Non-hormonal options

Anxiety and stress

Some women can feel anxious during menopause due to unpredictable hot flushes and social embarrassment, which can lead to avoidance of social activities. CBT can be used to help women cope with social and general anxiety associated with menopause.

Depressed mood

Almost 10% of women are more likely to have depressed mood during the menopause transition. CBT can be used to support women with depressed mood.

Hot flushes and night sweats

Specific CBT techniques can be used to help women with menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. For example, practising paced breathing can be an effective approach to cope with the overwhelming sensation of a hot flush. ­­

Clonidine

Clonidine is a type of medicine called a vasodilator.³ It can be used to relax and widen the blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through them more easily and easing symptoms like hot flushes or night sweats.^1,3

Osteoporosis treatments for bone health

If you have been given a diagnosis of osteoporosis, which can occur due to low oestrogen levels during or after menopause, they may recommend therapies and/or medicines to treat and prevent fractures and strengthen your bones.⁴

Osteoporosis treatments can include⁴:

• Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs which slow the rate that bone is broken down in the body
• Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which may help to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fracture, particularly of the spine
• Parathyroid hormone treatments, which are used to stimulate cells that create new bone
• Biological medicines, which may help to slow down the rate your bones are broken down and speed up the rate your cells build bone

Your healthcare professional may also suggest calcium and vitamin D supplements. Calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.