“Talk with your health care providers. Tell them about
the complementary health approach you’re considering
and ask any questions you may have about safety…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Complementary and Integrative Health and Menopause Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Acupuncture
- Alternative Medicine Practices/Products/Remedies/Therapies/Treatments
- Ayurveda/Ayurvedic Medicine
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy/Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormones
- Chinese Medicine Remedies/Therapies/Treatments
- Chiropractic
- Complementary Health Practices/Products/Remedies/Therapies/Treatments
- Complementary Medicine (CM)
- Complementary Medicine Practices/Products/Remedies/Therapies/Treatments
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
- Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH)
- Dietary Supplements
- Energy Medicine
- Herbal Treatments
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy
- Integrative Health Care/Medicine
- Manipulative and Body Based Therapies
- Massage/Remedial Massage
- Meditation
- Menopause/Perimenopause/Postmenopause
- Mind and Body Approaches/Practices/Therapies/Treatments
- Mindfulness
- Natural Approaches/Practices/Products/Remedies/Therapies/Treatments
- Naturopathy
- Non Mainstream Health Care
- Nutrition/Nutritional/Dietary Approaches
- Osteopathy
- Prayer
- Psychotherapy
- Qi Gong
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Relaxation
- Remedial Therapy
- Spiritual Healing
- Supplements
- Tai Chi
- Therapeutic Touch
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Traditional Medicine
- Yoga
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
DotS the definition of CAM may vary. In Natural Therapies the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:
Complementary Health Approaches
Is there an association between complementary health approaches and menopause symptoms?
In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Mind and Body Practices the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) note:
In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:
- Plant Estrogens (Phytoestrogens)…
- Bioidentical Hormones…
- Black Cohosh…
- Yoga…
- Acupuncture…
- Hypnosis…”.4
Menopause Symptoms
What are some complementary health approaches for menopause symptoms?
On pages one and two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:
- “Alternative therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, may also improve hot flushes, nights sweats and other menopausal symptoms and can be considered in women who do not wish to take HRT or have contraindications to taking HRT”.5
In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms the NCCIH elaborate on:

- “Natural Products…
- Phytoestrogens
- Black Cohosh…
- DHEA…
- Dong Quai…
- Vitamin E…
- Other Natural Products…
- Mind and Body Practices…
- Acupuncture…
- Hypnotherapy…
- Mindfulness Meditation…
- Yoga…
- Other Complementary Approaches
- Bioidentical Hormones…”.6
In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:
- “Lifestyle Measures…
- Tibolone…
- Antidepressants…
- Clonidine…
- Bioidentical or “Natural” Hormones
- Complementary Therapies…”.7
In Complementary & Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women: Non Hormonal Prescribed Treatments the (British) Women’s Health Concern (WHC) elaborate on:
- “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)…
- Herbal Treatments…
- Black Cohosh…
- St John’s Wort…
- Isoflavones and Soya Products (Plant substances found in the diet including red clover supplements)…
- Acupuncture…
- Non Hormonal Prescribed Treatments…
- Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) [fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline] and the Serotonin Noradrenaline Re-uptake Inhibitor/Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI-SNRI) [venlafaxine]…
- Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (Gabapentin)…
- Clonidine…
- Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) [fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline] and the Serotonin Noradrenaline Re-uptake Inhibitor/Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI-SNRI) [venlafaxine]…
- Treatments for breast cancer survivors…”.8
In Natural Therapies the JH elaborate on:
- “Complementary Therapy Use in Australia…
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture…
- Alexander Technique…
- Herbal Medicine…
- Homeopathy…
- Nutrition…
- Osteopathy…
- Remedial Massage…”.9
Dietary Supplements
Is there an association between dietary supplements and menopause symptoms?
In Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms? the NAMS answer this question and elaborate on:
Herbal Medicine
Is there an association between herbal medicine and menopause symptoms?
In Menopause Management Options: Natural Therapies (Complementary Medicine and Therapies) the JH explain:
Black Cohosh
Is there an association between black cohosh and menopause symptoms?
In Black Cohosh: What Have We Learned? the NCCIH elaborate on:
- “Research suggests that certain black cohosh extracts and some combination products containing black cohosh may reduce some menopause symptoms. Most of the research has been on a single extract called Remifemin. Research on other black cohosh products has had inconsistent results. Guidelines released in 2015 indicate that there is a lack of consistent evidence for any benefit from black cohosh for menopause symptoms. But a 2017 review of recent research suggests that black cohosh extracts approved for treatment in Europe seem to decrease menopause symptoms”.12
Safe or Not
Are natural therapies safe?
In Safety of Natural Therapies the JH note:
However, this is simply not the case. Just as there are risks and unwanted side effects to conventional medical treatment such as painkillers and prescription drugs, there can be risks and unwanted side effects to natural therapies. Generally, the risks are smaller when it comes to natural therapies, but they are real and need to be respected”.13
Effective or Not
Is complementary medicine as effective as menopausal hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms?
In Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Main Points the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:
- “No complementary medicine is as effective as oestrogen therapy for menopausal symptoms”.14
Healthy Lifestyle
Is there an association between implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the improvement of menopause symptoms?
On page one in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause one of the recommendations is:
- “Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms”.15
Tips for Talking
What are tips for talking to health care providers about CIH?
In 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches the NCCIH elaborate on:
- “List the complementary health practices you use on your patient history form…
- At each visit, be sure to tell your providers about what complementary health approaches you are using…
- If you are considering a new complementary health practice, ask questions…
- Don’t wait for your providers to ask about any complementary health practice you are using. Be proactive. Start the conversation”.16
Questions To Ask
What are some questions to ask health care providers about CIH?
The (United States) Endocrine Society’s Menopause Treatment: Questions For Your Healthcare Provider include:
- “What do you think are possible triggers for my hot flashes?
- Are there any lifestyle or dietary interventions that may diminish my symptoms?
- Should I consider medication for treatment of my symptoms? Hormonal or non-hormonal?
- If you are interested in hormonal therapy: Am I a good candidate for hormonal therapy, specifically are my cardiovascular and breast cancer risks low?
- Which lifestyle changes can I make that will decrease my menopause symptoms without medicine?
- Are there any alternative medicine treatments you would recommend I try for relief of my menopause symptoms?
- Are there any alternative medicines I should not use because they could interfere with medicines I take?”17
Health Care Provider
What if I choose to use CIH?
If you choose to use CIH it may be in your best interest to also choose to talk with your health care providers about this.
In Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health the NCCIH note:
- “Tell all your health care providers—complementary and conventional—about all the health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care”.18
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Complementary and Integrative Health and Menopause?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Complementary and Integrative Health and Menopause?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- Menopause Management Options: Natural Therapies (Complementary Medicine and Therapies)
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- CBD: What You Need To Know
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non Hormonal Prescribed Treatments
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies [Topics]
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- DHEA
- Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
- Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies
- Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Cannabis and Menopause
- Health Benefits of DIM [Diindolylmethane]
- Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
- Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
- Homeopathy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- How Guided Imagery Helps You Relax
- Integrative Medicine
- Kratom: Unsafe and Ineffective
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
- Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
- Looking After Yourself
- Managing Your Symptoms
- Maritime Pine
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Can Medications and Supplements Interact With One Another?
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Does CBD Live Up To Its Claims?
- Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Integrative Women’s Health
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
- Menopause Hormone Therapy and Complementary Alternative Medicine, Quality of Life, and Racial/Ethnic Differences: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
- Menopause Management Options: Natural Therapies (Complementary Medicine and Therapies)
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
- Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
- Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatment: Complementary Alternative Medicines
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment– Alternative Medicine
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guidelines]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Acupuncture: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry [Vitex]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How To Find A Complementary Health Practitioner
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Hypnosis
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Kratom
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Mind and Body Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Relaxation Techniques for Health
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Natural Therapies
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin and Mineral Fact Sheets
- Phytoestrogens
- Pueraria
- Relaxation: How To Relax? Mindfulness Video
- SAMe
- Safety of Natural Therapies
- Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
- Supplements for Menopause Symptoms: Are They Safe?
- Thankfulness: How Gratitude Can Help Your Health
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Treating Menopause Symptoms Without Hormones
- Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
- What Is Chasteberry, and What Can It Do?
- What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
- What We Know About Marijuana
- What You Should Know About Kratom
- Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? How Can I Get Reliable Information About A Complementary Health Approach? Last Updated: September 2016. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/are-you-considering-a-complementary-health-approach Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Natural Therapies. Last Updated: 10 January 2020. Last Reviewed: 16 December 2016. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/natural-therapies Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Mind and Body Practices. Last Updated: May 2017. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Alternative Medicine. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published 10 June 2022:1-2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Mind and Body Practices. Last Updated: May 2017. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives. Page Last Reviewed: 09 September 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Complementary & Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women: Non Hormonal Prescribed Treatments. Publication Date: September 2020. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/complementaryalternative-therapies-menopausal-women/ Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Natural Therapies. Last Updated: 10 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 16 December 2016. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/natural-therapies Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hot-flashes Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Menopause Management Options: Natural Therapies (Complementary Medicine and Therapies). Last Updated: 02 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Black Cohosh: What Have We Learned? Last Updated: May 2020. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/black-cohosh Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Safety of Natural Therapies. Last Updated: 10 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 June 2016. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/safety-of-natural-therapies Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Main Points. Content Updated: January 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/complementary-medicine-options Accessed: 03 March 2023
- 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-start-talking-with-your-health-care-providers-about-complementary-health-approaches Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published 10 June 2022:1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Menopause Treatment: Questions For Your Healthcare Provider. 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause-treatment Accessed: 03 March 2023
- Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health. Last Updated: September 2016. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/are-you-considering-a-complementary-health-approach Accessed: 03 March 2023