Menopause Cream As Handy Alternative To Hrt

Hormone therapy treatment (HRT) was used prior to March 2004 to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. However, the risks associated with HRT were found to be so great that many women and their doctors looked to find alternatives to the treatment. Specialized menopause creams were one of the new treatments that seemed viable.

Menopause creams are a viable menopause treatment because they often contain the active ingredients estrogen and progesterone, the hormones normally used in HRT. Menopause symptoms are largely due to the imbalance of estrogen and progesterone because the ovaries no longer produce them in the needed amounts. This imbalance causes a reaction that is manifested through:

  • headaches
  • hot flashes
  • insomnia
  • heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
  • anxiety

The problem with HRT was that the presence of too much of the hormones could be life threatening as it heightened the risks for cancer, stroke and liver damage. This problem is inexistent with menopause creams. The effectiveness and safety of the menopause cream however depends on the type of cream used.

The three most common creams in the market are Estrasorb, Premarin and Pro-Gest and here are some interesting facts about them:

1. Estrasorb is a Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) approved topical cream that contains estrogen. It is formulated to treat hot flashes and is applied on the legs, calves and thighs.

2. Premarin is a vaginal cream designed to alleviate vaginal dryness, but it is dispensed only upon a doctor’s prescription and contains estrone, equilin and other estrogen-related chemicals.

3. Pro-Gest is touted by its manufacturers as a natural form of progesterone replacement and a safer alternative to the synthetic hormones normally found in menopause creams. It is sold over the counter, but it is not FDA approved and doctors may not recommend its use.

There are many other products available on the market, but the lack of medical trials or FDA approval makes it imperative for you to consult your doctor before purchase or use. These creams can be quite expensive and daily use makes untested hormone-based creams more risky. The non-hormone creams are considered generally harmless although their efficacy is not assured.

If you are not convinced about the efficacy of menopause creams then here are some tips for alleviating menopause symptoms without the use of menopause creams:

  • For hot flashes, avoiding caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol seem to result in fewer episodes, while the use of wicking or menopause pajamas at night help in dealing with night sweats.
  • For vaginal dryness, the use of water-based, non-hormone-based vaginal lubricant (such as KY® Jelly) or cream can be used with relative safety.
  • Sleeping problems can be solved by avoiding caffeine and alcohol prior to bedtime, although something warm such as tea or milk may help. Avoid napping during the day and get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, although not just before bedtime. Getting enough sleep may also help with any memory impairment resulting from the onset of menopause.
  • Mood swings usually occur among women who are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, and will eventually taper off.

While most women who are in the menopausal stage would much prefer a quick fix, the dangers to health should preclude the use of HRT to alleviate menopause symptoms. Using a special menopause cream may be a good alternative but not all are safe and effective. To ensure efficacy and safety, consult your doctor prior to use. Natural methods of alleviating symptoms may take some time to become effective but in the long run, healthy living habits (and a little lubricant) are perhaps the best way to manage menopause changes.

Menopause Treatment