NAMS 2016 hormone therapy position statement
Considering new data, more than 20 experts offer consensus on hormone therapy benefits and risks overall and in special populations
OBG Management. 2016 October;28(10):
October 7, 2016|ObGyn
Nonhormonal therapies for menopausal symptoms
The Society released its position on nonhormonal management of menopause-associated VMS in 2015.2 Based on examination of 340 original research articles and 105 systematic reviews, clinical and research experts categorized therapies as recommended, recommended with caution, and not recommended at this time.
Recommended non-HT to reduce VMS include:
- cognitive-behavioral therapy
- clinical hypnosis
- low-dose salt of paroxetine (FDA approved for menopausal VMS management)
- other SSRIs/SNRIs
- gabapentinoids
- clonidine.
Recommended-with-caution non-HT for VMS include:
- weight loss
- stress reduction (mindfulness based)
- S-equol derivatives of soy isoflavones
- stellate ganglion block.
Not recommended non-HT for VMS due to negative, insufficient, or inconclusive data include:
- cooling techniques
- avoidance of triggers
- exercise
- yoga
- paced respiration
- relaxation
- over-the-counter supplements and herbs
- acupuncture
- calibration of neural oscillations
- chiropractic interventions.
Note that the NAMS 2016 Hormone Therapy Position Statement was presented at the 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting of the North American Menopause Society, but the statement is not yet published.
