A Danish study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology shows that 97 percent of women experience symptoms during menopause.
These may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Menopause most often occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
Hormone treatment
Many women choose hormone therapy to reduce their symptoms. The treatment can be administered as tablets, patches, gels, or local treatments.
The aim is to replace the estrogen that the body gradually produces less of.
Research shows that hormone therapy can reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
However, a large analysis published in The Lancet in 2019, based on data from more than 100,000 women, found that the treatment is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
The risk is highest with a combination of estrogen and progestogen and increases the longer the treatment lasts.
A Swedish registry study from 2024 published in BMJ, which included nearly one million women, also showed an increased risk of blood clots and cardiovascular disease with hormone therapy in tablet form.
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The risk was lower with patches and gel.
Other options
There are also alternatives to medication. Lifestyle changes such as exercise are mentioned in professional guidelines.
A Swedish study from 2024 published in BMC Women's Health showed that women who exercised three times a week for 15 weeks experienced fewer and milder hot flashes as well as improved sleep.
However, the effect was moderate and did not apply to all participants.
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Overall, research indicates that the choice of treatment should be based on an individual assessment.
For some, hormones may be a solution. For others, changes in daily habits may be a step in the right direction.
Sources: Forskning.no, Videnskab.dk, European Journal of Epidemiology, The Lancet, BMJ, and BMC Women's Health.
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