Anxious thoughts about menopause begin to visit women long before the first signs of menopause appear. Meanwhile, menopause is not at all as scary as it seems - you just need to know what to prepare for. Menopause is not a disease, but a natural process in the life of every woman. Sooner or later it will come anyway. However, you can relieve its symptoms and maintain the same quality of life. Today we will talk in detail about the symptoms of menopause, name the best medications for menopause, and also give some useful tips on their choice.
What are the features of non-hormonal therapy?
A decrease in hormonal levels after 40 years is accompanied by changes in the menstrual cycle and the functioning of various organs in a woman’s body. This is the so-called menopause. Sometimes it goes unnoticed, but in many women it is accompanied by the appearance of the famous hot flashes to the face and upper body (they can be single or very frequent, depriving a woman of her ability to work), changes in blood pressure (BP), accompanied by headaches and dizziness, attacks of palpitations and pain in the heart, etc. But the woman is especially concerned about mental disorders: constant irritability, aggressiveness, tearfulness, often turning into depression. The list of women’s complaints can be continued endlessly, since literally all organs and systems are interested.
If the symptoms of menopause are minor, then when menopause occurs, a woman will benefit from a healthy lifestyle, physical activity and proper nutrition. If this does not help, then hormonal drugs. The advantages of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are the rapid relief of attacks, and the disadvantages are the presence of contraindications for use and side effects.
In recent years, many non-hormonal drugs have appeared to treat menopause. The advantage of these drugs is their relative safety: they have much fewer contraindications and side effects .
There is a sufficient selection of such products, from which you can individually choose the most suitable one for a given woman. The disadvantages of non-hormonal treatment include the lack of a quick therapeutic effect: non-hormonal drug therapy requires long-term treatment.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a dietary supplement that can contain both plant and animal components. Many gynecologists have a negative attitude towards these dietary supplements, but people's reviews say that homeopathy can really alleviate the symptoms of menopause. The most effective dietary supplements include:
- Climasphere . The product contains black cohosh extract and minerals. The supplement has a beneficial effect on the health of blood vessels and the heart, alleviates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, and has an immunostimulating effect.
- Climaxan . The supplement contains vitamins, cohosh extract, snake venom and apis. The supplement effectively relieves the main symptoms of menopause, improves overall well-being, normalizes sleep and has a calming effect.
- Klimaktoplan . The supplement contains cohosh extract, sepia, ignatia and a complex of minerals. The supplement is indicated for severe symptoms of menopausal syndrome with severe hot flashes, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat and causeless irritability.
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Frautest for menopause
You should know that even homeopathic supplements must be selected by the attending physician. Homeopathy is particularly effective as part of complex therapy.
Indications for the use of homeopathic nutritional supplements:
- Sleep disturbances during menopause;
- Increased irritability and tearfulness;
- Nervous disorders;
- Lack of desire for intimacy;
- Attacks of heat in the upper body;
- Severe sweating with tachycardia;
- Blood pressure surges;
- Migraine-type headaches during menopause.
Important! Homeopathy, which includes black cohosh extract, is used exclusively in gynecological practice.
Contraindications to homeopathy
The instructions for dietary supplements state that the only contraindication to their use is individual intolerance. However, many scientists say that these supplements have not undergone clinical trials, and therefore possible side effects and contraindications are simply not known. In any case, when using dietary supplements, you need to clearly monitor your condition and at the first ailment, you should stop taking them.
Products with herbal estrogen substitutes
Phytohormones are often prescribed as non-hormonal drugs for menopause in women. These are medications and dietary supplements (dietary supplements), containing plant substances that have the same effect on the body as natural female sex hormones.
Phytoestrogens have different chemical structures, but act in the same way as estrogens by connecting to the receptors of these hormones located on the surface of cells in target organs (ovaries, uterus, mammary glands). Non-hormonal medications for menopause in women (phytoestrogens), list:
Estrovel (Valeant Pharma, Belarus)
from 425 ₽
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Dietary supplement with phytoestrogens (extracts of soybean seeds, chaste tree fruits, rhizomes with dioscorea roots). When taken as a course, it eliminates the symptoms of menopause and frequent flushing of the face. Drink 1-2 capsules per day for 4 weeks.
Feminal (Jadran, Croatia)
from 587 ₽
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Dietary supplement with red clover extract contains 4 isoflavones, which have maximum similarity to estrogens. Effectively relieves menopausal symptoms. Drink 1 capsule per day with meals for a month. If necessary, after consulting a doctor, dietary supplements can be taken for a long time.
Klimadinon and Klimadinon Uno (Bionorica, Germany)
from 423 ₽
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Medicines with dry extract of black cohosh rhizomes. A Klimadinon tablet contains 20 mg of active ingredient, while Klimadinon Uno contains 32.5 mg. The drug relieves vegetative and neuropsychic disorders well and prevents the development of osteoporosis. Klimadinon is taken one tablet 2 times a day, Klimadinon Uno is taken one tablet once a day. The course of treatment is from 1 to 3 months.
Remens (Richard Bittner, Austria)
from 502 ₽
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A homeopathic remedy containing three plants containing phytohormones. Eliminates neuropsychic disorders, relieves emotional tension and anxiety, prevents the progression of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and obesity. Drink a homeopathic remedy, 1 sublingual tablet or 10 drops three times a day for six months or more.
Klimaxan (Materia Medica, Russia)
from 124 ₽
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Homeopathic medicine with black cohosh isoflavones. Available in lozenges. When used as a course, it eliminates the manifestations of menopause. Drink 1 tablet twice a day (keep in mouth until completely absorbed) for 1 – 2 months. If necessary, you can increase the dose and repeat the course of treatment after 3 weeks.
Tsi-Klim (Evalar, Russia)
from 259 ₽
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Anti-climacteric herbal medicine with active ingredient from extract of black cohosh rhizomes. The medicine slowly but steadily restores the woman’s condition. Take 1 tablet twice a day for 1 – 1.5 months.
Lignarius (Provero Pharma, Netherlands)
from 1529 ₽
The dietary supplement contains a patented lignan formula isolated from European spruce knots, which has phytoestrogenic properties. Contains vitamins and minerals. Normalizes a woman's condition, providing anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Prevents the development of osteoporosis. Drink 1 capsule after breakfast for a month. If necessary, taking the dietary supplement can be repeated.
Hormonal drugs for menopause in women: side effects and contraindications
If the patient does not follow the doctor’s recommendations or the dose of the drug was incorrectly selected, the following side effects may occur:
- increased fatigue;
- emotional lability;
- swelling;
- weight gain;
- flatulence;
- mastopathy;
- breast tumors;
- severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome;
- painful menstruation;
- anovulatory menstrual cycle;
- development of benign tumors in the uterus and appendages;
- uterine bleeding;
- increased risk of stroke.
Correct dosage selection, strict adherence to specialist prescriptions, regular intake and combination of estrogens with progesterone allows you to avoid the above side effects.
The following conditions are absolute contraindications to hormonal drugs:
- allergy to the components of the hormonal drug;
- malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands and female genital organs, including a history of;
- metrorrhagia;
- thrombophilia;
- stroke;
- myocardial infarction;
- varicose veins and blood clots in the veins of the lower extremities;
- increased blood coagulation;
- third stage hypertension;
- severe liver diseases (cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatitis);
- autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus and others).
Relative contraindications include:
- endometriosis;
- uterine fibroids;
- migraine;
- epilepsy;
- precancerous diseases of the uterus and mammary glands;
- calculous cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.
Preparations with cytamines: Ovariamine
from 665 ₽
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Cytamines are biologically active substances obtained from animal organs and tissues. Cytamines are used to eliminate various pathologies.
During menopause, the dietary supplement Ovariamin is prescribed , the active ingredients of which are cytamines obtained from the ovaries of cattle. The mechanism of their action is similar to phytohormones. The dietary supplement also contains vitamins A, E, group B, as well as macro- and microelements.
When used as a course, Ovariamin restores hormonal levels and metabolic processes, eliminates the main manifestations of menopausal syndrome. This dietary supplement is especially effective when simultaneously prescribing calcium supplements for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Take the dietary supplement Ovariamin 2-3 times a day for two weeks.
What to take for hot flashes?
Many ladies, when choosing medications for menopause, are looking for medications that relieve hot flashes. This is understandable, because this symptom is the most severe and unpleasant. However, hormonal changes also manifest themselves in other ailments. You need to choose medications based on your overall health, based on blood tests for sex hormones.
Today, for menostasis, gynecologists prescribe the following groups of medications, depending on the patient’s well-being:
- Hormonal - pills, drops or creams containing analogues of sex hormones. They are used when the ovaries have completely stopped producing hormones and the fair sex experiences severe symptoms of menopause.
- Non-hormonal - does not contain hormones and helps relieve heat waves, sweating and palpitations. Medicines are selected individually, taking into account the intensity of symptoms.
- Homeopathic - dietary supplements containing plant or animal estrogens. These supplements have virtually no contraindications, but long-term use is required to relieve symptoms.
- Herbal medicines are pills based on medicinal herbs that can reduce the bright manifestations of menostasis, while strengthening the immune system and nervous system.
- Vitamin complexes are pills enriched with minerals and trace elements necessary for the body. They help strengthen the immune system and reduce the unpleasant symptoms of aging.
- Sedatives - pills, mixtures and syrups that have a sedative effect. Necessary to eliminate anxiety and irritability during menostasis.
Important! Any of these substances should be selected by the treating gynecologist based on tests and general well-being. You will have to undergo a general blood test and a hormonal test.
Vaginal suppositories
During menopause, fluid loss occurs from the skin and mucous membranes. As a result, a woman’s skin quickly ages and becomes covered with wrinkles. Dryness of the mucous membranes also manifests itself in the area of the external genitalia. They become thinner, easily injured and serve as entry points for infection. Therefore, postmenopausal women often develop inflammatory processes (vulvovaginitis). Sexual life is also disrupted - the slightest injury to the mucous membranes causes pain and bleeding. Some local medications are absorbed into the blood and have a general hormonal-regulating effect.
Therefore, a course of non-hormonal therapy should include the use of local medications to restore the mucous membranes of the external genitalia : List of drugs for local treatment:
Klimaktol-Antikan (Verbena, Russia)
Rectal and vaginal suppositories with plant extracts containing phytoestrogens (hop cones), as well as oil extracts of herbs, which have a softening and restorative effect on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and urinary tract; apply 1 suppository at night in the rectum or vagina for 4-8 weeks;
Cicatridine (Pharma-Derma, Italy)
Cicatridina – vaginal suppositories with hyaluronic acid. It attracts water to itself, as a result the mucous membranes come to life and are restored. Well relieves dryness of the mucous membranes of the external genital organs and urinary tract. Use 1 suppository at night until the condition normalizes;
Vagikal (Farmina Ltd, Poland)
Vagical – vaginal suppositories with extract of Calendula officinalis flowers; have a stimulating and restorative effect on the mucous membrane; as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, it prevents the development of infectious and inflammatory processes of the external genital organs. Apply 1 suppository 2 – 3 times a day for two weeks;
Feminella hialosoft (Angelini, Austria)
Feminella Hyalosoft – vaginal suppositories with hyaluronic acid and herbal extracts; attract water, revitalize and restore the vaginal mucosa during its atrophic changes associated with menopause; during menopause, use 1 suppository 1 time per day in the vagina; the course of treatment is 10 days; if there is a need to continue, suppositories are used twice a week.
Hormone replacement therapy for women over 50: reviews
Reviews about hormone replacement therapy after 50 years:
- Valentina, 52 years old: “Taking hormonal medications has significantly improved the quality of my life. My mood improved and my energy increased. The constantly fluctuating blood pressure returned to normal. In addition, I take blood thinners. I reviewed the quality of my diet and added more calcium-containing foods to my diet. Having learned about the destructive effect of nicotine on hormones, I quit smoking.”
- Anastasia, 50 years old: “After consulting a gynecologist, I started taking hormonal medications. After a 10-day course I noticed a decrease in the number of hot flashes. The quality of sleep has normalized. There was a desire for an active lifestyle. The condition of the skin has improved, the face has stopped itching and flaking.”
- Maria, 50 years old: “Without visiting a doctor, I started using Omega 3 Doppelhertz on my own. After 2 months I noticed that I could climb stairs much easier. The drug became my source of additional energy. I began to react more calmly to life’s troubles.”
Selective estrogen receptor modulators: Evista
Selective estrogen receptor modulators are drugs that act selectively as estrogens in some (non-reproductive) tissues and as anti-estrogens in other (reproductive) tissues.
Temoxifen was the first drug in this group to be discovered. It acted as an estrogen in relation to bone tissue (preventing the development of osteoprorosis) and as an anti-estrogen in relation to the mammary gland (suppressing cell proliferation - proliferation and their degeneration into cancer). A side effect of tamoxifen was considered to be its estrogenic effect on the endometrium - stimulating proliferation. Tamoxifen is used only as an antitumor agent in the treatment of breast cancer.
The next generation of selective estrogen receptor modulators includes raloxifene. As an estrogen, it has a positive effect on bone tissue, lipid metabolism (prevention of atherosclerosis) and the blood coagulation system (increases the risk of thrombosis). How an anti-estrogen affects the mammary gland without affecting the endometrium. Therefore, raloxifene is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis during menopause.
Raloxifene is produced by pharmaceutical companies Lilly S.A., Spain and Daiichi Sankyo, Germany in 60 mg tablets under the trade name Evista. Taken daily for a long time and under the supervision of laboratory blood tests.
The importance of taking calcium
A separate group of medications that are recommended to be taken during menopause are calcium supplements. With the decline of the ovaries, there is a lack of estrogen, which leads to depletion of bone tissue and the risk of frequent fractures. To replenish bone mineral levels, women over 45 years of age must take calcium, but to absorb it, it is also necessary to monitor the level of vitamin D. The best calcium supplements, according to doctors:
- Calcium Vitrum;
- Calcium D3 Nycomed;
- Calcium D3 Complevit.
The dosage and duration of use should be determined by the doctor. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body and the presence of concomitant diseases that can reduce the level of calcium in the bones.
Important! Vitamin complexes have contraindications for which the tablet form of the drug cannot be taken. Consult your doctor before use!
Drugs for symptomatic treatment
Menopausal syndrome manifests itself as a list of numerous symptoms. First of all, the neuropsychic state suffers. Therefore, sedative (calming), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medications, as well as antidepressants are prescribed. All these drugs are selected by the doctor for each patient individually for daily use and at night.
Magne B6 (Sanofi Winthrop Industrie, France)
from 424 ₽
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To eliminate vegetative manifestations during menopause, it is recommended to take courses of the vitamin preparation Magne B6 , which contains magnesium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). The mechanism of action of the drug is associated with the normalization of the conduction of nerve impulses along the fibers and the regulation of the tone of the walls of blood vessels. This leads to normalization of the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Magnesium is involved in cellular metabolism, energy production and hormone synthesis. As a result of treatment, palpitations, changes in blood pressure, dizziness and headaches are eliminated. Take the medicine 3-6 tablets per day under the supervision of laboratory tests: as soon as the magnesium content in the blood is normalized, the drug is discontinued.
Klimalanin (Bouchard laboratory, France)
from 397 ₽
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To reduce the frequency of flushes of blood to the face and upper half of the body, Klimalanine is prescribed , the active ingredient of which is the amino acid beta-alanine. The mechanism of action of this drug is associated with blocking the release of histamine, which promotes rapid vasodilation. The drug is prescribed as a tablet 2-3 times a day for 5-10 days until the hot flashes disappear. If hot flashes return, the course of treatment can be repeated after consulting your doctor.
Vitamin complexes
With the onset of menopause, a decrease in the body's protective functions is observed. During this period, it is very important to eat properly and drink vitamin supplements that will support the body and strengthen the nervous and immune systems.
Vitamins necessary for menopause:
- E. This substance is a powerful antioxidant and can prolong the life of the ovaries. This vitamin must be included in vitamin complexes for women over 45 years of age.
- A. According to research results, it is this substance that reduces the risk of developing breast and uterine cancer in old age. The substance also inhibits the aging process, which means it gives a beautiful appearance.
- C. This substance is immunostimulating. It is this vitamin that is responsible for strong immunity and the body’s ability to resist various diseases. In addition, vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels and reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
- D. This substance is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the body. Lack of vitamin D causes the development of osteoporosis in old age.
- B. These substances are responsible for the health of the nervous system and prevent the development of female diseases. B vitamins are indicated for psychoemotional disorders, sleep disorders and depression.
Also during menopause, the body needs calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron. All these substances are contained in food, but if you have an improperly balanced diet, it is recommended to take vitamin complexes that are specially designed for patients of different age categories.
Vitamins at 45 years old
At this age, the female body is just beginning to rebuild, and therefore properly selected vitamins can prolong the work of the ovaries, make the restructuring process smooth, without severe menopausal manifestations. At the age of 45, it is recommended to take the following complexes:
- Vitatress;
- Femicaps;
- Menopace.
All these drugs are designed specifically for women entering the menopause phase. A balanced composition of vitamins allows you to avoid sudden surges in hormones and strengthen the nervous and immune systems.
Vitamins at 50
At the age of 50, a woman faces the most active phase of menopause. During this period, severe manifestations of menopause are common. Frequent hot flashes, sleep disturbances and nervous disorders deplete the body, compromising the strength of the immune system. Gynecologists recommend that women over the age of 50 take the following complexes:
- Klimadion Uno;
- Alphabet 50+;
- Extravel.
During severe menopause, in addition to vitamins, doctors prescribe other medications to alleviate the patient’s condition. Complex therapy should be developed by a specialist.
Prices for non-hormonal drugs for the treatment of menopause, list
Click on the links to find out more about the product.
Name | Price |
Estrovel, capsules 520 mg No. 30 | 400 — 490 ₽ |
Feminal, capsules 160 mg No. 30 | 720 — 735 ₽ |
Klimadinon, tablets No. 60 | 400 — 429 ₽ |
Klimadinon Uno, tablets No. 30 | 430 — 460 ₽ |
Remens tablets, No. 36 | 450 — 460 ₽ |
Klimaxan tablets, No. 40 | 150 — 160 ₽ |
Qi-klim, tablets 0.02 g, 60 pcs. | 300 — 350 ₽ |
Lignarius, capsules 138 mg, 30 pcs. | 1340 — 1470 ₽ |
Ovariamine tablets No. 20 | 550 — 570 ₽ |
Klimaktol-Antikan candles No. 10 | 290 — 300 ₽ |
Cicatridina, vaginal suppositories, 10x2g | 1150 — 1300 ₽ |
Vagical, sup. vaginal, 150 mg | 500 — 600 ₽ |
Feminella hialosoft, 10 vag. pessaries | 1350 — 1550 ₽ |
Evista (Raloxifene), tab. 60mg №28 | 2000 — 2250 ₽ |
Magne B6, tablets No. 50 | 460 — 480 ₽ |
Klimalanin tablets 400 mg No. 30 | 370 — 410 ₽ |
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Hormone replacement therapy is not the only thing that helps with menopausal syndrome. Non-hormonal therapy, correctly selected taking into account the individual characteristics of menopause, can be no less effective. The therapeutic effect of such treatment is not immediately visible, but it is stable and long-lasting.
Tips for choosing
For many women, menopause becomes a real challenge. About 50% of women experience severe symptoms that significantly reduce their quality of life. Just 10-15 years ago, women did not treat these symptoms, which negatively affected their overall well-being, sex life and family relationships. Today, treatment of menopause is not only possible, but in some cases it is simply necessary. However, every woman should understand that there is no single magic pill for menopause. We are all different, and therefore effective and safe treatment can only be formulated by the attending physician, based on examination and tests. At the first signs of menopause, you should immediately go to the doctor, because the sooner you start therapy, the less inconvenience this difficult period in the life of every woman will bring. No need to risk your health!
How to relieve menopausal symptoms without hormonal medications
Before we look at non-hormonal remedies for hot flashes during menopause, which are effective in eliminating the main symptoms of this process, it is necessary to dwell on the risk factors that accelerate the onset of menopause and aggravate its course. According to, these factors include:
- – inactive lifestyle;
- – irregular meals;
- – abundance of trans fats and fast carbohydrates in the diet;
- – lack of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber in the diet;
- – smoking and drinking alcohol;
- – regular consumption of strong coffee and tonic drinks;
- – termination of pregnancy (abortion);
- – absence of pregnancy until menopause;
- – sexually transmitted diseases;
- – chronic inflammation of the genitourinary system;
- – regular stress, psycho-emotional stress.
Eliminating these factors allows you to delay the onset of menopause, as well as significantly reduce the intensity and pain of symptoms. Menopause awaits every woman, but a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and the absence of bad habits will help you get through this difficult period easier.
Then folk remedies for menopause come into play, although they can be called “folk” only with a certain degree of convention. We are talking about substances of natural origin, primarily extracts, as well as amino acids and other additives that stabilize biochemical processes that are precursors to the main symptoms of menopause.