UPDATE: Women struggling with menopause symptoms now have new options beyond hormone therapy, as recent medical advancements reveal effective alternatives. This urgent update highlights non-hormonal treatments that are reshaping how menopausal symptoms are managed.
Shilpa Gajarawala, a 58-year-old physician assistant from Jacksonville, Florida, has battled debilitating symptoms like hot flashes and sleep issues for years. Due to her history of breast cancer, hormone therapy was off the table. “For two years, I tried to kind of power through,” she shared, emphasizing the need for alternatives.
Doctors confirm that women like Gajarawala don’t have to endure menopause in silence. With recent label changes to hormone therapies, many women might feel encouraged to explore these options. However, for those advised against hormone treatments due to health concerns, a variety of lifestyle changes and medications are available.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director at the Mayo Clinic, states, “The key here is that there’s something for everybody. We have lots of other options available.”
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: As awareness grows about menopause management, women are encouraged to seek solutions tailored to their needs. Weight management through exercise and a plant-forward diet is now recognized as crucial in alleviating symptoms.
Experts suggest a combination of aerobic activities and strength training to combat weight gain and the associated rise in hot flashes. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and soy while avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol can further reduce these symptoms.
Beyond lifestyle changes, several non-hormonal prescription medications have emerged as effective treatments. Antidepressants, for instance, can mitigate hot flashes and mood swings. New drugs like Veozah (fezolinetant) and Lynkuet (elinzanetant) are now available, targeting the brain’s temperature control areas to alleviate symptoms.
However, these treatments come with potential side effects. Veozah carries a risk of rare but serious liver injury, while Lynkuet may cause fatigue and difficulty staying awake. As Dr. JoAnn Manson from Harvard Medical School notes, “There’s no medication out there that’s entirely free of risk.”
Women can also turn to over-the-counter products for relief, such as vaginal lubricants and cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps manage the emotional burden of hot flashes. Dr. Manson mentions moderate evidence supporting clinical hypnosis as a promising avenue, though more research is needed.
The message is clear: women no longer need to “get through” menopause. As Dr. Juliana Kling from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine states, “I would implore women to have that conversation… about what treatment might be beneficial for them.”
Gajarawala has adopted these recommendations, eliminating red wine, increasing her daily steps, and practicing tai chi. She reports significant improvement after incorporating an antidepressant into her routine.
As these developments unfold, women are urged to act now and explore the diverse solutions that could enhance their quality of life during menopause. The conversation around menopause is evolving, and the urgency for accessible options has never been greater.
