Dear MHI Reader

If you are struggling with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats or mood swings, you are probably wondering how to relieve your symptoms. In this newsletter, we will show you how to choose between hormonal and non-hormonal treatments to relieve your symptoms.

Why is it important to know? Well, the right treatment can make a big difference to your daily life, improving your well-being, mood and overall health. Understanding your options will help you make an informed decision that best suits your health needs and personal preferences. Imagine living without the constant struggle of hot flashes or sleep disorders!

Unfortunately, many women don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing between hormonal and non-hormonal treatments. The options can be overwhelming, and many women procrastinate making a decision because they’re worried about the risks or side effects.

The main reason women struggle with this decision

The main reason women hesitate is concern about safety and side effects. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is known to be highly effective, it does carry some potential risks, especially for women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or other health issues.

Here are some other reasons why women may feel at an impasse:

· Conflicting information: There is so much advice out there, and it’s hard to know which is reliable.

· Fear of side effects: Many women are concerned about the potential negative effects of both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.
· Unclear personal needs: Without a clear understanding of your own symptoms and medical history, it can be difficult to decide which treatment is right for you.

Lack of guidance: Some women may feel uncomfortable talking to their doctor about menopause and unsure of their options.

But don’t worry – we’ll show you exactly how to overcome these challenges and find the treatment that’s best for you.

How to choose the best treatment step by step

Step 1: Consider your symptoms
Before you decide on a treatment, it’s important to assess your symptoms. Do you struggle with hot flashes or is vaginal dryness your main issue? Our Symptom Checker can help.

Why it matters: Not all treatments are equally effective for all symptoms. For example, hormone replacement therapy is very effective for hot flashes, but not necessarily for milder symptoms.
Look at your most bothersome symptoms and write them down. Here’s an example: if your main problem is vaginal dryness, you may not need hormone replacement therapy, but just a vaginal cream or a non-hormonal vaginal treatment.

Step 2: Weighing hormonal and non-hormonal options
Now that you know what symptoms you want to treat, it’s time to explore your options. This is where many women make a mistake – they don’t fully understand the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.

Common mistake: Some women believe that they need hormone replacement therapy because it is often referred to as the “gold standard” for menopause treatment. However, if your health condition means you cannot take hormones, non-hormonal treatments may be better for you.

What to do instead: If you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or heart disease, consider non-hormonal treatments such as saffron extract for mood or hop extract for hot flashes. These are good alternatives that can still provide significant relief.

Step 3: Talk to your doctor about personalized treatment

This is where the light at the end of the tunnel is: the best approach for you will always be individualized. This means that what works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s okay.

Why it’s important: Many women believe that there is a one-size-fits-all solution for menopause. In reality, tailoring the treatment plan to individual symptoms and medical history is the key to finding relief.
Have an open discussion with your doctor. Let her know what symptoms you want to treat and discuss the pros and cons of the various treatment options. For example, if you are concerned about the side effects of hormone replacement therapy, ask about low-dose variants or local treatments such as hormone creams that target specific areas without affecting the whole body.

Your treatment options: a brief overview
To help you prepare for your appointment with your doctor, here is a brief overview of your options:

Hormone treatments:
· Best for: severe hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
· Pros: most effective for relief, strengthens bones, improves mood.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for women with a history of breast cancer or blood clots.

Non-hormonal treatments:

Best for: Women who can’t take hormones or prefer natural options.

Advantages: Safer for women with certain health risks, fewer side effects.

Disadvantages: May not be as effective as hormone replacement therapy for severe symptoms.

Take control of your menopause
Deciding how to treat your menopause doesn’t have to be hard. By considering your symptoms, weighing your options, and having an honest conversation with your doctor, you can find the right treatment for you. Whether hormonal or non-hormonal, the key is that you have a choice—and with the right information, you can make the best choice for your health and lifestyle.