UPDATE: Women suffering from menopause symptoms now have urgent alternatives to hormone therapy, as medical experts highlight non-hormonal options that can offer relief. This development is crucial for those with medical histories that preclude hormone treatments, such as breast cancer.
Shilpa Gajarawala, a 58-year-old physician assistant from Jacksonville, Florida, faced debilitating hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog. Given her cancer history, hormone therapy was not an option. “For two years, I tried to kind of power through,” Gajarawala said. However, recent medical insights reveal that there are effective alternatives available for women in similar situations.
While many women have traditionally turned to hormone therapy to alleviate symptoms, new label changes for these medications may encourage even more to consider their use. Still, for those advised against hormones due to conditions like severe liver disease or a history of strokes, experts assert that relief is within reach.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director at the Mayo Clinic, emphasized, “The key here is that there’s something for everybody. There’s always a solution.”
Lifestyle changes are among the first-line options. Increasing physical activity can significantly reduce menopause symptoms. Though exercise alone hasn’t been shown to directly alleviate symptoms, it aids in weight management, which can lower the frequency of hot flashes and night sweats. A mix of aerobic exercises, such as walking or running, along with strength training, is recommended to combat bone density loss.
In addition to exercise, adopting a “plant-forward diet” rich in fruits, vegetables, and soy, while reducing oils, may also help manage symptoms, according to Dr. Faubion. Avoiding triggers such as caffeine and alcohol can further assist in symptom management.
As estrogen and progesterone levels plummet during menopause, women face increased risks for cardiovascular issues. Dr. Faubion urges women to prioritize heart health by quitting smoking, ensuring adequate sleep, and managing stress levels.
Beyond lifestyle modifications, several non-hormonal prescription medications are also proving effective. Antidepressants have shown promise in alleviating hot flashes and mood-related issues. Notably, the recently approved drug Veozah (fezolinetant) targets the brain’s temperature control center, effectively reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Another new FDA-approved treatment, Lynkuet (elinzanetant), operates similarly but blocks two specific molecules in the nervous system.
However, these medications come with potential side effects. Veozah carries a warning for the risk of rare but serious liver injury, while Lynkuet may cause fatigue and difficulty staying awake. Even antidepressants can lead to weight gain, though typically at higher doses than those used for menopause treatment.
“There’s no medication out there that’s entirely free of risk,” stated Dr. JoAnn Manson from Harvard Medical School.
In addition to these pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products can alleviate some menopausal symptoms. Vaginal lubricants can provide relief for dryness, while cognitive behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness in helping women cope with hot flashes. Dr. Faubion reassures, “It’s not like it’s going to make you not have a hot flash, but it makes them less significant for you and less burdensome.”
Emerging research indicates that clinical hypnosis might also benefit women, with studies suggesting reductions in both the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
The message is clear: women no longer have to endure menopause in silence. Dr. Juliana Kling, a women’s health expert at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, urges women to engage in discussions about available treatments. “I would implore women to have that conversation about what treatment might be beneficial for them,” she stated.
Gajarawala has taken this advice to heart, now steering clear of red wine, incorporating at least 10,000 steps into her daily routine, practicing tai chi, and using an extended-release antidepressant to manage her symptoms. “It’s been a significant improvement,” she noted.
As more women seek solutions, the medical community continues to explore and promote diverse options for menopause management. This urgent update underscores that effective relief is available, encouraging women to seek out personalized strategies for navigating this natural life transition.
