Since the Women’s Health Initiative discovered that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase the risks of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer, many women are going through menopause without estrogen. But do not turn down your thermostat or join the Red Hat Society just yet. There are other ways to fight menopausal symptoms.

Cooling hot flashes
You can help avoid these annoying fluctuations by getting regular exercise, dressing in layers and pinpointing and avoiding things that trigger your hot flashes. If all else fails, prescription medications are available.

Fighting vaginal dryness
Using over-the-counter lubricants or prescription vaginal estrogen, if needed, can help relieve vaginal dryness. It also helps to remain sexually active.

Watching your general health
Your risks for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis increase after menopause, so it is important to:

• See your physician annually both during and after menopause.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes five days a week, and include weight-bearing and strength-training exercises.
• Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limited amounts of saturated fats, oils and sugars.
• Take 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams (mg) of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D daily.
• Manage stress and get adequate sleep.

If menopausal symptoms still interfere with your life, your physician may prescribe short-term, low-dose HRT or low-dose antidepressants. Your health status at mid-life is a predictor of how well you will age, so think of menopause as a wake-up call— a signal that it is time to get serious about your health.

Want More Women’s Health Information?
MCGHealth’s iHealth for Women website offers health information for females of all ages. It features sections designed specifically for:

• teens
• young women
• mid-life women
• mature women

To access the site,
log onto mcghealth.org/ iHealth.