Assessing Risks and Benefits of Nonhormonal Treatments for Vasomotor Symptoms in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Choosing an appropriate treatment approach for the management of VMS requires careful assessment of the riskbenefit ratio of each alternative, as well as individual patient preference.

Approach towards mild depression: Shortest way to treat climacteric syndrome?

“…As in previous studies with other antidepressants [2,3], the efficacy of escitalopram in the improvement of vasomotor symptoms was also demonstrated.…”

“…Venlafaxine, another antidepressant, can be used to treat the vasomotor symptoms in climacteric syndrome [3]. This fact displays a narrow bidirectional relationship between mild depression and hot flashes, since an approach towards the former can lead to a relief of the latter and vice versa [4].…”

Effects of low-dose paroxetine 7.5 mg on weight and sexual function during treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause

“…Since the 1990s, multiple clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of antidepressants and anticonvulsants in treating VMS associated with menopause5,6; yet, until recently, only a few—including some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)—had suggested efficacy 5,7. Neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin are hypothesized to influence temperature homeostasis,5,8 and agents such as SSRIs/SNRIs, which increase serotonin and norepinephrine transmission, may thereby be able to modulate thermoregulation, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear 5…”

Postmenopausal Symptoms in Female Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes: Glucose Control and Symptom Severity

“…With the known influence of the selective serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors and gabapentin on the relief of vasomotor symptoms, [65][66][67] it is possible that the higher use rates of these medications in women with diabetes ( Table 1) may have masked potentially higher rates of vasomotor symptoms in these women. Further, the women with diabetes had higher rates of neuropathy that may have diminished peripheral sensitivity.…”