The most effective therapies for treating menopause symptoms depend on the specific symptoms and their severity. Overall, hormone therapy is considered the most effective option for relieving hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other common menopause symptoms.
Hormone therapy (HT) involves taking estrogen, often combined with progestin for women with a uterus, to replace the decline in hormones that occurs during menopause. Multiple clinical studies have shown HT to be highly effective for:
- Reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats by 75-80%.
- Treating moderate to severe vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
- Preventing bone loss and osteoporosis.
The two main types of HT delivery methods are:
- Oral HT - estrogen and/or progestins taken as a pill or tablet. This allows the hormones to enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
- Vaginal HT - estrogen and/or progestins administered directly to vaginal tissues via cream, tablet, or ring. This provides localized relief.
When considering HT, risks factors should be evaluated on an individual basis. The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration possible. Working closely with your healthcare provider to tailor a regimen to your needs is imperative.
Additional therapies that can provide symptomatic relief include:
- Lifestyle changes - Staying active, dressing in layers, practicing stress management, avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol.
- Vaginal lubricants/moisturizers - Provide short-term relief for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Must be reapplied regularly.
- Alternative medicine - Herbal remedies, soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and acupuncture may help for mild to moderate symptoms. Clinical evidence is limited.
At
Wellness Hormone Clinic, our compassionate medical team specializes in hormone balancing and menopause management. We take the time to understand your unique situation, goals, risk factors and symptoms to develop a personalized treatment plan utilizing
bioidentical hormones, nutrition, supplements and
holistic modalities. With clinics across the country, we are dedicated to helping women embrace menopause confidently and comfortably on their journey through midlife and beyond. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
