Alternatives Available Women who decide against going on HRT are not relegated to a life of hot flashes and brittle bones, however. Our position is that we need to know more before these women are put at potential risk for recurrence. First among these is a combination of aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, which has the multiple benefits of helping to strengthen bones, reduce risk of heart disease, and moderate mood swings. Vaginal lubricants can help make intercourse more pleasant and relaxation exercises, done before bedtime, can make it easier to fall asleep. Alternative therapies touted to ease menopausal symptoms include vitamins D, E, and calcium supplements, soy, acupuncture and the herb black cohosh.
Clinical trials are limited, however, and findings are often contradictory.
And herbs, while natural, are not necessarily safe for all women. Talk to your doctor or a licensed herbalist about these and other non-hormonal treatments. Women who've tried these alternative therapies without success may be cheered in more ways than one by a recent preliminary study. Other antidepressants may be similarly successful. Medscape Inc. All rights reserved.