The 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society.

A major medical organization reviewed all the scientific evidence on non-hormone treatments for hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. An expert panel examined studies published since 2015 to determine which treatments actually work and which don't. The researchers divided treatments into categories including lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, prescription medications, dietary supplements, and acupuncture. They rated each treatment based on the strength of scientific evidence supporting it.

For acupuncture specifically, the panel found limited or inconsistent scientific evidence and did not recommend it as a treatment for hot flashes. This means that while some studies showed benefits, others did not, making it unclear whether acupuncture reliably reduces menopausal symptoms. The panel did recommend several other options with stronger evidence, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs), and medications like gabapentin and fezolinetant.

What this means for you: If you're experiencing hot flashes and night sweats, hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment if you're a good candidate. However, if you cannot or prefer not to use hormones, several non-hormone options have strong scientific support. While acupuncture wasn't recommended based on current evidence, this doesn't mean it won't help individual patients—it simply means the research hasn't consistently proven its effectiveness. If you're considering acupuncture, discuss it with your healthcare provider alongside other evidence-based options. If you choose to try acupuncture, seek a licensed or certified acupuncturist with appropriate credentials in your state.

The North American Menopause Society convened an expert panel to update their 2015 position statement on nonhormonal management of vasomotor symptoms (VMS). The panel systematically reviewed literature across five categories using a three-level evidence hierarchy. Acupuncture received a Level II classification (limited or inconsistent scientific evidence) and was not recommended for VMS treatment. The review found insufficient consistency in study outcomes to support acupuncture as an evidence-based intervention for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Level I recommendations (good and consistent evidence) included cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, SSRIs/SNRIs, gabapentin, and fezolinetant. The panel emphasized that hormone therapy remains the gold standard for VMS management. Clinical takeaway: When counseling patients seeking nonhormonal VMS treatment, practitioners should prioritize interventions with Level I evidence. While acupuncture may have adjunctive value in individualized care plans, current evidence does not support it as a primary recommended therapy for vasomotor symptoms.