An update on the use of non-hormonal therapies for vasomotor symptoms of menopause

BACKGROUND: A significant number of women with severe menopause vasomotor symptoms (VMS) have contraindications or are averse to the use of menopause hormone therapy (MHT). OBJECTIVE: To review the various methods of non-hormonal therapies available to treat women with severe menopause hot flushes and sweats. DISCUSSION: Several non-hormonal therapies have been shown to reduce menopause hot flushes and sweats. Many of these are prescriptive medications used 'off label', however more recently a new class of drugs (neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists) have been developed specifically to treat menopause vasomotor symptoms. Complementary medicines and non-drug therapies can also be used.