Menopause Treatment

“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”.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 common are 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, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

“The use of herbs in menopause is based on longstanding traditional use, some of which is supported by scientific evidence (e.g. a recent study into the effectiveness of red clover). But more research is needed regarding the effectiveness and safety of some herbal therapies for the management of menopausal symptoms”.2

Different Differences

Is menopause treatment one-size-fits-all?

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

“Many women manage mild menopausal symptoms with a healthy lifestyle. Other women with symptoms that affect their quality of life might choose to use medicines and therapies”.3

The JH also note:

“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”.4

Treatments

What are some menopause treatments?

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)”.5

Hormone Therapy

How effective is hormone therapy (HT) for the treatment of hot flashes and night sweats?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) (now the Menopause Society) explain:

“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life. Treatment of bothersome hot flashes and night sweats is the principal reason women use HT. Hormone therapy also treats vaginal dryness and painful sex associated with menopause. Hormone therapy keeps your bones strong by preserving bone density and decreasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. If preserving bone density is your only concern, and you do not have bothersome hot flashes, other treatments may be recommended instead of HT”.6

Hormone Therapy Risks

What are the potential risks associated with HT?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks the NAMS elaborate on:

“As with all medications, HT is associated with some potential risks. For healthy women with bothersome hot flashes aged younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of HT generally outweigh the risks. Hormone therapy might slightly increase your risk of stroke or blood clots in the legs or lungs (especially if taken in pill form). If started in women aged older than 65 years, HT might increase the risk of dementia. If you have a uterus and take estrogen with progestogen, there is no increased risk of cancer of the uterus. Hormone therapy (combined estrogen and progestogen) might slightly increase your risk of breast cancer if used for more than 4 to 5 years. Using estrogen alone (for women without a uterus) does not increase breast cancer risk at 7 years but may increase risk if used for a longer time”.7

Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Is the use of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy recommended for the treatment of menopause symptoms?

On page two in The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, published 07 July 2022, the NAMS note:

  • “Compounded bioidentical hormone therapy presents safety concerns, such as minimal government regulation and monitoring, overdosing or underdosing, presence of impurities or lack of sterility, lack of scientific efficacy and safety data, and lack of a label outlining risks”.8

On page four 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:

  • “The use of compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapies is not recommended given the issues related to their purity, potency and safety. The potential benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy can be achieved using conventionally licensed products available through NHS prescribing without having to resort to compounded varieties from specialist pharmacies”.9

Healthy Lifestyle

Can a healthy lifestyle improve 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”.10

Complementary and Integrative Health

Can complementary and integrative health improve some 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:

  • “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”.11

In Menopause and Natural Therapies the JH include:

“Note that complementary and alternative medicines should be prescribed by a health practitioner trained in their use. It’s important to tell your doctor if you use these, as some herbal remedies can affect other prescribed medicines”.12

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 Mayo Clinic explain:

“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”.13

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

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.

New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  4. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  5. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  6. CAMS Menopause Hour: A Practical Approach To the Management of Menopause [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  7. CBT for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  13. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Impact of Estrogen Deficiency on Quality of Life In Asia and the Role of Continuous Combined MHT In Treatment (EN)
  14. Emerging Research In the Management of Menopausal Symptoms
  15. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
  16. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  17. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  18. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  19. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  20. HRT Questions Answered
  21. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  22. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  23. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  24. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  25. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  26. Hot Flashes
  27. Hot Flashes
  28. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  29. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  30. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  31. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
    Menopause Treatment
  32. Is It Too Late To Start HRT?
  33. 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
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  35. Looking After Yourself During Menopause
  36. Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Review
  37. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  38. Managing Your Symptoms
  39. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Perimenopause and Menopause [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  43. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  44. Menopausal Symptoms: Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  50. Menopause Management Options
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Menopause Treatment
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  54. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  55. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  56. Menopause and HRT: Fact and Fiction [Video]
  57. Menopause and Mental Health
  58. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  59. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  60. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
  61. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
  62. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  63. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  64. Mood and the Menopause
  65. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  68. National Women’s Health Week [11 — 17 May 2025]: Navigating the Road to Menopause
    Menopause Treatment
  69. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  70. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  71. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  72. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  73. Perimenopause
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  76. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  77. Shedding Light on the Menopause Experience and Demystifying Treatment
  78. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  79. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Menopause Treatment
  80. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  81. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  82. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  83. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  84. Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary
  85. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  86. Vaginal Dryness
  87. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  88. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  89. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  90. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Metabolic Syndrome in Midlife Women
  91. Webinars: Previous – IMS & ISE Symposium: What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  92. Webinars: Previous – Menopausal Migraines [17 September 2024]
  93. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  94. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  95. Webinars: Previous – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  96. What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Menopause? And Which Can Hormone Therapy Treat?
  97. What Is Menopause? How Can Symptoms Be Handled?
  98. What if HRT isn’t right for me? And is cold-water swimming really the answer to everything? Your Menopause Questions Answered
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  100. Menopause Treatment World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women – The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 11 May 2025
  2. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. 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. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 11 May 2025
  3. Menopause Management Options. Last Updated: Last Updated: 24 April 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 11 May 2025
  4. Menopause Management Options. Last Updated: 24 April 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 11 May 2025
  5. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 11 May 2025
  6. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 11 May 2025
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 11 May 2025
  8. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022:2. North American Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 11 May 2025
  9. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. 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. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 11 May 2025
  10. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. 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. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 11 May 2025
  11. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. 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. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 11 May 2025
  12. Menopause and Natural Therapies. Last Updated: 07 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 08 January 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-herbs Accessed: 11 May 2025
  13. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 11 May 2025
Topic Last Updated: 11 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 11 May 2025

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