As a woman’s body adjusts to lower estrogen levels, she may experience various symptoms. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for managing menopausal symptoms, there are several effective options available.

Natural Approaches

The following approaches can help manage vasomotor symptoms—hot flashes and night sweats. (1, 2)

• Know your triggers: Avoid warm environments and foods that may trigger vasomotor symptoms. Dress lightly or in comfortable layers, so you can help your body adjust to fluctuating temperatures. Steer clear of foods like hot beverages, spicy foods, and sugary foods, which may trigger a hot flash.

• Paced respiration: Deep breathing may also help.

• Practice mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness through activities such as yoga, journaling, and spending time outdoors is beneficial for overall health and may help reduce hot flashes, too.

• Stay cool and comfortable at night: Turn down the thermostat at night. Wear lightweight pajamas made of breathable fabrics. Invest in cooling gel pillows and mattress covers.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help relieve common menopause symptoms. The decision to undergo HRT should be approached carefully in close consultation with your healthcare provider. It’s crucial to involve your doctor in a comprehensive assessment taking into account your medical history, family history, and individual circumstances to ensure the suitability and safety of HRT for your specific needs.

HRT involves taking estrogen and, if you have a uterus, a hormone called progestin. This is sometimes called “combined hormone therapy.” Progestin is important for those with a uterus as it helps lower the risk of uterine cancer when estrogen is used alone. Estrogen is prescribed without progestin for women without a uterus. (3, 4)

Systemic HRT boosts your estrogen levels by releasing estrogen into the bloodstream. It’s absorbed throughout the body and used to treat common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Systemic HRT can also help protect against osteoporosis. These types of HRT include (3, 4):

• Oral pills

• Transdermal patches

• Topical gels or sprays

“Local” estrogen therapy is an appropriate choice for women primarily experiencing vaginal dryness, itchiness, or pain during sex. It specifically targets vaginal and urinary symptoms related to menopause and doesn’t alleviate other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. As it is applied directly to the vagina, these products contain a lower dose of estrogen compared to systemic HRT. These forms of hormone therapy include (3, 4):

• Vaginal tablets

• Vaginal creams

• Vaginal ring

While there are benefits to HRT, there are also risks. Both combined and estrogen-only hormone therapy can increase the risk of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by a small amount. Combined hormone therapy can also increase the risk of heart attack and breast cancer, but the risk is still relatively small. (3)

Non-Hormonal Treatments

Some prescription medications can help with hot flashes for women who don’t want to take hormones. Medications such as gabapentin (an antiseizure medication), clonidine (a blood pressure medication), and certain antidepressants like Effexor or Prozac can be prescribed to reduce hot flashes. (1, 3)

Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants don’t contain hormones and can help relieve vaginal dryness and pain during sex. (1, 3)

By learning about the symptoms of menopause and the available treatment options, you can take charge of your health and confidently transition into this new phase of life. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of menopause, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Written By: Johna Burdeos

Resources

1. Perimenopause: Rocky Road to Menopause. Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed 6/22/2023.

2. How to Find Relief for Hot Flashes at Night. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 6/22/2023.

3. The Menopause Years. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed 6/22/2023.

4. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right For You? Mayo Clinic. Accessed 6/23/2023.