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Antidepressants for Hormone Therapy

Current medical opinion about the use of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) for the relief of menopausal discomforts is mixed. Recent research has shown that HRT may contribute to some forms of cancer. Many doctors are now prescribing low doses of antidepressant medications to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Menopause is a natural process, not an illness, so your choice of doctors and treatments should be based on that understanding.

  1. About HRT

    • For many years, HRT has been routinely prescribed for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. However, many women no longer want to take HRT medications, given the research connecting them to possible development of breast and uterine cancer. Now some antidepressants (like Prozac), largely those using the neurotransmitter serotonin, have been shown to alleviate some or all of the range of symptoms as well. These can be used before, during and after menopause as an alternative to HRT.

    Choosing Antidepressants

    • Paxil, Effexor and Prozac are the most often prescribed for relief from symptoms of menopause. Of course, each person reacts differently to any medication, so it may be necessary to try different doses and even different medications until you find the treatment that works best for you.

      All your decisions about taking HRT and/or antidepressants should be discussed at length with your doctor. There are possible side effects with this kind of antidepressant that can include headaches, nausea and high blood pressure. Often those symptoms dissipate after the first several weeks. Also, some women have other medical conditions that make HRT too risky, and antidepressants may be a good alternative.

    Treatment Regimens

    • For some women with severe symptoms, taking both HRT and low doses of an antidepressant may be a good option for a period of time. These days most doctors prefer to limit HRT to as short a period as possible. Antidepressants can be taken for longer periods assuming you tolerate your medication well.

      Most doctors will prescribe low doses of antidepressants, lower than the dosage used for someone taking them to combat depression alone. Usually you have to take one of these medications for three to four weeks until the effects become evident. Similarly, if you decide not to continue on an antidepressant, you must reduce the dose gradually over the same period. Withdrawing too rapidly can produce very uncomfortable symptoms.

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