What To Do About Menopausal Symptoms: Relief That Works

Many women approach perimenopause and menopause with concern, as it brings uncomfortable symptoms, such as night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings.

There’s reassuring news: Gentle lifestyle changes and effective treatments can make managing menopause symptoms easier. If you would like support, our team at OB/GYN North Dallas is here for you.

Our nine experienced and compassionate OB/GYN doctors offer supportive treatments for irregular bleeding and menopause, including birth control and hormone replacement therapy.

Common menopause symptoms

As you approach menopause, your body starts producing less estrogen, leading to the end of your childbearing years. With shifting hormones like estrogen and progesterone, different symptoms may arise, including:

• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary incontinence
• Libido changes

Many women also experience changes in their menstrual cycle during perimenopause, the years before they actually reach menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. You may have heavier-than-normal bleeding or miss a month or two and then get your period for longer than usual.

Other symptoms, like skin dryness, hair thinning, and joint aches, are also common. But you have options: Both simple lifestyle changes and professional treatments can ease these changes.

Lifestyle modifications for symptom relief

Lifestyle modifications are often the first step many women try when facing menopause symptoms. The changes we recommend are based on the particular symptoms you’re dealing with.

Common lifestyle modifications that provide long-term relief for uncomfortable menopause symptoms include:

• Get plenty of exercise for mood regulation and sleep
• Keep your bedroom cool and dark
• Limit alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine
• Practice mindfulness, yoga, and meditation
• Dress in layers in case of a hot flash
• Use moisturizers and lubricants for vaginal dryness
• Take cool showers and use fans for hot flashes
• Eat a healthy diet to manage weight gain

While lifestyle changes don’t prevent symptoms, they help you manage them. For many women, lifestyle changes are enough to get them through menopause.

But you may experience challenging symptoms even after making changes such as dressing in layers, keeping the bedroom cool, and practicing mindfulness. If this happens, we offer additional support.

Treatment for menopause symptoms

If your symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, our team offers a range of treatments to help you get through menopause. The treatment you need depends on your symptoms and overall health.

The most successful treatment for troublesome menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. HRT restores estrogen to normal levels, which mitigates menopause symptoms. There are estrogen-only and estrogen and progesterone options.

HRT comes in many forms, including pills, vaginal suppositories, and creams. We monitor your symptoms and levels during HRT to ensure they return to normal.

You can also have laser therapy to restore vaginal tissues to normal. Laser therapy increases lubrication to enhance sexual pleasure and decrease dryness.

Over-the-counter medications and remedies may also bring relief, especially for vaginal dryness and joint or muscle aches. Many women find the best results by combining lifestyle changes with professional treatments that feel right for them.

We offer many options to help make the menopause transition less uncomfortable. Call us at our office in Plano, Texas, today to schedule a visit, or use our convenient online booking tool.