Other Treatment

Many women have turned to alternative medicine for menopause symptom relief. Before you try prescription medicines or hormones, you can think about using one or more of the following options for preventing or treating symptoms.

• Paced respiration is a meditative breathing exercise. It may reduce hot flashes and emotional symptoms.
• Black cohosh (such as Remifemin) may prevent or relieve menopause symptoms. But the research on black cohosh has had mixed results.
• Soy may improve menopause symptoms. But studies have shown mixed results.
• Yoga (which often includes meditative breathing) and/or biofeedback give you tools you can use to reduce stress. High stress is likely to make your symptoms worse.

Remember that dietary supplements aren't regulated the way medicines are. It's important to be careful when taking supplements. Tell your doctor what you are taking.

Treatments to avoid

Based on the latest research, some treatments aren't recommended, either because they don't work or because they can cause dangerous effects. These include:

• Kava, evening primrose, dong quai, valerian, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and angelica.
• Wild yam or natural progesterone creams.