Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Which alternative prescription medications are effective in treating hot flash symptoms of menopause?
A few prescription medications, in addition to estrogen, can provide relief
for hot flashes. While none of these drugs is as effective as estrogen, studies
show that non-estrogen drugs may have up to 70% of the effectiveness of estrogen
therapy when treating hot flashes.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's):
This class of medication is used to treat
depression and
anxiety. In clinical studies,
however, low doses of SSRI's have been shown to be effective in decreasing
menopausal hot flashes. The SSRI that has been tested most extensively is
venlafaxine (Effexor), although there is also evidence showing that
paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil
CR) and
fluoxetine (Prozac) can be effective in controlling hot flashes.
Clonidine: Clonidine
(Catapres) acts in the brain to decrease
blood pressure. It has
a long history of being used for blood pressure control, but it has potentially
annoying side effects, such as dry mouth,
constipation, drowsiness, or
difficulty sleeping. Clonidine effectively relieves hot flashes in some women
but is completely ineffective in others. Clonidine is available in pill or patch
form.
Megestrol acetate (Megace): This medication is a type of progesterone, a
female hormone. It can be effective in relieving hot flashes, but can only be
taken over the short term (for several months). Serious effects can occur if the
medication is abruptly discontinued, and megestrol is not usually recommended as
a first-line drug to treat hot flashes. Megestrol use can also lead to weight
gain.
Studies of another form of progesterone,
medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera), which is administered by injection,
have also shown that this medication can be useful in treating hot flashes. This
drug can be used long-term but may have side effects that include
weight gain
and bone loss.
Gabapentin: Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a drug that is primarily used for
the treatment of seizures that appears to be moderately effective in treating
hot flashes. The drug is well tolerated by most women, but often causes
drowsiness.
Alternative Treatments For Hot Flashes Of Menopause - Describe Your ExperienceQuestion: Please describe your experience with alternative treatments for hot flashes of menopause.
Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur because one's surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Hot flashes (or flushing) is the most common symptom experienced by a woman prior to and during the early stages of menopause. Hot flashes can be caused by other conditions. Diagnosis is made by taking a patient history and at times, blood tests. Treatment options include hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, and medications. There are non-FDA approved natural remedies.
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
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