Discovering the Best Non Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flashes

When you’re experiencing menopause – defined as the absence of a menstrual period for 12 months – symptoms can range from mild to severe and often vary significantly from person to person.

While symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt your daily life, the good news is there are several non hormonal treatments for hot flashes that may help.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we’ve worked with women throughout all of life’s stages, from their first exam to their menopausal years. This comprehensive dedication to your overall health has made us one of the premier OBGYNs in Raleigh. Having trouble with hot flashes? We encourage you to schedule an appointment.

In this article, we’ll highlight a few non hormonal approaches to hot flashes, including medications and lifestyle changes, and consider the effectiveness of these treatments.

What Are Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?

Hot flashes are among the most common symptoms of menopause, and one of the most bothersome. But what is a hot flash exactly, and what causes them?

During menopause, your body produces less estrogen and progesterone. Declining estrogen levels can disrupt your body’s temperature regulation system, known as the hypothalamus, making you extremely sensitive to changes in body temperature.

When your hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, a series of events in the form of a hot flash occurs to help you cool down.

Non Hormonal Treatments for Hot Flashes

Now that we know what causes hot flashes, let’s take a look at a few non hormonal approaches to minimizing their impact.

Are There Vitamins That Help with Hot Flashes?

Vitamins and dietary supplements are sometimes considered for treating menopause symptoms. The results of using supplements such as black cohosh, ginseng, and dong quai to treat hot flashes specifically is either mixed or non-existent, though in some cases they may help alleviate other symptoms.

The effect of plant estrogens such as soy on hot flashes is mixed as well, though research is ongoing. Vitamin E supplements may offer relief from mild hot flashes, though in high doses, may increase the risk of bleeding.

Be sure to speak with us if you plan to use supplements, because they can have harmful side effects and may have adverse interactions with other medications you’re taking.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Hot Flashes?

If you’re experiencing uncomfortable hot flashes, you may want to consider lifestyle changes to reduce their effects before seeking other treatments.

Here are a few lifestyle changes that may be effective in managing mild hot flashes:

Dress in layers that can be removed when you begin to feel uncomfortably warm, and wear loose, breathable clothing when possible.
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine, which may trigger hot flashes.
Maintain a healthy body weight, which may help minimize the intensity of hot flashes.
Lower the room temperature by using a fan, air conditioner or by opening windows.
Refrain from smoking, as smoking is linked to increased hot flashes.

Mind-body approaches may also help lessen hot flash severity:

Some women have found that meditation and other stress management techniques can help lessen hot flash discomfort.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy may reduce how much hot flashes bother you.
In some cases, clinical hypnosis has proven effective in diminishing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
While not definitive, some studies have shown that acupuncture may lessen the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.

If hot flashes are disrupting your day-to-day life or preventing you from sleeping at night and the methods above don’t help, speak with us about other treatment options.

Non Hormonal Hot Flash Medications

Several non hormonal medications used to treat depression have been found to be effective in managing hot flash discomfort as well.

For example, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Paroxetine (known as Paxil, Pexeva and others) is a non hormonal medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to manage hot flashes.

Other antidepressants that may be used to treat hot flashes include:

Celexa
Effexor
Lexapro
Prozac

Other prescription medications may also be used to treat hot flashes in women, including:

Gabapentin, used for chronic nerve pain
The blood pressure drug Clonidine
The anti-seizure medication Pregabalin
Oxybutynin, used to treat urinary conditions

In 2023, the FDA approved the non hormonal oral medication Fezolinetant (Veozah) to treat moderate to severe hot flashes. Veozah works by blocking a pathway in the brain that helps regulate body temperature.

All these medications can have side effects, so you should review the pros and cons of each with us. We can work together to find a solution that is safe and effective.

If hot flashes don’t disrupt your day-to-day life or negatively impact your sleep, you may not need treatment. Hot flashes will eventually go away without treatment, but this may take several months to several years, and varies by person.

How Effective Are Non Hormonal Treatments for Hot Flashes?

Taking estrogen is thought to be the most effective way to alleviate the discomfort of hot flashes. However, this treatment option presents several risks and is not for everyone, which is why many women explore non hormonal remedies.

Non hormonal treatments have been shown to help alleviate hot flash symptoms, but their effectiveness varies.

For example:

A few studies have shown that losing weight can lower the intensity of hot flashes in some women.
There is evidence that stress reduction practices can reduce the severity of hot flashes.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis have been shown to be effective in minimizing hot flashes in some cases.
There is evidence that soy products may help alleviate hot flashes, though relief varies widely from person to person.
Antidepressants may not be as effective as hormone therapy for hot flashes, but they can be helpful for women who aren’t able to use hormone treatment.
There isn’t enough convincing evidence that herbal remedies like black cohosh, dong quai, and ginseng are effective at providing relief from hot flashes.

More robust studies of alternative treatments for hot flashes are needed, and research is ongoing. No matter which treatment option you’re considering, consult with one of our OBGYNs in Raleigh to determine the best method for you.

Comprehensive, Compassionate Menopause Care for Women by Women

If you’re experiencing menopause and seeking relief from hot flashes or other symptoms, we can help. We’ll review the available treatment approaches and work closely with you to determine if hormone replacement therapy is an option, or if an alternative non hormonal treatment plan is a better choice for you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

FDA, “FDA Approves Novel Drug to Treat Moderate to Severe Hot Flashes…”
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-drug-treat-moderate-severe-hot-flashes-caused-menopause
The Mayo Clinic, “Hot Flashes,”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795