Meds for Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are uncomfortable feelings of warmth in the body and are arguably the most unpleasant symptom of menopause. Hot flashes can be relieved by taking cool showers, applying a cold pack or sipping cool water. Medications often are required to bring relief.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

• Hormone treatments are the only prescription remedy for hot flashes.

  Estrogen combined with progesterone is used to treat menopause symptoms. Estrogen can be risky for some women and should be used in the smallest effective dose possible. Studies have linked hormone therapy to increased health risks, including cancer and stroke. Women should consult a doctor to determine whether estrogen therapy is right for them.

Birth Control

• Birth control medications are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration to relieve hot flashes.

  Some birth control medications work for hot flashes. Birth control medication regulates hormone levels and may help to relieve hot flashes. A study by Dr. Charles Loprinzi of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine revealed that women treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate, also known as Depo-Provera, experienced a significant reduction in hot flashes.

Anti-Depressants

• A bonus side effect of antidepressants is relief from hot flashes.

  Although it is not FDA-approved for this use, doctors often prescribe low doses of anti-depressants for hot flashes. Anti-depressants increase serotonin production. Serotonin is known to elevate moods and may also help elevate body temperature. Many women prefer anti-depressants over hormonal therapy because of the reduced risk of health complications.

Blood Pressure Medication

• Medication that lowers blood pressure has been shown to also relieve hot flashes. According to the Breast Cancer.org website, this medication can reduce hot flash duration and intensity by modifying "how the blood vessels respond to the brain's command to give off heat quickly." Even though the medication has proven effective, the FDA has not approved the use of blood pressure medication for treating hot flashes.