Alternatives to hormone replacement therapy

If your GP has advised you against taking HRT or you don’t feel that it is right for you then there are several alternatives.

You may feel despondent at not using HRT but whilst it is an effective form of treatment there are others which can work equally as well.

These include:

• Self help, e.g. lifestyle changes
• Tibolone
• Clonidine
• Antidepressants
• Complimentary therapies

These are discussed individually within this section.

Complimentary therapies such as herbal medicines, e.g. black cohosh, are considered controversial and as such are not recommended as a form of treatment for the menopause.

Their long term effectiveness has yet to be proved. Plus there is some concern about side effects and the way it interacts with other forms of medication.

Ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.

You may be fortunate in that your menopause symptoms are relatively mild and so can be managed without any treatment but if not, then consider all options beforehand.