Early or perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. The initial stages may begin as early as late thirties. This is not usual but it does happen. The typical age is late forties. Medically it is defined as a one year time frame without having a period. Postmenopause does require some oversight as this is the time when bone health is at risk.

The process begins when the ovaries stop producing eggs. This is followed by a decrease in the production of progesterone and then estrogen. The hormonal imbalance leads to periods that are lighter or heavier than usual. The frequency may increase of they may be skipped altogether.

The symptoms that can occur will sometimes begin during the first stage. Memory loss, mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats are some of the more common ones. Some others are insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, fatigue, decreased sexual desire, incontinence and heart palpitations.

One of the possible symptoms that is of great concern is depression. Eight to fifteen percent of women will experience it to some degree during one or all of the stages. Hormonal imbalance may be a trigger for it, or it may be the stress of having severe symptoms. It is a time of internal and external changes and they can be very overwhelming.

One of the natural ways to handle treating these symptoms is through exercise and nutrition. There are certain foods that should be a part of the daily diet. Soy, organically grown meats, nuts, brown rice, whole grains, fruits and vegetables need to be included in the diet. Avoid too much sugar because it slows down the metabolizing of sugar and interferes with immune system function. Caffeine and sodas may increase bone loss. Exercise stimulates the chemicals in the brain that can combat the possible symptom of depression. It also improves blood circulation and raises the heart rate.

There is now biotechnology that is being developed and used to help with estrogen levels. Ayurvedic medicine and homeopathic medicine are used to restore balance to the hormones. Vitamin E and natural progesterone cream are both considered effective in treating hot flashes. Each person can find what works for them using minerals, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Menopause treatment can be natural remedies or synthetic replacements. A doctor should be seen before beginning any type of treatment, even with those that are natural. Each individual will respond differently to different remedies. A psychologist may also need to be involved in treatment if anxiety and depression become an issue.