Reader TTS

Menopause doesn’t need to slow you down! Symptoms of menopause can be distressing and uncomfortable but we can help you cope and reduce your suffering. Don’t suffer in silence, talk with

your VA provider about managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms today! Menopause is defined as one complete year without a period. Many women start to experience physical and emotional

symptoms several years prior to menopause which we refer to as perimenopause. Women can experience menopause at various ages but the average age of menopause is 51.  Just as the age range of

menopause can vary from woman to woman so can the range, intensity, and duration of symptoms experienced.  While some women may experience little to no symptoms, other women can experience

severe symptoms that can impact their quality of life.  This transitional phase may last 4 to 8 years. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms associated with menopause and occur in

up to 80% of women.  Some other common symptoms experienced during perimenopause and/or menopause can include:   * Night sweats * Trouble sleeping * Mood changes, mood swings, and

forgetfulness * Vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse * Irregular menstrual cycles in the time prior to menopause * Thinning hair and dry skin * Weight gain and slowing metabolism * Loss of

breast fullness Depending on what types of symptoms you are experiencing and your treatment preferences, there are several different options for managing symptoms of menopause. There are

many LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS that can be utilized such as dressing in layers and in breathable/moisture wicking fabrics, avoiding spicy foods, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption,

avoiding hot beverages, do not smoke, use fans or open windows, maintain a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.   Some women are interested in DIETARY OR HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS to

help manage menopausal symptoms. A few commonly used herbal supplements include: evening primrose, dong quai, vitamin E, ginseng, and/or black cohosh. Post-menopausal women are at higher

risk for decreased bone density so some women may consider adding a vitamin D and/or calcium supplement to their daily routine. Some women with difficulty sleeping find the supplement

melatonin effective for managing their insomnia. It is important to discuss with your provider or pharmacist before starting any new supplements to review for any potential medication

interactions. MEDICATIONS can also be used to manage specific symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, mood, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping.  Some medications that have been

shown to help with hot flashes and night sweats include: gabapentin, low dose antidepressants which can also help with improving mood (venlafaxine, citalopram, paroxetine, and escitalopram),

and hormone replacement therapies.  To treat vaginal dryness, vaginal moisturizers and/or vaginal estrogen options available through the VA pharmacy. There are also medications available

through VA pharmacy that can help with sleep. It is important to discuss with your provider or pharmacist before starting any new medications to review for any potential medication

interactions, allergies, or medical history that could make certain medications contraindicated. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES that have also been shown to help ease some symptoms of menopause

including Mindfulness Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, and Acupuncture. We offer many VA RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS that can support Women Veteran’s during this period

of transition including: * Tobacco Cessation clinic that can support veterans who would like to quit smoking. * Integrated Care, Mental Health clinic can support Women veterans with mood

concerns and provide support in decreasing alcohol use * Cognitive Behavior therapy for insomnia can help improve sleep issues. * VA Wellness and Whole Health programs offer yoga, tai chi,

mindful meditation, biofeedback and many other wellness focused classes * VA nutritionists, Healthy Teaching Kitchens, and MOVE program can support weight loss goals and healthy dietary

choices. * Community care consults for acupuncture services and pelvic floor physical therapy referrals * Primary care/GYN services Don’t hesitate, reach out to your VA providers today to

discuss all the ways we can provide support during this period of transition! For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov or

www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital and subscribe to our newsletters.