Can medication control hot flashes?

When natural remedies aren’t enough, there are a few types of medication you can use to control hot flashes. Some are hormonal and some are not. The hormonal therapies are estrogen and progesterone and they can be given alone, or in combination with each other. Not everyone can take these because there are some concerning health effects in certain people or when they are given for a long time.

You can also take a non-hormonal medication. Some of these drugs are also used to treat depression and seizures, but have properties that help quell hot flashes too. These can be one of the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or gabapentin. Non-hormonal therapies are a good option for women who cannot take hormones. However, it's worth noting that these drugs may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes. Only hormone therapies are FDA approved for this use. A conversation with your doctor can help evaluate what might work best for you.

Various medications can help control hot flashes. You can talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), since hot flashes happen when your sex hormone levels fluctuate. HRT replaces the estrogen (and sometimes the progesterone) that your body stops making during menopause. This can help with symptoms of hot flashes.

Not all women are candidates for HRT, however, and the drugs come with a long list of possible side effects. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT.

Some antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medicines, and mild sedatives also help with hot flashes, and you can talk to your doctor about whether those would be appropriate for you. Some women prefer to try herbal remedies and have had success with them. Again, talk to your doctor about whether these are safe and appropriate for you.