Table Of Content

Many treatments can help manage menopause symptoms, including prescription medications, alternative remedies, and certain lifestyle changes. The type of treatment that’s best for you can depend on your exact symptoms and health situation.

Menopause can bring a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Some people may be able to manage mild or moderate symptoms with nonprescription management strategies, while others may need help from a medical professional.

It can take some trial and error to find the treatment plan that works best for you. Before trying any alternative or natural remedies or lifestyle changes, talk with your doctor.

Hormone therapy for menopause is one option to consider when your menopause symptoms are long lasting and more severe. It involves supplementing your levels of estrogen, progesterone, or both with medications.

Hormone therapy can come in many forms, including:

  • tablets (Premarin, Prometrium)
  • injection (Delestrogen)
  • patches (Climara, Estraderm)
  • skin creams
  • gels
  • vaginal creams
  • vaginal rings
  • subcutaneous (under the skin) pellets

Hormone therapy may help manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. For some people, it may also help lower the risk of complications like bone loss.

Hormone therapy may not be suitable for some people, but a healthcare professional can help you understand your options.

Learn more about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for menopause.

Bioidentical hormones

Bioidentical hormones are lab-made hormones that are similar to natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. They may help manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.

These medications come in different forms, such as tablets, creams, and injections. A few examples of FDA-approved bioidentical hormones include estradiol (Vivelle) and progesterone (Prometrium).

Some bioidentical hormones are compounded, meaning a pharmacy custom-makes them. The FDA hasn’t approved any compounded bioidentical hormones, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends traditional hormone therapy over compounded bioidentical hormones.

Learn more about bioidentical hormone therapy.

Some medications that don’t contain hormones may also help manage menopause symptoms.

Fezolinetant

For people experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes, a nonhormonal medication called fezolinetant (Veozah) may help. Fezolinetant is a once-a-day oral pill that influences how the body regulates its temperature.

Fezolinetant isn’t right for everyone, including those with liver or kidney damage or those taking medications called CYP1A2 inhibitors. If your doctor recommends fezolinetant, you may need regular liver function tests.

Learn more about fezolinetant.

Low dose antidepressants

Low doses of some types of antidepressants may help relieve certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.

According to a 2022 research review, some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be effective for reducing hot flashes and depression. Paroxetine (Brisdelle) is currently the only SSRI approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hot flashes.

If you’re experiencing hot flashes or night sweats along with mood changes due to menopause, ask your doctor whether low dose antidepressants would be appropriate for you.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant medication that doctors may prescribe off-label to treat hot flashes. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a medication for purposes other than its approved uses.

According to a 2020 research analysis, gabapentin may have modest benefits in treating hot flashes, but it may not be as effective as estrogen.

Gabapentin is not suitable for everyone due to potential side effects. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of gabapentin for your symptoms.

Clonidine

Clonidine is a high blood pressure medication that doctors may prescribe off-label to manage hot flashes. A 2021 research review notes that clonidine may not be as effective for hot flashes as other treatments, such as antidepressants and gabapentin.

Your doctor can help you understand whether clonidine may be right for you.

Osteoporosis medications

Menopause can lead to bone loss from low estrogen levels. Your doctor may suggest bone density testing and taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. In some cases, they may recommend prescription medications to reduce osteoporosis risk or slow serious bone loss.

Prescription medications include:

  • bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax)
  • abaloparatide (Tymlos)
  • raloxifene (Evista)
  • calcitonin (Miacalcin)
  • denosumab (Prolia)
  • romosozumab (Evenity)

Ask your doctor for more information about prescription medications to manage or reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Many people look for alternative or natural remedies to manage their menopause symptoms instead of prescription medications. Natural remedies can include:

  • plant estrogens (phytoestrogens), such as soy
  • black cohosh
  • red clover
  • dong quai

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that the evidence for the benefits of these remedies is lacking. Also, they can cause side effects and interact with other medications or supplements.

If you want to try a natural remedy for your menopause symptoms, talk with your doctor first.

There are many practical home remedies that may help manage mild or moderate symptoms of menopause. You may need to try different options to see which is effective for you.

  • For hot flashes: Try dressing in nonsynthetic layers (such as cotton or linen fabrics) so you can remove some clothing when you experience a hot flash. It may also help to keep a fan nearby and use a chilling mattress pad on your bed.
  • For vaginal symptoms: Over-the-counter (OTC) lubricants may help relieve vaginal dryness or irritation. Water-based lubricants may come with fewer side effects.
  • For fatigue: Menopause can cause sleep disturbances, so it’s important to try and get enough rest. If strategies like keeping a regular sleep schedule and limiting caffeine don’t work, ask your doctor about other lifestyle changes, OTC sleep aids, or prescription treatments that may help.

Menopause symptoms can vary greatly, and your symptoms may be completely different from someone else’s. You may want to try keeping a diary to record your symptoms, when they occur, how long they last, and any possible triggers. This can help your doctor recommend the appropriate treatment.

If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms that are disrupting your quality of life or health, make an appointment to speak with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment options, including prescription medications if appropriate.

It’s important to discuss when your symptoms started and any other health conditions you may have with your doctor, so they can suggest the best ways to manage your symptoms. Treatment should be individualized, taking into account other health conditions.

Menopause is a natural life transition that can cause varying symptoms. These symptoms can last for years, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about ways to find relief.

If your symptoms are mild or moderate, you may be able to manage them with nonprescription remedies or lifestyle changes. Severe symptoms may require prescription medications.

Regardless of which symptoms you’re experiencing or how severe they are, help is available. Talk with a healthcare professional to understand your options.