Managing Menopause: Effective Hormone Therapy Solutions for Relief

Q: Managing Menopause: Effective Hormone Therapy Solutions for Relief

Hello： The discomfort during menopause typically lasts an average of 4 to 6 years, but it can vary from person to person. <br>It is recommended to take medication regularly for at least 3 to 6 months; if symptoms improve, you may consider discontinuing the medication. <br>If supp

Hormone therapy

Hello Doctor: I am 59 years old and have been menopausal for 5 years.
My menopause symptoms have been quite severe.
Five years ago, I visited a gynecologist who prescribed me hormone therapy with Shun Ning Na (1 mg/2.5 mg).
After taking one pill at night, I woke up in the morning drenched in cold sweat, with a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, so I was afraid to continue taking it.
I switched to dietary supplements, taking one soy isoflavone capsule in the morning and one at night, which I found to be somewhat helpful.
However, every month, there is always a week when menopausal symptoms reappear.
After a week of discomfort, the symptoms gradually disappear and I return to normal.
I consulted a pharmacist who suggested taking an extra capsule during that uncomfortable week, but that did not resolve the issue.
I then returned to the gynecologist, who prescribed me Estrogel and progesterone, which completely alleviated my symptoms after 20 days.
However, after 21 days, the discomfort returned, so I stopped using it and went back to taking soy isoflavones, DHEA, and traditional Chinese medicine.
But I found myself taking more and more without any improvement, and I still experience a week of discomfort each month (anxiety, tension, depression, weakness).
This has been a painful struggle for nearly five years.
I thought menopause would eventually pass, but it seems endless.
Recently, my symptoms have become increasingly unpredictable.
Doctor, what is going on? What can I do to completely eliminate these symptoms?

Any, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/29

Dr. Lin Xinwang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: The discomfort during menopause typically lasts an average of 4 to 6 years, but it can vary from person to person.
It is recommended to take medication regularly for at least 3 to 6 months; if symptoms improve, you may consider discontinuing the medication.
If supplementing with soy isoflavones, the dosage needs to be adequate for it to be effective (100 mg per day).
If there are symptoms of anxiety or tension, seeking assistance from a mental health professional may also be beneficial.

Reply Date: 2022/05/29

More Info

Managing menopause can be a challenging journey, especially when symptoms persist despite various treatments. At 59 years old and five years post-menopause, it's understandable to seek effective solutions for managing symptoms like anxiety, hot flashes, and mood swings.
From your description, it seems you've tried several approaches, including hormone therapy with a combination of estrogen and progesterone, as well as alternative supplements like soy isoflavones and DHEA. While some women find relief with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), others may experience side effects or find that their symptoms return after stopping treatment.
Hormone therapy, such as the use of estradiol gel (like the one you mentioned, "愛絲妥凝膠") combined with progesterone, is often effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms. However, it is not uncommon for women to experience fluctuations in symptoms, especially during the transition period of menopause. This can be due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes, stress, and overall health.

The symptoms you describe—anxiety, weakness, and mood changes—can be particularly distressing. It's important to note that these symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, but they can also be influenced by psychological factors and lifestyle. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial in conjunction with any medical treatment.

If you experienced side effects from HRT, such as cold sweats and rapid heartbeat, it may indicate that the dosage or type of hormone therapy was not suitable for you. It's crucial to communicate these experiences with your healthcare provider, as they can help adjust your treatment plan. There are various forms of HRT, including lower doses, different delivery methods (like patches or pills), and alternative medications that might suit you better.

In addition to hormonal treatments, consider discussing non-hormonal options with your doctor. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other antidepressants can help alleviate mood symptoms and hot flashes without the use of hormones. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can also play a significant role in managing symptoms.

Furthermore, it's essential to monitor your symptoms and keep a journal of when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in tailoring a treatment plan that works for you.

Lastly, remember that menopause is a natural phase of life, and while it can be uncomfortable, many women find that their symptoms improve over time. Patience and open communication with your healthcare team are key to finding the right balance and achieving relief from your symptoms. If you feel that your current treatment is not effective, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or consult a specialist in menopause management. Your well-being is paramount, and there are numerous avenues to explore for relief.

Similar Q&A

Managing Menopause Symptoms: Hormone Therapy and Its Effects

Hello Doctor: I have been menopausal for 7 years, but due to significant menopausal symptoms such as facial flushing, palpitations, and insomnia, I followed my doctor's advice and started hormone therapy 2 years ago to alleviate these symptoms. Now, I have been experiencing ...

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If there are no contraindications, please continue taking the hormone.

Managing Menopause: Hormone Therapy Options and Concerns

Hello, Doctor: I am nearing menopause and experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia. Last year, my doctor recommended taking a plant-based hormone called "Fujabao," which I have been taking for a year. Recently, during a visit to the gynecology c...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the treatment involving hormonal components does not need to be repeated and can be chosen after discussion with the treating physician. A deficiency in hormones can lead to menopausal symptoms and conditions such as osteoporosis. The risk of breast cancer should be assess...

Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, Timing, and Hormone Therapy Options

Doctor, I am 46 years old. When can I expect to enter menopause? What are the common symptoms associated with menopause? Do you recommend hormone replacement therapy?

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 48 and 52, but it can happen earlier or later for some individuals. Menopause is caused by a decline in ovarian function. However, ovarian function may also decline gradually, a process that can take one to two years for some. During...

Safe Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Postmenopausal Women

General obstetricians and gynecologists may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women, such as PREMELLE 5. What is the safest way to take it, or is it not necessary to take it for safety?

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Premelle 5 is a hormone therapy that contains 0.625 mg of estrogen and 5 mg of combined progestin. It is commonly used to alleviate various symptoms associated with menopause, with night sweats and hot flashes being the most prevalent. Night sweats leading to insomnia are ...