The best non-estrogen treatments for menopause, especially for hot flashes, include newer medications like Fezolinetant (Veozah), antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs like venlafaxine, escitalopram), gabapentin, and oxybutynin, alongside lifestyle changes (exercise, stress management, diet) and therapies like CBT, with Fezolinetant being specifically designed for hot flashes and offering a targeted approach, though effectiveness varies by individual.
Paroxetine (Paxil and others)—a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) also used to treat depression—is the only nonhormonal medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for managing hot flashes.
Fezolinetant, known as Veoza in Australia, was specifically designed as a non-hormonal treatment for menopausal symptoms and reduces both the severity and frequency of hot flushes.
headaches. breast pain or tenderness. feeling sick (nausea) diarrhoea.
Yes, there are non-hormonal treatment options for perimenopause symptoms. Eating well, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and kicking caffeine and booze can help you feel better. Certain non-hormonal medications are also available, with the guidance of your doctor.
The consequences of estrogen loss are hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, vaginal irritation, and risk to bone and cardiovascular health.
Jennifer Aniston is known for her vigorous wellness routine, which involves compression boots, collagen supplements and infrared saunas. Now, she's hit the headlines with her favourite fitness regime, Pvolve, which has been shown to be particularly beneficial for menopausal women.
Symptoms of high estrogen levels
Watch for these digestive patterns that often accompany perimenopause: Increased bloating or gas after meals. Constipation or irregular bowel movements. A sense of incomplete emptying.
Focus on keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding screens, caffeine and alcohol before bed. Maintain your healthy relationships. Spend time with loved ones, whether it's grabbing a bite to eat or going for a walk. Studies have shown that even hugs can lower cortisol levels.
Many women, like Oprah, are given systemic estrogen. This can be taken in a pill form, gel, skin patch, spray, or cream to relieve menopausal symptoms. Estrogen HRT has even been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease when taking post menopause – which is one year after your period has stopped entirely.
Drew Barrymore's perimenopause "solution" involves promoting awareness, partnering with experts like Dr. Kellyann for supplements (&ME brand), and encouraging open conversation about symptoms like heavy periods and mood swings, focusing on education and destigmatization rather than a single cure, though she emphasizes consulting doctors for personalized care, especially for issues like vaginal dryness where prescription treatments are key. She advocates for women to understand this life stage, often sharing her experiences on her show, which includes acknowledging the importance of medical guidance for specific issues.
A review of the literature of 485 clinical studies (Liu 2008) in 2008 reported that 185 herbs were used to treat menopausal symptoms. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae sinensis), a commonly used Chinese herb, was most frequently cited.
Clonidine. Clonidine is a prescription medicine that can help reduce hot flushes and night sweats caused by menopause. You take it as tablets 2 times a day. It does not affect hormone levels, so unlike HRT it does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Here are the top five vitamins essential for female wellness during menopause.
Hormone therapy.
Estrogen therapy works best for easing menopausal hot flashes. It also eases other menopause symptoms and slows bone loss. Your healthcare professional may suggest estrogen in the lowest dose and for the time needed to relieve your symptoms.
During perimenopause, avoid or limit spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol to reduce hot flashes and sleep issues, along with sugary/processed foods, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats that worsen mood swings, energy crashes, and weight gain; also, quit smoking, as it can intensify symptoms. Focus instead on whole foods, hydration, and stress management for better symptom relief.
Bowel changes during the menopause may be caused by a loss of oestrogen in the gut's oestrogen receptors. There may be an indirect effect as a result of an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol. Diarrhoea, wind and bloating can also occur if you're experiencing stress and anxiety.
How to Battle the Belly Bulge
Here are six estrogen-positive foods to avoid:
What Does A High Estrogen Face Look Like? High estrogen levels can cause puffiness, redness, or acne on the face. Skin may appear more oily, and some women experience melasma (dark patches on the skin).
How can I check my hormone levels at home? Blood tests – At-home estrogen blood tests are quick and easy. You just need to prick your finger and collect a small blood sample in a vial. After that, you can send your sample to a lab for testing.
Bio-identical hormone treatment: Not just for menopause. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is gaining attention as celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Jane Seymour, and Angelina Jolie speak candidly about their reasons for choosing this path.
Jennifer Aniston's 80/20 rule is a balanced approach to wellness, focusing on healthy, nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time while allowing for indulgences like pizza, pasta, or martinis (the 20%) without guilt, promoting consistency and sustainability over perfection. It's about moderation, enjoying life's treats, and getting back on track with healthy choices at the next meal or workout, emphasizing that no food is inherently "bad".
“As women, we all go through hair changes at some point,” says Aniston of the role stress and time can play in thinning, less voluminous hair.