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Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms Last Longer than Five Years for Most Women

Up to 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) as they transition into the menopause phase. While clinical guidelines suggest that VMS typically last from 6 months to 2 years, we often see women with VMS lasting for a much longer period of time. To more accurately assess the duration of VMS in perimenopausal women, researchers analyzed data from 1449 women included in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), an observational study of women entering menopause.  Here is a summary of the key findings:

By |2015-02-25T12:02:26-04:00February 25th, 2015|Menopausal Symptoms, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms Last Longer than Five Years for Most Women
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CBT is Effective for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.  Recently, several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that CBT is effective for managing vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women.

By |2015-02-23T09:55:30-04:00September 30th, 2014|Menopausal Symptoms, Psychotherapy, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on CBT is Effective for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
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Low Dose Paroxetine Improves Sleep in Postmenopausal Symptoms

Last year, the FDA approved the first non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes – a 7.5-mg formulation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine which was marketed under the name of Brisdelle. A new study [...]

By |2018-06-09T17:53:30-04:00August 25th, 2014|Medication, Menopausal Symptoms, Sleep Disorders, Treatment|Comments Off on Low Dose Paroxetine Improves Sleep in Postmenopausal Symptoms
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Caffeine for Menopausal Women: More Hot Flashes but Less Mood and Memory Problems

A recent study of 2507 menopausal women suggests that menopausal women with higher caffeine intake are more likely to have hot flashes and night sweats; however, they have fewer problems with mood, memory, and concentration. [...]

By |2015-07-08T14:56:21-04:00August 5th, 2014|Cognition, Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on Caffeine for Menopausal Women: More Hot Flashes but Less Mood and Memory Problems
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Self-Compassion: A Cure for Menopausal Symptoms?

About 75% of peri- and postmenopausal women have vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats; however, some women experience more distress or "bother" in response to these symptoms. A new research study suggests that certain personality traits may affect how women experience these uncomfortable symptoms.

By |2014-07-28T10:47:14-04:00July 23rd, 2014|Menopausal Symptoms, Psychotherapy, Treatment|Comments Off on Self-Compassion: A Cure for Menopausal Symptoms?
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The Effects of Yoga and Exercise on Menopausal Quality of Life

Many women transitioning into the menopause request medical advice on ways to improve their quality of life and to relieve the symptoms associated with the menopausal transition. With concerns regarding the long-term use of estrogen replacement therapy, there has been interest in the use of non-hormonal strategies to manage these symptoms.

By |2018-12-01T17:21:13-04:00May 20th, 2014|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on The Effects of Yoga and Exercise on Menopausal Quality of Life
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