All Posts tagged Treat hot flashes

Menopause. The change. An uncertain time in a woman’s life when her body makes permanent, and unfamiliar changes. For the millions of women who go through menopause each year, the symptoms of this altering state can feel overwhelming, leading many women to dread the day that they realize menopause has arrived. If you are experiencing menopause now, or are anticipating the day when the first signs or symptoms appear, familiarize yourself with our tips for easing the symptoms of menopause so that when the change does occur, you can face it confidently and without distress.

Symptoms of Menopause

The symptoms that women experience during menopause — while varied — are primarily caused by a single factor: hormone changes. While every woman’s experiences will be different, what follows is a list of the most common symptoms that women experience during menopause:

• Hot flashes — a sensation of heat all over the upper body and/or flushing of the face and neck.
• Vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort during sex.
• Irregular periods that come more or less frequently than experienced previously.
• Periods that last for more or fewer days than experienced previously.
• Periods that are noticeably heavier or lighter than experienced previously.
• Night sweats.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Mood swings—crying more frequently, seemingly without reason.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Disinterest in sex, or feeling more comfortable about sex.
• Forgetfulness/difficulty focusing.
• Feeling stiff or achy.

Easing the Symptoms of Menopause

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you don’t have to suffer. Much of the discomfort associated with this phase of life can be treated with simple lifestyle changes and at-home remedies. Follow these tips to help ease your symptoms.

To Treat Hot Flashes:

• Avoid triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, stress, caffeine, and hot locations.
• Dress in layers.
• Make sure you have a fan conveniently located in your home or workplace.
• When you feel a hot flash coming on, take deep, slow breaths.

To Treat Vaginal Dryness:

• To ease discomfort during sex, use a water-based, over-the-counter vaginal lubricant.
• To assist general feelings of dryness, use an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer.

To Treat Sleep-Related Issues:

• Remaining active during the day will help you feel restful at night. Do not exercise too close to bedtime however, as such physical activity may make you feel awake immediately following.
• Avoid large meals directly before bed, and do not consume caffeine after noon.
• Do not smoke directly before bed.
• Keep your bedroom cool.
• Avoid naps during the day.
• Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.

To Treat Mood Swings:

• Stay active during the day, and try to get regular sleep at night.
• Work to manage the stress factors in your life.
• Talk to your doctor to determine if you are experiencing depression and could benefit from more focused depression treatment.

To Treat Memory Problems:

• Stay active during the day, and try to get regular sleep during the night.
• To Treat Urinary Incontinence:
• Talk to your OBGYN. There may be medicines, behavioral changes, or devices that may ease your symptoms.

Hormone Therapy:

• Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can be an effective treatment for several of the symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats.
• Low-dose oral contraceptives may help to ease symptoms if you are still receiving your period.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t feel like menopause is beyond your control. Start by talking to your OBGYN. He/she can help you to address your specific symptoms and devise a treatment plan that will suit your needs and ease your discomfort.