Menopause Treatments & Recommended Lifestyle Changes
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has recently been updated to Menopause Hormone Therapy. This treatment typically involves a combination of estrogen and progesterone, which can be delivered through a pill, skin patch, ring, gel, cream, or spray. HRT can help control many menopause symptoms.
Before starting HRT, review your entire health history with your provider to ensure there are no “red flags” about starting this therapy. While HRT can be effective, it does come with a slight increased risk of developing breast cancer when both estrogen and progesterone are used. Your provider will assess your individual risk level and may recommend specific tests or screenings to help determine if you are eligible for the treatment.
For some women, it is possible to manage symptoms without HRT by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet for a healthy weight management (e.g., Mediterranean diet), quality sleep and stress management techniques.
If you’re considering herbal supplements to relive symptoms like hot flashes and sleeplessness, it’s important to meet with your provider, who can evaluate potential interactions with your current health status and medications.
For women who don’t qualify for HRT or prefer not to take it, there are alternatives, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clinical hypnosis and FDA-approved medications.
NUTRITION FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
As estrogen levels drop, many women find that their body becomes less sensitive to insulin, which can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly. Poor sleep can also raise levels of a stress hormone called cortisol, which can make you feel hungrier.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage weight gain. Focus on getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet with healthy proteins and whole grains and drinking plenty of water. Recent studies have shown that a plant-based (vegan) diet isn’t very effective for preventing weight gain during menopause. Instead, try to eat more foods with fiber and be mindful of portion sizes.
SEXUAL HEALTH AND Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
If you experience bleeding after sex and you haven’t had a period for 12 months or more, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
Painful intercourse is related to the thinning of the estrogen tissues related to GSM. It is important to use a lubricant during intercourse once you are in menopause. Often this symptom will not get better on its own, but over-the-counter moisturizers as well as estrogen treatments for the vagina can help. We recommend using a vaginal moisturizer on a regular basis for improved quality of life.
Hormonal changes can also cause low sex drive. Other factors can also affect your sex drive, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what might help.