Which statement best describes non-hormonal management of vasomotor symptoms?

Which statement best describes non-hormonal management of vasomotor symptoms?

• A. Estrogen therapy.
• B. Tibolone.
• C. SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, clonidine.
• D. Vitamin D supplementation.

Answer: (C)

Non-hormonal management focuses on treatments that do not add estrogenic hormones to the body. The most supported options in this approach are certain medications that alter brain signaling involved in temperature control. SSRIs and SNRIs can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by modulating serotonin and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus, the brain’s thermostat. Gabapentin is another non-hormonal choice that can lessen hot flashes, especially at night, though it may cause dizziness or sleepiness and requires careful dosing. Clonidine provides a different mechanism by dampening sympathetic outflow, offering modest improvement with potential side effects like low blood pressure and drowsiness. Hormonal therapies, such as estrogen and tibolone, are not part of non-hormonal management. Vitamin D supplementation isn’t established as an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms, though it may support overall health.

Non-hormonal management focuses on treatments that do not add estrogenic hormones to the body. The most supported options in this approach are certain medications that alter brain signaling involved in temperature control. SSRIs and SNRIs can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by modulating serotonin and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus, the brain’s thermostat. Gabapentin is another non-hormonal choice that can lessen hot flashes, especially at night, though it may cause dizziness or sleepiness and requires careful dosing. Clonidine provides a different mechanism by dampening sympathetic outflow, offering modest improvement with potential side effects like low blood pressure and drowsiness. Hormonal therapies, such as estrogen and tibolone, are not part of non-hormonal management. Vitamin D supplementation isn’t established as an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms, though it may support overall health.