Can early menopause be treated or delayed?

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1. Methods of treatment

Menopause does not require the intervention of any medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on easing signs and symptoms, or preventing or controlling chronic conditions that can occur with age. Treatments may include:
Hormone replacement therapy : Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen at the lowest dose and shortest time frame to provide relief from symptoms. If you still have a uterus, then in addition to estrogen you will need to take a progestin. Estrogen also helps prevent osteoporosis. Long-term use of hormone therapy may carry some risk of cardiovascular disease or breast cancer, but starting hormone use around the time of menopause has provided some benefit. Your therapist will weigh in, inform you of the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, and whether it is a safe choice for you.

Topical (vaginal) estrogen. To relieve vaginal dryness, estrogen can be applied directly with a vaginal cream, suppository, or vaginal ring. This treatment releases a small amount of estrogen into the vaginal tissues. It can help relieve vaginal dryness, as well as sexual discomfort and some urinary symptoms. Low-dose antidepressants. Some antidepressants are related to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that can reduce menopausal hot flashes. Low-dose antidepressants used to control hot flashes may be helpful for women who cannot use estrogen for health reasons or for women who need them to treat a mood disorder. touch. Gapapentin (Neuronttin, Gralise,...). Gapapentin is licensed to treat seizures, but it has also been shown to help reduce hot flashes. This medication is effective for women who cannot take estrogen therapy and often experience hot flashes at night. Clonidine drugs (Catapres, Kapvay,...). Clonidine, a pill or patch commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can also help ease hot flashes. Medicines to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Based on individual needs, doctors may recommend medications to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Many drugs are now on the market to help treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin D to help keep your bones strong. Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk to your doctor about the options or the risks and benefits associated with each treatment. Patients need to be seen on a regular basis, as their condition, needs, and treatment options can change.

2. Lifestyle and home remedies

Fortunately, many of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause are only temporary. Take the following steps to help reduce and prevent their effects:
Soothe hot flashes. Dress in layers, drink cold water, or go somewhere cooler. Try to determine what triggers your hot flashes. For many women, triggers can be hot drinks, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, hot weather or even a warm room. Relieves vaginal discomfort. Use water-based vaginal lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y gel, ...), silicone-based lubricants or moisturizers (Replens,...). Choose products that do not contain glycerin, as this substance causes burning or irritation in women who are sensitive to it. Staying sexually active also helps increase blood flow to the vagina. Get enough sleep . Stay away from caffeine, which can make it difficult to fall asleep, and avoid drinking too many alcoholic beverages that disrupt sleep. Exercise regularly (but avoid exercising before bed). Find ways to calm hot flashes (if any) before bed for a good night's sleep. Do relaxation exercises. Techniques such as deep breathing, rhythmic breathing, guided visualization, massage, and increased muscle relaxation can help ease menopausal symptoms. You can find a number of books, CDs, and online services about various relaxation exercises. Strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence. Have a balanced diet. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit saturated fats, oils and sugars. Consult with your doctor to see if you need calcium and vitamin D supplements to meet your body's daily needs.

Do not smoke . Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer, and a host of other health problems. It also increases hot flashes and causes early menopause. Exercise regularly . Regular physical activity on days helps protect against heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions associated with aging.

3. Other methods

Phytoestrogens (plant feminists) These estrogens occur naturally in some foods. There are two main types of phytoestrogens - isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes. Lignans occur in flaxseeds, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables.
While it's OK to say that the estrogen in these foods can reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, most studies show them to be ineffective. Isoflavones have some weak estrogen-like effects, so if you have breast cancer, talk to your doctor before supplementing your diet with isoflavones. The herb sage is believed to contain compounds with estrogen-like effects and there is evidence that it can effectively manage menopausal symptoms. People with allergies, pregnant or nursing women should avoid this herb and its oils. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should be careful.

Biocompatible hormones These hormones come from plant sources. The term "biocompatible" implies that the hormones in the product are chemically identical to the hormones your body produces.
However, although there are a number of commercially available biocompatible hormones approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many are mixed - in the pharmacy as directed by the FDA. doctor - and is not regulated by the FDA, so quality and risks may vary. There is also no scientific evidence that biocompatible hormones work better than traditional hormone therapy in relieving menopausal symptoms.
Angelica Tree The dandelion tree has become popular with many women with menopausal symptoms. But there's little evidence that fenugreek is effective. This supplement can harm the liver and may not be safe for women with a history of breast cancer.
Yoga There is no evidence to support the practice of yoga in reducing menopausal symptoms. But, balance exercises like yoga or tai chi can improve strength and coordination and can help prevent falls that can lead to fractures. Check with your doctor before starting balance exercises. Consider taking a class to learn how to do the right postures and breathing techniques.

Acupuncture Acupuncture may have some temporary benefit in helping to relieve hot flashes, but in research it did not show any significant or consistent improvement. More research is needed.
Hypnosis According to research from the National Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine (USA), hypnotherapy can reduce the incidence of hot flashes. Hypnotherapy also improves sleep and reduces disturbances in daily life, according to research.
You may have heard of or tried other dietary supplements, such as red basil, root pepper, dong quai, DHEA, evening primrose oil, and sage (natural progesterone cream) ). Scientific evidence of effectiveness is still lacking and some of these products may be harmful.
Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal or dietary supplement for menopausal symptoms. The FDA does not regulate herbal products, and some can be dangerous or interact with other drugs you take, endangering your health.
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Articles refer to sources: healthline.com, nhs.uk, mayoclinic.org