There are things that you can do to alleviate the physical, emotional, and biological symptoms of menopause, including hormone replacement. If estrogen replacement is not an option for you, there are other alternatives including herbal supplements.

Like a fingerprint, the symptoms of menopause are different for every woman. For this reason, the first and most important step toward treating symptoms you are experiencing is to consult with your doctor. He or she will evaluate your symptoms and carefully weigh other important factors, including your medical history, to recommend a course of therapy that is appropriate for your specific needs.

Before meeting with your doctor, you may find it helpful to acquaint yourself with the various forms of treatment, outlined below, that are available today.

Hormone therapy (HT)
Choosing whether or not to use hormone therapy can be one of the most crucial health decisions you face as you age. As with taking any treatment, the decision involves carefully weighing the risks and benefits involved after consulting with your physician.
Hormone therapy (HT) is prescription medication containing one or more female hormones, commonly estrogen plus progestin . Some women - usually those who have had their uterus removed - may receive estrogen-only therapy. HT is used to treat menopause symptoms that include hot flashes, vaginal dryness , mood swings, sleep disorders, and decreased sexual desire. HT may be taken in the form of a pill, a patch, a suppository, vaginal cream or vaginal ring.

Early scientific studies led physicians to believe that HT, in addition to treating menopausal symptoms, might be beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease and bone fractures caused by osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). A landmark 2002 study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) convinced many physicians to revise their recommendations regarding HT. The study concluded that there are potentially serious side effects to HT (including strokes, heart attacks, breast cancer, blood clots, and dementia) as well as beneficial effects including reduction of colon cancer. 

However, hormone therapy continues to play an important role for many women who have reached menopause. Another recent study suggests that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy may outweigh the risks for certain women, provided that their symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal discomfort and osteoporosis) are severe enough and that their risk of heart attack and stroke is relatively low.

The bottom line? If you are considering any form of HT, you and your doctor should carefully evaluate your entire medical history to determine if this type of therapy is appropriate for you.

Alternative treatments

Many women who are concerned about the risks associated with hormone therapy may seek relief from their menopausal symptoms though alternative therapies, including herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, soy foods, and phytoestrogens . There are scores of products on the market and sales have soared in recent years.

To learn more, link to The National Institutes of Health publication, Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy. This succinct and easy-to-read online pamphlet provides a comprehensive overview of a variety of alternative and conventional therapies, plus practical suggestions for what you can do to relieve many menopause symptoms.

While it is worthwhile to investigate all of your treatment options, keep in mind that few high-quality scientific studies have been done to test effectiveness and safety of many alternative therapies. Some hold potential for significant side effects and risks. So, before beginning any health treatment, conventional or alternative, you should first consult with your doctor, who can help you assess the benefits and risks based on medical history and current health condition.