Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia – OB-GYNS set new rules for menopause treatment

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For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause. The doctor's group, known as ACOG, recommends hormone replacement therapy alongside certain antidepressants, nonhormonal medicines, and other treatments to address symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings.

"What's changing is the breadth of options that we now have … And the benefit of that is that we are better equipped to be able to take an individualized approach for patients," said Catherine Cansino, MD, MPH, an obstetrician/gynecologist, chair of ACOG's Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines and co-author of the new guidance.

The guidance, released Thursday, focuses on specific menopausal symptoms and underscores that the safety of hormone replacement therapy is now "well-established," Cansino said.