Hormonal and nonhormonal treatment of vasomotor symptoms

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2015 Mar;42(1):163-79. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.09.008. Epub 2014 Dec 2.

Abstract

This article focuses on the cause, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis of, and treatment options for vasomotor symptoms. In addition, it summarizes important points for health care providers caring for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with regard to health maintenance, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and vaginal atrophy. Treatment options for hot flashes with variable effectiveness include systemic hormone therapy (estrogen/progestogen), nonhormonal pharmacologic therapies (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, clonidine, gabapentin), and nonpharmacologic therapy options (behavioral changes, acupuncture). Risks and benefits as well as contraindications for hormone therapy are further discussed.

Keywords: Estrogen; Menopause; Progestogen; SNRI; SSRI; Vasomotor symptoms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Hot Flashes / etiology
  • Hot Flashes / physiopathology
  • Hot Flashes / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Menopause / drug effects
  • Menopause / physiology*
  • Progestins / therapeutic use
  • Vasomotor System / drug effects*
  • Vasomotor System / physiopathology
  • Women's Health

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • Progestins