Not all women are affected to the same extent; many cope well with Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal preparations, acupuncture, and/or physical activity. For some, however, menopause is associated with tangible symptoms, and their quality of life can be significantly impaired.

In this case, hormone replacement therapy is worth considering to supply the body with the missing hormones. And while in the 1990s, the classic estrogen preparation was still derived from mare urine, today so-called bioidentical hormones are used.

Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Depending on the symptoms, they can be administered in ointment form, as tablets, or as topical suppositories.

Before deciding on hormone therapy, a detailed medical history and a gynecological examination, including a breast examination, are mandatory.

Not all women are allowed to take hormones, so risk factors such as breast cancer, coronary heart disease, or venous thromboembolism must be ruled out. A blood test can determine whether you are already in menopause, as the symptoms you are experiencing can sometimes have other causes.

Now would also be a good time to have your bone density measured. This can determine whether you are at risk for developing osteoporosis as you age. In addition to vitamin D and calcium, estrogens also play a key role in bone formation. Everyone should pay attention to a protein-rich diet and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Recent studies also show a possible connection between estrogens and Alzheimer's disease and lipid metabolism.