Menopause is a normal part of life and aging, which significantly changes levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones in women’s body, bringing the freedom from pregnancy and child-raising responsibilities, but is also very challenging both physically and emotionally.Some women get their last period in forties, and for some, the menopause occurs when they are in their sixties.Normally, menopause happens after the age of 45, but it is good to get enough information about it by talking to the health care practitioner regarding your general health and symptoms that might be of concern so that you are able to get the right treatment at the right time.It is also important to understand that menopause affects each woman differently, and the only common symptom you might experience is end of your periods.

Change in the period pattern, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping through the night, mood swings, crying spells, hair loss, trouble focusing, forgetfulness, fuzzy thinking are some of the common symptoms associated with menopause.Some of the symptoms of menopause can be treated by using herbal or other plant-based products such as soy in the form of pills and powder, or other sources of phytoestrogens such as dong quai, wild yam, black cohosh, and valerian root, but always keep in mind that natural does not necessarily means safe, especially when there is no regulating authority, and some of the products may contain dangerous contaminants such as mercury, arsenic and lead.If used properly, menopausal hormone therapy can be quite useful in relieving the moderate to severe symptoms of menopause and also prevent the bone loss.MHT reduces night sweats, and hot flashes, treats vaginal symptoms such as discomfort and dryness, slows down bone loss and also eases the mood swings and depressive symptoms.

Menopause is not a disease or disorder, and it does not require any definitive cure and treatment.Using vitamin E, SSRI drugs, megestrol acetate and neurontin for hot flashes, vaginal moisturizers, estrogen by mouth, low dose vaginal estrogen ring, and water-soluble lubricants for painful intercourse and dry vagina, counseling, estrogen, and SSRI drugs for depression and mood fluctuations, and calcitonin, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, raloxifene, tamoxifen and estrogen for bone loss during menopausal phase is quite helpful.So far, estrogen has been the most effective treatment for hot flashes, but, the risks and benefits associated with this therapy need to be carefully considered.Meditation, relaxation therapy massage, and acupuncture are the alternative therapies to help relieve symptoms of menopause, and certain natural remedies are quite useful for women who cannot take estrogen due to side effects.