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7 Tips for Managing Surgical Menopause Without HRT

From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List

I am unable to use HRT, so how can I manage surgical menopause?


For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not an option for treating their surgical menopause symptoms. If you are one of those women, you may find it helpful to learn some tips that can help you manage the symptoms and health issues which may arise. Not all options will work as effectively for all women, so plan to work with your medical team and be patient while you find the right combination of tips to help you manage your surgical menopause without HRT.

Here are 7 tips you can try, but remember it can take some time:

1. Relax.

The more uptight you are about your symptoms, the more symptoms you might have. It may take some trial and error to find ways to manage your symptoms, but stressing about it won’t help and could worsen them. For instance, stress can increase hot flashes, anxiety, and sleep issues.

2. Talk to your doctor.

Your doctor may have suggestions for you as you are not the only woman who is unable to use HRT. If your doctor is not helpful, find one who is. It's important that you have a medical team who will work effectively with you through your surgical menopause.

3. Keep a symptom journal.

Keep a journal of your symptoms. This will allow you to determine which symptoms are the most bothersome so you can work to treat them first. A journal can also allow your doctor to see what you are going through so s/he can offer more specific treatment options. It will also help you monitor treatment options.

4. Consider non-HRT medications.

There are non-hormonal medications which can be used to treat some symptoms of menopause. Brisdelle (a low dose antidepressant) or Clonidine (a blood pressure medication) may help with hot flashes. If you are at risk for specific menopause related health issues such as osteoporosis or cholesterol concerns, you and your doctor can discuss whether or not you should take medications for those conditions.

5. Try over-the-counter and home remedies.

There are a variety of over-the-counter and home remedies which may help with surgical menopause symptoms. These can range from using supplements like soy, black cohosh, or red clover, to buying a personal fan, using cooling clothing, and avoiding your hot flash triggers. For v-zone and intimacy concerns, personal lubricants, vitamin E suppositories, pelvic floor physical therapy, or kegels may help. Depending on your specific symptoms, there can be a wide variety of options for you to consider.

6. Make lifestyle changes.

There are many lifestyles changes you can make which can help with surgical menopause symptoms and health risks. Weight bearing exercises and adequate calcium can help with osteoporosis concerns. Eating healthy and exercising regularly could help with cholesterol and heart related issues. Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help prevent some hot flashes. For menopause related insomnia, you can create a bedtime routine you follow each night. Minimizing stress and getting enough sleep can help with moods and anxiety. You and your doctor can work together to identify changes you can make to help you manage your surgical menopause symptoms.

7. Take charge of your health.

Being as healthy as you can be could help you cope better with surgical menopause symptoms as well as help prevent some menopause related health concerns. Take charge of your health by taking care of yourself from head-to-toe. Quit smoking, control your weight, be fit, and have your yearly well-woman exams. With successful health goals, you make better choices for better health which can help you manage surgical menopause more successfully.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



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