Menopause, which affects women in their 40s and 50s, is a natural biological process. Menopause signals the end of a woman’s menstrual period and ability to conceive. The transition can be difficult from both an emotional and physical standpoint, though the physical symptoms of menopause are likely what most people are familiar with.
Menopause’s physical symptoms are well-known for being unpleasant, but for some women, they can go as far as to disrupt their daily routine.
Interruptions to work and general schedule due to menopause can be frustrating. Not feeling well is already difficult enough, but knowing that these symptoms may continue for years is disheartening. Fortunately, there are treatments for menopause symptoms that can be conducted at home.
At-home menopause treatment
- Prepare for the next hot flash. Many women find it helpful to have a “hot flash kit” ready to go at home and at work. This kit can include a spare change of clothing, deodorant, hair ties, face wipes and a bottle of water that can be easily accessed in the event of a hot flash. Additionally, learning and keeping track of hot flash triggers can go a long way toward preventing an unpleasant experience. Common triggers include spicy food, tobacco use, wine and stress.
- Change your nighttime routine for better sleep. Insomnia is a common symptom of menopause because women find that they wake up due to night sweats and/or incontinence. Incontinence should be addressed by a PGOMG provider, but like a hot flash, night sweats can be prepared for or prevented ahead of time. Keep the bedroom cool and dry. Use light blankets. Wear layers that can be easily added and removed when needed. Keep a large glass of water by the bed and consider sleeping with hair lightly tied back so it stays off the face and neck during the night.
While some menopause symptoms can be managed at home, there are times where care from a PGOMG provider is necessary to get proper relief. PGOMG menopause management treatment can provide the following therapies:
- Hormone replacement therapy – This treatment combats common menopause symptoms that are not relieved by at-home remedies and preparation. Hormone replacement therapy is an effective way to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and vaginal dryness.
- Bio-identical hormones – This treatment is catered to everyone’s specific hormone needs, using plant chemicals to create the hormones that address menopause symptoms.
Every woman’s reaction to menopause is different. Some may struggle with symptoms initially, but later find things to be very manageable without physician assistance. Others may seek the advice of their provider as soon as they can because their routines now prove very difficult and there is no reason to “push through” or simply “deal with” unpleasant symptoms when treatment is available.
