“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…”.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 (National Health Service) 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
NonHormonal Medications
What nonhormonal medications are available to relieve menopause symptoms?
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”.10
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, dizziness, weight gain, dry mouth or sexual dysfunction”.12
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”.13
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”.14
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”.16
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 Alternative Medicine for Menopause Treatment: Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Team the (United States) Hormone Health Network include:
- “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?
- Does my health insurance plan cover the cost of any alternative medicine treatments?
- Should I see an endocrinologist to help me with my menopause symptoms?”18
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?…”.19
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
- Alternative Medicine for Menopause Treatment
- 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/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies
- HRT Benefits and Risks
- HRT and Alternatives
- Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
- Integrative Medicine
- Integrative Medicine: Evaluate CAM Claims
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- Managing Menopausal Symptoms After Breast Cancer – A Guide for Women [Booklet]
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Integrative Health and How Can It Help? [+ Video]
- Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ 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 Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause – Complementary Therapies [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Fact Sheet
- Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Complementary Therapies for Menopausal Symptoms [Video Interview Stories]
- 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-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
- 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: 5 Things You Should Know About Yoga
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About Popular Herbs
- 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: Finding and Evaluating Online Resources
- 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: 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: Vitamins and Minerals
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Yoga: What You Need To Know
- Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Treatments Help Hot Flashes?
- Natural Therapies
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society
- NonHormonal Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Phytoestrogens
- Prescribable Alternatives To HRT
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Video Series-2018 – Moisturizers, Lubricants, and Prasterone
- Video Series-2018 – The Truth About Nonpharmacologic Options for Hot Flashes
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- What You Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
- Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
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 (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 14 January 2021
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives. Page Last Reviewed: 09 September 2019. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives. Page Last Reviewed: 09 September 2019. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives/ Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- Menopause Management. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- Menopause Management: Non Hormonal Prescription Medications: Antidepressants. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 14 January 2021
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Antidepressants. 24 April 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 14 January 2021
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Other Prescription Medications. 24 April 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- 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/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- Alternative Medicine for Menopause Treatment: Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Team. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-treatment/alternative-medicine-for-menopause-treatment Accessed: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021
- 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: 14 January 2021