General measures
- Alternating showers help with hot flashes.
- Essential oils can help inhibit sweat production. Suitable are, for example, the medicinal plants sage or even mint, whose menthol has a cooling effect.
- Proven remedies from nature for climacteric complaints are hops, lady’s mantle, monk’s pepper and black cohosh. They contain phytoestrogens, which are plant substances with hormone-like effect.
- Aim for normal weight!
- Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition using electrical impedance analysis.
- BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
- Falling below the BMI lower limit (from the age of 55: 23; from the age of 65: 24) → Participation in a medically supervised program for the underweight.
- Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use).
- Limited alcohol consumption (max. 12 g alcohol per day).
- Limited caffeine consumption (max. 200 mg of caffeine per day; equivalent to 1 to 2 cups of coffee or 3 to 5 cups of green/black tea) – postmenopausal woman with high caffeine consumption feel particularly disturbed by vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, circulatory instability, feeling cold)
- A regular daily rhythm promotes a relaxed sleep.
- Thick sleepwear and a too warm sleeping environment can cause sleep disturbances.
- Evening relaxation baths with soothing bath additives such as lavender help with sleep disorders. A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow have a harmonizing effect.
- Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
- Stress and anxiety can trigger or exacerbate hot flashes.
Conventional non-surgical therapy methods
- Vaginal fractional CO2 laser therapy (Vulvovaginal CO2 laser therapy) – innovative, minimally invasive, non-surgical and non-hormonal procedure for the treatment of vulvovaginal dysfunctions, mostly recurrent, difficult to treat, especially concerning sexuality and diseases in the intimate area. Predominantly women in premenopausal/menopausal or other estrogen deficiency situations suffer from it. Mild forms of urinary incontinence (bladder weakness), urge symptoms, chronic recurrent cystitis (recurrent bladder infections) and descensus complaints can also improve. Particularly noteworthy are the excellent results in the treatment of lichen sclerosus, usually eliminating the need for cortisone therapy.Impressive is the minimal rate of side effects and the absence of complications with this method, as well as the possibility of use after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, evaluation by controlled studies is still lacking. For details see chapter: “Vulvovaginal CO2 laser therapy“.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are advised for menopausal women:
- Pneumococcal vaccinationNote: For patients with immunosuppression, the STIKO advises sequential vaccination, with PCV13 (conjugate vaccine) given first and PSV23 (23-valent polysaccharide vaccine) given 6-12 months later. This strategy has significantly higher protective efficacy than when vaccinated with PSV23 alone.
- Influenza Vaccination
Regular checkups
- Regular medical checkups
Nutritional medicine
- Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
- Nutritional recommendations according to a healthy mixed diet taking into account the age. This means, among other things:
- Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
- Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
- High-fiber diet (whole grain products).
- Observance of the following specific nutritional recommendations:
- Spicy foods, hot drinks and soups promote sweating.
- Herbal teas can help to calm down. Chamomile, valerian and lemon balm are recommended.
- Selection of suitable food based on the nutritional analysis.
- See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
- For detailed information on nutritional medicine, please contact us.
Sports Medicine
- Endurance training (cardio training) and strength training (muscle training).
- Preparation of a fitness or training plan with appropriate sports disciplines based on a medical check (health check or athlete check).
- Detailed information on sports medicine you will receive from us.
Psychotherapy
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga reduce hot flashes and heart palpitations. Note: To achieve the greatest effect, it is necessary that deep relaxation methods are learned over a long period of time and used regularly.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – for vasomotor symptoms (eg, hot flashes, sweats).
- Detailed information on psychosomatics (including stress management) can be obtained from us.
Complementary treatment methods
- Acupuncture – a short course of acupuncture relieved menopausal symptoms (day and night sweats, generalized sweating, sleep disturbances, physical symptoms to skin and hair problems, emotional vulnerability) in a randomized trial.
