There’s a variety of treatment options for menopause hot flashes. These are a few common ones your healthcare provider may discuss with you:
Hormone Therapy
“Hormone therapy is most effective in treating disruptive hot flashes affecting a woman’s quality of life,” says Dr. Ross. “[It] increases the body’s estrogen levels, which nicely treats hot flashes and night sweats.”
Hormone therapy is considered a first-line therapy for hot flashes and most effective in early menopause. But risks increase later in menopause.
NK3 Receptor Antagonists
Women with a history of breast cancer or heart disease can explore a class of drugs called neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonists. These medications may help relieve hot flashes without hormone therapy.
Off-Label Treatments
Gabapentin (Neurontin), a medication typically used to treat nerve pain and seizures, and clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay), a blood pressure medication, have been prescribed off label to women with hot flashes. “[These drugs] help minimize hot flashes by working with the body’s central nervous system, stabilizing the temperature center in the hypothalamus,” says Ross.
Antidepressant Medications
Another option could be antidepressants. As with clonidine, “SSRI [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor] and SNRI [serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor] antidepressants help with hot flashes by controlling neurotransmitters in the temperature center in the hypothalamus,” says Ross.
Nondrug Options
Your doctor may also mention nonmedication interventions, such as mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, or dietary supplements such as black cohosh or ginseng.
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