US EditionCan't Take Hormone Therapy for Menopause? There Are Other Options
The FDA approved nonhormonal drugs including Veozah and Lynkuet plus lifestyle changes as alternatives for women who cannot use hormone therapy, experts said.
- Amid recently announced label changes, women with medical risks like hormone-sensitive breast cancer or stroke often avoid systemic hormone therapy, as seen with Shilpa Gajarawala, 58‑year‑old physician assistant from Jacksonville, Florida.
- During menopause, estrogen and progesterone decline, raising blood pressure and cholesterol, so doctors recommend aerobic exercise, strength training, a plant‑forward diet, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
- New prescription drugs such as Veozah and Lynkuet offer nonhormonal menopause relief, but Veozah warns of rare liver injury, Lynkuet causes fatigue, and oxybutynin may cause dry mouth and bladder issues.
- Gajarawala says `It's been a significant improvement` after lifestyle changes and an extended‑release antidepressant, urging women to discuss treatment options with providers.
- Experts warn that no medication is without risk, so risk–benefit discussions between clinicians and patients are essential, while cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, and over‑the‑counter lubricants offer non‑drug relief.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Can't Take Hormone Therapy for Menopause? There Are Other Options
Shilpa Gajarawala struggled with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems and brain fog. But given her history of breast cancer, treating these menopausal symptoms with hormone therapy wasn’t an option.
Associated Press News
Can't take hormone therapy for menopause? There are other options
Women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms don’t need to suffer. If doctors advise them to avoid hormone therapy because they’ve had a heart attack, blood clots, stroke or breast cancer — or if they simply don’t want to take it — there are other options.
Menopause – a word still shrouded in silence. But this is a time when women should speak out – about their bodies, emotions, desires and concerns.
The withdrawal of wide alerts corrects historical distortion. And gives women the opportunity to consider hormonal therapy without stigma. Opinion of Leticia Kawano
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