Where to Go for Menopause Help

Menopause may be an inevitable stage of life for women approaching their forties and fifties, but that doesn't mean that it is always an easy phase to survive. There are many uncomfortable symptoms that can accompany menopause, like hot sweats, mood swings, depression and sleep disturbances. Then there are the symptoms that don't get talked about as often, such as vaginal dryness and decreased libido. For some women, these symptoms will be relatively mild, and they will be able to ride out the change with little or no assistance at all. For others, menopause becomes a challenging phase of life that requires treatment and support to get through. For these women, there is menopause help available to provide coping and treatment during these difficult years.

Menopause Help from your Doctor
Many women will begin seeking menopause help from their doctors, who can offer medications and other treatments to help deal with some of the more uncomfortable symptoms. Your doctor can also run some simple tests to ensure that your symptoms really are the result of the change and not some other medical condition. Some women will choose to begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help cope with symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes. However, HRT also has risks of its own, so it is not right for everyone. Your doctor can help you to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Other medications can also provide menopause help, such as antidepressants and some blood pressure and seizure medications.

Lifestyle Changes
This time of life is the perfect time to begin a regular exercise program if you have not done so already. Exercise will help with the hormone fluctuations that cause many of these menopause symptoms, and it will help ward off issues like osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and other medical conditions that can appear later in life. Exercise may be one of the best forms of menopause help that you can do for yourself. A diet that is rich in soy, whole grains and fresh produce is another effective menopause help. By the same token, cutting back on substances like caffeine and alcohol may help to relieve symptoms and allow you better sleep at night.

Sometimes, the best type of menopause help is to talk to someone who understands what you are going through. This may include your sister, mom or a friend who has gone before you into the change and can give you ideas on how to cope. It may mean talking to your doctor to get reassurance that the symptoms that you are experiencing are very normal. For some women, joining a support group can provide effective menopause help in offering a forum to discuss your concerns and experiences and provide resources for menopause information. Menopause can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. Menopause help is available.