For women who are troubled by the symptoms of menopause, there are various treatment options available. The most common menopause treatment Bethesda MD is hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT. This therapy involves replacing the declining estrogen levels in your body which steadily decrease when women begin menopause. The decline in estrogen is the cause of many of the uncomfortable symptoms that women experience, so replacing this hormone often relieves many of the symptoms.
HRT has been viewed with great skepticism due to its perceived link with breast cancer. However, new research indicates that HRT is safe and effective and can still be offered to women. HRT can be taken in tablet form, as a skin patch, or as a gel that is rubbed into the skin. It can also be given through implants. Although it is safe, it should not be given to women with a high risk or history of breast cancer.
One common form of treatment is hormone therapy. This is when the woman is given shots of estrogen or pills to help normalize her hormone levels. Estrogen therapy has been used for many years to treat these symptoms and is still considered to be the most effective method for relieving uncomfortable hot flashes. Depending on the medical history of the patient, doctors often recommend giving estrogen in the lowest possible doses to provide relief of symptoms. For women who still have a uterus and have not undergone a hysterectomy, doses of progestin are often given in addition to the estrogen hormone. Estrogen is an important hormone because it helps to prevent bone loss. Many doctors also believe hormone therapy may be good for the heart if the woman starts it within five years after completing her menstrual periods.
Vaginal estrogen is often used to relieve vaginal dryness, which many women experience when their estrogen levels decline. This can be used directly on the vagina as a vaginal cream, or it may be taken as a tablet. Some estrogen therapy is given as a ring that is inserted inside the vagina to release the hormone. Whichever method is used, only a small amount of estrogen is released into the body, which is then absorbed by the vaginal tissues to relieve dryness. This can also help women who experience discomfort during intercourse or have other painful urinary symptoms.
Certain antidepressants in low doses may also help to decrease menopausal hot flashes. This medication may be given to women who are unable to take estrogen therapy for various health reasons or are suffering from a mood disorder and who require an antidepressant to manage it.
Gabapentin, which is typically used to treat seizures, has also been proven to help reduce hot flashes. As with antidepressants, gabapentin can be used by women who are unable to have estrogen therapy or suffer from migraines.
Although testosterone is the male sex hormone, it can sometimes help women to restore their natural sex drive. Testosterone is not currently licensed for women to use, however, your doctor can prescribed it if they believe it will help you. There are certain side effects to using testosterone supplements, such as unwanted hair growth and acne.
Menopausal women may also experience vaginal dryness and discomfort. If you experience vaginal dryness and pain due to menopause, your doctor may prescribe estrogen treatment such as a tablet, cream or ring that is inserted in the vagina. It is also possible to use simple lubricants or vaginal moisturizers to relieve vaginal itch and dryness.
HRT has been viewed with great skepticism due to its perceived link with breast cancer. However, new research indicates that HRT is safe and effective and can still be offered to women. HRT can be taken in tablet form, as a skin patch, or as a gel that is rubbed into the skin. It can also be given through implants. Although it is safe, it should not be given to women with a high risk or history of breast cancer.
One common form of treatment is hormone therapy. This is when the woman is given shots of estrogen or pills to help normalize her hormone levels. Estrogen therapy has been used for many years to treat these symptoms and is still considered to be the most effective method for relieving uncomfortable hot flashes. Depending on the medical history of the patient, doctors often recommend giving estrogen in the lowest possible doses to provide relief of symptoms. For women who still have a uterus and have not undergone a hysterectomy, doses of progestin are often given in addition to the estrogen hormone. Estrogen is an important hormone because it helps to prevent bone loss. Many doctors also believe hormone therapy may be good for the heart if the woman starts it within five years after completing her menstrual periods.
Vaginal estrogen is often used to relieve vaginal dryness, which many women experience when their estrogen levels decline. This can be used directly on the vagina as a vaginal cream, or it may be taken as a tablet. Some estrogen therapy is given as a ring that is inserted inside the vagina to release the hormone. Whichever method is used, only a small amount of estrogen is released into the body, which is then absorbed by the vaginal tissues to relieve dryness. This can also help women who experience discomfort during intercourse or have other painful urinary symptoms.
Certain antidepressants in low doses may also help to decrease menopausal hot flashes. This medication may be given to women who are unable to take estrogen therapy for various health reasons or are suffering from a mood disorder and who require an antidepressant to manage it.
Gabapentin, which is typically used to treat seizures, has also been proven to help reduce hot flashes. As with antidepressants, gabapentin can be used by women who are unable to have estrogen therapy or suffer from migraines.
Although testosterone is the male sex hormone, it can sometimes help women to restore their natural sex drive. Testosterone is not currently licensed for women to use, however, your doctor can prescribed it if they believe it will help you. There are certain side effects to using testosterone supplements, such as unwanted hair growth and acne.
Menopausal women may also experience vaginal dryness and discomfort. If you experience vaginal dryness and pain due to menopause, your doctor may prescribe estrogen treatment such as a tablet, cream or ring that is inserted in the vagina. It is also possible to use simple lubricants or vaginal moisturizers to relieve vaginal itch and dryness.
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