Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer

For many women with moderate-to-severe hot flashes as a result of menopause, hormone therapy is an option that may bring relief.

Menopause happens to all women. When estrogen levels start to drop, hot flashes may occur. In some women, the symptoms are mild, and they will not need estrogens. In other women, symptoms can be severe.

In severe cases, Angeliq is a hormone replacement-therapy drug used to treat the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning and irritation.

It contains a combination of drospirenone and estradiol.

Drospirenone is a female hormone that helps regulate ovulation and menstruation, and Estradiol is a female hormone involved in development and maintenance of the female-reproductive system.

According to Dr Miguel Antonio Fiallo, medical director of Bayer Healthcare, women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms can take Angeliq to reduce these symptoms.

"HRT has been popular for many decades in the United States and has worked well. While taking Angeliq, the medication also helps to protect bones and the heart," Fiallo said.

Fiallo said, in its early stages, during a study by Women's Health Care Initiative and the National Institute of Health, Angeliq was found to be have severe side effects and was not recommended for use.

He said after careful study of the findings, it was gleaned that the they were erroneous as the average age for the survey were women over 65 years.

typical age

Fiallo indicated that the typical age for menopause in women is 48 years and up, and that, in fact, there is a place for HRT treatment and management."

The windows of opportunity were opened and it was discovered that HRT should begin at the right moment, early in menopause, and the medication should be taken daily," Fiallo said.

This medication is for use only if you have a uterus, if you have not had a hysterectomy. Angeliq should not be used to prevent heart disease, strokes, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. The tablets are available by prescription only.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com