Safety of non-hormonal medications for managing hot flashes

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Menopausal complaints are a critical aspect of women’s lives. In particular vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, may seriously impact quality of life and are considered the most bothersome complaint by patients. Although Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is considered the best option, women increasingly ask for a natural and more tailored treatment approach.

Areas covered

Nutraceutical compounds represent the most widespread alternative therapy for vasomotor symptoms, and their use is somewhat increasing. In this review, the authors analyzed the mechanism of action and the related safety of non-hormonal treatments, including new approaches and future aspects.

Expert opinion

MHT represents the traditional therapy for menopausal complaints, especially for severe and moderate symptoms; however, evidence has not defined a safety profile for all patients. To address this issue, nutraceuticals could represent a compelling and useful non-hormonal approach in selected patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Nutraceutical
• hot-flushes
• menopause
• isoflavones
• vasomotor symptoms

Article highlights

• Many women are seeking a natural approach to menopausal complaints.

• Despite its efficacy, MHT has several contraindications.

• Nutraceutical compounds have been increasingly used in recent years for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

• A safe and tailored approach is the increasing choice of women suffering from menopausal issues.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.