Menopause Clinics and Information
clinic finder
Home
Clinic Finder
About Us
Menopause Information
HRT Information
Alternative Treatments
Premature Menopause
Tests
Questions & Answers
Glossary
Contact Us
Health Professionals
Useful Links
News
Meetings
Alternative Treatments
For some women, non hormonal or alternative treatments may be best. This may be because they have a condition where HRT is best avoided, such a breast cancer, or because they prefer to try non-HRT alternatives. No individual alternative treatment works on all menopausal symptoms, as HRT does, but there are a number of treatments for specific problems
Hot flushes, sweats and depression.
Prescription drugs (from your GP)
Clonidine (Dixarit): This drug has been used to treat hot flushes and sweats. It is effective as a drug to treat high blood pressure, but it is uncertain whether it has any substantial effect on hot flushes or sweats. Some scientific studies comparing it to placebo (a dummy treatment) have shown it to be effective, others not.
Venlafaxine (Efexor): This drug, often used as an antidepressant, can reduce the number of flushes in some women. The effectiveness depends on the dose given, but higher doses can be associated with side effects also.
Progestogen: This hormone is effective at relieving hot flushes and sweats when taken in relatively high doses. They can be used in some women who cannot take HRT. Side effects (weight gain, depression) can be a problem.
Non prescription (over the counter) alternatives
Phytoestrogens: These are naturally occurring compounds found in plants. They have an effect like a weak oestrogen but not all of their properties are yet understood. They occur in soy products, grains and cereals. The Asian/Japanese diet is rich in these. There is a lot of research going on at present about these products. Various possible benefits have been suggested - benefits on various cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis as well as menopausal symptoms. However the scientific evidence is limited and therefore their risks and benefits are as yet poorly understood when compared to HRT. At the present time there do not appear to be any major risks associated with their use.
Red Clover: (e.g. Novogen Red Clover) is available as an 'over the counter' medication in pharmacies and health food shops. It contains isoflavones and is a phytoestrogen.
Black Cohosh: This is the dried root of the plant Circumfuga racemosa or 'squaw root'. It has been used by North American Indians for treating 'women's complaints' and may be helpful in treating hot flushes in some women. It can also lower blood pressure. However there have recently been some rare cases of liver damage reported to be caused by this medication.
Ginseng: Ginseng is the dried root of Asian or American Ginseng. This has long been regarded as an aphrodisiac or tonic.
Chasteberry: This comes from the chaste tree, Vitex Agnus Castus. It has been used to treat menopausal symptoms and premenstrual symptoms. Side effects can include itching, rashes or abdominal discomfort.
St John's Wort: This comes from the dried flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum and has been used as an alternative antidepressant or as a means of reducing anxiety. Recently it has been reported to interact with various prescribed drugs, so check with your Doctor or Pharmacist if you wish to take this and are already on other prescribed medication.
Avoiding stressors: Certain substances seem to make flushes and sweats worse. Theses include coffee and alcohol. By keeping the intake of these to a minimum, some women can avoid the need for any other treatment at all.
Acupuncture: In some women, acupuncture may offer some relief from menopausal symptoms.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal lubricants such as Senselle or Astroglide may be helpful if dryness is a problem during sexual intercourse. These do not contain any hormones.
Replens is another product that can be bought in Chemists - it acts as a vaginal moisturiser and works by getting water to stick to the lining of the vagina, making it feel more moist.
Osteoporosis
Exercise: Keeping up weight bearing exercise is vital for all women to prevent and treat osteoporosis. The stress of the exercise makes bones stronger. However, the exercise has to be safe. If you are considering taking up much more exercise, check with your medical adviser that what you plan to do is right for you. At least 20 minutes exercise a day is needed to help reduce bone loss.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Women after the menopause need an adequate intake of calcium (commonly found in milk and dairy products). If you think your intake in not adequate, a dietician can advise you. Supplements of calcium are an alternative to getting the calcium from foods. Vitamin D is vital for bone health - some older women are likely to be deficient in this also, as are women who don't get much natural sunlight on their skin.
Bisphosphanates: This group of drugs (including Didronel, Fosamax, Actonel) are highly effective in treating and preventing osteoporosis. Whilst taking this treatment, the chance of getting a broken bone because of osteoporosis is much reduced.
SERMS: Selective oEstrogen Receptor Modulators such as raloxifene (Evista) can be used as an alternative to HRT to treat osteoporosis. It appears to be most beneficial in reducing spinal fractures. This drug does not increase the risk of breast cancer and can therefore be used in women at high risk of this cancer. However, raloxifene does not improve flushes, sweats or vaginal dryness.
New drugs: Strontium and parathyroid hormone are both now used to treat osteoporosis but at present their use is limited.
