Although hormone replacement mayimprove many menopausal symptoms, it isnot safe for every woman. Hormone replacement therapy is usually not prescribed to women in thefollowing categories:
- diagnosed with breast, or other hormone-sensitive cancers
- history of blood clots or clotting disorder
- age 60 or older
For women who cannot, or choose not to take hormone replacement, there are nonhormonal options for treating manymenopause symptoms. Importantly, in some women, menopausal symptoms may decrease naturally over time. It is important to speak with your doctor and consider referral to a menopause expert to manage persistent symptoms.
Medications
Some of the more common menopausal side effects may respond to non-hormonal medications.
Hot flashes:
- Certain antidepressants,called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may relieve hot flashes andother menopausal side effects. Brisdelle is an SSRI with Food and Drug Administration ()approval for treatinghot flashes.
- Limited research has shown that thedrug oxybutynin—which is currently approved for treating overactive bladder—may reduce hotflashes.
vagin*l symptoms:vagin*l lubricants and moisturizersare widely available and do not require a prescription.
- Lubricants (e.g. K-Y, Astroglide, and others) can help make sex less uncomfortable.
- vagin*l moisturizers (e.g. K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Hyalo GYN) are designed to be used on a regular basis (not related to sexual activity).
Libido:
- Research has showntheantidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) may improve satisfaction with sexual experience, arousal, andorg*sm intensity. Larger studies are needed to confirmthese findings.
Memory or mood changes:
- Research has shownsome benefit from the medication Modafinil, a drug used to treat sleep disorders. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Exercise
Exercise may improve many of the side effectsof menopause, including weight gain, sleep disturbances, memory and bone weakening. A type of pelvic muscle strength training known as Kegel exercises may help improve urinary incontinence. Additionally, exercise may help protect against heart disease.It's important to talk with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. Ask for a referral to alicensed physical therapist or exercise physiolgist to help youdevelop a safe and effectiveexercise routine.
Supplements
It's important to check with your health care team before taking any supplements.
Vitamins and minerals are important to keep yourbody functioning properly. Experts recommend trying to get the nutrients needed through a balanced diet. However, in some cases, supplements may be needed. For example, some postmenopausal women may need calcium and vitamin D supplements in order to maintain their bone health.
Companies that make dietary supplements maymarket themspecifically to post-menopausal women. It's important to be cautious of the claims made by these companies. Supplements have shown limited benefit in treating menopausal symptoms, and some supplements may actually be harmful.Because thedoes not regulate supplements, it cannot guarantee their safety.
Other strategies
- Mindfulness,meditation and training may improve member and thinking. Hypnosis,yoga, or acupuncture may relievehot flashes andimprove memory andsleep quality.
- Products such as handheld fans and "chillows" that reduce body temperature have been helpful for some women who experience hot flashes.
- Researchers are studying how well Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser treatment such asMonaLisa Touch and radiofrequency treatment such as ThermiVa may help. Thesevagin*l treatments do nothave approval, and most insurance companies do not cover their costs.
