MENOPAUSE: What Your Mom Never Told You

When your body stops making the hormones you need for childbirth, your periods end. And that’s a reason to cheer menopause. But those hormones have far-reaching effects, and their decline can trigger unusual symptoms. Here are 8 symptoms your mom probably never warned you about, with 8 practical solutions.

Symptom Solutions

✴ Wear natural fibers like cotton, Hot flashes/ and dress in easily removable layers.

night sweats ✴ Set your thermostat at 65°.

Sudden heat that spreads ✴ Watch for and avoid triggers: from your chest to your Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods head and can make you and cigarettes. perspire at night (chills may follow) ✴ If symptoms are too disruptive, talk to your doctor about hormone therapy (HT).

✴ Follow smart tips for sleep: Create Disturbed a bedtime routine, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, remove sleep electronics from your bedroom, exercise earlier in the day, leave Sleep interruptions bed if you can’t sleep, etc. caused by night sweats ✴ If sleep loss becomes an issue, talk to your doctor about HT.

✴ Always tell your doctor about Heart heart palpitations to rule out any palpitations underlying cardiac problems. A racing or pounding feeling in your heart that can accompany hot flashes

✴ Try an estrogen supplement Vaginal (cream, tablet or ring). changes ✴ Or try a new daily non-estrogen pill (Osphena®), which thickens Increased dryness that and strengthens vaginal tissues. can make intercourse uncomfortable and raise the risk of bladder infections

✴ Drink enough water to stay Skin changes well-hydrated.

Dryness, itchiness and ✴ Be careful not to bathe too often. loss of elasticity ✴ If symptoms become too bothersome, consider HT.

✴ Keep a diary of your headaches Headaches to make sure they’re linked to your cycle. Migraine and other headaches worsened by ✴ If they are, talk with your doctor hormone fluctuations about preventive care and treatment options.

✴ See a menopause specialist Changes for hormone assessment. in hair ✴ Treatment with hormones, vitamins, electrolysis or a laser More facial hair (from may help. testosterone sensitivity) & less scalp hair (from declining estrogen)

✴ While hormone fluctuations may Loss of cause these symptoms, discuss memory and them with your doctor. ✴ You may need treatment for an concentration undiagnosed medical problem, vitamin deficiency, stress, sleep Difficulty remembering apnea or depression. and focusing

A word about hormone therapy HT easily tames vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes (caused by blood vessel dilation and constriction). Studies show that HT also protects your heart, bones and teeth, and lowers risks of colon cancer and diabetes. But for some women, the risks of HT outweigh its benefits. Talk to your doctor about your options.

P.S. ✴ Hot flashes aren’t hot flushes. Hot flashes can cause hot flushes (redness that spreads over your face and neck).

✴ Migraines now vs. migraines later. Migraines may worsen during menopause but usually improve when menopause is over.

✴ Mood swings may not be menopause. Women approaching menopause often report mood changes. But research has not established a link between declining hormone levels and mood. If you’re feeling unusually irritable, anxious or distressed, it’s best to talk to your doctor.

Holly L. Thacker, MD Director, Center for Specialized Women’s Health Executive Director, Speaking of Women’s Health

clevelandclinic.org/HealthHub

Source: Thacker HL. The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing; 2013