There’s new guidance on menopause symptoms like hot flashes. What women need to know

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) has released updated guidance on managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, and other disruptive issues. ACOG's president, Dr. Camille Clare, emphasized the importance of hormone therapies as the first line of treatment for bothersome symptoms.

Hormone therapy is supported as a good option for many women experiencing menopause, although it may not be suitable for all women. The guidance also outlines nonhormonal options available for managing menopause symptoms.

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically occurring around age 50. The perimenopause phase, which precedes menopause, is when the body's production of estrogen and progesterone declines sharply. This stage often leads to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disruptions. Approximately half of women in menopause experience "vasomotor" issues such as hot flashes and night sweats, while a third of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women report depressive symptoms worldwide.

ACOG's new guidelines align with recommendations from other medical organizations, suggesting that moderate to severe or bothersome menopausal symptoms should be treated with hormone therapy. While not appropriate for every woman, hormone therapy is a beneficial option for many. The FDA recently removed the FDA's safety warning on multiple types of hormone-based menopause treatments after finding that the benefits outweighed the risks for many women.

Doctors advise that hormone therapy decisions should be made jointly by doctors and patients, taking into account the benefits and risks based on the patient's age and medical history. Hormone therapy comes in various forms, including whole-body therapies delivered through pills, patches, sprays, gels, and vaginal rings, as well as low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy, which targets vaginal dryness.

Additionally, certain antidepressants and non-drug treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, exercise, clinical hypnosis, and acupuncture can also help manage hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, and mood problems.