Check with your doctor if you experience a troubling change in how you feel. Symptoms that might seem like the menopausal transition, even hot flashes, night sweats, and irregular periods, may have other causes.
Menopause is a natural stage of life. It is not something that you must take medicine for. If your doctor says you are in the menopausal transition and the symptoms are not bothering you, you don’t have to do anything about them. If your symptoms are making you very uncomfortable, there are things you can do to relieve your discomfort. Your treatment should be chosen based on your own symptoms and health risks. What your sister or friend does may not be the right choice for you. Talk to your doctor about the best approach for you.
Whatever approach you choose, if you decide to treat your menopausal symptoms, remember that it is not a permanent decision. At every checkup, talk with your doctor about your symptoms or concerns.
Find out if there have been any new research findings or different treatments. If you are using menopausal hormone therapy, maybe you need a higher dose for more relief, or maybe you want to try a lower, perhaps safer dose. Discuss whether you still need to treat your menopausal symptoms.
Tips for handling the symptoms:
If hot flashes and/or night sweats are interfering with your daily activities, don’t hesitate to seek relief. There are some practical steps you can try to ease hot flashes and/or night sweats:
- Sleep in a cool room.
- Dress in layers, which can be removed at the start of a hot flash.
- Have a drink of cold water or juice when you feel a hot flash coming on.
- Use sheets and clothing that let your skin “breathe.”
- Don’t smoke.
