Treating the Menopause

There are many medications on the market which are used to treat and relieve menopause. Most of the medications have some sort of side effects and not all of them work for every woman. Knowing the difference in medications and understanding the side effects is the first step to finding a treatment option that will work best for you.

There are many ways to treat the unpleasant symptoms associated with the menopause so there is no reason to suffer unnecessarily. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action as we are all different and not every medication will be suitable for every woman.

Read below to learn more about the medications and their reported side effects which will hopefully help you to come to a decision about which option(s) could be beneficial to you.

Premarin

Premarin is a drug which replaces Oestrogen. It can be used to relieve symptoms of warm/flushed sensations (Commonly known as hot flashes/flushes) in the face, neck and chest.

Premarin is also prescribed for teenagers who got through a delayed puberty where their bodies are not maturing as it should. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of certain kinds of cancer such as prostate and breast cancer. Premarin is also available in vaginal cream which is used for vaginal irritation /dryness caused by a lack of oestrogen. Additionally, Premarin can be prescribed for people at risk of Osteoporosis.

Possible Side Effects of Premarin

o       Headache

o       Breast Pain

o       Mild nausea

o       Hair Loss

o       Bloating

o       Stomach cramps

o       Gas

o       Spotting or breakthrough bleeding

Sertraline

This drug is known to most people as Zoloft and is usually used to treat symptoms of depression. Sertaline inhibits serotonin re-uptake and restores the chemical balance of the brain which when it becomes unbalanced could cause panic, anxiety and depression amongst other symptoms.

Reported Side Effects of Sertraline

o       Vomiting

o       Weight loss

o       Trouble sleeping

o       Drowsiness

o       Dry mouth

o       Diarrhoea

o       Increased sweating

o       Loss of Appetite

o       Stomach upset

o       Nervousness

o       Constipation

o       Dizziness

o       Low libido/decreased sexual desire

o       Tiredness

Less Common Side effects of Sertraline

These allergic reactions are rare but serious e.g. rash, hives, difficulty breathing. Tightness of chest, swellings of the tongue, mouth, lips or face. Consult your doctor if you get any of the following:

o       Fast or irregular heartbeat

o       Unusual bruising and/or bleeding

o       Changes in vision

o       Seizures

o       Panic/Anxiety attacks

o       Tremors

o       Ringing in ears

o       Irritability

o       Chest pain

o       Stools which are black or red in colour

o       Painful erections

o       Severe mood changes

o       Thoughts of suicide or attempts

o       Fever

o       Disorientation and/ or hallucinations

o       Frequent urination

o       Aggressive behaviour

o       Impulsiveness

o       Restlessness

o       Swollen, peeling or blistered skin

o       Lack of coordination

o       Your depression may worsen on this medication

o       Exaggerated reflexes

Clonidine

Sold as Catapresan, Clonidine is taken in either pill or patch form and it can be used to treat hot flashes/flushes. In an 8 week study of post menopausal women taking the drug, there was a noticeable decrease in hot flashes/flushes.

Possible Side Effects of Clonidine

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth

If prescription drugs are not really for you, find out more about natural plant based remedies for the Menopause