The oldest members of the millennial generation are now 38 years old, according to Pew Research Center's definition.

That means many of them will soon be experiencing menopause, or the end of a woman's reproductive period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Menopause is often considered a taboo topic because of our youth-worshipping culture, and medical students aren't always educated on the condition and how to help patients who have it, according to Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a gynecologist and professor at Yale University.

To break down the stigma, Minkin said patients should ask for more menopause information.

Here are some things about delaying menopause and handling symptoms you should know right off the bat.

Genetics, cancer therapies, and whether you've had a hysterectomy all play a role in when you'll go into menopause since these factors affect your hormone levels.

Your weight and cigarette-smoking habit could play a role in when you get menopause, according to a Minkin. If a person were to stop smoking or lose weight (if they're overweight), it could delay menopause onset one to two years.

Read more: 8 answers to common questions about ovulation you've been too afraid to ask

In the months and years leading up to menopause, a woman might experience irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood swings, according to The North American Menopause Society. It's all caused by hormone fluctuations during this time, called perimenopause.

These issues can persist for many years after menopause, Minkin said. But there are ways to decrease symptoms, including lifestyle changes and medications.

In addition to potentially bringing on menopause sooner than usual, smoking can also make symptoms worse.

"Smokers have much worse hot flashes than non-smokers, so if you stop smoking, not only is it good for you, but also your hot flashes," Minkin said. The same goes for weight loss in overweight people.

Hormone therapy uses progestin and estrogen to help decrease symptoms like hot flashes, but is underused because of the Women's Health Initiative, a National Institutes of Health-funded group of studies published in 2002. The report said estrogen therapy could increase a woman's breast cancer risk and scared many people away from hormone therapy.

The 2002 report has since been debunked and hormone therapy is now recognized as a safe treatment for menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes.

"Unfortunately, the bad press about estrogen has persisted for a number of years, but now we're getting better," Minkin said. "Estrogen really can be your friend."

Other medications used off-label, like the seizure medication gabapentin and the high blood pressure medication clonidine, may also help prevent or lessen hot flashes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you have these symptoms and want treatment, discuss options with your healthcare provider.

Read the rest here:
How to treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, other menopause symptoms - INSIDER

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