It is estimated that close to 40% of the world's 1.2 billion women will be post-menopausal or menopausal by 2030. That's nearly 50 million women and, among those, ~60-70% are likely to suffer from menopausal symptoms. Although hormone therapy (HT) is suggested for curtailing both vasomotor symptoms and mood disturbances, HT treatment continues to be controversial. Aside from breast cancer and cardiovascular concerns, research shows that HT itself might also increase the risk of depression.
In a recent discussion among OB-GYNs and primary care clinicians, about half stated they treat menopausal vasomotor symptoms with antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and bupropion. While there was agreement that the treatment may not address all of the symptoms, research has confirmed that antidepressants are effective in treating both depression and vasomotor symptoms shortly before, during, and after menopause.
Which antidepressant(s) do you find most effective for the treatment of menopause? Have you observed whether these are the same antidepressants that work in younger women for premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
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Karolina Levesque2yrBrisdelle not only helps my patients with their VMS, but I have found it also helps mood improvement as menopause can be difficult emotionally for many. I have patients take Show More -
Christina Stevenson2yrEffexor and Prozac are useful too. Many of the SSRIs and SNRIs are effective by helping to reduce hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.