Hormone Therapy
During menopause, the ovaries decrease the production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy is used to supplement the body with either estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone in combination. 

Estrogen Therapy
Estrogen therapy is usually only prescribed to women who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy) because this therapy can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Estrogen + Progestin Therapy
In women who still have their uterus, healthcare providers commonly prescribe estrogen / progestin therapy because it is considered to be a very effective treatment for unpleasant menopausal symptoms for most women.

In the last several years, hormone replacement therapy has been in the news and there has been speculation that it might be dangerous. But the facts are that hormone therapy may be a viable option for women who meet certain criteria. The latest research shows that the risk is related to the time since menopause (less than 10 years) and the age at which HRT is started (less than 60).  If started in this “window of opportunity,” the cardiac risks are less in the user group than in the non-user group.  There is no one size fits all approach to hormones.  The treatment is generally tailored to the individual patient, which is why women should discuss their options with their Saint John’s physician.

Oral contraceptive pills
Oral contraceptive pills are another form of hormone therapy, often prescribed for women in perimenopause, to treat irregular vaginal bleeding.  Oral contraceptives are often given to these women in order to regulate menstrual periods and relieve hot flashes, as well as to provide contraception.

Local hormone treatments
There are also local hormonal treatments for the symptoms of vaginal estrogen deficiency. Local treatments, which are applied directly to the vagina, include the vaginal estrogen ring (Estring), vaginal estrogen cream, or vaginal estrogen tablets (Vagifem). Local and oral estrogen treatments are sometimes combined for this purpose.

Medications
There are several types of medications that can be useful in relieving the symptoms of menopause.  Medications may include:

• Low-dose antidepressants:  These medications can help treat mood wings and hot flashes.
• Anti-seizure medications:  Some anti-seizure medications, such as Gabapentin, are effective in reducing hot flashes.
• Biphosphonates: These are non-hormonal medications that prevent or treat osteoporosis. Biphosphonates effectively reduce both bone loss and the risk of fractures.