As I said in my last blog, I found myself plunged into menopause 9 years ago, aged 38, through the treatment of my breast cancer. Without the option of HRT, I was on the look out for anything that may help relieve those symptoms!
What I found was an overwhelming amount of information out there, often contradictory and some of it total nonsense. In summary though, the credible options I found were cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), herbal medicines, non-hormonal medications, nutrition and exercise, and acupuncture.
CBT
This is a talking therapy which can help identify your thoughts and emotions and teaches you coping skills. This is especially useful for those of us with depression and anxiety linked with the hormonal changes.
Herbal Medication
The main contenders here are St John’s wort, black cohosh and isoflavones. These are available from pharmacies and health food shops.
I think we need to be mindful that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean SAFE! Some of the herbal options may interfere with medications and others can contain plant oestrogen’s which wouldn’t be okay for people with history of hormone sensitive cancers.
Prescription Medications
There are a few of these that may help relieve your menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, anxiety and vaginal dryness. These include antidepressants, gabapentin, clonidine and oxybutinin.
Acupuncture
Women can find acupuncture useful for hot flushes and also improving wellbeing.
Nutrition and Exercise
This is probably one of the most important changes we can all make to help our symptoms but often the last thing we feel like doing. Even the smallest bit of exercise can help and lower impact sports like yoga really encourage relaxation. Cold water therapy has been shown to be beneficial and I have channelled my inner Wim Hof and try to do this most weeks.
This section deserves a blog of its own, so stay tuned in the next few weeks!
Book Appointment
If you would like to book in for a GP consultation or a menopause health check (including blood tests) please contact the clinic for more information or visit our booking page to book an appointment.
