Menopause Medications You Might Come Across
Women experiencing the symptoms of menopause may resort to menopause medication
when a change in diet or lifestyle does not ease their discomfort. It is however
important to consult with a doctor before taking any of these. Here the different
classes of medication that are used for menopause relief.
1. Drugs for blood pressure (antihypertensive)
The drugs used to lower high blood pressure were found out to be quite effective
against hot flashes, one of the common menopause symptoms. This is good news
for menopausal women who have high blood pressure since they can take one medication
to treat two conditions. Among the most common hypertensive drugs that are used
as menopause medication are:
- Clonidine
- Methyldopa
- Propranolol
- Verapamil
These hypertensive drugs relax the smooth muscle linings of the blood vessels
and widen them. These drugs are safe for women with a history of breast cancer
(or who belongs to the high risk group) and they do not affect cancer cell growth.
However, people with kidney, liver, and heart problems must avoid antihypertensive
drugs.
2. Medication for depression
Women experiencing the symptoms of menopause are susceptible to mood swings
and depression and taking anti-depressant drugs can help them get through this
stage. Some of the common anti-depressant medicines include selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. While anti-depressants are effective in easing
hot flashes, it is not advisable to take them regularly as they are habit forming.
Taking such drugs should be done with caution and under the supervision of your
doctor. They are not recommended for those with kidney, liver or heart problems,
or those with a chronic lung condition like asthma. They can also wreak havoc
on your sexual urges and capacity to get an orgasm. Among the anti-depressant
drugs that are useful as menopause medications are:
- Effexor
- Prozac
- Venlafaxine
3. Drugs for lowering cholesterol
Women who are approaching or already in menopause tend to develop higher cholesterol
levels particularly the LDL cholesterol which is considered bad for health.
An increase in LDL levels along with a low HDL or good cholesterol level can
cause later heart problems. Thus, the drugs containing statins, that can control
the rise of LDL cholesterol during menopause are recommended. The taking of
this drug is not recommended for those with liver and kidney problems. Those
who regularly drink alcoholic drinks should also watch out because statins and
alcohol is a deadly combination. Among the medications that can lower cholesterol
are:
- Mevacor
- Pravahol
- Lipitor
- Lesol
- Zocor
4. Vaginal estrogen therapy
This is a medication usually used by women experiencing menopause symptoms like
dryness of the vagina. A preparation inserted on one’s vagina for the
purpose of releasing estrogen continuously. It is available in cream, ring or
tablet form. A dose of an estrogen cream can help rebuild the lining of the
vagina and urethra, causing more collagen production. Vaginal dryness which
comes with hot flashes (another menopause symptom) is treated with an increased
dosage of the estrogen ring. Estrogen therapy also successfully treats urethral
(in addition to vaginal) dryness. The many forms of this therapy are:
- estrogen cream like Premarin or Estrace
- estrogen ring like Estring
- estrogen tablet like Vagifem
There are many medication, as well as natural, choices for women seeking relief
from the symptoms of menopause. As always, if you choose to go the pharmaceutical
route, consult with your doctor first before deciding.
Menopause Treatment
|