Some menopausal symptoms can be managed without drug treatments, such as with diet and exercise or by quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol consumption. Some women, however, may choose to start taking hormone replacement therapy to help prevent or reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment prescribed to relieve the various symptoms of menopause. It has been and continues to be controversial, however. For more information about HRT, visit the Hormone Foundation. You should also discuss HRT with your doctor to make sure it is right for you.