Day 3: Treatments for hot flashes

There are many to consider.

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DAY 3 OF 3 Treatments to speak with your doctor about If lifestyle changes aren't enough to improve your symptoms, know there are many treatments out there — both hormonal and nonhormonal. Below, we give an overview of some common medications, and who they might be best suited for. Remember, it's critical to work with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) HRT (sometimes called menopausal hormone therapy) regulates estrogen and progesterone levels. It's considered one of the most effective treatments for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Women under the age of 60, or who entered menopause in the last 10 years, stand to benefit most from HRT. However, there are risks associated with HRT that may be greater for certain groups. If you're older than 60 or started menopause more than 10 years ago, the risks could outweigh the benefits. Antidepressants Antidepressants are a type of nonhormonal prescription medication that can be used to treat hot flashes. Paroxetine is the only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that's approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. Other types of antidepressants are often prescribed off-label, meaning manufacturers haven't conducted the same rigorous trials to ensure safety and effectiveness for hot flashes specifically. (Although, antidepressants are generally considered safe.) Other treatments Fezolinetant is another FDA-approved medication for treating hot flashes. (However, the FDA recently released a warning that it can lead to rare, yet serious, liver damage.) Gabapentin, an antiseizure medication, and clonidine, which helps regulate behavior, attention, and how we express emotion, are both commonly prescribed off-label to treat menopausal hot flashes. Be wary of unproven remedies Many people find relief from alternative hot flash treatments such as black cohosh, DHEA, and soy isoflavones. But there isn't enough evidence to show their safety or effectiveness. Always work with a healthcare professional before trying herbal remedies, as they can interact with other medications and cause side effects. Get menopause support with Healthgrades Find Care That brings us to the end of our series on managing hot flashes. If you want more support for your health and well-being through this stage of life, consider visiting Healthgrades Find Care to search for healthcare professionals. We wish you all the best! FIND CARE *Healthgrades and Healthline are both owned by RVO Health. Want to keep learning?   Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause READ ON   Menopause Diet: How What You Eat Affects Your Symptoms READ ON   Why a Menopause Patch May Help With Your Symptoms READ ON Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy   |   Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2025 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707