Women Seek Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Menopause Relief

Menopause presents a range of challenging symptoms for many women, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. For those like Shilpa Gajarawala, a 58-year-old physician assistant from Jacksonville, Florida, hormone therapy is not an option due to a history of breast cancer. Gajarawala endured two years of discomfort before discovering alternative treatments.

Recent updates to medication labels may encourage more women to explore options beyond hormone therapy. While hormone treatments are common, some women cannot use them due to medical conditions such as severe liver disease or a history of heart attacks or blood clots. For these individuals, a variety of non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms.

Exploring Lifestyle Changes

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes. Increasing physical activity plays a crucial role in managing menopausal symptoms. Although exercise does not directly alleviate symptoms, it can assist with weight management, which is linked to fewer hot flashes and night sweats. A combination of aerobic exercises, like running or walking, alongside strength training can also help combat the loss of bone density.

Diet also plays a vital role in managing symptoms. A “plant-forward diet,” rich in fruits and vegetables while low in oils, can particularly help with hot flashes, according to Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director at the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health. While the exact reasons remain unclear, this dietary approach may support weight loss and overall health. Additionally, avoiding potential triggers such as caffeine and alcohol can further reduce hot flashes.

Maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial during this phase of life, as the decline in estrogen levels can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Faubion stresses the importance of lifestyle choices, including quitting smoking, ensuring adequate sleep, and managing stress.

Non-Hormonal Medications and Therapies

In addition to lifestyle changes, several non-hormonal prescription medications can alleviate menopausal symptoms. Antidepressants have shown efficacy in reducing hot flashes and mood disorders. New findings suggest that oxybutynin, typically used for overactive bladder, may also help with hot flashes while addressing frequent urination—a common issue during menopause.

Another promising option is Veozah (fezolinetant), a recently approved medication that targets the brain’s temperature control center to effectively reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Likewise, Lynkuet (elinzanetant), another non-hormonal medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, works by blocking two molecules in the nervous system.

While these medications offer hope, they are not without potential side effects. For instance, Veozah carries a warning regarding the risk of serious liver injury. Lynkuet may cause fatigue or difficulty staying awake, and some antidepressants can result in weight gain, particularly at higher doses.

Additional Support Options

Over-the-counter products can also provide relief for menopausal symptoms. Vaginal lubricants, available at local pharmacies, can ease dryness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven effective for many women, helping them cope with the psychological impacts of hot flashes. As Faubion notes, while CBT does not eliminate hot flashes, it can make them feel less overwhelming.

There is also emerging evidence supporting clinical hypnosis as a beneficial approach, with studies indicating reductions in the frequency and severity of symptoms. However, Dr. JoAnn Manson from Harvard Medical School emphasizes that more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy of this method.

Ultimately, women experiencing menopause should not feel they must simply endure the process. Dr. Juliana Kling, a women’s health expert at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, encourages open discussions between women and their healthcare providers about the available treatment options.

Gajarawala is a testament to the effectiveness of these alternatives. By making lifestyle adjustments, such as walking 10,000 steps daily, practicing tai chi, and avoiding alcohol, she has experienced significant improvement in her symptoms. “It’s been a significant improvement,” she states, highlighting the importance of finding a tailored approach to managing menopause.