Women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms don’t need to suffer. If doctors advise them to avoid hormone therapy because they’ve had a heart attack, blood clots, stroke or breast cancer — or if they simply don’t want to take it — there are other options. Experts say lifestyle changes, medications without hormones and other strategies can help. Exercise and eating well can aid in weight loss, which has been associated with reductions in hot flashes and night sweats. Antidepressants and other nonhormonal prescription drugs can also ease symptoms. And there are nonprescription options such as over-the-counter vaginal lubricants.