Menopause Treatment

“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:

Menopause Treatment“Some treatments are well supported by valid scientific research; others have less evidence to support their use. It is important to have accurate and reliable information before you start any treatment”.5

Treatments

What are some menopause treatments?

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

“Menopause requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and preventing or managing chronic conditions that may occur with aging. Treatments may include:

  • 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 is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If night sweats are waking you throughout the night, 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”.7

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:

“You may be having different treatments or therapies to help your menopausal symptoms. To see whether treatment is helping you should be offered review appointments every 3 months to start with. If you are not having any problems you should then have appointments once a year. You should be offered an earlier review if you need it, for example if treatment no longer seems to be working or is causing side effects.

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:

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.

  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
  2. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  3. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  4. CBD & Other Cannabinoids: Sex and Gender Differences In Use and Responses
  5. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  6. Menopause Treatment Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  8. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  9. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  12. Decidir Sobre La Hormonoterapia
  13. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  14. Fact Sheets and Downloads: Additional Downloadable Resources – Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
  15. HRT Benefits and Risks
  16. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  17. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  18. Hormone Replacement Therapy
  19. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  20. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  21. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
  22. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  23. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  24. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  25. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  26. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  27. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  28. MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
  29. Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
  30. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dietary Supplements Useful In Some Situations, But Also Can Be Harmful
  31. Menopausal Symptoms: Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies
  32. Menopause
  33. Menopause
  34. Menopause
  35. Menopause
  36. Menopause
  37. Menopause & Herbs
  38. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. I’ve heard about something called bioidentical hormones. What are they?
  39. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What is hormone therapy?
  40. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Are there treatments for hot flashes?
  41. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  42. Menopause In the New Millennium
  43. Menopause Management
  44. Menopause Matters
  45. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  46. Menopause Treatment
  47. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  48. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  49. Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  50. Menopause, Perimenopause and Postmenopause
  51. Menopause: Advice To Other Women About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  52. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
  53. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  54. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  55. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  56. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  57. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  58. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  59. Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  60. Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause?
  61. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  62. 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
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  68. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  69. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  70. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  71. Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  72. Practical Prescribing Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  73. Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
  74. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  75. Self-Care and Kindness: Finding A Solution To the Trigger of Our Anxiety
  76. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  77. Supporting Women Through Menopause
  78. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  79. Tipos de Hormonoterapia
  80. Types of Hormone Therapy
  81. Understanding Menopause – Booklet
  82. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  83. Urogenital Problems
  84. Vaginal Dryness
  85. Vaginal Dryness
  86. Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment Option for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  87. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  88. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
  89. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  90. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe? Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
  91. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  92. What Is Menopause? How Can Symptoms Be Handled?
  93. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  94. Women Can Breathe Sigh of Relief When Using Vaginal Estrogen To Treat Menopause Symptoms
  95. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  96. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes Without Hormones
  97. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause
  98. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
  99. Yarning About Menopause
  100. ¿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

  1. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 06 November 2020
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Menopause: Treatment. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/ Accessed: 06 November 2020
  5. 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
  6. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 06 November 2020
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 06 November 2020
  17. 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

Topic Last Updated: 14 January 2021  – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 November 2020
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