The best remedies for treatment-induced hot flashes and night sweats depend on several factors.
- Why menopause occurred
- Your overall health status
- Whether certain therapies are safe for you
Your gynecologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different approaches and create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for VMS, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. Whether it’s an option for you depends on your medical history, the reason menopause occurred, and your personal risk factors.
“For someone who was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is placed on chemotherapy, estrogen is probably not going to be something to consider,” says Dweck. “But for someone who, for example, has had both ovaries removed for a benign reason, estrogen given at the time of surgery may be all that’s needed to help prevent and manage symptoms.”
Nonhormonal Medications
For people who cannot — or choose not to — take hormone therapy, several nonhormonal options may help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
Some newer medications work by targeting brain pathways involved in your body’s temperature regulation. These include neurokinin-receptor antagonists, which regulate the signals that trigger hot flashes. Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have also been shown to reduce vasomotor symptoms.
Other medications can be used off-label to help with hot flashes, including certain antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and medications typically used to treat urinary conditions and high blood pressure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Treatment doesn’t always have to involve medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that can help people manage the physical and emotional effects of VMS.
“In the right hands with the right therapist, CBT is fantastic for vasomotor symptoms,” says Dweck.
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