Symptoms Treatable by Hormone Therapy
The most common symptom of menopause, and easiest to recognize, is the hot flash
(a sudden wave of heat and sweat). The following symptoms, when moderate to
severe, are treatable by hormone therapy
1:
-
Hot flashes
-
Night sweats and associated sleep disturbances
-
Dryness, itching and burning in and around the vagina
If you use hormone therapy only to treat dryness, itching, and burning in and
around your vagina, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a
different treatment or medicine
without estrogens might be better for you.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, thinning of the bones, is a major health concern after
menopause. Women receiving no estrogen lose about 20% of their total body
calcium during the first 10 years after menopause. In addition to
hormone
therapy (HT), weight-bearing exercise and a diet high in
calcium and vitamin D can help.
If you use hormone therapy only to prevent
osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about
whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for
you.
Sex After Menopause
Approximately one-third of women will experience some
form of vaginal problems during their lifetime. Vaginal problems are a common symptom in menopausal women since decreasing levels of estrogen
can cause the vagina to be less lubricated and the vaginal lining to thin. Some women also experience inflammation of vaginal tissue,
and narrowing and shortening of the vagina. Vaginal dryness can cause itching and/or burning and increase a woman’s
chance of vaginal infection. All of these symptoms may cause sex to become uncomfortable or even painful.
But ladies, you are not “finished at 50!” While menopause marks the end of your reproductive cycle, it does not have to signal the end of your
sexuality. Treatments such as estrogen therapy or over-the-counter, water-based lubricants like K-Y
® Jelly, Astroglide
® and Replens
®. Vaginal Moisturizer
can treat symptoms of vaginal dryness. Talk with your healthcare provider about which treatment option may be best for you.
Mood Changes
The weepies, supersensitivity, crying jags — whatever you call them, mood swings
are a common symptom for women going through menopause. You might find yourself
crying about nothing or snapping at your husband or children about the smallest
thing and then feeling bad about it. You are not losing your mind!
The symptoms you experience while going through menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats,
often result in lack of sleep and increased irritability. However, since mood swings can also result
from other, non-hormone related causes such as stress (emotional and/or physical), depression, anxiety
and fatigue, it is important for you to explore the causes of your mood swings with your healthcare
provider.