Save big on your prescriptions
with the free SingleCare app.
4.8 average ratingText a link to get the app
Key takeaways
Common treatments for menopause include menopausal hormone therapy, also referred to as hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy.
Healthcare providers also may prescribe nonhormonal treatments, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or SSRI antidepressants, for menopause symptoms.
Lifestyle changes that may supplement prescription medicine may include exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthy diet.
Menopause is a period of 12 consecutive months during which a woman does not experience a period. In most women, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and is a normal part of aging. Menopause occurs because ovarian function decreases, and the ovaries gradually stop producing hormones called estrogen and progesterone. After menopause, a woman cannot become pregnant (except in rare cases involving specialized fertility treatments). Menopause can cause a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness. There are various treatment options for menopause, including medications and lifestyle adjustments.
How is menopause diagnosed?
Many women notice signs and symptoms of menopause, like menstrual changes and hot flashes, without a formal diagnosis by a healthcare provider. In most cases, blood tests are not required. However, in some cases, healthcare providers may order blood or urine tests to measure levels of hormones called estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). At menopause, estradiol levels decrease, while FSH and LH levels increase.
Menopause treatment options
While there is no cure for menopause because it is a normal part of aging, there are various treatments for menopause symptoms for those who need symptom relief, although some individuals do not require any treatment. Prescription options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medications. There are also lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products (such as vaginal lubricants) that may help with symptoms.
Menopause medications
The medication required, if any, will depend on the individual. Healthcare providers may prescribe either hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or nonhormonal therapy.
Hormone therapy (menopausal hormone therapy)
As you go into menopause, your body produces less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), or hormone therapy (HT; previously known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT), helps increase hormone levels and reduce menopause symptoms. HT can be estrogen-only or an estrogen combined with progesterone.
In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed certain boxed warnings from various hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products. Research has found that women who start HRT within 10 years of the onset of menopause (typically before age 60) have a lower all-cause mortality and fractures, and may have a lower risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The type of HT depends on whether you have a uterus.
If you still have your uterus, you’ll take progesterone along with estrogen. This is because estrogen therapy alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer in patients with a uterus.
If you do not have your uterus (for example, if you have had a hysterectomy), you generally will not need to take progesterone. Estrogen alone has fewer long-term risks than combination HT with estrogen and progesterone.
Some examples of commonly used postmenopausal hormones that contain estrogen only include oral medications such as Premarin; vaginal creams such as Estrace; vaginal rings such as Estring; vaginal tablets such as Vagifem; transdermal patches such as Climara, and a transdermal spray called Evamist.
Examples of combination therapy with estrogen and a progesterone include oral medication such as Prempro; and transdermal patches such as CombiPatch.
Intrarosa is a vaginal insert that contains prasterone. It is used to treat painful intercourse due to menopause.
Some specialized pharmacies compound (mix) bioidentical hormones. These are custom-made products that usually contain several types of estrogen along with other hormones, to try to mimic the body’s natural functions.
Not everyone can safely take HT. You can discuss risks versus benefits with your healthcare provider. HT may be prescribed to women at low risk for stroke, heart disease, blood clots, and breast cancer. Those who cannot take HT include individuals who:
Have (or had) breast cancer
Have (or had) endometrial cancer
Have abnormal vaginal bleeding
Have had blood clots or are at high risk for blood clots
Have a history of stroke or heart attack
Have liver disease
Are pregnant (or may be pregnant)
Nonhormonal therapy
Nonhormonal treatment includes:
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): SERMs, such as tamoxifen or Evista (raloxifene), manage how estrogen works in your body. They can be used to treat certain types of breast cancer and osteoporosis.
Osphena (ospemifene) is a SERM that is used to help with vaginal dryness and painful sex due to menopause.
Neurontin (gabapentin) is used off-label (a use that’s not FDA-approved) to reduce nighttime hot flashes and improve sleep.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs): SSRIs may help treat mood changes, hot flashes, and sleep problems.
Neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist: Veozah (fezolinetant) is the first drug in this category and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023. It is a prescription medication for hot flashes associated with menopause.
Additionally, other conditions may be associated with menopause that require treatment. For example, osteoporosis and bone loss may be treated with a bisphosphonate drug such as Fosamax (alendronate).
There is no one “best” remedy for menopause symptoms. The best medication for menopause depends on symptoms, medical history, and medicines you already take that could interact with menopause medication. The table below outlines several common menopause treatments. You can use a free SingleCare card or coupon to save up to 80% off the cost of your medications.
Save big on your prescriptions
with the free SingleCare app.
4.8 average ratingText a link to get the app
Best medication for menopause
| Drug name | See SingleCare price |
|---|---|
| Combipatch | Get free coupon |
| Estrace | Get free coupon |
| Estring | Get free coupon |
| Evista | Get free coupon |
| Intrarosa | Get free coupon |
| Osphena | Get free coupon |
| Premarin | Get free coupon |
| Prempro | Get free coupon |
| Veozah | Get free coupon |
| Vivelle-Dot | Get free coupon |
This is not an exhaustive list of menopause medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for menopause based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of menopause medicine
Common side effects of hormonal therapy may include breast tenderness, mood swings, and irregular spotting. Individuals with a uterus who take estrogen plus progesterone on a cycle, with several days off, may have monthly bleeding.
Common side effects of nonhormonal therapy vary by treatment method. For example, antidepressant side effects may include nausea, headaches, sexual problems, and sleep disturbances.
Home remedies for menopause symptoms
Although not a substitute for medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, some women find benefits in home remedies in reducing menopause symptoms.
Dietary supplements
There are no over-the-counter meds for hot flashes that are approved by the FDA, and popular menopause supplements, such as black cohosh, have not been proven to be effective. However, some people may find certain supplements to be helpful. It is important to check with a healthcare provider before trying any dietary supplement. Certain supplements may also interact with medications or medical conditions.
Mind-body therapy
Some people benefit from mind-body therapies such as massage, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and breathing exercises. However, clinical trials regarding these interventions are limited.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can help reduce some menopause symptoms (as well as related conditions). Some tips include:
Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days per week. Check with a healthcare provider before beginning or changing your exercise routine.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet, as well as calcium to help keep bones strong
Stop smoking or vaping
Decrease alcohol intake
Manage stress
Keep all doctor’s appointments and get preventive vaccines and testing, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and others
For hot flashes, some things you can try include:
Sip ice-cold water throughout the day, especially when you feel a hot flash starting.
Dress in lightweight layers, so you can add or remove a layer of clothing as needed.
Keep a fan by your bed. You can also keep a small fan at your workplace.
Keep your bedroom cool and sleep in lightweight clothing.
Take slow, deep breaths when you feel a hot flash starting.
Vaginal lubricants
Women who experience vaginal dryness may benefit from a vaginal lubricant. While not as effective as vaginal estrogen, there are over-the-counter vaginal lubricants that can be applied before and during sexual activity. Those with more severe dryness may require prescription vaginal estrogen in addition to lubricants. There are also longer-acting vaginal moisturizers that are applied every one to three days, on a regular basis. Check with your healthcare provider if you need medical advice on vaginal dryness.
Frequently asked questions about menopause
What is the best treatment for menopause?
The best treatment for menopause varies based on symptoms and other individual factors such as other medical conditions or health problems, risk factors, other medications you take, and more. Talk to a healthcare provider about the best treatment for your menopause symptoms.
How can I treat my menopause naturally?
You can discuss natural treatments with your healthcare provider. Some natural methods or lifestyle changes may help, possibly in combination with your prescription medication, if required. Some natural methods to reduce menopause symptoms include massage, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and breathing exercises, combined with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, increased physical activity, and limited alcohol intake.
What is the first-line treatment for menopause?
The most effective treatment for hot flashes in menopausal women is considered to be hormone therapy, which is estrogen, taken alone or in combination with a progestin. However, this treatment is not appropriate for everyone, so talk to a healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.
What medications do healthcare providers prescribe for menopause?
Although treatment will vary based on individual factors, commonly prescribed medications include hormone therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and SSRI antidepressants.
In many cases, other medications may be needed, such as Neurontin (gabapentin) for hot flashes, or a bisphosphonate such as Fosamax (alendronate) for bone loss.
Does estrogen make you gain weight?
The decrease in estrogen and progesterone that occurs during perimenopause (the time before menopause when the ovaries gradually stop working) and menopause, along with aging, may be associated with weight gain. Hormone therapy with estrogen will not help you lose weight and may cause some bloating, although it may help redistribute from the stomach to the thighs and buttocks. Experts recommend a healthy diet and exercise to combat weight gain associated with menopause. Consult with a healthcare provider for more help or professional medical advice about weight loss.
Does Veozah cause weight gain?
Veozah is not expected to cause weight gain. However, menopause, as well as certain medicines for menopause, may be associated with weight changes and bloating. Check with your healthcare provider for medical advice if weight gain is a concern.
Does Intrarosa cause weight gain?
Intrarosa is not typically associated with weight gain as a side effect, according to the prescribing information. However, menopause (and some other medicines for menopause) may be associated with weight changes and bloating. Talk with your healthcare provider if weight gain is a concern.
Sources
Menopause, MedlinePlus (2026)
Menopause, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2026)
Menopause treatment, Endocrine Society (2022)
Hot flashes: what can I do?, National Institute on Aging (2021)
What is menopause?, National Institute on Aging (2024)
How do healthcare providers diagnose menopause?, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2021)
What are the treatments for other symptoms of menopause?, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2021)
Menopausal symptoms: In depth, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2026)
Why am I gaining weight so fast during menopause? And will hormone therapy help?, University of Chicago Medicine (2023)
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), Cleveland Clinic (2023)
HHS advances women’s health, removes misleading FDA warnings on hormone replacement therapy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2025)
FDA approves labeling changes to menopausal hormone therapy products, FDA (2026)
Intrarosa, DailyMed (2025)
Veozah, DailyMed (2026)
Subscribe to our savings newsletter
Health education, drug info, wellness & more
By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.
