Non-Hormonal Relief for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: What You Need to Know
Welcome to a New Chapter of Care
At Serene Primary Care, I believe that no one should feel lost navigating the changes of menopause. If hormone therapy isn’t the right fit for you—due to health history or personal preference—you still have powerful tools to ease symptoms and support your well-being.
Let’s explore your non-hormonal treatment options for hot flashes and night sweats, guided by research and individualized care.
Evidence-Based Medication Options
SSRIs and SNRIs
These medications—typically used for mood disorders—have shown significant benefits for vasomotor symptoms (VMS):
Commonly used medications: Paroxetine, Venlafaxine, Citalopram, Escitalopram
Benefits:
Relief often begins within the first week
Minimal effect on weight and sexual function at low doses
Side effects like mild nausea often resolve over time
Tip: If one option doesn’t work for you, there are others. We can even use pharmacogenomic testing to fine-tune the choice.
Gabapentin
Dosing range: 900–2400 mg/day
Effectiveness: Comparable to estrogen in reducing hot flashes
Considerations:
Start at a low dose to avoid dizziness or sedation
Renally cleared—good for those on multiple medications
Oxybutynin
May help relieve hot flashes but used cautiously, especially in adults over 65 due to potential cognitive side effects.
Fezolinetant
A new FDA-approved treatment that directly targets temperature regulation in the brain
Reduces frequency and intensity of hot flashes
Requires routine liver monitoring
Non-Pharmacologic Therapies: Whole-Person Approaches
Complement your medical treatments with holistic, lifestyle-based strategies:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps reframe thoughts around hot flashes
Improves sleep, mood, and quality of life
Clinical Hypnosis
Demonstrated efficacy in reducing hot flash severity
Accessible via the Evia app for guided sessions at home
Weight Loss
Modest weight loss has been associated with symptom reduction
Supports overall cardiovascular and metabolic health
Measuring Progress: How Do You Know It’s Working?
Tracking your symptoms empowers your care:
Keep a hot flash diary
Use rating scales to monitor how symptoms impact sleep, mood, and daily functioning
Share results during regular check-ins so we can adjust your plan
Care That Evolves With You
Menopause is a journey—not a one-size-fits-all experience. Symptoms can last 5 to 8 years, and your needs may shift over time. That’s why I recommend:
Regular follow-ups every 6–12 weeks
Ongoing collaboration to refine and adjust your care plan
You deserve to feel supported, informed, and in control of your health. At Serene Primary Care, I’m here to partner with you every step of the way.