While everybody’s experience with menopause can differ, some people experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) that are significant enough to require treatment. One of the likely treatment options is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to your doctor about the alternatives.
Why Doctors Choose HRT
Menopause is typically caused by the reduced production of estrogen in the body. As such, replacing that can help manage those symptoms. Some issues that doctors aim to address with HRT include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, brain fog, joint pain, and mood swings. The doses of HRT can be varied depending on the severity of your symptoms. Adjusting your hormone levels can also reduce your risk of menopause-related illnesses such as osteoporosis.
It’s important to note that there are two types of HRT - estrogen-only and a combination of estrogen and progesterone. The latter option is commonly prescribed for those with a uterus as estrogen alone can affect the uterine lining.
RELATED: Q&A: Are There Home Remedies To Increase Estrogen Levels?
5 HRT Alternatives
1. Herbal Remedies
There are a few herbal products that have been shown to ease specific menopause symptoms. For example, black cohosh and red clover can help with hot flashes.
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Don quai has been used in non-traditional medicine to treat period pain and irregular bleeding. However, it should be noted that herbal remedies can have negative interactions with certain medications. It’s best to talk to your doctor about this before adding them to your routine.
2. Alternative Medicine
This form of treatment focuses on lifestyle changes instead of medication. Some studies have shown that yoga, acupuncture, and acupressure can be effective in relieving menopause symptoms. Sometimes, one or more of these can be combined with herbal remedies.
3. Antidepressants
Several antidepressant studies noticed an interesting side effect - some women who were going through menopause noticed an impact on their symptoms when taking the medication.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), in particular, were shown to reduce hot flashes and mood swings. However, the side effects include nausea, reduced sex drive, and a reduction in sexual stimulation. On top of that, antidepressants haven’t been officially cleared for this use so you should talk to your doctor about your options.
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4. Gabapentin
This drug is usually used to manage epileptic seizures and nerve pain. However, it was also found to reduce hot flashes and night chills. Like antidepressants, gabapentin isn’t officially prescribed to treat menopause but your doctor might consider it - especially if you’re already using it to treat another condition. Some of the side effects include nausea and dizziness.
5. Soy
Researchers still need to do more studies but there is some evidence that consuming soy regularly can ease some symptoms of menopause. It can also encourage bone density - which is a significant concern for those who are going through menopause.
Doctors estimate that these benefits are due to the phytoestrogens in soy. These phytoestrogens mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Soy might not be for everyone, though, as its estrogen-like properties can increase your risk of thyroid problems and developing certain types of cancer.
RELATED: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
Why You Might Consider An Alternative Treatment
Though HRT can be an effective treatment for menopause, it has possible side effects. These effects can include headaches, breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding, bloating, and increased episodes of depression.
Additionally, doctors advise against using HRT when you have certain conditions. If you have a history of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or uterine cancer, you’re unlikely to receive HRT. It’s also not recommended for those who have liver disease or untreated high blood pressure.
When your menopause symptoms are too much to manage on your own, your doctor might recommend HRT as a treatment. It’s known to be effective but it isn’t your only option. Talk to your doctor about the alternatives and whether or not they’ll be better for you.
