The underlying condition of perimenopause and menopause is a natural change. It doesn't require "treatment." It can't be "cured." However, that doesn't mean that the physical and emotional symptoms that accompany this change should be ignored. There are a variety of treatments that can provide relief from many of the symptoms that accompany the transition into midlife. Treatment of insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, cloudy thinking, heavy menstrual periods and other symptoms can help you manage this life transition more comfortably.

Definitions:

• Perimenopause: As a woman’s body ages, hormonal changes occur. This is the onset of perimenopause, the period of hormonal fluctuation which eventually leads to menopause. However, perimenopause may up to last five years or longer.
• Menopause: Menopause occurs when the ovaries decrease their production of the estrogen and progesterone. When you've had no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, you are officially in menopause.

Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause may include some or all of the following:

• Irregular periods or heavy menstrual cycles
• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive
• Mood swings
• Memory impairment
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Weight gain

Treatment Options for Symptom Relief

Hormone Therapy

• During perimenopause—low-dose hormone therapy or low-dose birth control pills may be a treatment option for multiple or severe perimenopause symptoms. 
• During menopause—hormone therapy may be considered as an option. 

Non-Hormonal Treatments

A healthy lifestyle will help reduce your menopause symptoms overall, while an unhealthy lifestyle can make symptoms worse. Healthy habits include:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Reduce stress
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and heavy caffeine or alcohol use.
• Help for Hot Flashes
• Avoid eating or drinking hot or spicy foods and drinking alcohol or caffeine if they are a trigger for you
• Non-hormonal prescription medications  
• Herbal products like soy and black cohosh can have limited benefits on symptoms
• Use mental imagery and relaxation breathing to rescue you from the heat of a flash
• Dress in layers
• Drink cold water when you feel a hot flash coming on
• Exercise regularly

Help for Vaginal Dryness

• Over-the-counter lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can alleviate symptoms
• Remain sexually active

Help for Better Sleep

• Exercise, though not close to bedtime
• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine after noon 
• Sip a warm beverage before bed such as caffeine-free herbal tea or warm milk
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
• Avoid naps
• Go to sleep and wake up the same time every day, even on weekends
• Try melatonin supplements
• Discover whether acupuncture helps
• Use relaxation techniques such as yoga or tai chi
• Talk to your doctor about a prescription sleep medication

Help for Depression and Mood Swings

• Get enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Talk to your doctor about a prescription antidepressant
• Join a support group or form your own

The Bottom Line on Hormone-Free Menopause Treatments
Lifestyle changes are always the best place to start. They are safe and benefit your overall health and well being.

When it comes to using herbs and dietary supplements, The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, reports inconclusive evidence as to whether they are safe and effective treatments for menopause symptoms. It continues to fund scientific studies to gather more evidence.

Some women have had success using prescription antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and high blood pressure medications to control hot flashes and mood swings. Talk to your doctor about these medications in light of your unique health history and symptoms, then weigh their potential benefits with their possible side effects.