Treatment Options

Included on this page are 20 essentials covering treatment options for menopause symptoms. These essentials cover Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication, procedures and surgery, conventional and traditional therapies, complementary and alternative therapies, dietary supplements, and products and devices.

1. HRT replaces hormones, primarily estrogen or estradiol, and progesterone or progestin, that the body produces less of postmenopause.
2. Systemic hormone therapy contains a higher dose of estrogen, comes in oral pill, patch, gel, spray, or injection form, and is used to treat hot flashes, mood changes, and bone loss.
3. Low-dose vaginal products contain a lower dose of estrogen, comes in vaginal cream, tablet, insert, or ring form, and are used to treat vaginal dryness, painful sex, and urinary problems.
4. The HRT type, dosage, timing, and method of delivery should be personalized to optimize benefits and minimize risks.
5. Prescription and OTC medications help treat specific symptoms or underlying conditions, or can be used as an alternative or supplement to HRT.
6. Prescription dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be used to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms that affect the vagina and sexual and urinary function.
7. OTC medications to manage pain include Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and Naproxen, and medical marijuana may be prescribed to treat chronic pain.

8. Surgical procedures like endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, and hysterectomy, can treat severe menstrual symptoms such as heavy bleeding.
9. For moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, a nerve block procedure known as stellate ganglian block may be performed.
10. Laser therapy for vaginal rejuvenation is a non-invasive technique that can treat vaginal atrophy, helping to ease vaginal dryness and burning, and painful sexual intercourse.

11. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that provides women with coping strategies and helps them change negative emotions and thought patterns.
12. Conventional and traditional therapies may be used in combination with other treatment strategies, including complementary and alternative therapies.
13. Acupuncture can help treat hot flashes, disrupted sleep, and mood swings by balancing hormones, regulating the body’s internal thermostat, and restoring energy flow.
14. Body movement therapies and mind-body exercises include yoga and Tai Chi, which combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
15. Mind and mindfulness practices include meditation, biofeedback, and hypnosis.

16. Plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) including isoflavones like red clover, soy, flaxseed, and resveratrol, help manage vasomotor symptoms and bone density loss.
17. DHEA in dietary supplement form can treat GSM symptoms and increase sex drive (libido).
18. Adaptogens and dietary supplements that provide hormonal support include ashwagandha, black cohosh, and St. John’s wort, and dong quai, saw palmetto extract, and beta-sitosterol.
19. Products and devices like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, pelvic weights, and wands, vibrators, and sex toys help manage menopause vagina and sexual symptoms.
20. For urinary incontinence, products, and devices like urethral inserts, pessaries, and urinary leakage briefs, can provide support and comfort.

To learn more, visit the Menopause Treatment page.