Menopause is more than just the end of your period; it’s a major hormonal shift that can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and uncomfortable in your own skin. While hot flashes get most of the attention, the experience goes much deeper, affecting everything from your sleep and mood to your bone and vaginal health. For many women, the goal isn’t just to survive this transition—it’s to thrive through it. Menopause hormone treatment (MHT) is a powerful tool that can help you do just that. It works by restoring hormonal balance, offering relief from your most challenging symptoms and helping you feel more like yourself again.

Key Takeaways

• Hormone therapy offers proven relief for disruptive symptoms: By replenishing the estrogen your body loses during menopause, MHT directly targets the cause of hot flashes and night sweats, while also protecting your long-term bone health.
• Your treatment plan should be tailored specifically to you: MHT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Work with your doctor to choose the right type, dose, and delivery method—like a patch, pill, or cream—that fits your health profile and lifestyle.
• Making an informed choice means looking at your personal health profile: For many women, starting MHT within 10 years of menopause is safe and effective. The key is to discuss your specific health history with your doctor to weigh the real risks and benefits, not the myths.

What Is Menopause Hormone Treatment (MHT)?

If you’re dealing with the disruptive symptoms of menopause, you’ve likely heard about hormone therapy. So, what exactly is it? Menopause Hormone Treatment (MHT), sometimes called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a medical treatment designed to supplement the hormones your body naturally loses during this transition. As you approach menopause, your ovaries produce less estrogen, and this hormonal shift is the root cause of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

Think of MHT as a way to restore hormonal balance. By reintroducing estrogen, and sometimes progestin, into your system, this treatment can provide significant relief from the most common and bothersome symptoms of menopause. It’s the most effective treatment available for managing moderate to severe symptoms and has been used for decades to help women feel more like themselves again. While it’s not the right fit for everyone, understanding what MHT is and how it works is the first step in figuring out if it could be a good option for you.

How MHT Works in Your Body

The concept behind MHT is pretty straightforward: it works by replacing the estrogen your body is no longer making. This drop in estrogen is what triggers many of the classic menopause symptoms. By bringing your hormone levels back up, MHT directly addresses the underlying cause of your discomfort. This is why it’s so effective at reducing or even eliminating hot flashes and night sweats. Beyond temperature control, MHT also helps with vaginal dryness and discomfort, which can make a big difference in your sexual health and daily comfort. It also plays a crucial role in preventing bone loss (osteoporosis) that accelerates after menopause.

The Different Types of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The right type for you depends on your symptoms and health history. The first major distinction is between estrogen-only therapy and combination therapy. If you’ve had a hysterectomy (your uterus removed), your doctor will likely prescribe estrogen alone. If you still have your uterus, you’ll need combination therapy, which includes both estrogen and progestin. The progestin is essential for protecting the lining of the uterus from the effects of estrogen. Treatments are also categorized as either systemic or local. Systemic therapy affects your whole body and is ideal for treating widespread symptoms like hot flashes, while local therapy targets a specific area, like the vagina, to relieve dryness.

What Are the Benefits of MHT?

If you’re dealing with the daily disruptions of menopause, you’ve likely heard about menopause hormone treatment (MHT). While it’s a significant decision, understanding its potential benefits can help you see why it’s often considered the most effective way to manage symptoms. For many women, MHT isn’t just about getting through menopause—it’s about reclaiming their quality of life. The primary goal is to replenish the hormones your body is no longer producing, which can ease the transition and address some of the most challenging symptoms head-on.

From the sudden heat of a hot flash to the frustration of a sleepless night, menopause can affect you both physically and emotionally. MHT works to restore balance, offering relief from these immediate concerns. But the advantages can extend beyond just feeling better day-to-day. Hormone therapy also plays a protective role in your long-term health, particularly when it comes to maintaining bone strength and supporting vaginal and urinary health. Think of it as a comprehensive approach to managing your well-being during this new chapter.

Find Relief from Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats are often the most talked-about symptoms of menopause for a reason—they can be incredibly disruptive. One minute you’re fine, and the next you’re hit with an intense wave of heat that can leave you flushed and sweating. When this happens at night, it can drench your sheets and ruin your sleep. MHT is the most effective treatment for these symptoms, known as vasomotor symptoms. By replacing the estrogen your body has lost, hormone therapy can significantly reduce their frequency and intensity, helping you feel more comfortable and in control throughout your day and night.

Improve Your Sleep and Mood

If you’re constantly tired and irritable, you’re not alone. Poor sleep is a common complaint during menopause, often because night sweats repeatedly wake you up. By getting hot flashes under control, MHT can lead to fewer nighttime disruptions and more restorative sleep. But the benefits don’t stop there. The hormonal shifts of menopause can also impact your mood, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, or sadness. Hormone replacement therapy can help stabilize these fluctuations, which, combined with better sleep, often results in a greater sense of emotional well-being and calm.

Protect Against Bone Loss

One of the most important long-term benefits of MHT is its ability to protect your bones. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density, and as its levels decline during menopause, your risk of developing osteoporosis increases. This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. MHT helps keep your bones strong by slowing down the rate of bone loss. For many women, this is a crucial preventative measure that supports their health and mobility for years to come, long after the hot flashes have subsided.

Support Vaginal and Sexual Health

Menopause can bring uncomfortable changes to your vaginal and urinary health, a condition known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Lower estrogen levels can cause tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic, leading to vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse. This can also contribute to more frequent urinary tract infections or an urgent need to urinate. Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for these symptoms. Even low-dose, local estrogen therapies (like creams or rings) can provide significant relief, restoring moisture and comfort while supporting your sexual health and intimacy.

A Clear Look at the Risks and Side Effects

Menopause hormone treatment can be a game-changer for managing symptoms, but it’s important to go into it with a full picture of the potential risks. Like any effective medical treatment, MHT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it does come with considerations you’ll want to discuss with your doctor. The specific risks for you depend on several factors, including your personal health history, your family’s medical history, the age you start therapy, and the type and dose of hormones you take.

Understanding these factors is the first step toward making an informed choice that feels right for you. This isn’t about finding reasons to say no to treatment; it’s about gathering the information you need to work with your healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons. A thorough conversation about your health profile will help determine if the benefits of relieving your menopause symptoms outweigh the potential risks. Let’s walk through what the research shows so you can prepare for that discussion.

Cardiovascular and Blood Clot Risks

One of the most important conversations to have with your doctor is about cardiovascular health. Research shows that menopause hormone therapy can affect your risk for heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. The timing of when you start treatment plays a significant role here. For instance, beginning hormone therapy more than 10 years after menopause starts may increase the risk of heart disease. This is why it’s so valuable to address your symptoms and treatment options early on. Your doctor can help you understand how your personal health history fits into this picture and what it means for your treatment plan.

Breast and Uterine Cancer Considerations

Cancer risk is another key topic to cover. If you still have your uterus, it’s standard practice to prescribe a combination of estrogen and progestogen. This is because taking estrogen alone can increase the risk of uterine cancer, and adding progestogen provides necessary protection. It’s also important to know that some studies show hormone therapy can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, especially after several years of use. This risk appears to be higher with combination therapy (around five years) than with estrogen-only therapy (around seven years), making regular check-ins and mammograms an essential part of your care.

Common Side Effects to Expect

While it’s crucial to discuss serious risks, you should also be prepared for more common, less severe side effects as your body adjusts to treatment. Many women experience things like breast tenderness, mild nausea, or irregular bleeding, especially when they first start. The good news is that these side effects are often temporary and manageable. Your doctor can often resolve them by adjusting the dose or changing the type of hormone replacement therapy you’re using. Most women find that these initial side effects fade within the first few months as their body gets used to the new hormone levels.

Is Menopause Hormone Treatment Right for You?

Deciding whether to start menopause hormone treatment (MHT) is a deeply personal choice, and it’s one you should make in partnership with a doctor who truly understands your health. There’s no universal answer, because the right path depends entirely on you—your symptoms, your health history, and what you want for your future. For many women, MHT is a game-changer, offering powerful relief from disruptive symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It can feel like getting back to your old self again, restoring your energy and sense of well-being.

However, it’s also important to have a clear-eyed view of the full picture. Hormone therapy comes with potential risks, and the balance of benefits versus risks is different for everyone. Key factors like your age, how long it’s been since your last period, and your personal and family medical history all play a critical role in the decision. The goal isn’t to find a one-size-fits-all solution, but to create a personalized plan that helps you feel your best while keeping your long-term health front and center. An open, honest conversation with your provider is the first and most important step toward finding what works for you.

Why Timing Is Key

When it comes to MHT, timing can make a big difference. Research has identified what’s often called a “window of opportunity” for starting treatment. Experts generally agree that the benefits of hormone therapy are most likely to outweigh the risks if you begin before you turn 60 or within 10 years of your final menstrual period. Starting MHT during this timeframe is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular issues and can offer significant protection against bone loss, which accelerates after menopause. If you’re considering MHT long after menopause has started, the risk-benefit calculation changes, making a detailed discussion with your doctor even more essential to determine if it’s a safe and effective choice for you.

Health Factors to Consider

Your personal health history is one of the most important factors in determining if MHT is a safe option for you. Hormone Replacement Therapy is generally not recommended if you have a history of certain medical conditions. These include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer, as some hormones can affect their growth. Other major considerations are a personal history of blood clots in your legs or lungs, a previous heart attack or stroke, or significant liver or gallbladder disease. It’s also important to discuss any unexplained vaginal bleeding with your doctor. A thorough review of your medical background is crucial to ensure you’re making a safe and informed choice for your body.

When MHT Isn’t the Right Fit

If you and your doctor decide that MHT isn’t the right choice for you, please know that you are not out of options. Many women cannot or choose not to take hormones, and there are still plenty of effective ways to manage your menopause symptoms. Your treatment plan should be tailored to you, and if MHT is off the table, your provider can explore other paths to relief. For example, other options can help with symptoms, including low-dose antidepressants for hot flashes, vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for dryness, and other non-hormonal prescription medications. The goal is always to find the safest, most effective solution to improve your quality of life.

How Different Hormone Therapy Options Work

Menopause hormone treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach for you depends entirely on your specific symptoms, your health history, and what you feel most comfortable with. Think of it like building a personalized care plan—you and your doctor will work together to choose the right type of hormone, the right dose, and the right way to take it. Understanding your options is the first step in making an informed decision that feels right for your body and your life. From treatments that work throughout your body to those that target a specific area, there are several paths to finding relief.

Systemic vs. Local Treatments: What’s the Difference?

The first major choice you’ll discuss with your doctor is whether you need systemic or local hormone therapy. Systemic therapy delivers hormones—usually estrogen and sometimes a progestogen—that travel through your bloodstream to reach tissues all over your body. This is the go-to approach for treating widespread menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Systemic treatments come in many forms, including pills, patches, and gels.

Local therapy, on the other hand, is designed to work in a specific area. Low-dose vaginal estrogen, for example, is applied directly to vaginal tissues to treat symptoms like dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse without sending significant amounts of hormones throughout your body.

Creams, Patches, Pills: Your Delivery Options

Once you’ve determined whether you need systemic or local treatment, you can explore the different ways to get the hormones into your body. Each method has its own set of benefits, and the best one often comes down to personal preference and your medical needs. Common hormone therapy options include:

• Pills: Taken daily, this is one of the most common and well-studied methods.
• Patches: Worn on the skin and changed once or twice a week, patches provide a steady, consistent dose of hormones.
• Gels, Creams, and Sprays: These are applied to the skin daily, allowing the hormones to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
• Vaginal Rings, Creams, or Tablets: These are low-dose, local options placed directly in the vagina to address specific vaginal and urinary symptoms.

Bioidentical vs. Conventional Hormones

You’ve probably heard the term “bioidentical” hormones, and it’s important to understand what it means. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones your body produces naturally. Many FDA-approved hormone therapies use bioidentical hormones, which have been rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness.

Where things get tricky is with custom-compounded bioidentical hormones. These are mixed at a special pharmacy based on a doctor’s prescription. While they sound personalized, they are not regulated by the FDA. This means their safety, effectiveness, and dosage consistency haven’t been verified. For this reason, most major medical organizations, including The Menopause Society, recommend using FDA-approved products whenever possible to ensure you’re getting a safe and reliable treatment.

Exploring Alternatives to Hormone Therapy

Menopause hormone treatment is an effective option for many, but it’s not the only path forward. Whether MHT isn’t a good fit for your health profile or you simply prefer to start with other approaches, you have plenty of choices for managing your symptoms. The goal is to find a strategy that helps you feel your best, and that can involve a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and other supportive therapies.

It’s all about creating a personalized plan that works for you. Many women find significant relief by focusing on non-hormonal solutions first or using them alongside MHT to improve their overall well-being. Working with a doctor who understands the full spectrum of options is key to navigating this transition with confidence. Let’s walk through some of the most effective and well-researched alternatives to hormone therapy.

Non-Hormonal Medications for Symptom Relief

If hot flashes and vaginal dryness are your primary concerns, but you can’t or don’t want to take hormones, there are other medical treatments available. For persistent hot flashes, some non-hormonal prescription medicines, including certain types of antidepressants or other nerve-blocking drugs, have been shown to provide relief. These medications work differently than hormones but can effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of vasomotor symptoms.

For vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex, you don’t have to rely on hormones. Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can offer immediate comfort. For more lasting relief, your doctor can prescribe specific non-hormonal treatments that help restore moisture and elasticity to vaginal tissues.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

The daily choices you make can have a surprisingly big impact on your menopause symptoms. Simple, consistent habits can help you feel more in control. For example, regular physical activity is one of the best tools for managing hot flashes and night sweats. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga not only help with temperature regulation but also support your mood and sleep quality.

What you eat and drink matters, too. Many women find that common triggers like caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol can make hot flashes worse. Paying attention to how your body reacts and making small dietary adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements. Layering your clothing and keeping your bedroom cool at night are other practical steps that can make a real difference.

Complementary Therapies to Consider

You may have heard about herbal remedies like black cohosh or St. John’s wort for menopause relief. While some women explore these options, it’s incredibly important to approach them with caution. The effectiveness and safety of many herbal supplements aren’t fully understood, and “natural” doesn’t always mean safe. These remedies can have side effects and may interact with other medications you’re taking.

Before trying any complementary health approaches, have an open conversation with your doctor. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits based on your personal health history. This ensures that any therapy you choose is a safe and helpful part of your overall wellness plan.

Debunking Common Myths About MHT

Navigating the world of menopause hormone therapy can feel like walking through a maze of conflicting information. Old studies and word-of-mouth advice often create confusion and fear, making it hard to know what’s true. Many women hesitate to explore MHT because of persistent myths that just don’t line up with current medical understanding. It’s completely understandable to feel cautious when you hear stories about risks or side effects, but a lot of that information is outdated or taken out of context. The conversation around MHT has changed significantly over the years, with newer research providing a much clearer picture of its safety and benefits for the right person. The goal isn’t to convince you that MHT is the only answer, but to give you the accurate, up-to-date information you deserve so you can feel empowered in your healthcare decisions. By separating fact from fiction, you can have a more informed and confident conversation with your doctor about whether MHT is the right path for you. Let’s clear the air and look at three of the most common myths we hear—and the truth behind them.

Myth: MHT Causes Weight Gain

It’s one of the biggest concerns we hear: “Will hormone therapy make me gain weight?” It’s a valid question, especially when your body already feels like it’s changing beyond your control. However, the research tells a different story. According to The Menopause Society, hormone therapy itself does not cause you to gain weight. The weight gain many women experience during midlife is typically due to the natural aging process, a slowing metabolism, and other hormonal shifts that come with this life stage. So, while the number on the scale might be shifting, MHT isn’t the one to blame.

Myth: Bioidentical Hormones Are Always Safer

The term “bioidentical” sounds natural and appealing, leading many to believe these hormones are a safer choice. While some FDA-approved bioidentical hormones are excellent options, the myth lies in the idea that all of them, especially custom-compounded formulas, are superior. In reality, custom-compounded hormones aren’t tested by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or dosage consistency. This means you might get too much or too little of a hormone, which can be ineffective or even dangerous. The safest approach is to use FDA-approved hormone therapies prescribed by a doctor who can monitor your treatment.

Myth: MHT Is Dangerous for Everyone

The fear surrounding MHT often stems from outdated studies that painted a scary picture. Today, we have a much clearer understanding of who can safely benefit from it. For most healthy women, starting hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause (or before age 60) is considered a safe and effective way to manage moderate to severe symptoms. Of course, it isn’t right for everyone, and factors like your personal and family health history matter. This is why a personalized approach is so important. A thorough discussion with your doctor can help you weigh your individual risks and benefits to make the best choice for your health.

How Long Should You Take Hormone Therapy?

One of the most common questions about menopause hormone treatment (MHT) is, “How long will I need to be on it?” It’s a great question, and the answer is different for everyone. There’s no universal timeline for hormone therapy. Instead, the goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time needed to manage your symptoms.

Think of it as a partnership between you and your doctor. Your treatment plan is dynamic and should adapt as your body and health needs change over time. Together, you’ll regularly review how you’re feeling and decide if the treatment is still serving you. This ongoing conversation ensures that the benefits of MHT continue to outweigh any potential risks for your specific situation. The decision to start, continue, or stop therapy is always a personal one, based on your health goals and medical history.

Expert Recommendations on Treatment Duration

While there’s no magic number, most experts agree that the duration of hormone therapy should be individualized. Many women use MHT for five years or less to manage their most disruptive symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Some women may need it for a shorter period, while others might benefit from a longer duration under careful medical supervision.

A key factor is when you start treatment. The Menopause Society notes that MHT is most effective and generally considered safest when initiated within 10 years of your final menstrual period or before the age of 60. This is often called the “timing window.” Your doctor will help you understand what timeline makes the most sense for your health profile and symptom relief.

How to Monitor Your Treatment

Once you begin MHT, regular check-ins with your doctor are essential. These appointments are the best way to ensure your treatment remains both safe and effective. During these visits, you can discuss how you’re feeling, whether your symptoms have improved, and if you’re experiencing any side effects. Your doctor will also monitor key health markers, like your blood pressure, and review your personal and family medical history.

The main goal of this monitoring is to continuously weigh the pros and cons of your treatment. As the Mayo Clinic advises, these regular appointments help confirm that the benefits you’re getting from MHT still outweigh any potential risks. This collaborative approach allows for adjustments to your dosage or treatment type as needed, keeping your care plan perfectly tailored to you.

Stopping Your Treatment Safely

Deciding when to stop hormone therapy is just as personal as deciding when to start. There is no single “right” time, and the decision will be based on your symptoms, health, and comfort level. Many women choose to stop after their most severe menopause symptoms have subsided, which often happens within a few years.

When you and your doctor agree it’s time to discontinue treatment, you likely won’t stop all at once. The most common approach is to gradually reduce your dose over time. This tapering method can help your body adjust and may prevent a sudden return of symptoms like hot flashes. Your doctor will guide you through a safe and comfortable process, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

How to Decide if MHT Is Your Next Step

Making the decision to start Menopause Hormone Treatment (MHT) is a significant and deeply personal one. It’s not about finding a quick fix, but about finding a sustainable solution that helps you feel like yourself again. The right choice for you depends entirely on your unique symptoms, your health history, and your quality-of-life goals. This isn’t a decision you have to make alone. In fact, the most important step is partnering with a healthcare provider who truly listens and understands the nuances of hormonal health.

A thorough conversation with your doctor is the foundation for making an informed choice. This is your opportunity to share everything—from the night sweats that disrupt your sleep to the brain fog that affects your work. It’s also the time to discuss your complete medical history, including any family history of cancer or cardiovascular disease. At Nugen Medicine, we believe in this collaborative approach. We start by understanding your full story so we can explore whether MHT is a safe and effective path for you. It’s a process of weighing the potential benefits against the risks, all within the context of your individual health profile. The goal is to create a plan that not only manages your symptoms but also supports your long-term wellness, giving you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Walking into your appointment prepared can make all the difference. It helps ensure you cover all your concerns and leave with a clear understanding of your options. Think of this as a starting point for a productive dialogue with your doctor.

Here are a few key questions to guide your conversation:

• Based on my specific symptoms and health history, am I a good candidate for MHT?
• What are the potential benefits I might experience?
• What are the specific risks for someone with my health profile?
• What type of hormone therapy (pills, patches, creams) would you recommend for me, and why?
• How soon might I see an improvement in my symptoms?
• How will we monitor my progress and any potential side effects?

Weighing the Pros and Cons for You

MHT isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, and what works for a friend might not be the right fit for you. The key is to carefully consider your personal health landscape. For most healthy women, especially those who start treatment before age 60 or within 10 years of their last period, the positive effects of MHT are very likely to outweigh the risks. It can be incredibly effective for managing moderate to severe symptoms like hot flashes and preventing bone loss. However, your individual risk factors for conditions like heart disease, blood clots, or certain cancers will play a major role in the decision. An open discussion with your doctor will help clarify where you stand.

Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Once you and your doctor decide that MHT is the right direction, the next step is designing a plan tailored just for you. This involves selecting the right hormones, the best dose, and the most convenient delivery method. Your treatment plan may need adjustments over time, and that’s completely normal. It can sometimes take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect balance that resolves your symptoms with minimal side effects. Think of it as a dynamic process. Regular check-ins with your provider are essential to ensure your plan continues to work for you and remains the safest, most effective option as your body’s needs change.

Related Articles

• Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Women: Benefits, Risks & Safety | Family Clinic in AZ | NuGen Medicine
• Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Benefits, Risks & How It Works | Family Clinic in AZ | NuGen Medicine
• Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Women | Safety, Myths & Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I feel better after starting MHT? Many women notice an improvement in symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, the timeline can vary depending on the person and the specific symptoms being treated. It can sometimes take a few months to find the perfect dose and delivery method that works for you, so patience is key. The best approach is to stay in close communication with your doctor and track how you’re feeling.

Will I have to stay on hormone therapy for the rest of my life? No, hormone therapy is not typically a lifelong treatment. The general guideline is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time needed to manage your symptoms. For many women, this ends up being a few years. You and your doctor will regularly review your treatment plan to make sure the benefits continue to outweigh any risks and decide together when it might be the right time to gradually reduce your dose.

With so many options like pills, patches, and creams, how do I know which one is best? The best option is the one that fits your health needs and lifestyle. There isn’t a single “best” method for everyone. For example, a patch provides a steady dose of hormones without having to pass through your liver, while a local vaginal cream is great for targeting dryness without affecting your whole body. Your doctor will help you choose by considering your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.

I’m worried about gaining weight. Does hormone therapy cause this? This is a very common concern, but research has shown that hormone therapy itself does not cause weight gain. The changes in body composition and metabolism that can lead to weight gain during midlife are usually related to the natural aging process and the hormonal shifts of menopause, not the treatment. MHT can actually help you feel better, which may give you more energy for the physical activity that supports a healthy weight.

What if I can’t take hormones due to a health condition? Am I out of options? Not at all. If you and your doctor determine that MHT isn’t a safe choice for you, there are still many effective ways to manage your symptoms. There are non-hormonal prescription medications that can help with hot flashes, as well as effective treatments for vaginal dryness. Lifestyle adjustments, such as changes to your diet and exercise routine, can also make a significant difference in your overall well-being.