Managing Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is a natural event in women that is characterized by the absence of menstruation for a time period of one year. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs which causes changes to the characteristic, cyclic hormone pattern. Changes in estrogen and progesterone may cause bothersome symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, decreased interest in sex, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Decreased estrogen levels have been linked to bone loss and increased cholesterol in some women.

The use of hormone therapy (estrogen or progesterone) in such women is based on symptoms, risks, and benefits of treatment. Estrogen therapy (Menest, Premarin) may help reduce hot flashes in women who recently developed menopause. Women with an intact uterus should use an estrogen and progesterone combination medication (Prempro). Women without a uterus usually receive progesterone only. Antidepressant medications such as paroxetine (Paxil), venlafaxine (Effexor), bupropion (Wellbutrin), and fluoxetine (Prozac) can help stabilize chemicals in the brain to balance mood. Management of menopausal symptoms, medical therapy and potential side effects should be discussed with a physician.

Cara Campbell, Pharmacist
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