Management of Menopausal Symptoms

Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations and Conclusions

The following recommendations and conclusions are based on good or consistent scientific evidence.

  • Systemic HT, with estrogen alone or in combination with progestin, is the most effective therapy for vasomotor symptoms related to menopause.
  • Low-dose and ultra-low systemic doses of estrogen are associated with a better adverse effect profile than standard doses and may reduce vasomotor symptoms in some women.
  • Given the variable response to HT and the associated risks, it is recommended that health care providers individualize care and treat women with the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration that is needed to relieve vasomotor symptoms.
  • The risks of combined systemic HT include thromboembolic disease and breast cancer.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSNRIs, clonidine, and the gabapentin are effective alternatives to HT for the treatment of vasomotor symp- toms related to menopause.
  • Estrogen therapy effectively alleviates atrophic vaginal symptoms related to menopause. Local therapy is advised for the treatment of women with only vaginal symptoms.
  • Paroxetine is the only nonhormonal therapy that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of vasomo- tor symptoms.
  • The FDA approved ospemifene for treating moderate-to-severe dyspareunia in postmenopausal women.
(A)
574

The following conclusions are based on limited or inconsistent scientific evidence.

  • Data do not support the use of progestin-only medications, testosterone, or compounded bioidentical hormones for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms.
  • Data do not show that phytoestrogens, herbal supplements, and lifestyle modifications are efficacious for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms.
  • Nonestrogen water-based or silicone-based vaginal lubricants and moisturizers may alleviate vaginal symptoms related to menopause.
  • Common sense lifestyle solutions such as layering of clothing, maintaining a lower ambient temperature, and consuming cool drinks are reasonable measures for the management of vasomotor symptoms.
(B)
574

The following recommendation is based primarily on consensus and expert opinion.

  • The decision to continue HT should be individualized and be based on a woman’s symptoms and the risk–benefit ratio, regardless of age.
(C)
574

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Management of Menopausal Symptoms

Authoring Organization

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Publication Month/Year

December 31, 2013

Last Updated Month/Year

April 1, 2024

Document Type

Consensus

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory

Intended Users

Physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D008593 - Menopause, D014666 - Vasomotor System

Keywords

menopause, vasomotor symptoms