“If you’re unable to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or decide not to, you may want to consider alternative ways of controlling your menopausal symptoms”.1
Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy Alternatives Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Antidepressants
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Clonidine
- Complementary Medicine (CM)
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
- Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Herbal Medicines
- Holistic Care
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Therapy (HT)
- Hormone Therapy Alternatives
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Menopause Lifestyle Changes/Management
- Natural Approaches/Medicines/Practices/Products/Remedies/Supplements/Therapies/Treatments
- Nonhormonal/Non-Hormonal Approaches/Medicines/Practices/Products/Remedies/Supplements/Therapies/Treatments
- Over the Counter Products
- Phytoestrogens
- Pregabalin
- Tibolone or Livial
Alternatives
Apart from hormone therapy (HT), are there alternative ways of controlling menopause symptoms?
Yes. The (United Kingdom) NHS note:
Natural Products
What does the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) explain about natural products for menopause symptoms?
In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products the NCCIH explain:
Mind and Body Practices
What does the NCCIH explain about mind and body practices for menopause symptoms?
In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Mind and Body Practices the NCCIH explain:
Complementary Health Approaches
What are some complementary health approaches for menopause symptoms?
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…”.5
In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives the NHS elaborate on:
- “Lifestyle Measures…
- Tibolone…
- Antidepressants…
- Clonidine…
- Bioidentical or “Natural” Hormones
- Complementary Therapies…”.6
In Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women: Complementary and Alternative 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…
- Treatments for breast cancer survivors…”.7
In NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:
- “Lifestyle Changes…
- “Alternative” or Herbal Therapies…
- Vitamin E…
- Antidepressants…
- Gabapentin
- Clonidine…”.8
In Menopause Management the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:
Healthy living, herbal and complementary therapies (including herbs and phytoestrogens), menopausal hormone therapy, or MHT (formerly called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT), or some non-hormonal prescription medications may assist with symptoms”.9
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
What diet and lifestyle changes may relieve menopause symptoms?
In Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option! published on 12 November 2021, the author notes:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What diet and lifestyle changes may relieve menopause symptoms?
In Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option! the author also notes:
NonHormonal Medications
What nonhormonal medications are available to relieve menopause symptoms?
On page two in Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause? the JH explain:
- “If you cannot take MHT, other medications such as antidepressants – selective serotonin (SSRIs) or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – and a chronic pain medicine can reduce hot flushes”.12
SSRIs
What are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
In Menopause Management: Non-Hormonal Prescription Medications – Antidepressants the JH explain:
In Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Antidepressants the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
These medications aren’t as effective as hormone therapy for severe hot flashes, but they can be helpful to women who can’t use hormones. Possible side effects include nausea, difficulty sleeping or drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth or sexual dysfunction”.14
Other Prescription Medications
What are some other prescription medications?
In Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Other Prescription Medications the Mayo Clinic explain:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Others). Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that’s moderately effective in reducing hot flashes. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, water retention in the limbs (edema) and fatigue
- Pregabalin (Lyrica). Pregabalin is another anti-seizure medication that can be effective in reducing hot flashes. Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and weight gain
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Oxytrol). Oxybutynin is a pill or patch most often used to treat urinary conditions like overactive bladder. It may also help relieve hot flashes in some women. Side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, nausea and dizziness
- Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, Others). Clonidine, a pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure, might provide some relief from hot flashes. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation”.15
NK3R Antagonists
What are NK3R antagonists?
In Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2022 Unveiled: 7. Non-Hormonal Alternatives for Menopause
Revised Global Consensus Statement
What is one of the points of consensus about the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) alternatives?
One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefits/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:
- “If MHT is contraindicated or not desired for treatment of VMS, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, escitalopram, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine, which have been shown to be effective in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), may be considered. Gabapentin may also be considered”.17
What is VMS?
VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor Symptoms.
NAMS Position Statement
What is one of the NAMS conclusions in their position statement NonHormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms?
One of the NAMS conclusions in NonHormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society – Abstract: Conclusions – Recommended is:
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
What is one of the points of consensus about the use of custom-compounded bioidentical hormone therapy?
One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section B: General Principles Governing the Use of MHT is:
- “The use of custom-compounded hormone therapy is not recommended because of lack of regulation, rigorous safety and efficacy testing, batch standardization, and purity measures”.19
In Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’ FDA Doesn’t Approve Compounded Drugs the (United States) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) caution:
Questions To Ask
What may be questions to ask about HT alternatives?
In Menopause Treatment: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider the (United States) Endocrine Society 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?”21
In the NICE Guideline Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause the (British) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), include these and more questions to ask about Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms:
- “What types of treatments are suitable for my symptoms?
- What are the benefits and risks of different treatments?
- Are there any complementary therapies that could help?
- I use complementary therapies for my symptoms – are these safe to take alongside other treatments?…”.22
Health Care Provider
What if I would like to find out about HT alternatives?
If you would like to find out about HT alternatives, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.
In Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women the WHC caution:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Hormone Therapy Alternatives?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy Alternatives?
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.- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Complementary and Herbal Therapies for Hot Flushes
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Contemporary Non-Hormonal Therapies for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause: A Literature Review
- Dietary Intake and Menopausal Symptoms In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Gabapentin for Hot Flashes: What To Know
- HRT Benefits and Risks
- HRT and Alternatives
- Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
- Integrative Medicine
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
- Managing Vasomotor Symptoms Effectively Without Hormones
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Integrative Health and How Can It Help? [+ Video]
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause: Complementary Therapies [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Treating Menopausal Symptoms – Non-Prescribed Treatments [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
- 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: 6 Things To Know When Selecting A Complementary Health Practitioner
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Acupuncture: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
- 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: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Meditation: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Mind and Body Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- 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: Yoga: What You Need To Know
- Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonism: A Novel Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flushes
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Natural Therapies
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Non-Hormonal Alternatives for Menopause [Video]
- NonHormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society
Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Therapy Reduces Moderate To Severe Menopausal Hot Flashes
- NonHormonal Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Optimising the Menopause Transition: 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
- Phytoestrogens
- Prescribable Alternatives To HRT
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
- Tim Hillard – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Video Series-2020: What You Need to Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Video Series-2022: New Treatment Options for Menopause Symptoms Are Around the Corner
- Webinar: Perimenopause
- Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
- Webinar: Previous – What To Offer for Vasomotor Symptoms When MHT Is Contraindicated [Menopausal Hormone Therapy]
- What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives. Page Last Reviewed: 09 September 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives. Page Last Reviewed: 09 September 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products. Last Updated: May 2017. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 02 April 2022
- 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: 02 April 2022
- Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms. Last Updated: May 2017. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives. Page Last Reviewed: 09 September 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women: Complementary and Alternative Treatments. Reviewed: September 2020. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/complementaryalternative-therapies-menopausal-women/ Accessed: 02 April 2022
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms. Content Updated: September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/600-nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Menopause Management. Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Curry, H. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option! 19 November 2021. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691211063191 Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Curry, H. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option! 19 November 2021. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691211063191 Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause? Updated September 2018:2. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Menopause.pdf Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Menopause Management: Non Hormonal Prescription Medications: Antidepressants. Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Antidepressants. 31 August 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Other Prescription Medications. 31 August 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2022 Unveiled: 7. Non-Hormonal Alternatives for Menopause. Last Updated: 16 February 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/top-10-medical-innovations-for-2022-unveiled/ Accessed: 02 April 2022
- De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 02 April 2022
- NonHormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society – Abstract: Conclusions – Recommended. Menopause, Vol. 22, No. 11, 2015:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/pap-pdf-meno-d-15-00241-minus-trim-cme.pdf Accessed: 02 April 2022
- De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section B: General Principles Governing the Use of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’ FDA Doesn’t Approve Compounded Drugs. Content Current As of: 17 January 2017. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm047470.htm Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Menopause Treatment: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider. 23 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause-treatment Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause. Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms. Published Date: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG23/ifp/chapter/Questions-to-ask-about-menopause Accessed: 02 April 2022
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women. Reviewed: September 2020. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/complementaryalternative-therapies-menopausal-women/ Accessed: 02 April 2022