Some women find relief from menopause-related changes with non-prescription drugs, and/or alternative, herbal treatments. There's a lack of evidence, however, as to the benefits or risks they provide. Talk to your doctor about these alternatives to HRT. It is critical to share with all your health care providers the various drugs and remedies you are taking so that they have a complete picture of your health. Remember, all medications and treatments carry their own side effects, risks, and potential negative interactions.

Non-Hormone Drugs

Blood pressure medications may be prescribed to relieve heart palpitations and hot flashes.

Sedatives/hypnotics are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.

Non-Prescription Drugs

Vitamin E is believed to help provide relief from hot flashes and vaginal dryness and to improve energy. It also may help prevent the development of plaque in our arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The recommended daily allowance is 400 units. Larger doses can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin K, which is essential to blood coagulation. Women taking blood thinners should not take Vitamin E.

Vitamin B appears to help some women with relief from hot flashes. The B-complex vitamins also may be used to relieve dry skin and dry hair. A supplement of up to 50 mg. daily may help. Higher doses may be harmful.

Herbal Remedies

Use of herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms is gaining in popularity. However, herbal remedies have not undergone the scientific testing required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pharmaceutical products. Inconsistencies in manufacturing conditions may result in products that do not have the advertised content or dosage. Recommended dosage and usage varies widely and is not based on scientific fact. If you do take herbal products, purchase them from a reliable source, listen to your body, pay quick attention to side effects and let your physician know what you are taking.

Some popular herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms include:

Ginseng is a root that contains compounds called phytoestrogens, hormone-like substances that mimic the action of estrogen in humans. It may provide relief of some menopausal symptoms.

Black Cohosh may reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It may also improve sleep and mood. Check with your doctor before use if you are taking blood pressure medication.

Red Clover may help reduce hot flashes.

Ginkgo Biloba may help increase memory and maintain mental sharpness. Check with your doctor before use if you are taking blood thinners or daily aspirin.

Chasteberry may reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

St. John's Wort may help relieve depression.

Note: Herbal remedies are not shown to protect against long-term health problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Some women may experience dizziness, headaches, allergic reactions, nausea, food interactions or other side effects in conjunction with these herbal remedies.

Diet

Soy and other foods are rich sources of isoflavoned phytoestrogens or "isoflavones" which are similar to
naturally occurring human estrogens and produce estrogen-like effects. High dietary intake of isoflavones has been linked to fewer menopausal symptoms, a lower noted incidence of breast cancer, and shown to lower serum cholesterol (associated with lowering heart disease risk). Experimental studies show that the equivalent of 60-90 mg. of isoflavones daily can improve menopausal symptoms and reduce cholesterol levels. Check out our sources of soy.

Sources of Soy