Treatment Overview

Menopause is a natural part of aging. But symptoms can be difficult for some women.

If you have trouble sleeping, mood swings, hot flashes, cloudy thinking, heavy menstrual periods, or other symptoms, treatment can help you get through this time more comfortably.

Treatment for menopause symptoms may include:

• Healthy lifestyle habits, including exercise, healthy eating, and quitting smoking. To learn more, see Home Treatment.
• Hormones and other medicines, such as antidepressants. To learn more, see Medications.
• Treatments such as black cohosh and soy. To learn more, see Other Treatment.

Home Treatment

A healthy lifestyle can help you manage menopause symptoms. It can also help lower your risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and other long-term health problems.

• If you smoke, stop smoking to reduce hot flashes and long-term health risks.
• Exercise regularly to promote both physical and emotional health.
• Limit alcohol intake to reduce menopause symptoms and long-term health risks.
• Make healthy eating a priority. Cut back on simple sugars and caffeine, which can make menopause symptoms worse. You'll not only feel better but may also prevent long-term health problems.
• Pay attention to how the emotional side of menopause is affecting you. Have a support network, and seek help as needed.
• Make sure you get enough calcium. Eat foods that are rich in calcium, and take supplements. This can help lower your risk of osteoporosis.
• Improve bladder control with regular Kegel exercises. For more information, see the topic Urinary Incontinence in Women.

To manage hot flashes, try keeping your environment cool, dressing in layers, and managing stress, especially with daily meditative breathing exercises.

Menopause: Managing Hot Flashes

To improve vaginal dryness and muscle tone, try using a vaginal lubricant and doing Kegel exercises regularly.