Healthy Aging Healthy Aging Basics

Menopause - Managing the Symptoms

Summary & Participants

Once of the biggest myths about menopause is that it is a condition that requires treatment.

Medically Reviewed On: August 06, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: One of the biggest myths about menopause is that it’s a condition requiring treatment.

Suzanne LaJoie, MD, Obstetrician/Gynecologist: It's a normal physiologic state that women go through. Some women do have symptoms that are very disruptive and some women, it's not so disruptive and they just notice that their periods have stopped.

ANNOUNCER: Like many others who’ve experienced menopause, Elaine suffers from hot flashes and sleepless nights. She managed her symptoms by changing her habits.

Elaine, Has Reached Menopause: I don't indulge too much with alcohol. I have to avoid eating spicy, spicy foods and I have to wear natural fiber clothing, because it's just easier to breathe, but if I follow this course of activity, I'm fine.

ANNOUNCER: For others, lifestyle changes aren’t enough.

Suzanne LaJoie, MD, Obstetrician/Gynecologist: When the symptoms are really interfering with your lifestyle, it's appropriate to seek some treatment and there are treatments out there that work great.

ANNOUNCER: Doctors say hormone therapy is still the most effective treatment for many symptoms of menopause, but it’s not for everyone.

Suzanne LaJoie, MD, Obstetrician/Gynecologist: There can be an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, breast cancer and blood clots, so we really need to individualize it. We want to use the lowest dose of hormone for the shortest amount of time possible.

ANNOUNCER: For some women, managing the emotional fallout can be even more difficult.

Suzanne LaJoie, MD, Obstetrician/Gynecologist: I think if women are having some severe mood swings, it's really important to let your physician know and to seek treatment, 'cause there are treatments for depression.

ANNOUNCER: Elaine deals with her down days by focusing on the positive in life.

Elaine, Has Reached Menopause: I recognize that the emotional component is part and parcel to menopause and I don't dwell on it. I find joy. I look for reasons to laugh and smile and celebrate.

ANNOUNCER: Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.