Over the Counter Menopause Treatment

There are many over-the-counter treatments for symptoms of menopause. These options include natural estrogens and herbal supplements. Products available without a prescription might offer relief for mild symptoms but probably will not work for severe symptoms.

Cautions

Before choosing over-the-counter menopause treatments, keep in mind that these products are not FDA-regulated. Dietary supplements often are not well-studied for effectiveness or purity. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any treatment, because some herbs and supplements can interact with medication you might already be taking.

Benefits

You might want to consider over-the-counter supplements for relief of menopause symptoms without the side effects of prescription medication. Some women report relief from symptoms such as hot flashes and irritability using herbal supplements.

Types

Phytoestrogenic herbs, such as black cohosh, contain estrogenic components that occur naturally in plants. Non-estrogenic herbs, such as macafem, stimulate a woman's own hormone production.

Other Choices

Some women report that DHEA supplements boost energy and mood. St. John's wort might provide relief for mild to moderate depression. Valerian helps some women with menopause-related sleep problems.

Considerations

Symptoms of menopause vary from one woman to the next, and so does response to treatment. What works for one woman might not work for another.

References

• Treatments for Hot Flashes
• Treating Menopausal Symptoms with OTC Products

Resources

• Menopause and Menopause Treatments