Menopause is the natural decline in reproductive hormones in women. This life event typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. It’s often self-diagnosable because its symptoms are very consistent. Some of the most common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep issues. Though menopause is a naturally-occurring event in every woman’s life, the skilled physicians at Pomona Valley Health Centers can help you manage its symptoms, so you can get back to uninterrupted sleep at night and symptom-free days.
How we help you manage menopause
Menopause is a natural process, but treatments are available to minimize common symptoms. These treatments include:
- Estrogen therapy
Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. As an added benefit, estrogen also helps prevent bone loss. While long-term therapy has shown an increased risk for developing some types of cardiovascular disease and breast cancers, it has also shown to benefit women when the therapy is started around the time menopause begins.
- Vaginal estrogen
Vaginal creams may be used to temporarily relieve vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse and some urinary symptoms. Estrogen creams are inserted directly into the vagina and absorbed by the vaginal tissues.
- Gabapentin
This medication was originally intended to treat seizures. However, it has proven useful for women who are unable to use estrogen therapy, but suffer from nighttime hot flashes.
- Clonidine
A pill or patch originally intended for treating high blood pressure may also provide some relief from hot flashes.
- Low-dose antidepressants
Low-dose antidepressants may help decrease menopausal hot flashes and may be taken by women who are unable to take estrogen for various health reasons.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can manage the symptoms of menopause, contact Pomona Valley Health Centers. Our skilled specialists can tell you everything you need to know about menopause management. Call us today at 909-630-7829 to schedule an appointment.
