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1: Expert Rev Neurother. 2007 Nov;7(11 Suppl):S115-37.Click here to read Links

Treatment of vasomotor symptoms in the menopausal transition and postmenopausally: psychiatric comorbidity.

Alexander JL, Burger H, Dennerstein L, Woods NF, Davis SR, Kotz K, Van Winkle J, Richardson G, Ratka A, Kessel B.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Psychiatry Women's Health Program, Oakland, CA, USA. jeanne@afwh.org

This article aims to educate the nonpsychiatric as well as the psychiatric clinician on the impact of vasomotor symptoms in women with comorbid psychiatric problems and the challenges of treating vasomotor symptoms in these women. The pathophysiology, prevalence and common risk factors associated with disturbing hot flashes in the menopausal transition are reviewed. Hormonal, nonhormonal and behavioral treatment options of vasomotor symptoms for these women are discussed. Special pharmacokinetic implications for hormonal treatment of those women on anticonvulsant medications for the treatment of their mood disorders, on tamoxifen and/or with high or low sex hormone-binding globulin are examined. An in-depth discussion of mood and the menopausal transition, theoretical mechanisms for mood problems with the symptomatic menopause and the impact of stress on the symptomatic menopause are found elsewhere in this clinical review series on psychiatric illness, stress and the symptomatic menopause.

PMID: 18039061 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Estrogen (Cenestin® , Enjuvia® , Estrace® , ...)

    Estrogen is used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are experiencing menopause ('change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Some brands of estrogen...

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex® )

    Your doctor has prescribed tamoxifen for you. Tamoxifen comes as a tablet to take by mouth.

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information