Menopause is not a mental illness or a mood disorder. Menopause does not just increase cholesterol and decrease bone density. It is a natural life transition that signals the end of fertility. As with any life change, when the body no longer needs certain enzymes or chemicals their production ceases. In the case of sex hormones, after approximately age 51, women no longer need excess amounts of estrogen and progesterone for child bearing. As is true with every chemical in the body, however, hormones have more than one job.
The Work of Hormones
Estrogen works with the brain and hypothalamus regulating body temperature, mood, organ lubrication, and blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Estrogen and progesterone also increase cholesterol, while decreasing bone density and brain functions. All of these changes are secondary to the waning of estrogen to reduce the likelihood of conception.
No Magic Pill
With research in development of a magic pill that can alleviate the symptoms of menopause, doctors prescribe antidepressants, anti anxiety medications, cholesterol lowering pills and osteoporosis medications. All of these prescription medications address one or two symptoms of mood disorders, bone density dysfunction or symptoms of sleeplessness and fatigue.
Together, however, these medication’s side effects can overwhelm the body. For the majority of women, eating a diet rich in soy, vitamins and minerals, as well as, increasing cardiovascular exercise decreases the need for many medications. The process of menopause is normal. The body can correct many initial problems from the lack of system monitoring in the hypothalamus. There are women, however, that increase the quality of their lives with the use of the following medications.
Antihistamines and Diet Pills
Doctors rarely prescribe these medications. Antihistamines and diet pills are over-the-counter preparations that women use for specific symptom relief. Weight gain can be a problem during menopause. Some physicians recommend that their clients lose weight to reduce their menopause symptoms. Antihistamines reduce allergy symptoms that intensify during menopause. Both treatments have significant side effects that may outweigh the risk of their use. Antihistamines and diet pills can also increase symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety. Diet pills can increase stress hormone production causing weight lose difficulty.
Antidepressants
Although, antidepressants can reduce anxiety, mood swings and increase concentration, they may mask symptoms. These medications can increase long-term use to reduce short-term symptoms. The use of antidepressants can also reduce the emphasis science places of neurological and biological condition of menopause. Women can use antidepressants as a crutch and avoid a healthy lifestyle that could improve symptoms.
Osteoporosis Medications
Bone loss is normal during menopause. The body no longer produces as many bone building cells as bone recycling cells. Bone loss or osteoporosis medications can increase cholesterol, weight gain, risk of blood clot and stroke and heart disease, especially, for women who smoke. Eating a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium can reduce the instance of osteoporosis in some women. In addition, women who increase their weight bearing exercise can increase bone density and strength. It is at least worth a try prior to choosing osteoporosis medications.
Hormone Therapies
Although controversial, hormone therapies can leave women vulnerable to risk of endometrial, breast and ovarian cancers, blood clots, strokes, and heart disease. Some medical health professionals prescribe low dose hormone therapy to reduce severe and debilitating hot flashes, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Women have healthy options. With the invention of lubrications, creams, teas, and herbal supplements women can try these options before putting their bodies at risk. Menopause symptoms can last for years, but with a proper diet and exercise, symptoms decrease is possible.
Further Reading
• Early Menopause Treatment• Early Menopause
• First Signs of Menopause
• Menopause Creams
• Menopause Diet
• Menopause Medication
• Menopause Relief without Hormones
• Menopause Relief
• Menopause Remedy
• Menopause Supplements
• Natural Menopause Remedy
• Natural Menopause Supplements
• Natural Menopause Treatment
