Managing the Disruptive Symptoms

Last Updated: May 1, 2003

Here are some suggestions for alleviating common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Hot flashes
First, try lifestyle changes. Avoid getting too warm by dressing in layers and sleeping in a cool room. Avoid getting too warm inside, too, by not drinking hot beverages and eating hot soups. Avoid hot flash triggers, such as drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods. Reduce stress. If you feel a hot flash coming on, take slow, deep breaths and the hot flash may be lessened or avoided altogether.

If more help is needed, some research suggests that mild hot flashes can be relieved by consuming a serving of soy foods daily or taking a supplement of black cohosh. Effects, if any, may take a few weeks.

Several prescription drugs that are FDA-approved for other uses have been found to help some women with hot flashes: the antidepressants Effexor, Prozac and Paxil, and the cardiovascular drug Catapres.

Difficulty sleeping
With hot flashes treated, sleep quality should improve.

Vaginal dryness
Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers available over the counter can help lubricate the vagina and ease intercourse.

Severe cases of vaginal dryness respond only to prescription estrogen. Prescription estrogen products are available that are specifically for the inside of the vagina. They are not absorbed to a great extent into the circulation. These include vaginal estrogen creams, a vaginal estrogen tablet, and a vaginal estrogen plastic ring. Estrogen used this way will not help with hot flashes or any other condition, but it is not associated with any side effect.

Reduce your risk for osteoporosis
After menopause, a woman’s risk of osteoporosis (thin bones) increases, making it more likely to sustain a fracture. Talk to your healthcare provider about determining the strength of your bones, perhaps by getting a bone scan .

Make sure you get adequate calcium and vitamin D. Getting appropriate exercise is also recommended. If you are at risk or have osteoporosis, you need calcium and vitamin D plus a bone drug. There are many well-proven prescription therapies from which to choose.

Reduce your risk for heart disease
After menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease also increases. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk. A test of your blood for cholesterol is also recommended.

If your blood pressure is high, or your cholesterol is not healthy, there are several well-proven prescription therapies.

If you have diabetes, make sure you control your blood sugar.

General advice
Practicing good health-promoting habits goes a long way in helping you feel your best:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get adequate exercise
- Reduce stress



Source: National Institutes of Health

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