As women begin to show signs of menopause, usually between 45 and 55 years old, their gynecologist may recommend that they begin taking medication that can help to manage uncomfortable symptoms and help to prevent health issues that arise from changes in hormones.
Menopause symptoms can interfere with your daily life, and medication can help ease common symptoms like mood swings, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and fluctuations in body weight, among others.
Depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, your gynecologist may recommend different prescription medicines.
Let’s look at the three main types of medication for menopause.
Three Main Types of Medication for Menopause
The most commonly prescribed menopause medication can be divided into three categories[1].
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): Many of the uncomfortable symptoms arise as your body begins to produce less of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. MHT provides exogenous (external) hormones to ease your body into making the adjustment less abruptly. Some MHT contain oestrogen and progesterone, while others may contain only oestrogen. MHT can be administered as a pill, patch, gel or vaginal cream, among others.
- Tibione (Livial): A synthetic, artificial hormone that acts like oestrogen and progesterone. In general, it is not recommended for women who have had breast cancer before.
- Antidepressants: In addition to helping to regulate mood, antidepressants help to reduce hot flushes. This is a good option if you are unable to take MHT.
Other alternative therapies may include Gabapentin or Conidine to help reduce hot flushes[2].
Things to Consider Before Taking Medication for Menopause
Before you decide on whether or not to take medication for menopause and, if you choose to, which medications to take, ask your doctor about the side effects and benefits of each of your options. Also ask them what will happen if you stop taking the medication, and how to manage side effects if they appear.
Written by Sasha A.
With a B.A. in Anthropology and a Master of Science, Sasha shares her knowledge in articles about food, nutrition, health, and fitness.
References
[1] HealthDirect. Menopause medication. 2019-09
[2] Australian Menopause Society. Menopause Treatment Options. 2018-09
All articles are provided as general information and are not intended, nor may it be construed, as medical advice or instruction. Information and opinions expressed are believed to be correct and accurate to the best knowledge and judgement of the authors. Readers should consult their appropriately qualified health care professional prior to taking any action or inaction.