Are you seeking relief from hot flashes, mood swings or uncomfortable symptoms of menopause?

Your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) over a short period for severe symptoms. But HRT has been ruled out for most women after a major research study found that the combination of estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and blood clots. You do have options. But first, talk to your doctor before trying any alternative Herbs and other options to help you alternative or natural treatment because most have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and may interact with your other medications.

Cool down hot flashes

Hot flashes typically stop within a few years of the last period. In the meantime, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) suggests these adjustments...

• Quit smoking.
• Cut back on spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.
• Ease stress. Try a yoga class.
• Exercise three or four times a week.
• Consider soy and herbs. There are no long-term studies that prove they relieve hot flashes, but the ACOG says soy, St. John's Wort and black cohosh, which contain natural phytoestrogens, may be helpful in the short term.
• Wear loose clothing in layers.

Sleep disorders, anxiety, depression

It's important to talk to your doctor about antidepressant medication because sleep problems, anxiety and depression can be serious. Herbs are not the solution in this case because no long-term studies prove their safety and effectiveness.

Targeting vaginal dryness

Dryness can be treated with estrogen in the form of vaginal creams, vaginal tablets or vaginal rings. These three methods will not appreciably increase estrogen levels in your body.

You don't need HRT for osteoporosis

While HRT helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, other medications may be more effective and pose less risk for breast cancer or heart disease.

• Talk to your doctor about bisphosphonates, which can slow bone deterioration, and selective estrogen receptor modulators, a class of synthetic estrogens.
• Boost the calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Post-menopausal women should take up to to 1,500 mg of calcium per day.
• Soy and isoflavones taken over time may protect against osteoporosis.
• Try weight-bearing exercise such as jogging or walking.