Dr Sonia Davison
Monash University
There are many options for management of bothersome symptoms around the time of the menopause. Although menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective option for management of vasomotor and genito-urinary symptoms, some women are unable to use MHT, for personal or health reasons.
Non-hormonal options for vasomotor symptom control include lifestyle measures, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy, medications (SNRI / SSRIs, Gabapentin or Clonidine) and complementary therapies. Sleep disturbance can be managed with CBT, hypnotherapy or via medication.
Non-hormonal options for vaginal dryness include vaginal moisturisers and silicone or water-based lubricants.
This presentation outlines these strategies and others, including evidence from clinical trials.
Biography
Dr Sonia Davison MBBS FRACP PhD, is an Endocrinologist with a special interest in Women’s Health. She is a Clinical Fellow at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and has an adjunct appointment at the Women’s Health Research Program, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. Sonia is in private practice at the Melbourne Endocrine Clinic, Malvern, and at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. Her PhD and postdoctoral research examined sex steroid physiology in women, including measurement of androgens and their relationships with age, mood, sexual function and cognition. Sonia is President of the Australasian Menopause Society and former editor of its newsletter, ‘Changes’.