Treatments for the menopause

Although some women sail through the menopause, many others don’t. Yet only 10% of women seek medical advice about the menopause, according to the NHS. This is despite 45% of women experiencing menopausal symptoms which they have difficulty in dealing with.

However, women needn’t suffer in silence. A whole range of options are available depending on how severe a woman’s symptoms are.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is an effective and widespread treatment for treating menopausal symptoms. There are over 50 types available, but all work by replacing the hormones a woman’s body has stopped making, and so alleviate the symptoms caused by this.

HRT may consist of both the female hormones oestrogen and progestogen, or oestrogen alone. Another alternative is Tibalone, a type of synthetic HRT.

HRT can be taken in the form tablets, skin implants or patches. For women experiencing vaginal dryness, oestrogen containing creams and pessaries are available.

In recent years, several studies have shown that women who take HRT are at a slightly higher risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Stroke

Understandably, this is a serious cause for concern. Put into perspective, this means that for every 1000 women in the 50 to 59 age group who take combined HRT for 5 years:

• 6 will go on to develop breast cancer
• Less than 1 will develop ovarian cancer (1 women in 10,000 will develop it)
• 7 will develop a blood clot
• 1 will have a stroke

If used for more than 5 years, the risk associated with these conditions also increases. Once HRT stops being taken, the increased risk returns to normal.

HRT would usually not be recommended for women with a history of any of these medical conditions. However, it is important for women to approach their GPs so that their doctor can clearly outline the pros and cons of the different types of HRT available.

Lifestyle changes

If a woman's symptoms are not severe, some lifestyle changes may help deal with the symptoms.

Hot flushes and night sweats

• Wear loose clothing at night
• Cotton bedding and night clothes are cooler
• Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and spicy food, as they keep you awake

Healthy diet

Women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease after the menopause, so it's never too late to think about your diet. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D should help prevent osteoporosis.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal lubricants and gels can be easily obtained from the local chemist. More information on this is available at www.menopause-info.co.uk.

Complementary remedies

Although very popular, there is limited evidence that the many complementary remedies on sale in the high street are effective treatments for the menopause. Common supplements include soya beans, red clover, kava and black cohosh and ginseng.

However, if a woman wants to try these it would be wise to consult with her doctor first. Black cohosh, ginseng and red clover should not be taken by women with a history of breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer.

This article was published on Wed 16 September 2009