How the menopause and its symptoms are treated and managed

The standard intervention for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. However, other management strategies include prescribed non-hormonal options, herbal options, cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy has multiple forms, regimens and side-effects, meaning that all interventions should be tailored to the individual. This article - the third in a three-part series about the menopause - explores these treatment options, and their benefits and risks.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• Types, delivery methods and side-effects of hormone replacement therapy

• Alternatives to hormone replacement therapy, and their risks and benefits

• The impact of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioural therapy on symptoms

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Key points

Menopause management strategies are hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal options, herbal options, cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes

Hormone replacement therapy has multiple preparations and regimens

Hormone replacement therapy is usually not used for women with a hormone-dependent cancer

Side-effects of hormone replacement therapy include breast tenderness, bloating and headaches