Menopause Symptom Severity Varies From Woman To Woman
by Patsy Hamilton
Although all women eventually experience menopause, symptom severity varies from mild to severe. Complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause has become increasingly popular, since research has shown that hormone replacement therapy can cause other serious health problems.
For many years hormone replacement therapy was the treatment of choice for women experiencing moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause. In the seventies researchers learned that estrogen replacement increased a woman�s risk of developing cancer in the lining of the uterus. Adding synthetic progesterone to estrogen was believed to be safer. But, the most recent research indicates that any type of hormone replacement therapy increases a woman�s risk of developing blood clots and stroke. An increased incidence of heart disease and breast cancer has been found in women using hormone replacement on a long-term basis. Experts currently suggest that if a woman chooses hormone replacement therapy, she should use the lowest dosage for the shortest possible time.
When menopause symptom severity is mild to moderate, relief may be achieved by making lifestyle and dietary changes or by adding appropriate herbal and dietary supplements. Researchers have evaluated many different types of complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause, with varied results. Different treatments work for some women and not for others. It may take some time and a little effort on an individual woman�s part to find the safest and most effective treatment plan.
When menopause symptom severity is moderate to severe, most doctors still recommend hormone replacement therapy. However, depending upon the symptoms that a woman is suffering from, it may be possible to reduce the severity of her symptoms by changing her diet and/or lifestyle. The most common symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness and mood swings. Researchers evaluating the effectiveness of complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause typically focus on these symptoms.
Research indicates that if a woman chooses to use hormone replacement therapy, it is usually because of hot flashes and night sweats. Complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause that has been shown to relieve hot flashes and night sweats by at least 40% includes acupuncture, soy isoflavones and black cohosh. Certain anti-depressants have been shown to provide some relief, but are not approved by the FDA for this purpose. Stress management techniques carry many health benefits, no health risks and should definitely be added to any treatment plan, regardless of the menopause symptom severity. Other experimental drugs are currently being evaluated, but these are not yet available.
There has been some research evaluating the effectiveness of low-dose estrogen replacement and it may be effective for some women, but it may still be risky, particularly for women with a personal or family history of breast cancer. Soy isoflavones are plant components that have an estrogen-like effect on a woman�s body. They are believed to be safe, but there has been no research concerning long term use. It is considered wise for women at high risk for cancer to avoid these types of plant estrogens or use them in moderation.
Acupuncture has no known health risks. The results from research concerning effectiveness are mixed. Some trials have shown a reduction in menopause symptoms severity, while others have shown no more benefit than placebo.
Of the many herbs that have been recommended as complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause, black cohosh is the most effective. Research has shown that it can reduce menopause symptom severity by nearly as much as hormone replacement therapy. However, researchers have been unable to isolate an active component. It does not appear to have any estrogen-like effect and is considered a safe choice for women with a risk of breast or endometrial cancer. The plant was used historically by Native American healers for many different purposes, including correcting hormonal imbalance. It is available in many different health supplements for women. For more information about choosing an appropriate health supplement or for general information about menopause and PMS, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.
Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit us at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.
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