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Treatment Options
Menopause is something all women experience and as it approaches, many
are faced with treatment decisions to help relieve symptoms. There are
few ways to relieve hot flashes and the best choice depends on how
severe the symptoms are. Menopausal remedies range from Hormone
Replacement Therapy (HRT) to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), other
prescription drugs, natural offerings like supplements and creams and
no treatment.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT has been used by nearly 40% of postmenopausal women in the US
to relieve symptoms of menopause, although usage has dropped
dramatically over the last two years due to negative research findings.
The term “replacement” is somewhat of a misnomer as this therapy
provides only a fraction of the hormones produced by the ovaries.
Normally prescribed for women who are approaching or have reached
menopause and have an intact uterus and set of ovaries, treatments vary
to allow tailoring to a woman’s unique needs. Most often, estrogen is
taken everyday and progesterone or progestin is customized for each
woman. Progesterone may be added for 10-14 days of the month or on a
daily basis. Progesterone is prescribed to ensure that the lining of
the uterus is shed and to help reduce the risk of developing
endometrial cancer as a result of exposure to the stimulating estrogen.
Although EPT appears to be effective, it does have possible serious
risks, which should be carefully considered. Some of the risks include
a higher incidence of breast cancer. Scientists have weighed both the
risks and benefits of this combined therapy and have concluded that it
can cause more harm than good. Of course, there are many different
doses and methods of taking these hormones and so, it is important to
discuss all of the options with your physician.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)
ERT is suggested to treat menopause related symptoms in those without
their uterus and ovaries. Estrogen is available in tablets, patches,
vaginal creams, rings and inter-vaginal gels. The vaginal creams, rings
and gels are for vaginal dryness and itchiness only or for urinary
problems. These hormones come in various doses and the appropriate dose
can be determined with your healthcare practitioner. The term
“replacement” is somewhat of a misnomer as this therapy provides only a
fraction of the estrogen once produced by the ovaries. A more accurate
term is “estrogen therapy”. Like all therapies, treatment with estrogen
has its associated risks and these must be considered when making a
decision.
Other Prescription Drugs
Although not specifically FDA
approved for menopause, many drugs are prescribed and used for the
relief of symptoms. Low dose contraceptives, anti-hypertensives,
anti-depressants as well as anti-seizure therapies have been used and
each has its own contraindications and side effects.
Natural Products
Some women find relief from mild hot flashes
and other symptoms by using therapies that can be purchased without a
prescription. These therapies, including wild yam creams, black cohosh
pills or products containing isoflavones, have not been proven to be
effective and if any benefits are felt, it may take an extended period
of time, ranging from 2 to 6 weeks. Effisoy with AglyMax is a natural
alternative for the relief of menopause and in recent testing, women
indicated that effective relief was felt in 2-4 weeks.
No Treatment
Women should be reminded that using no treatment is also an option
since hot flashes and other symptoms will typically stop on their own
over time.
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| Clinically Proven. |
| Effisoy with Aglymax is clinically proven relief for the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. |
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