Amsterdam, May 7, 2015 -- Elsevier journal Maturitas today announced the publication of a position statement by the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) covering non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
Hot flashes are a common menopausal symptom. They tend to intensify during the perimenopause and usually subside within 5 years after the final menstrual period. However in some women frequent hot flashes are a long term problem and may last for more than 7 years. While estrogen-based menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment it is not indicated for all women, such as those with a personal history of breast cancer. The position statement provides a practical guide to non-hormonal management.
It covers lifestyle modifications, diet and food supplements, non-hormonal medications and use of behavioral and alternative medicine therapies. The key conclusions are that there is insufficient or conflicting evidence to suggest that exercise, supplements or a diet rich in phytoestrogens are effective for hot flashes. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and gabapentin could be proposed as alternatives to estrogen-based therapies. Behavioral therapies and alternative medicine interventions have been tried, but the available evidence is still limited.
Thus women who cannot take estrogens should be able to discuss non-hormonal options with their health professional.
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These and other recommendations presented in EMAS' position statement are published in the article: "EMAS position statement: Non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms" (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.04.009) in Maturitas published by Elsevier. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512215000511
Notes for editors
Copies of this paper are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact Elsevier's Newsroom at newsroom@elsevier.com or +31 20 4853564.About European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS)
EMAS promotes the study of midlife health through its journal, congresses, schools and website and encourages the exchange of research and professional experience between members. Using a range of activities and through its affiliates, EMAS aims to guarantee and provide the same standard of education and information throughout Europe on midlife health in both genders. Recognizing the issues arising from increased longevity the society also provides articles, patient information, web resources, and referrals for healthcare providers in the field and keeps its members up-to-date. For more information go to: http://www.emas-online.orgAbout Maturitas
Maturitas is an international multidisciplinary peer reviewed scientific journal of midlife health and beyond, publishing original research, reviews, consensus statements and guidelines. The scope encompasses all aspects of postreproductive health in both genders ranging from basic science to health and social care. http://www.maturitas.org/About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make groundbreaking discoveries that advance the boundaries of knowledge and human progress. Elsevier provides web-based, digital solutions -- among them ScienceDirect, Scopus, Elsevier Research Intelligence and ClinicalKey -- and publishes over 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 33,000 book titles, including a number of iconic reference works. Elsevier is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.comJournal
Maturitas