Menopause Management

“There are many ways to manage and treat menopausal
symptoms, depending on your own unique experience.
You might try different options before finding…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Management Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Healthy Menopause
  • Menopause Management
  • Menopause Management Choices/Options/Steps/Strategies/Tips
  • Menopause Self Management Strategies
  • Menopause Treatments

Different Differences

Is menopause symptom management one-size-fits-all?

In Menopause Management Options the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“There are many ways to manage and treat menopausal symptoms, depending on your own unique experience. You might try different options before finding a treatment that works for you. It’s important to seek accurate and reliable information before you start any treatment”.2

Healthy Lifestyle

Can a healthy lifestyle improve menopause symptoms?

In Looking After Yourself During Menopause the JH note:

“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself. Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.3

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause, published online 30 October 2023, the authors explain:

“The importance of improving lifestyle factors such as good nutrition, being physically active, cessation of smoking, limiting alcohol and stress management should be highlighted, as healthy behaviors confer benefits to all women”.4

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, first published online 10 June 2022, the recommendations include:

  • “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.
  • 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

Symptom Management

What is some general advice for symptom management?

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: General Advice for Symptom Management the authors explain:

  • “Overweight and obesity, and smoking are risk factors for VMS. Weight reduction may result in reduced VMS in overweight women, and smoking cessation should be encouraged
  • Exercise, yoga and relaxation methods have not been found to be effective for VMS, but these activities may improve sleep and general well-being”.6

What is VMS?

VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor Symptoms.

Treatments

What are some treatments to improve menopause symptoms?

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Menopause needs no treatment. Treatments aim to ease symptoms and prevent or manage ongoing conditions that may happen with aging. Treatments may include:

  • Hormone Therapy…
  • Vaginal Estrogen…
  • Prasterone (Intrarosa)
  • Low-dose medicines to treat depression called antidepressants…
  • Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin)…
  • Clonidine (Catapres -TTS-1, Nexiclon XR)…
  • Fezolinetant (Veozah)…
  • Oxybutynin (Oxytrol)
  • Medicines to prevent or treat the bone-thinning condition called osteoporosis
  • Ospemifene (Osphena)”.7

Hormone Therapy

Is hormone therapy the most effective treatment to alleviate VMS?

In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy the authors elaborate on:

“The most robust menopause Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) support MHT as the most effective treatment to alleviate VMS.

There is general consensus on the following: …”.8

Questions To Ask

What are some questions to ask my health care provider about menopause management?

In Perimenopause: Living With – What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic include:

“Discuss your perimenopause symptoms with your healthcare provider. It might help to keep a journal of your menstrual cycles, including when they start and stop and the amount of bleeding.

Some questions you should ask are:

  • Are these symptoms of perimenopause?
  • What can I do to relieve my symptoms?
  • How long do you think I will have these symptoms?
  • Would hormone therapy be an option for me?
  • Do I need to start taking medication or vitamins?
  • Are there any tests that should be done?”9

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Preparing for Your Appointment: What You can Do the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Before your appointment:

  • Keep track of your symptoms. For instance, make a list of how many hot flashes you have in a day or week. Note how bad they are
  • Make a list of all medicines, herbs and vitamin supplements you take. Include the doses and how often you take them
  • Ask a family member or friend to go with you, if possible. Someone with you can help you remember what your healthcare team tells you
  • Write down questions to ask your healthcare team. List your most important questions first.

Some basic questions to ask include:

  • What tests do I need, if any?
  • What treatments are there to ease my symptoms?
  • What else can I do to ease my symptoms?
  • Are there alternative therapies I might try?
  • Are there any printed materials or brochures I can have?
  • What websites do you suggest?

Be sure to ask all the questions you have”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my menopause management?

If you would like help with my menopause management, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor the JH also note:

Menopause Management“Talk to your doctor if you are worried about:

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Increase premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
  • Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, that interfere with your daily life”.11

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic also encourage us to seek help:

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your healthcare professional about your choices and the risks and benefits of each. Review your choices yearly. Your needs and the treatment choices may change”.12

In The Menopause: Conclusions the (British) Women’s Health Concern also note:

“Some women breeze through a problem-free menopause, but most experience some symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you feel that you are struggling, advice and support is widely available. The important thing is to be aware of any changes and to consult your GP for advice. Whatever the symptoms, help is available in a range of ways.

Above all, bear in mind that your health is your responsibility and that you are in charge. This is a time when your body deserves some tender loving care”.13

Who is a GP?

Dots and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Management?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Management?

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

  1. A Pragmatic Approach To the Management of Menopause
  2. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists] [October 2023]
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. BMS Statement on Testosterone [British Menopause Society]
  5. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  6. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  7. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  8. BMS TV: Menopause – Weight Gain, Nutrition and Lifestyle
  9. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  10. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  11. CAMS Menopause Hour: A Practical  Approach To the Management of Menopause [28 March 2024] [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  12. CAMS Menopause Hour: A Practical  Approach To the Management of Menopause [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  13. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  14. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  16. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  17. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  18. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  19. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  20. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  21. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
  22. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  23. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  24. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  26. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  27. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  28. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  29. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  30. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  31. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  32. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  33. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  34. Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review
  35. Management of Menopause
  36. Managing Menopause
  37. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  38. Managing Menopause Symptoms With Nutrition and Diet
  39. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  42. Menopause
  43. Menopause
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause Fact Sheet
  47. Menopause Management Options
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Menopause Management
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Management
  50. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  51. Menopause Mindfulness: Living Your Best Work-Life Through the Menopause Transition
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  53. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  58. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  59. Menopause Treatments
  60. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  61. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  62. Menopause and Mental Health
  63. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  64. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  65. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  66. Menopause: Identification and Management NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Menopause Management Snapshot
  67. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  68. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  69. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  70. Mood and the Menopause
  71. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?.
  74. National Self-Care Week [18 – 24 November 2024, United Kingdom]
    Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  75. Night Sweats
  76. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  77. Perimenopause
  78. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  79. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause Management
  80. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  81. Shedding Light on the Menopause Experience and Demystifying Treatment [Video]
  82. Symptoms of Menopause
  83. The Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  84. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  85. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  86. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  87. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  88. Vaginal Dryness
  89. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  90. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  91. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  92. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Metabolic Syndrome In Midlife Women
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  94. Webinars: Previous – Menopausal Migraines
  95. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  96. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  97. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
  98. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  99. Hormone Therapy World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  100. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted above?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Menopause Management Options. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 28 November 2024
  2. Menopause Management Options. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 28 November 2024
  3. Looking After Yourself During Menopause. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself Accessed: 28 November 2024
  4. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause. First Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  5. 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 Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  6. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: General Advice for Symptom Management. First Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  7. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  8. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: Menopausal Hormone Therapy. First Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  9. Perimenopause: Living With – What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed on 08 August 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause 28 November 2024
  10. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Preparing for Your Appointment: What You can Do. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  11. What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 31 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 28 November 2024
  12. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 28 November 2024
  13. The Menopause: Conclusions. Publication Date: November 2022. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause/ Accessed: 28 November 2024
Topic Last Updated: 04 January 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 28 November 2024

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