Live Life Team
Diagnosis of Menopause
There is no particular test that is performed to diagnose menopause or peri menopause. However, the level of FSH (Follicle – stimulating – hormone) in the blood can be measured to confirm the diagnosis. The FSH level fluctuates almost every day on the basis of the person being menopausal or peri menopausal.
Treatment of Menopause
Most of the woman who go through the stage of menopause, fail to take any treatment. It is only when the symptoms get severe that a treatment proves to help. There are several treatments to cure the symptoms of menopause depending on their occurrence, the patient’s medical history and one’s self preferences. Some of the treatments are detailed below:
Hormone Replacement Therapy
This is the most effective way of treating the menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, urinary symptoms, vaginal symptoms, etc. This method works by replacing oestrogen.
Benefits of HRT:
Effective treatment to cure the common symptoms
Prevents osteoporosis which most menopausal woman are likely to face.
Reduces the risks of getting colon and rectum cancer
Risks associated with HRT:
Ovarian cancer
Breast cancer
Uterus cancer
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Venous thromboembolism
TIblone
This refers to a steroid that acts similar to the HRT. It is alternatively used treat the symptoms of menopause. It is an equally effective method to cure the condition. It helps in preventing fractures of the spine and also improves sexual issues. It carries the risk of breast cancer of the womb, cancer and stroke.
It should be noted down that it is possible to conceive in the event of taking either of the treatments mentioned above. Some other ways of treating the menopausal symptoms are:
Anti depressants – such as venlafaxine, citalopram, paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Vaginal Lubricants – such as Replens
Clonidine – used to treat hot flushes, but cause several side effects like depression, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation
Complimentary therapies
Premature menopausal conditions can be treated in the following ways:
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Combined oral contraceptive pill (COC)
Self care to be taken while in the stage of Menopause:
The symptoms of menopause can be put to ease by following a few self help tips. Some ways to improve the condition are listed below.
To improve night sweats and hot flushes:
Avoid spicy food
Exercise regularly
Avoid smoking
Stop the intake of alcohol
Clothing worn should be light and comfortable
Try to keep your bedroom cool and calm at night
Reduce levels of stress
Avoid caffeine
To improve the condition of disturbed sleep
As far as possible, try go to bed at the same time, every night
Avoid exercising late in the day
To improve disordered mood
Take part in yogic or relaxation exercises
Make it a strict habit to exercise on a regular basis
Rest as much as possible.
