Angeliq Alternatives

If side effects become too bothersome, or if you do not respond well to Angeliq, alternatives to the medicine for menopause treatment are available. Other conventional medications can include estrogen-only drugs and other combination products. Natural remedies (such as acupuncture and herbal supplements) are also common Angeliq alternatives. Some women may also benefit from coping strategies, such as getting more exercise and making dietary changes.

 

Angeliq Alternatives: An Overview

Angeliq® (drospirenone/estradiol) is a prescription hormone replacement medication. For most women, Angeliq works well without causing significant side effects. However, as with any medication, Angeliq may not adequately work as well as desired or may cause intolerable or dangerous side effects. Also, for some women, the risks of taking Angeliq may outweigh the potential benefits. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Angeliq for menopause treatment, including:
 
  • Other conventional medications
  • Coping strategies
  • Natural remedies.
     
Other Conventional Medications as Alternatives to Angeliq
Angeliq contains both an estrogen and a progestin hormone. Angeliq is the only hormone replacement therapy medication that contains drospirenone. Other estrogen/progestin combination hormone replacement therapy medications include:
 
Other combination options include medications that combine estrogen plus a testosterone, such as Covaryx™ or Estratest®.
 
For women without a uterus (those who have had a hysterectomy), estrogen without a progestin is a good option, as the progestin component is usually considered unnecessary for such women. These estrogen-only Angeliq substitutes include:
 
Coping Strategies as Angeliq Alternatives
Medications are not always the answer to all menopause symptoms. If you cannot take Angeliq or other estrogen medications (or if you desire to avoid such medications), you may want to try other, non-drug ways to deal with the symptoms. For instance, there are a variety of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers currently available that can help provide relief from vaginal dryness and irritation. Some are even designed especially for menopausal women. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet can also work wonders for some menopause symptoms.
 
(For more ideas on ways to cope with menopause symptoms, see Menopause Relief.)
(Angeliq Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;