NON-HRT TREATMENT OF MENOPAUSE AND THE CLIMACTERIC

Non-hormone medications. Before HRT other medicines were used to try to control the symptoms, like hot flushes, and bloating, with varying success. Most of these were also blood pressure tablets, and some are still useful for some women.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). This vitamin has been noted for its effect on hormone-related symptoms. It is used to treat morning sickness and premenstrual syndrome, and some women find it helpful with menopausal symptoms.

Evening primrose oil tablets. It is not clear why these should have a beneficial effect, but like vitamin B6 many women find them helpful for hormonal symptoms.

Relaxation, yoga, massage. These therapies have a definite place in the treatment of many conditions, as well as for maintenance in healthy people. Many menopausal women find them useful for a variety of symptoms.

Lifestyle. Women who are fairly fit and healthy as they approach the menopausal years should find the going easier. Not being overweight, not smoking, having limited alcohol intake, and doing regular weight-bearing exercise (like walking for twenty minutes, four times a week) are recommended. These things should lessen the risks of osteoporosis and heart disease, as well as maintaining better general health. Again it is the boring old story that the things we do for ourselves are often more beneficial than the things other people do to us.

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