“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Menopause Treatment Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Menopause Medications/Medicines/Therapies/Treatments
- Menopause Symptom Medications/Medicines/Therapies/Treatments
- Menopause Therapy Choices/Options
- Menopause Treatment Choices/Options
Symptoms
How many women have menopause symptoms?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
“Many women experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other physical changes with menopause. For some women, the symptoms are mild and do not require any treatment. For others, symptoms are moderate or severe and interfere with daily activities”.2
Different Differences
Is menopause treatment one-size-fits-all?
In Menopause Management the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
“Many women cope with mild menopausal symptoms and don’t need to take any medication or use therapies. Some women manage their symptoms well with lifestyle measures such as eating well and getting regular physical activity. Other women with symptoms that are affecting their quality of life will need to seek treatment to help them manage their symptoms”.3
In Menopause: Treatment the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) elaborate on:
“Not all women want treatment to relieve symptoms of the menopause, but treatments are available if you find the symptoms particularly troublesome”.4
Scientific Research
Are all menopause treatments well supported by valid scientific research?
The JH explain:

Treatments
What are some menopause treatments?
In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:
- Hormone Therapy…
- Vaginal Estrogen…
- Low-Dose Antidepressants…
- Gabapentin (Gralise, Horziant, Neurontin)…
- Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)…
- Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis…”.6
Hormone Therapy
How effective is hormone therapy (HT) for the treatment of menopause symptoms?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits the NAMS explain:
Hormone Therapy Risks
Is hormone therapy (HT) an effective treatment for menopause symptoms?
On page one in the NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of A Woman’s Age the NAMS elaborate on:
- “The risks of HT differ for different women, depending on type, dose, duration of use, route of administration, timing of initiation, and whether a progestogen is needed. Treatment should be individualized using the best available evidence to maximize benefits and minimize risks, with periodic reevaluation for the benefits and risks of HT continuation
- For women aged younger than 60 years or who are within 10 years of menopause onset and have no contraindications, the benefit-risk ratio appears favorable for treatment of bothersome hot flashes and for those at elevated risk of bone loss or fracture. Longer duration may be more favorable for estrogen-alone therapy than for estrogen-progestogen therapy, based on the Women’s Health Initiative randomized, controlled trials”.8
Bioidentical Hormones
Are bioidentical hormones or compounded hormones, an effective treatment for menopause symptoms?
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 – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016 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”.9
Complementary and Integrative Health
Is complementary and integrative health an effective treatment for menopause symptoms?
According to the JH:
“Many women are keen to explore non-medical options to manage their menopausal symptoms. There is increasing evidence looking at the effectiveness of many of these treatments, but very few studies meet the gold standard of research. Some of these treatments are traditional remedies that have been used for many years, but may not have scientific research to support their use. More research on the effectiveness and safety of herbal therapies for menopause is needed”.10
In Nonhormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society – Abstract: Results the NAMS elaborate on:
“Nonhormonal therapies include lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, dietary management and supplements, prescription therapies, and others. The costs, time, and effort involved as well as adverse effects, lack of long-term studies, and potential interactions with medications all need to be carefully weighed against potential effectiveness during decision making”.11
The JH explain:
“To make an informed choice about a treatment for menopausal symptoms, it is important to do some reading, from reputable sources of information, about treatments you are considering. Some promoted remedies can be expensive and unproven. Jean Hailes aims to provide the best available information based on current evidence”.12
The JH also note:
“It is also important to see a qualified practitioner for advice, and to give all the health professionals you are seeing information about any medications or treatments you are taking or receiving, as there can be interactions”.13
Treatment Review
How often should menopause treatments be reviewed?
In the NICE Guideline Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Reviewing Your Care, the NICE [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence] elaborate on:
It is also important to keep going to all your routine health screening appointments (for example, breast and cervical screening)”.14
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with menopause treatments?
If you would like help with menopause treatments, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH explain:
“Depending on your symptoms, you may like to see a general practitioner, gynaecologist, and or endocrinologist (hormone specialist), registered naturopath, psychologist or dietitian”.15
The Mayo Clinic also encourage us to seek help:
“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.16
In Menopause: Overview – When To See Your GP the NHS note:
“It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age”.17
Who is a GP?
DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause Treatment?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Menopause Treatment?
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): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- CBD & Other Cannabinoids: Sex and Gender Differences In Use and Responses
- 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]
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Decidir Sobre La Hormonoterapia
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
- Fact Sheets and Downloads: Additional Downloadable Resources – Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
- HRT Benefits and Risks
- HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dietary Supplements Useful In Some Situations, But Also Can Be Harmful
- Menopausal Symptoms: Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. I’ve heard about something called bioidentical hormones. What are they?
- Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What is hormone therapy?
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Are there treatments for hot flashes?
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
- Menopause In the New Millennium
- Menopause Management
- Menopause Matters
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause, Perimenopause and Postmenopause
- Menopause: Advice To Other Women About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
- Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause?
- Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of a Woman’s Age
- 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: 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: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Practical Prescribing Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
- Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
- Self-Care and Kindness: Finding A Solution To the Trigger of Our Anxiety
- Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
- Supporting Women Through Menopause
- Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Tipos de Hormonoterapia
- Types of Hormone Therapy
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment Option for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
- What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
- What Is Menopause? How Can Symptoms Be Handled?
- Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
- Women Can Breathe Sigh of Relief When Using Vaginal Estrogen To Treat Menopause Symptoms
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
- Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes Without Hormones
- World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause
- World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
- Yarning About Menopause
- ¿Cuáles Son Las Señales y Síntomas De La Menopausia?
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause Management. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause: Treatment. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause Management. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 06 November 2020
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use. 20 June 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ht-press-release-061917.pdf Accessed: 06 November 2020
- 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/fd28270c02bdca95a58a471e1719e9b4.pdf Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause Management: Natural & Complementary Therapies. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Nonhormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society – Abstract: Results. 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: 06 November 2020
- Menopause Management: Natural & Complementary Therapies. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause Management: Natural & Complementary Therapies. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Reviewing Your Care. NICE Guidelines [NG23]. 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/Reviewing-your-care Accessed: 06 November 2020
- 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: 06 November 2020
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 06 November 2020
- Menopause: Overview – When To See Your GP. Page Last Reviewed: 29 September 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/#when-to-see-your-gp Accessed: 06 November 2020