Menopause Medical Treatments

Beth Nicastro, BSN, MS

Women’s Health Educator

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Hormone therapy is used to manage menopause symptoms and can

relieve:

• Hot flashes

• Mood swings

• Vaginal atrophy (dryness)

• Sleep issues, such as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep

Estradiol is a form of estrogen that comes in pill, patch, cream or vaginal

preparations.

Hormone Therapy

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Hormone Therapy

Candidates for therapy are:

• Women in their late 40s or 50s with moderate to severe vasomotor

symptoms

• 50-59 years of age

• In good health

Hormone therapy is not recommended for women with a history of heart

disease, breast cancer, blood clots, previous stroke or liver disease.

Talk to your doctor about the best plan for you.

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Hormone Therapy

Use the lowest dose of estrogen possible for the shortest time

possible.

This minimizes risks, which include blood clots and strokes.

Risks are rare in ages 50-59. The risk of complications for healthy,

young menopausal women who take hormone therapy for 5 years

is low.

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• The best method for you

• The smallest amount you can take

• Cost

• When to seek follow-up care

• Healthy lifestyle changes

If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about:

Hormone Therapy

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• Brisdelle (Paxil) – a non-hormonal treatment for moderate to

severe hot flashes

• Antidepressants (Effexor or Lexapro)

• Gabapentin – take at bedtime, may cause drowsiness. Can also

treat epilepsy and migraines.

Non-hormonal Therapies (Prescription)

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Bio-identical Hormones

Bio-identical hormones are compounds that have same chemical and

molecular structure as hormones produced by the body.

More research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of these

treatments. They are not regulated by the FDA.

Non-Prescription Therapies

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Herbs can help to reduce hot flashes and improve your mood.

• Black cohosh

• Red clover

• Ginseng

• Vitamins

Although these medicines are natural and are sold over-the-counter, they

may interfere with prescription medications that you are already taking. For

instance, they can make statin medications for high cholesterol less effective.

Please consult your doctor before use.

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More Information

• www.womenshealth.gov/menopause

• www.menopause.org

• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• www.nams.org

• www.acog.org

• www.amfoundation.org

• www.mayoclinic.org