How Can I Treat Sleep Problems Related to Menopause?
The traditional treatment for the symptoms related to menopause has been hormone therapy (HT). HT consists of estrogen given as a pill, patch, or vaginal cream, either alone or combined with progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone, or micronized progesterone). However, results from a large study, the Womens Health Initiative, showed that estrogen-progestin combination therapy caused an increased risk of breast cancer. Estrogen alone did not increase breast cancer, but the study also found that therapy with estrogen alone increases the risk of stroke in older women. The latest recommendation for use of HT for menopause symptoms such as hot flashes is to use the lowest possible dose, with regular follow-up with your doctor. If you decide not to use HT, the following tips might keep you cooler at night and help you sleep better. • Wear loose clothing to bed. • Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated. • Avoid certain foods that may cause sweating (such as spicy foods), especially ri
