Written by Mark Williams - February 27, 2023
Gabapentin, more commonly known by its brand name Neurontin, is a prescription medication used to treat seizures and nerve pain. But, did you know it may also be a helpful medication for those experiencing menopausal symptoms? Let's explore the possibilities!
The menopause transition can bring about an array of physical, psychological and social challenges which can last anywhere from 7-14 years. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, lack of energy, depression and anxiety are common in women during this time. For many women these symptoms can be debilitating and limit their ability to function at work or in relationships.
So what role can gabapentin play here? Well first we have to understand how it works. Gabapentin works by affecting chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. It helps reduce certain pain sensations such as burning, numbness and tingling. It also reduces levels of glutamate – a neurotransmitter that regulates learning and memory as well as pain sensitivity - in the brain which can help with headaches, emotional stress ,and insomnia caused by menopause.
Although gabapentin was originally developed to treat epilepsy it has recently been found to be quite effective for treating other health related issues including nerve pain due to diabetes or fibermyalgia, migraines, bipolar disorder, alcoholism withdrawal syndrome and now even some forms of menopause related issues. For example one study conducted on postmenopausal women found that gabapentin reduced hot flash intensity when compared with placebo while another study showed a decrease in anxiety associated with menopause following gabapentin use.
When considering whether or not gabapentin is right for you it’s important to discuss all options with your doctor or healthcare provider including potential side effects as well as any other medications you are taking as there may be interactions between them. Some common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, vision problems and sedation so please ensure you follow your doctor’s advice when using this medication if prescribed.
If you're looking for an even more holistic approach to tackling menopausal symptoms then why not consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? HRT helps replace hormones lost during menopause restoring balance between oestrogen levels allowing the body to function normally again bringing much needed relief such replacement clinic Hormone Treatment Center provides excellent HRT services tailored specifically so don't hesitate reach out if you're interested! They provide:
With all medical decisions it's always best practice to make sure you speak with your doctor before making any decisions regarding medications or treatments so weigh up all options carefully especially when considering long term solutions like hormone replacement therapy via Hormone Treatment Center before making any decisions!