medical alternatives to hrt
The menopause can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, and changes to the vagina and genital skin. Alternatives to HRT are available to ease the sumptoms of the menopause, such as changes to lifestyle and other medication. It may be that your menopause symptoms are mild and can be managed without treatment, but if not you must consider all options. If you have decided against HRT then you it would be advisable to discuss some of the alternatives which are available with your doctor.
The kind of treatment you can take depends on your symptoms, medical history and your own preferences.
Whilst HRT is an effective treatment there are others which work equally well. These include:
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Tibolone - a synthetic steroid used for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and decreased libido during this stage of a woman’s life. Tibolone does not provide contraceptive protection, and although your fertility decreases during the menopause, it may still be possible for you to conceive. Therefore it would be advisable to continue to use contraception. |
Clonidine - non-hormonal treatment which may help to treat hot flushes as an alternative to hormone treatment.
If you are considering both Tibolone and Clonidine as an alternative treatment to HRT you should discuss your thoughts with your GP who in turn will advise the best medication for you.
Antidepressants
It has not been proven that antidepressants are an effective way of treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, however they may be considered as a safe option by your doctor. The most common antidepressants used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats are:
- Venlafaxine
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
Vaginal lubricants
You can buy vaginal lubricants and vaginal moisturisers from pharmacies which can help ease vaginal dryness. Some women only notice the dryness when they have sex. In this situation, if you place a small dose of lubricant inside the vagina before having sex it will usually help. Vaginal lubricants can also be provided by your doctor as a prescription medication.
Lifestyle
Women who are more active tend to suffer less menopause symptoms. Regular sustained aerobic exercise such as swimming or jogging on a regular basis is the best activity.
Wearing lighter weight clothing, sleeping in a cooler temperature, and reducing stress can help reduce the amount of hot flushes. By avoiding spicy foods, drinks containing caffeine (ie tea, coffee, some fizzy drinks), smoking and alcohol intake may also reduce hot flushes.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 14 February 2011
Next Review Date: 14 February 2013
