Menopause can be a frightening change for many women.  With such varying symptoms, it’s important to know the facts before you embark on any treatments.  Here’s a list of eight questions you should ask your health care provider.

1. Could my symptoms be due to a condition other than menopause? (Be ready with a diary of symptoms - the character, frequency, duration, intensity, triggers, etc.)

It’s very important that you consult your health care provider and explain to them all the symptoms you’ve shown.  It is possible that other more serious problems can masquerade as menopause and may require further treatment.  Make sure to have a list ready of all the symptoms you suffer from.

2. What are the medications that I might consider to control my menopause symptoms?

There are a wide variety of medications available to treat menopause.  They can range from herbal supplements to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to making simple dietary changes, such as cutting out caffeine and alcohol.  But because each menopause experience is unique, it is important that you contact your health care provider to determine which treatment is best for you.

 3. If I choose to use hormone therapy, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the various routes of administration (pill, patch, cream, vaginal, etc.)?

HRT is used to relieve short-term symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats, hot flashes, and disturbed sleep, and is thought to be useful in preventing or alleviating bone loss associated with osteoporosis. But for some women, hormone replacement therapy may not be the most effective treatment available. Talk to your health care provider about which method of treatment would best suit you, as there is such a wide variety available.

4. What are the side effects of hormone therapy, and how does my individual health/family history affect my decision to take hormone therapy?

Short-term side effects include unusual vaginal discharge and bleeding, headaches, nausea, fluid retention and swollen breasts. Some women think HRT causes them gain weight, but research shows this to be an unfounded claim. Long-term risks include Cancer.  If estrogen is taken alone, it may elevate the risk of endometrial cancer (lining of the uterus), however, adding progestin with estrogen (HRT) can dramatically reduce this risk. The effects (HRT) vary according to your body and you heredity, so you must consult a knowledgeable professional before choosing a treatment

5. If I choose a non-hormonal prescription medication that is not FDA-approved for menopause symptoms (such as a serotonin medication), what is the scientific evidence that it works?

It is imperative to gather as much information about these non-approved remedies as you can. Make sure you gather a list of alternative treatments and discuss each one in detail. Ask questions and find out if any of these treatments are right for you.  Also, pay close attention to the long and short-term side effects of each remedy.

6. How do the side effects differ among the various non-hormonal prescription medications commonly used for menopause symptoms?

Each menopause experience is unique to the individual. So each treatment will affect you differently than it may affect another woman.  Be sure to tell your health care provider about any other medications or medical complications when inquiring about prescription medications.

7. Given that long-term safety is not yet established for any of the herbal or food supplement (over-the-counter) remedies, are any proven effective by reliable scientific trials?

It is always important to ask questions about treatment you are thinking of starting.  Find out as much scientific evidence as you can before you embark on one of these treatments. Ask your health care provider to supply you with written materials (if they exist) on any unproven remedies you may want to try.

8. What are the herbal and/or food supplement remedies that women commonly buy to treat menopause symptoms, and what are the side effects of these remedies?

There are a wide variety of herbal and dietary supplements for you to choose from. Ask your health care provider for a list of herbal supplements. Have them explain the benefits and side effects for each one. Then, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which, if any, will work for you.