You have options!
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| | | | | Q | | What are my options for nonhormonal medications for menopause symptoms? | | | | A | | If you can't or choose not to use menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT), there are many nonhormonal options for managing menopausal symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as low dose paroxetine (Brisdelle), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), can reduce hot flashes with minimal side effects.
Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are also used, especially for nighttime symptoms, though they may cause drowsiness. Oxybutynin (Oxytrol), which is typically used for overactive bladder, has also emerged as a less common but effective treatment option for hot flashes. A notable recent addition is fezolinetant (Veozah), which targets neural pathways involved in body temperature regulation and has shown significant reductions in hot flashes, with results comparable to those seen with hormone therapy.
Nonpharmacologic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle modifications can also complement treatment.
In addition to these evidence-based medical therapies, many people explore alternative remedies such as black cohosh and phytoestrogens. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of these alternative remedies remains limited and inconsistent.
While these alternative remedies may be safe and worth exploring for some people, they should be considered complementary approaches rather than replacements for established nonhormonal therapies. It's also important to know that their benefits are variable and modest in most cases. It's important to talk with your doctor about any alternative remedies as they can interact with medications. | | | | | | | | Do you have any questions for our menopause experts? Let us know at menopause@healthline.com, and the answer may be featured in an upcoming edition! | | | | | | | | | | | | | HEALTHY TIP | | Work with a doctor to create a treatment plan | | Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it may be helpful to work with a doctor who can help you find relief and give you insight into the menopausal shift. Optum Now's Find Care tool can be an excellent resource for finding medical professionals who are familiar with hormonal and nonhormonal treatments. | | | | | | | | | |   | |  | | | | We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. | Healthline, Optum Now, and their respective logo(s) are trademarks of RVO Health, LLC.
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