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Treatment for menopause and perimenopause

Find out about the main treatments for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including HRT (hormone replacement therapy).

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)

If you have symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about HRT and other options available.

The type of HRT you're offered will depend on whether you still have periods or not, or if you have had your womb removed (hysterectomy).

Oestrogen

Oestrogen is the main type of HRT and can help manage your symptoms. It can be taken as tablets or used as patches, spray or gel.

It's sometimes used as a cream or pessary to treat vaginal dryness and soreness, or urinary symptoms, after the menopause.

Progestogen

If you're taking oestrogen and have not had a hysterectomy, it's important to take progestogen to protect your womb.

Progestogen can be taken as tablets, as part of a combined patch or as the hormonal coil (intrauterine system, or IUS).

Testosterone

Testosterone gel or cream can help to improve low libido (sex drive) for some.

There are many reasons why you may have low libido around the menopause, including relationship difficulties, how you feel about yourself, and physical discomfort. You may be able to get testosterone on prescription from a menopause specialist.

More information

Find out more about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Non-hormonal treatments

If HRT does not work for your symptoms, you cannot take it for some reason or you do not want to take it, other types of treatment are available.

If you have low mood, depression or anxiety caused by perimenopause or menopause, you may be offered antidepressants.

If you have hot flushes and night sweats, there are other medicines or treatments that can help. You may be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or if that does not help a doctor may suggest clonidine, or an antidepressant.

Talk to a GP about how to improve your symptoms and what medicines may be suitable for you.

Find out more about other medicines for menopause symptoms

Herbal remedies and complementary medicines

Herbal remedies and complementary medicines such as red clover and black cohosh are sometimes sold for symptoms of menopause or perimenopause. But there is very little evidence to show how well they work, or how safe they are.

Some herbal remedies and complementary medicines may also cause serious side effects when taken with other medicines.

Find out more about herbal remedies and complementary medicines for menopause symptoms

Content last reviewed by the NHS: 19 May 2029

Content last collected from the NHS: 24 July 2026

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