Women are typically prescribed medications for various conditions including hormonal imbalance, heart health, and mental health. However, taking medication on a regular basis can be taxing on the body and also add up to a hefty expense.

Here are some medications that women can take less often but still experience benefits.

1. Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms

Hormone therapy is a common treatment for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause. However, research shows that hormone therapy may increase the risk of certain health conditions like breast cancer and heart disease.

One way to reduce the risks associated with hormone therapy is to take the medication on a lower dose or switch to a different type of hormone therapy.

Women can also use non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes, including natural remedies like soy products and black cohosh supplements.

2. Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a common medication among women to prevent pregnancy. However, taking a pill every day can be a hassle and lead to potential side effects like blood clots and migraines.

There are options for women who want to take birth control less often such as the shot, patch, and vaginal ring. These methods only need to be used every few months instead of daily.

3. Statins for Heart Health

Statins are a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and LDL, which can decrease a person’s risk of heart disease. However, taking statins every day can be inconvenient and also lead to unwanted side effects like muscle pain.

On the other hand, taking statins two to three times a week or incorporating lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can still see benefits without negative side effects.

4. Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for women experiencing symptoms of depression. However, these medications can lead to side effects such as weight gain, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction.

Patients can switch to medications that are taken once a week or incorporate therapy, meditation, or exercise to improve mental health.

5. Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements are popular among women as they provide essential vitamins and minerals that are often not obtained through diet alone.

However, some vitamins like vitamin D and calcium can be overdosed, leading to potential health risks like kidney damage. Women can incorporate a balanced diet into their lifestyle to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals or take a lower dose of supplements.

6. Pain Medication

Pain medication is often used by women to alleviate symptoms of headaches, menstrual cramps, and other body pains. However, these medications can sometimes lead to addiction, stomach ulcers, and kidney disease.

Women can take pain medication on an as-needed basis or incorporate natural remedies like acupuncture, massage, or meditation to manage pain.

7. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often prescribed for women who are suffering from bacterial infections. However, antibiotics can also lead to negative side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and even resistance to antibiotics.

Women can take antibiotics on a low dose or only as needed to avoid side effects or resistance to the medication.

8. Pre-Natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are taken by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to ensure adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

However, these vitamins can sometimes be expensive and lead to negative side effects like constipation and nausea. Women can take a lower dose of pre-natal vitamins or focus on a balanced diet to obtain necessary nutrients.

9. ADHD Medication

ADHD medication is often prescribed to women experiencing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, these medications can lead to side effects like insomnia and decreased appetite.

Women can switch to a lower dose of ADHD medication or focus on therapy, meditation, and mindfulness exercises to improve focus and attention.

10. Osteoporosis Medication

Osteoporosis medication is commonly prescribed to women experiencing bone loss and to prevent fractures. However, these medications can lead to side effects like stomach upset and kidney damage.

Women can incorporate exercises like weight training and a calcium-rich diet to improve bone health or take osteoporosis medication on an as-needed basis.