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The transition to menopause—which usually occurs at around age 50— isn't always easy.
One of the first things you may notice is a change in your menstrual cycle, such as skipping periods or having periods that are heavier or lighter than usual.

Menopause symptoms

You might experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bladder problems and mood changes.
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and for some people, symptoms are relatively mild. But if any symptoms of menopause are disrupting your life, tell your provider. There are many ways to manage symptoms, including hormone therapy.

What is hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy is medicine that helps relieve menopause symptoms. You can receive it as a pill, skin patch, gel, spray, ring, tablet or cream.

For most healthy women, hormone therapy is safe. However, there can be risks involved, such as an increased risk for certain cancers, blood clots and heart disease.

These risks are generally very low if you're healthy and begin hormone therapy before age 60 and within 10 years of your last period. But you and your provider may decide that the risks outweigh the benefits. It's important to talk with your provider about the pros and cons of using it in your specific situation.

If hormone therapy isn't right for you, ask your provider about nonhormonal medications that help treat menopause symptoms.

Categories: Menopause