Nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: 2015 position statement of The North American Menopause Society.

Researchers from The North American Menopause Society reviewed all available evidence on non-hormonal treatments for hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. They examined multiple treatment approaches including lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, dietary supplements, prescription medications, and acupuncture. The study aimed to determine which treatments have strong evidence of effectiveness for women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy.

The researchers found that cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis showed the strongest evidence for reducing hot flashes. Several prescription medications, including paroxetine (the only FDA-approved non-hormonal drug for this purpose) and certain antidepressants, also demonstrated effectiveness. Some approaches like weight loss and soy derivatives showed promise but need more research.

Regarding acupuncture specifically, the review concluded there is currently insufficient or inconclusive evidence to recommend it as a proven therapy for managing menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. This means that while some women may experience relief with acupuncture, the scientific evidence has not consistently demonstrated its effectiveness for this particular symptom.

This finding is significant for women considering acupuncture for menopausal symptoms. While acupuncture may be helpful for other conditions and is generally safe when performed properly, women seeking relief from hot flashes may want to consider therapies with stronger evidence of effectiveness first, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or discussing prescription options with their healthcare provider. If you choose to explore acupuncture, ensure you consult with a licensed and certified acupuncturist who is experienced in treating menopausal symptoms.

This 2015 North American Menopause Society position statement systematically reviewed evidence for nonhormonal management of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) using five electronic databases. An expert panel evaluated clinical and research evidence to establish recommendations for various therapeutic modalities. The review categorized treatments into three tiers: recommended (cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, paroxetine salt, SSRIs/SNRIs, gabapentinoids, clonidine), recommend with caution (weight loss, mindfulness-based stress reduction, S-equol soy derivatives, stellate ganglion block), and not recommended due to negative, insufficient, or inconclusive data. Acupuncture was specifically placed in the "do not recommend at this time" category based on insufficient or inconclusive evidence. The panel emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice to prevent inappropriate use of ineffective therapies. Clinical takeaway: Current evidence does not support acupuncture as a proven treatment for menopausal VMS, and practitioners should prioritize therapies with demonstrated efficacy when counseling patients on nonhormonal management options.