Menopause Symptom Relief Treatments Vary with Onset and Intensity

Menopause is the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Natural menopause involves a decline in ovarian production of hormones that is characteristic of aging. The cessation of menstruation due to surgery, radiation treatment, or the effects of chemotherapy or other medications is referred to as induced menopause. The cessation of menstruation prior to age 40 that occurs due to other health conditions or unknown circumstances is considered premature menopause.

In all cases, symptoms of menopause occur as the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body decrease. Many women experience relatively few symptoms, while others must seek menopause symptom relief to maintain their quality of life.

Natural vs. Induced Menopause Patterns of Symptom Onset

During natural and premature menopause, symptoms are often experienced gradually as hormone levels slowly decline. Menopause is a transitional period that extends over the course of several years rather than an abrupt event.

While this may seem to prolong the timeframe in which symptoms must be endured, natural and even premature menopause do have one advantage. When menopause occurs over the course of months or years, women can adjust to the changes their bodies are experiencing gradually, and they have time to make lifestyle changes that can offer menopause symptom relief. They have the opportunity to try a variety of treatments if symptom relief is less urgent, and may avoid the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy.

Induced menopause on the other hand offers little opportunity for experimentation with menopause symptom relief. Induced menopause is experienced rapidly – usually within just days of an oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries). Hormone production abruptly ends, and symptoms rapidly follow.

Hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, vaginal dryness and irritability can quickly overwhelm a woman when experienced all at once. Women experiencing induced menopause are far more likely to seek out immediate symptom relief in the form of HRT.

Plan for Symptom Relief Ahead of Time

HRT may be the best option for induced menopause symptom relief. Short term treatment with low doses of estrogen and/or other hormones is considered relatively safe in most cases. In cases where HRT is clearly contraindicated, herbal supplementation may provide another option for menopause symptom relief.

Doctors are aware of the rapid onset of induced menopause symptoms that can follow certain surgeries or medical treatments. It is therefore usually possible to discuss treatment options beforehand. This allows women the opportunity to choose among treatments, either within the realm of HRT and anti-depressant medications, or other alternative methods.

Whether menopause occurs naturally, prematurely or is induced, all women must be aware of the increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease that accompanies a decline in estrogen. Vitamin supplementation, diet, and exercise can all play a part in decreasing these risks naturally, and may help relieve the most common menopause symptoms, as well.