Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – also known as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – remains the most effective treatment for symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, not every woman is suitable for or comfortable with using hormones.

At the Menopause Treatment Clinic in Bondi Junction, Dr Sonia Verma offers a personalised, evidence-based approach to symptom relief – including both hormonal and non-hormonal menopause treatment options – tailored to your individual health history, preferences, and goals.

Who Might Avoid HRT?

Some women may be advised against using HRT, particularly if they have:

• A history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer
• Active liver disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Personal or family history of blood clots or stroke
• Preference to avoid synthetic or bioidentical hormones
  For these women, Dr Verma offers safe, effective alternatives supported by current clinical guidelines.

Non-Hormonal Alternatives to HRT

Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopause Symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is often the most effective treatment for managing symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes. However, HRT isn’t suitable for everyone—due to medical history, personal preference, or contraindications. In these cases, several non-hormonal medications* can offer relief, especially for vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats) and sleep disturbances.

SSRIs and SNRIs*

Examples: venlafaxine, paroxetine, citalopram
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants that have also been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes. They may be particularly helpful for women experiencing mood swings or anxiety alongside vasomotor symptoms.

Gabapentin*

Gabapentin is traditionally used to treat nerve pain or seizures but is often prescribed off-label to help with sleep disturbances, night sweats, and hot flushes. It may be useful for women who cannot take HRT and are looking for relief, especially at night.

Clonidine*

Clonidine is a blood pressure medication that can, in some cases, reduce hot flushes. It’s less commonly used now due to side effects and variable effectiveness, but it may still be considered for some women who cannot tolerate other options.

These non-hormonal medications are generally considered first-line alternatives when HRT is not appropriate.

*Treatment for menopause should always be tailored to your individual medical history and symptoms. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as Dr Sonia Verma or your GP, before starting or changing any treatment.

Non-Hormonal Vaginal Treatments

For women experiencing vaginal dryness, irritation, or painful intercourse, Dr Verma may recommend:

• Vaginal moisturisers – e.g. SYLK, Replens
• Water-based lubricants – to improve comfort during intimacy
• Laser and energy-based therapies – available via referral
  These options can significantly improve comfort and urogenital health without systemic hormone exposure.→ Jean Hailes: Non-hormonal options for vaginal symptoms

Lifestyle, Diet and Exercise

Evidence consistently supports lifestyle changes as the foundation of menopausal wellbeing. Dr Verma encourages:

• Regular exercise

  Especially resistance training and weight-bearing activities

• Balanced nutrition

  A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, legumes, fish and plant-based fats supports brain, bone and heart health → Australian Dietary Guidelines
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  Proven to reduce severity of hot flushes and improve sleep

• Sleep hygiene strategies
  
Including consistent routines, limiting caffeine/alcohol, and creating a restful environment
• Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation
 → Quit.org.au – Smoking and menopause
  These strategies are supported by both the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australasian Menopause Society.

Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment – Complementary and Alternative Therapies

While evidence varies, some women report benefits from:

• Acupuncture
  
May reduce hot flushes for some, though results are mixed
→ Jean Hailes: Complementary therapies for menopause
• Herbal remedies*
  Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Dr Verma can help navigate supplement use safely.
  *Always consult a doctor before using herbal or over-the-counter treatments. Some interact with medications or mimic oestrogen effects.

Personalised, Hormone-Free Support at the Menopause Treatment Clinic

Dr Sonia Verma’s approach is evidence-based, respectful, and holistic. If you’re not a candidate for HRT – or simply prefer not to use it – she will help you explore other effective strategies to manage symptoms and protect your long-term health.

• Full medical evaluation
• Personalised lifestyle plan
• Prescription non-hormonal treatment
• Vaginal care strategies

• Mental health support
• Bone and heart risk assessments

Learn More About Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment

• Australasian Menopause Society – Non-Hormonal Management
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – Menopause
• Healthdirect Australia – Menopause
• NAMS – North American Menopause Society
  

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH MENOPAUSE SPECIALIST

• Book a consultation with Dr Sonia Verma

• Call: 02-8359 1943
• Visit: MenopauseTreatmentClinic.com.au