Hot Flushes Treatment

“There are many ways to treat hot flushes and vaginal
dryness, but no other treatment has been shown to be
as effective as oestrogen replacement therapy”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hot Flushes Treatment Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Hot Flashes/Flushes Treatment/s
  • NonHormonal Prescriptions
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Hormone Therapy

Is hormone therapy (HT) one of the most effective treatments for hot flushes?

In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – How Does MHT Work? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) note:

Hot Flushes Treatment
“There are many ways to treat hot flushes and vaginal dryness, but no other treatment has been shown to be as effective as oestrogen replacement therapy”.2

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits, published July 2022, the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life. Treatment of bothersome hot flashes and night sweats is the principal reason women use HT”.3

Uterus

Hot Flushes TreatmentWhat HT may women who have a uterus be prescribed for hot flushes treatment?

In Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Is Hormone Therapy? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“A. …Women who still have a uterus need to take a progestogen in addition to estrogen or the estrogen-SERM combination to protect against uterine cancer”.4

What is another FDA-approved HT women who have a uterus may be prescribed for hot flushes treatment?

In Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Are There Treatments for Hot Flashes? according to the NAMS:

“A. …Another FDA-approved hormone product for women with a uterus combines estrogen with the selective estrogen receptor modulator bazedoxifene instead of a progestogen. Bazedoxifene is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, which means that it works like estrogen in some tissues while inhibiting estrogen activity in others. In this case, it helps to protect the uterus from cancer”.5

No Uterus

Hot Flushes TreatmentWhat HT may women who do not have a uterus be prescribed for hot flushes treatment?

In Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Is Hormone Therapy? the NAMS elaborate on:

“A. …Women who have had a hysterectomy (had their uterus removed) can use estrogen alone to control their hot flashes”.6

Hormone Therapy Alternatives

Are HT alternatives available for hot flushes treatment?

In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – Non Hormonal Options: Non-Hormonal Prescription Medication the JH note:

“Some women are told they can’t use hormone-based treatments for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweats.

Some women don’t want to take MHT and prefer different treatment options, like non-hormonal prescription medications. These medications take around four weeks to be effective”.7

What are non-estrogen treatments?

In Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms the European Menopause and Andropause Society explain:

“Non-estrogen-based treatments are for women who do not wish to take estrogen based menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) either through choice or because of concerns about comorbidities such as venous thromboembolism, or a personal or family history of hormone-dependent cancer (e.g. breast cancer)”.8

Antidepressants SSRIs/SNRIs

What SSRIs/SNRIs are used for hot flushes treatment?

In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – Non Hormonal Options: Non-Hormonal Prescription Medication – Antidepressants the JH explain:

“Some antidepressants have been shown to relieve hot flushes. For example, venlafaxine, paroxetine, escitalopram and fluoxetine. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, hot flushes, sweats and insomnia.

Note: Paroxetine and fluoxetine can reduce the effectiveness of some cancer treatment medications”.9

In Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatments: Antidepressants the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“A low-dose form of paroxetine (Brisdelle) is the only nonhormone treatment for hot flashes approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other antidepressants that have been used to treat hot flashes include:

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)”.10

The Mayo Clinic also note:

“These medications aren’t as effective as hormone therapy for severe hot flashes, but they can be helpful to women who can’t use hormones. Possible side effects include nausea, difficulty sleeping or drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth or sexual dysfunction”.11

Other Prescription Medications

Apart from SSRIs/SNRIs, what are other prescription medications used for hot flushes treatment?

In Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatments: Other Prescription Medication the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Other medications that might offer relief for some women include:

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, others). Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that’s moderately effective in reducing hot flashes. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, water retention in the limbs (edema) and fatigue
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica). Pregabalin is another anti-seizure medication that can be effective in reducing hot flashes. Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and weight gain
  • Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Oxytrol). Oxybutynin is a pill or patch most often used to treat urinary conditions like overactive bladder. It may also help relieve hot flashes in some women. Side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, nausea and dizziness
  • Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, others). Clonidine, a pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure, might provide some relief from hot flashes. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation”.12

Bioidentical Hormones

Are bioidentical hormones or compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapies recommended for the treatment of hot flushes?

On page four of the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause one of the recommendations is:

  • “The use of compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapies is not recommended given the issues related to their purity, potency and safety. The potential benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy can be achieved using conventionally licensed products available through NHS prescribing without having to resort to compounded varieties from specialist pharmacies”.13

Alternative Therapies

How effective are alternative therapies for hot flushes treatment?

On page one and two of the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published 10 June 2022, one of the evidence-based recommendations is:

  • “Alternative therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, may also improve hot flushes, nights sweats and other menopausal symptoms and can be considered in women who do not wish to take HRT or have contraindications to taking HRT”.14

Herbs

How effective are herbs for hot flushes treatment?

The JH note:

“The use of herbs in menopause is based on longstanding traditional use, some of which is supported by scientific evidence (e.g. a recent study into the effectiveness of red clover). But more research is needed regarding the effectiveness and safety of some herbal therapies for the management of menopausal symptoms”.15

Black Cohosh

How effective is black cohosh for hot flushes treatment?

In Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? published 20 September 2023, the authors note:

“Many women like to try herbal therapies for hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. While black cohosh is generally considered safe and some women may find it helps them, at the moment there is not enough scientific evidence to show its effects are any better than placebo”.16

Dietary Supplements

How effective are dietary supplements for hot flushes treatment?

On page two in Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats the NAMS explain:

“There are many dietary supplements available over the counter and advertised as remedies for relief of hot flashes and night sweats. There are limited studies showing that these supplements are effective at relieving VMS, and there is a lack of government regulation ensuring their safety and purity, so none of these are recommended treatments for hot flashes and night sweats.

Despite the lack of evidence supporting their use for VMS, if you plan to use dietary supplements, let your health care professional know so they can ensure they are safe for you, that they don’t interact with any of your medications, and so that they can be appropriately monitored”.17

St John’s Wort

Can St John’s wort be used for hot flushes treatment?

In Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Treating Menopausal Symptoms – Non-Prescribed Treatments: St John’s Wort the NICE explain:

“Some women have found St John’s wort can reduce their hot flushes and night sweats during menopause. However, the ingredients of products containing St John’s wort may vary and their effects are uncertain. Also, these products can interfere with other drugs, including those used to treat breast cancer (for example, tamoxifen)”.18

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my hot flushes treatment?

If you would like help with your hot flushes treatment, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page one of the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause one of the recommendations is:

  • “Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms”.19

In Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Treating Menopause Symptoms – What’s Right for Me? the (United States) National Institute on Aging elaborate on:

“Deciding whether and how to treat the symptoms of the menopausal transition can be complicated and personal. Discuss your symptoms, family and medical history, and preferences with your doctor”.20

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hot Flushes Treatment?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hot Flushes Treatment?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 4 Benefits of Sleep Meditation and How To Do It
  2. 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
  3. Ask Early Menopause [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  5. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  6. BMS TV: HRT and Bleeding
  7. BMS TV: HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits
  8. BMS TV: HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer
  9. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  10. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  11. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  12. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  13. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  14. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  15. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  16. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  17. FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
  18. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements
  19. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  20. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  21. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  22. Gabapentin for Hot Flashes: What To Know
  23. Gabapentin for the Treatment of Hot Flushes In Menopause: A Meta-Analysis [Video]
  24. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  25. HRT
  26. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  27. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives To Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  30. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  31. Hot Flashes
  32. Hot Flashes
  33. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  34. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  35. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  36. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  37. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  40. Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work?
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Alcohol and Menopause Can Be A Dangerous Mix [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  44. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  45. Meditation: A Simple, Fast Way To Reduce Stress
  46. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  47. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  48. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
  49. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  50. Menopause
  51. Menopause & Herbs
  52. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Are There Treatments for Hot Flashes?
  53. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes?
  54. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is It Safe To Take Dietary Supplements or Herbal Therapies for My Menopause Symptoms?
  55. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Does It Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
  56. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  57. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  58. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  59. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  60. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series
  61. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  62. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  63. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  64. Menopause-Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Can Last for Years
  65. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  66. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  67. Menopause and HRT
  68. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause – Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms [NICE Guideline]
  69. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  70. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  74. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Sage
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  76. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  77. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  78. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  79. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  80. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  81. Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
  82. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  83. Physical Activity and Exercise for Hot Flashes: Trigger or Treatment?
  84. Phytoestrogens
  85. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  86. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  87. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  88. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  89. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  90. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  91. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  92. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  93. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  94. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  95. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  96. Webinars: Previous – Clinical Climacteric Conundrums
  97. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
  98. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  99. What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
  100. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – How Does MHT Work? Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 21 September 2023
  2. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – How Does MHT Work? Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 21 September 2023
  3. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 21 September 2023
  4. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Is Hormone Therapy? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 21 September 2023
  5. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Are There Treatments for Hot Flashes? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hot-flashes Accessed: 21 September 2023
  6. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Is Hormone Therapy? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 21 September 2023
  7. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – Non Hormonal Options: Non-Hormonal Prescription Medication. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 21 September 2023
  8. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society
    https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Non-estrogen-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms.pdf     Accessed: 21 September 2023
  9. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – Non Hormonal Options: Non-Hormonal Prescription Medication – Antidepressants. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 21 September 2023
  10. Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Antidepressants. 20 May 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  11. Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Antidepressants. 20 May 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  12. Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Antidepressants. 20 May 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  13. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  14. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  15. Menopause Management Options: Natural Therapies (Complementary Medicine and Therapies). Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 21 September 2023
  16. Taylor, S. and Davis, S. Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? 20 September 2023 https://theconversation.com/lots-of-women-try-herbs-like-black-cohosh-for-menopausal-symptoms-like-hot-flushes-but-does-it-work-211272 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  17. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats. July 2023:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nonhormone-treatment-menonote.pdf Accessed: 21 September 2023
  18. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Treating Menopausal Symptoms – Non-Prescribed Treatments: St John’s Wort. Published Date: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Treating-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 21 September 2023
  19. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 21 September 2023
  20. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Treating Menopause Symptoms: What’s Right for Me? Content Reviewed: 30 September 2021. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-flashes-what-can-i-do Accessed: 21 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 21 September 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 21 September 2023

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