Hot Flashes
Hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) affect up to 80% of women during the menopause transition. Treatment options range from HRT to non-hormonal medications (SSRIs, gabapentin) to lifestyle changes.
Articles
10 articles in this topic.
Hot Flashes Treatment: Evidence-Based Options for Menopause and Night Sweats
A clinician-reviewed look at hot flashes treatment — from hormone therapy and the new neurokinin-3 antagonists to lifestyle changes, telehealth access, and cost. Discuss any approach with a qualified clinician.
Hot flashes: causes, mechanism, and what actually helps
Hot flashes affect 75–80% of women across the menopause transition. The mechanism is now reasonably well understood — and that understanding shapes what works.
What are the best non-hormonal options for hot flashes?
For women who cannot use HRT — SSRIs (paroxetine), gabapentin, oxybutynin, and the newer KNDy-targeted fezolinetant. Clinical evidence and trade-offs.
What is fezolinetant (Veozah) and how does it work?
FDA-approved in 2023, fezolinetant blocks neurokinin-3 signaling in the hypothalamus. We cover efficacy data, side effects, cost, and prescribing patterns.
Are hot flashes and night sweats the same thing?
Both stem from hypothalamic temperature dysregulation, but night sweats disrupt sleep architecture — driving the cascade of fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive symptoms.
How do you manage hot flashes after breast cancer?
Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors worsen hot flashes. Non-hormonal options including paroxetine, venlafaxine, and acupuncture have evidence in cancer survivors.
Are estradiol patches better than oral estrogen for hot flashes?
Lower clot risk than oral estrogen, steady serum levels, and strong efficacy data make patches the recommended starting point in current Menopause Society guidelines.
Tracking hot flash triggers: what actually moves the needle
Caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, and stress are common triggers but vary dramatically by patient. A simple tracking framework that beats generic advice.
Why do hot flashes happen at night?
Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep — driven by hypothalamic changes from declining estrogen. Here is what helps.
How long do hot flashes last? Real numbers from clinical research
Most women experience hot flashes for 7+ years on average — but the range is wide. We break down the timeline by age, ethnicity, and onset.
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