SSRIs for hot flashes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for treating hot flashes in peri- and postmenopausal women. The study aimed to summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the impact of SSRIs like paroxetine, fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline on hot flash frequency, severity, and associated quality of life. The analysis pooled data from 11 trials, including a total of 2,069 women, to determine the overall effect of SSRIs compared to placebo and other treatment options.
Who was studied?
The study reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials involving peri- and postmenopausal women aged 36 to 76 years who experienced moderate to severe hot flashes. The trials included women who had been menopausal for a range of 2.3 to 6.6 years and excluded those on hormone replacement therapy or selective estrogen receptor modulators. The participants had varying levels of baseline hot flash frequency and severity, with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 9 months. The women were assigned to receive SSRIs or placebo for treatment, with several trials assessing different SSRIs like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and escitalopram.
Most important findings
The analysis found that SSRIs were significantly effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of hot flashes when compared to placebo. The pooled data showed a modest reduction in the number of daily hot flashes (−0.93, 95% CI −1.46 to −0.37) and in hot flash severity scores (−0.34, 95% CI −0.59 to −0.10). Among SSRIs, escitalopram demonstrated the greatest efficacy. While SSRIs did not show a higher incidence of serious adverse effects compared to placebo, they were associated with a slight increase in common side effects such as nausea, dry mouth and decreased libido, which were generally mild and transient.
Key implications
SSRIs present a viable non-hormonal option for managing hot flashes, especially for women who cannot use or prefer to avoid hormone replacement therapy. Despite the modest effect size, SSRIs may offer an acceptable alternative with fewer severe side effects compared to traditional hormonal treatments. Clinicians should consider SSRIs as a first-line treatment option for managing vasomotor symptoms, particularly for women with contraindications to hormone therapy. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of SSRIs for this purpose.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.