press release

PRESS RELEASE
When HRT isn’t an option .
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t the answer for all menopausal women. Some can’t take HRT for medical reasons, while others choose not to take it. If HRT risks outweigh the benefits, women may be offered an alternative drug by their GP. But how effective are these? In the Spring 2010 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, pharmacist consultant Dr Nuttan Tanna assesses the evidence for common prescription drug alternatives to HRT. She looks at treatments like progestogens, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine. “Not all women can or want to take HRT, so it’s good that other treatment options are available,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “Not all prescription drug alternatives are effective for all women, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each treatment and who these are most suitable for.” The Menopause Exchange is completely independent – it’s not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions from individuals and healthcare professionals. Other articles in the Winter 2009/10 issue include premature menopause, the health benefits of The Menopause Exchange. PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS Tel: 020 8420 7245 Fax: 020 8954 2783 E-mail: norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk Visit The Menopause Exchange website at
For more information on The Menopause Exchange, write to The Menopause Exchange at
PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an e- 1. The Menopause Exchange Newsletter was launched in June 1999. 2. The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman, a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in health promotion. She gives talks on the menopause to employees in the workplace and hospitals, women and women’s groups, healthcare professionals, GP practices, organisations, health clubs and at exhibitions. Her daughter, Victoria, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication. 3. The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses and pharmacists) and complementary practitioners. 4. Topics covered in previous issues of the newsletter include: the perimenopause; types and forms of HRT; easing flushes and sweats without HRT; phytoestrogen and herb safety; testing for osteoporosis; sleeping better at the menopause; menopausal libido; minerals at the menopause; and coping with stress. 5. UK annual membership (4 issues of the newsletter, regular fact sheets, use of the information service and ‘Ask the Experts’ panel) costs £18 for individuals; £22 for local organisations; £40 for companies/national organisations; corporate (over 10 copies) and overseas memberships are available on request. 6. All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245. The Menopause Exchange. PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS Tel: 020 8420 7245 Fax: 020 8954 2783 E-mail: norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk

Source: http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk/downloads/Spring-2010-press-release-prescription-drug-alternatives-to-HRT.pdf