Reproductive hormones are vital in developing and maintaining your sexual characteristics and thus affecting your menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy. If you reach a period marked by your body producing and releasing significantly low levels of reproductive hormones, you are in menopause. You know you are in the menopausal stage if your last menstruation came more than 12 months ago. Although the symptoms of menopause are usually mild to moderate in most women, sometimes you may need to visit a women’s health Lady Lake specialist if severe symptoms are experienced. The menopausal changes you encounter may affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
For instance, some symptoms of menopause you may experience are hot flashes, reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. Estrogen, one of the main reproductive hormones, is crucial for maintaining the lubrication, thickness, and elasticity of your vagina. Therefore, the vaginal walls become thin, dry, and inflamed if estrogen production is inadequate.
Subsequently, below are common treatment options your health provider may recommend for alleviating your severe symptoms of menopause.
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Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapies help trigger your body to increase its production and release reproductive hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. Your doctor may deliver estrogen directly into your vagina using a vaginal ring, cream, or tablet.
The treatment can also help safeguard you against bone loss.
Your health provider will ensure that you do not use hormone replacement therapy for a long time, which may put you at risk of various health problems such as breast cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
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Non-hormonal medications
Clinical studies reveal that some medications for relieving depression may also help reduce or eliminate symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes. You may need low-dose antidepressants to address your mood disorder and if your condition requires you to avoid taking estrogen.
Your doctor may also advise you to take medications to help prevent or minimize your risk of bone fracture and loss.
Furthermore, taking medications that control blood pressure and sugar can help provide relief against some menopausal symptoms.
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Diet modifications
Research indicates that eating healthy diets can help make your menopausal symptoms less severe and painful.
A healthy diet should involve lots of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C-rich foods like kale, milk, and yogurt. Also, daily exposure to sunlight can help trigger the creation of vitamin D, and you may take vitamin D supplements. You require calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones.
Also, limit your intake of alcohol, stop smoking, avoid processed and spicy foods, and restrict the consumption of caffeinated drinks and fatty meats.
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Exercise
Exercising regularly during perimenopause and menopause can help strengthen your bones and make you feel better.
Physical activity stimulates your brain to release more chemicals, such as dopamine, and adrenaline, associated with the happy feeling.
Increasing your muscle mass can safeguard you against bone loss and fractures associated with insufficient production of reproductive hormones.
Contact Integrated Family Medical Center today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in women’s health and learn more about the management of menopausal symptoms.
