Saint John's offers women the latest in menopausal treatment.  From hormone therapy to medications and lifestyle remedies, a Saint John's physician can help women choose the right option.

Hormone Therapy
During menopause, the ovaries decrease the production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy is used to supplement the body with either estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone in combination.
 
Estrogen Therapy
Estrogen therapy is usually only prescribed to women who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy) because this therapy can increase the risk of uterine cancer.
 
Estrogen + Progesterone Therapy
In women who still have their uterus, physician commonly prescribe a combination of estrogen and progesterone because it is considered to be a very effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.  In the last few years, there has been some speculation that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be dangerous. However, hormone therapy is still a viable option for women who meet certain criteria.  The latest research shows that the risk is related to the time since menopause (less than 10 years) and the age at which HRT is started (less than 60). There is no one-size fits all approach to hormones, so it is important to work closely with your Saint John's physician.

Oral Contraceptive Pills
Oral contraceptives are often given to perimenopausal women in order to regulate menstrual periods and relieve hot flashes.

Local Hormone Treatments
There are also local hormonal treatments for the symptoms of vaginal estrogen deficiency. Local treatments, which are applied directly to the vagina, include the vaginal estrogen ring, vaginal estrogen cream or vaginal estrogen tablets.  Local and oral estrogen treatments are sometimes combined.

Medications
There are several types of medications that can be useful in relieving the symptoms of menopause.

Medications may include:

Anti-seizure medications:  Some anti-seizure medications are effective in reducing hot flashes