Nonhormonal treatment for hot flashes and menopause symptoms

By Dot by Kindr Health · Published October 1, 2026 · Updated October 1, 2026

Medical review, clinical protocols and prescribing overseen by Kindr Health Inc. • NPI 1609792902

Several nonhormonal options reduce hot flashes, for people who can't or prefer not to use hormones. The Menopause Society's 2023 statement recommends cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs), gabapentin, weight loss and fezolinetant — an FDA-approved nonhormonal medicine for moderate to severe hot flashes.

Nonhormonal approaches for hot flashes (The Menopause Society, 2023)

ApproachTypeNotes
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)BehavioralRecommended; reduces how bothersome hot flashes feel
Clinical hypnosisBehavioralRecommended
FezolinetantPrescription (NK3 receptor antagonist)FDA-approved in 2023 for moderate to severe hot flashes; liver blood tests required
SSRIs / SNRIsPrescriptionRecommended; paroxetine mesylate 7.5 mg is FDA-approved for hot flashes
GabapentinPrescriptionRecommended; can cause drowsiness
Weight lossLifestyleRecommended
Supplements (e.g. black cohosh), cooling techniques, exerciseVariousNot recommended for hot flash relief based on current evidence

When to talk with a healthcare professional

  • You've had breast cancer, blood clots or another reason hormones may not be right for you.
  • You take tamoxifen — some antidepressants interact with it.

How Dot can help

Dot can help you log hot flash frequency and severity so you and your clinician can see whether a treatment is working.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

Sources

  1. The Menopause Society. The 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2023;30(6):573–590 (2023).
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves Novel Drug to Treat Moderate to Severe Hot Flashes Caused by Menopause (2023).
  3. National Institute on Aging (NIH). Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?.

This page is educational and not medical advice. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe. See our editorial policy.

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