As 75-85% of women in the United States experience hot flashes, the industry for trying to treat this mysterious symptom of menopause has grown vastly. Behavioral options and lifestyle changes are always encouraged, but there is also an entire spectrum of hormone regulating medicines as well as non-hormonal options, both medicines and supplements, that all come with their own benefits and cautions.
Non-Hormonal Regulating Medications
Most women who try to regulate their symptoms of menopause use hormonal options, though there is a non-hormonal variation available. The FDA has approved paroxetine, “a low-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant,” to help alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes. Other similar anti-depressant drugs are also being researched for their ability to help ease symptoms of menopause. As with any drugs, there can be side effects, even for women taking this drug for menopausal symptoms rather than depression. The dose is generally smaller when taking paroxetine, and side effects can include nausea, headache, dizziness, jitteriness or drowsiness. As with any medication, doctors should be consulted and a plan should be made before beginning a new regimen of medication.
Hormonal Regulation Therapies
Some women also choose to go the route of hormone therapy as a cure for hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. As the body produces less estrogen, replacing that estrogen or simulating the replacement of those hormones can create changes in symptoms. There are many, many supplements available on the market, which is why it’s important to research the side effects of each. Some such hormonal remedies include estradiol, conjugated estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and compounded or synthetic hormones. Many of these hormones work to replace or add estrogen to the body, whereas others, like Effisoy, mimic the production of estrogen without actually introducing any foreign elements into the body.
Risk Factors for Hormone Regulation Therapy
A history of blood clots, vaginal bleeding, heart disease, or various cancers can relate to a higher risk of reaction for some women looking for hormone regulation. Especially with therapies that introduce foreign hormones into the system, the body can have strong reactions. Effects can range from spottiness during menstruation to breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, and more serious effects related to stroke and cancers. These correlations were explored by the Women’s Health Initiative, funded through the NIH, in 2002. Though the study did show some correlation between hormone therapy and the increased risk of these diseases, the women most affected were older, typically above age 60, and post-menopausal. Other elements of this study showed that younger women experience more benefits than risks when using hormone therapy regulation.
As you navigate the range of options available, it’s important to consider the purity of the supplement, the research that has gone into it, and the effectiveness. Looking to the tradition of Japanese women, as well as the significantly lower rate of menopausal symptoms, is one of the reasons why Effisoy was created for women who are experiencing the negative symptoms of menopause. Some secrets are meant to be shared, and the wisdom behind Effisoy operates from that place. What works should be shared with others.
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