Menopause itself requires no medical treatment and the symptoms you may be experiencing will disappear over time. However, if you’re at all concerned or uncomfortable, there are many treatments that can help relieve your signs and symptoms and even allay some of the chronic conditions that may occur as you age.

Many treatments aim to reduce the unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. Treatments are tailored to you and based upon your individual history and all the requisite physical and psychological testing. They may include:

Screenings

• Mammography (yearly after age 40)
• Bone Density Screening
• Colonoscopy at Womens Gastrointestinal Health Center at Mount Sinai (at age 50)
• Ultrasonography
• Womens Cardiovascular Assessment and Risk Evaluation(CARE) Program
• Dermatology and Skin Screening
• Cognitive Function Testing

Medications used for menopausal symptoms and for some postmenopausal conditions

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HT).
• Low-dose antidepressants (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs). Shown in low doses to significantly decrease hot flashes.
• Gabapentin (Neurontin). This drug is approved to treat seizures and is commonly used to manage chronic, nerve-related pain, but it also has been shown to significantly reduce hot flashes. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and swelling.
• Clonidine (Catapres, others).
• Bisphosphonates for decreasing bone density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis
• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
• Vaginal estrogen.

Alternative and Complimentary Therapies

• Black Cohosh, Isoflavones and Soy

Along with offering you the most up to date treatments, the medical team that make up the Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Obstetrics/Gynecology Faculty Practice Associates can help you through this critical transition time by evaluating your overall state of health and showing you how to make positive lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Treatments

• Eat a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D
• Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine
• Regular exercise program
• Increase your take of phytoestrogens
• Control stress