Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the most common and disabling diseases affecting women in the US today. Thus progressive bone loss in women is due to factors more complex than simply estrogen or calcium deficiency, though these remain important factors. Many other symptoms that have become associated with menopause include but are not limited to heart disease, depression and Alzheimer's disease. However these illnesses are largely multifactorial and their influence on menopause remains poorly understood. Regarding the treatment of menopause, many physicians argue whether menopause deserves a treatment and thereby be regarded as an illness as opposed to a natural state of health.
Many strategies are available for better tolerating the symptoms of menopause.
Many women find that hot flashes can be tolerated by avoiding potential triggers such as caffeine, alcohol and stress, or increasing your daily exercise, taking vitamin E and eating foods rich in soy. Vaginal symptoms can be controlled with water-based lubricants and various vaginal creams containing estrogen. Urinary problems can be avoided with Kegel exercises and biofeedback. Osteoporosis can be minimized with exercise and calcium supplementation long before the onset of menopausal. Some women will make a clear and form decision to opt for hormone replacement therapy, while others are less certain and others fear it.