It is inevitable for women when they reach a certain age that they will undergo menopause and feel the associated menopause symptoms. This can be a difficult time for many women, however, the vasomotor symptoms eventually do subside. There are more severe problems associated with menopause like osteoporosis. This will go over the symptoms and treatments for this disease.

Since women are living longer than they used to, most women will spend one third of their life in menopause. The cause of menopause is the decrease in production of estrogen which can cause an array of symptoms. The diagnosis of menopause is made through blood tests which can tell that estrogen levels have dropped.

There are many symptoms associated with menopause, and probably 50 percent of women experience vasomotor symptoms. These will usually last years after the diagnosis is made. Other symptoms include vaginal dryness and sleep disturbance while others will also complain of mood disturbances, urinary complaints, uterine bleeding, and a lower quality of life.

The different types of treatments that exist are for the different symptoms that are available. To begin, estrogen replacement is the goal with this disease because the patient estrogen level is low. Replacement therapy helps with many of the symptoms whether it is just vaginal dryness or more significant sequelae like osteoporosis. Estrogen cream can help with vaginal dryness.

To discuss osteoporosis, this is a very important disease itself to prevent and treat. Women who develop this disease can easily have severe fractures which can be very debilitating. The bones which are easily affected are the hip bones, the vertebrae, and arm. To diagnose osteoporosis, a DEXA scan needs to be performed. The treatment for this is oral estrogen replacement therapy to help prevent bone loss.

Estrogen replacement therapy can be a harsh treatment for some as it has some negative effects. Another treatment that is available is bisphosphonates which are very helpful in preventing bone loss. One example of these medications is raloxifene.

The important thing to know about estrogen therapy is that it can lead to endometrial cancer with unopposed estrogen use. For women who no longer have a uterus because they had a hysterectomy will be fine with estrogen therapy by itself. However, if they still have their uterus, progestin must be given as well to help induce bleeding which will help with the prevention of endometrial cancer.

Menopause is a normal state for women of a certain age, and it comes with some uncomfortable symptoms. Some are benign which have simple treatments. However, some people may acquire symptoms or disease states which are much more serious. Osteoporosis is an important disease to consider with post-menopausal women because they can experience harmful falls which could be life-threatening. The common, less serious symptoms include hot flashes, irritability, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. The treatment for most of these problems is estrogen replacement therapy in either pill form or a cream. It is important to monitor any adverse effects of estrogen therapy because it can lead to endometrial cancer. It is important to see a doctor to help with any problematic symptoms.

Jan Walodene is an expert author and writes about menopause and estrogen low levels .