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Results from hot flash trials during past two decades analyzed
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Data from an overview of hot flash studies revealed various therapies that decreased hot flashes in women and men.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. reviewed 10 randomized, controlled trials that included 1,581 women and three placebo-controlled trials that included 329 men. There were also at least 325 participants in 14 pilot trials, according to the researchers. All trials were conducted at the Mayo Clinic and at the North Central Cancer Treatment Group in Rochester.
The results from the trials with women demonstrated that hot flashes were markedly decreased by relatively low doses of progestational agents, moderately decreased by venlafaxine (Effexor, Wyeth), mildly to moderately decreased by fluoxetine and mildly decreased by clonidine, according to the researchers. Hot flashes were not decreased by vitamin E, a soy phytoestrogen product, or black cohosh.
The results from trials with men demonstrated that hot flashes were markedly decreased by low doses of megestrol acetate (Megace ES, Par) and moderately decreased by gabapentin, according to the researchers. Hot flashes were not substantially decreased by clonidine.
The results of therapeutic maneuvers were similar for the treatment of hot flashes regardless of whether the patient had a history of breast cancer or was assigned tamoxifen, according to the researchers.
Menopause. 2008;15:655-660.