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 MENOPAUSE: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS








Menopause signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years and comes with a wide array of symptoms that can differ significantly in both severity and duration. The most frequent complaints are hot flashes and night sweats—known as vasomotor symptoms—which affect up to two-thirds of women going through menopause (Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 2018; Menopause Review, 2014). 

Other common issues include trouble sleeping, mood swings, cognitive changes, vaginal dryness, and shifts in sexual function (Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2008). Some women also report joint pain, headaches, or urinary problems. The type and intensity of symptoms can vary by individual and across cultures, but hot flashes and night sweats are by far the most widely reported (Nature; Menopause Review; Springer).

Mood disturbances—like irritability, anxiety, and depression—are also common and can impact overall quality of life, often accompanied by sexual dysfunction (Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 2018).

Hormone therapy, using either estrogen alone or combined with progestogen, is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. It can also help improve sleep, alleviate vaginal dryness, and prevent bone loss, but doctors generally recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible due to risks like cardiovascular events and some cancers (ScienceDirect; The Lancet; American Family Physician).

Non-hormonal options are available for women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy. These include medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), gabapentin, and clonidine for managing hot flashes, and vaginal moisturizers or lubricants for vaginal discomfort. Lifestyle changes—regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding triggers like spicy foods or hot drinks—can also be helpful. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown promise for easing mood and sleep issues (ScienceDirect; The Lancet).

In short, menopause brings a mix of physical and psychological symptoms, and the best treatment strategy depends on the individual’s specific symptoms, health background, and preferences. While hormone therapy remains the most effective option for most women, several non-hormonal treatments can also provide meaningful relief (American Family Physician; ScienceDirect).

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