Treatments

Medicines, supplements and lifestyle approaches used in menopause, each rated on how well the research supports it.

• AshwagandhaAshwagandha is marketed for stress, sleep and menopause. What trials show, the limited menopause data, and liver and thyroid safety concerns.
• BiotinBiotin is sold for hair, skin and nails. Why evidence in healthy people is thin, and how high doses can distort thyroid, heart and other blood tests.
• Black cohoshBlack cohosh is a popular herbal remedy for hot flashes. Here is what trials show, why it is not recommended, and the reported liver concerns.
• CBT for menopauseCognitive behavioral therapy for menopause: what it involves, trial results for hot flashes, sleep and mood, and how to find it.
• CollagenCollagen powders and drinks are marketed for skin, hair and joints after menopause. What the trials show, why funding matters, and safety.
• Evening primrose oilEvening primrose oil is a common menopause supplement. What trials show for hot flashes, breast pain and skin, plus bleeding and seizure cautions.
• Exercise and strength trainingWhat exercise and strength training can do in menopause: evidence for bone density, weight and mood, why it does not cure hot flashes, and safety tips.
• Hormone therapy (HRT)What menopausal hormone therapy is, what trials show for hot flashes, vaginal symptoms and bones, who should be careful, and recent US label changes.
• MagnesiumMagnesium is often taken for sleep and hot flashes in menopause. What trials show, why one hot flash trial failed, and who should be careful.
• MinoxidilTopical and low-dose oral minoxidil for female pattern hair loss in midlife: what trials show, how long it takes, side effects and availability.
• Non-hormonal prescription treatmentsHot flash medicines without hormones: fezolinetant, elinzanetant, SSRIs/SNRIs, gabapentin and oxybutynin. Evidence, safety and approval status.
• Rosemary oilRosemary oil is a popular home remedy for thinning hair. What the main trial found, why the evidence is thin for women, and safety tips.
• Soy isoflavonesDo soy foods and isoflavone supplements help menopause symptoms? Mixed trial results for hot flashes, possible bone benefit, and who should be careful.
• Vaginal estrogenLow-dose vaginal estrogen for dryness, painful sex and urinary symptoms after menopause: trial evidence, safety, breast cancer questions and access.
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricantsNon-hormonal vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for menopause dryness and painful sex: types, evidence, ingredients to watch and when to try more.
• Vitamin DVitamin D helps the body use calcium for bone. What large trials show for fractures, falls and mood in midlife women, and when too much is harmful.