Menopause

Menopause is the time in women’s lives when menstrual periods stop permanently and they’re no longer able to have children. It’s a normal condition all women experience as they age.

Overview and Symptoms

Symptoms of menopause include night sweats, hot flashes, mood fluctuations and cognitive changes.

Treatment

Many women require no treatment for menopause; however, if symptoms significantly affect your life, you should see a doctor.

Treatments depend on the symptoms and include:

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to increase a woman’s estrogen levels and relieve many menopausal symptoms.
Low-dose antidepressants to help decrease menopausal hot flashes.
Gabapentin and Clonidine, medications used to treat hot flashes.
Osteoporosis medications used to reduce bone loss and risk of fractures.
Vaginal estrogen, a medication used to treat vaginal dryness.