Flashes In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Estro G-100 herbal extract and hot flashes in postmenopausal women: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to determine the efficacy of EstroG-100 herbal extract on hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Material and methodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on postmenopausal women recruited from two university hospitals complaining of hot flashes. The intervention group received two extract capsules (daily for 12 weeks), and the control group received two placebo capsules (daily for 12 weeks). Finally, the frequency and severity of hot flashes (F&S) were subjectively reported and compared weekly during the treatment for 12 weeks. ResultsOut of 120 randomized participants, 35 entered the final analysis for each group. In the third week, participants of the control group significantly reported more moderate hot flashes than other group (MD=1.00, P = 0.004). However, in terms of mild (MD=0.74, P = 0.057) and severe (MD=0.60, P = 0.064) hot flashes, the groups did not differ. In the sixth week, mild (MD=1.51, P<0.001), moderate (MD=1.54, P<0.001), and severe (MD=1.22, P<0.001) hot flashes were significantly reported more in the control group compared with another group. ConclusionThe present study revealed that EstroG-100 herbal extract could improve hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

Effect of a lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene protocol on insomnia in postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized clinical trial

IntroductionInsomnia and vasomotor symptoms are frequently experienced during the menopausal transition and in postmenopause, worsening sleep maintenance and quality of life. Our study evaluated the use of lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene guidance on quality of life, sleep patterns and self-reported hot flashes in postmenopausal women with insomnia diagnosis. MethodsThis study is part of a larger experimental, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. We included 35 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia who were distributed in two groups: A Placebo group (sunflower oil) and an Aroma group (Lavandula angustifolia essential oil); both inhaled the oils before bedtime for 29 days. The groups received sleep hygiene guidelines and weekly follow-up. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the effect of the intervention, and a sleep diary was used to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) daily. Participants who complained of vasomotor symptoms at baseline kept a daily record of their frequency and intensity. ResultsAll participants benefited in almost all domains of quality of life and in the self-assessed TST and SE. The Aroma group achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life score over time. No differences were observed in respect of the hot flashes record and daytime sleepiness. ConclusionsThe aromatherapy intervention was effective in improving the overall quality of life in the Aroma group. Moreover, the sleep diary and sleep hygiene instructions helped all participants to, respectively, self-assess and improve their sleep patterns.

The Effect of Salvia Officinalis on Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The experience of hot flashes during menopause has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause disturbance in the workplace and disrupt daily activities. Phytoestrogens in Salvia officinalis reduce menopause symptoms due to their anti-dopaminergic effects. This study was conducted to systematically review and summarize the results of clinical trials on the effect of Salvia officinalis on hot flashes in postmenopausal women. In this systematic review, databases including Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Scopus, SID, and Magiran were searched using keywords such as menopause, hot flashes, Salvia officinalis, and herbal medicines; all possible combinations of these words were used with the Boolean operators of "OR" and "AND". To evaluate the quality of articles, we used Cochrane's Risk of bias tools. After eliminating the duplicates, a total of 148 articles were found. Following the exclusion of irrelevant articles, 4 studies with number of 310 people were examined. Among them, 3 out of 4 studies examined the effect of Salvia officinalis on the frequency of hot flashes, 3 out of 4 studies examined the severity of hot flashes, and only 1 out of 4 studies examined the effect of Salvia officinalis on the duration of hot flashes. All 4 reviewed studies indicated that the use of Salvia officinalis reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Meta-analysis results showed that the effect of Salvia Officinalis on the frequency [ES=-1.12 (%95 CI:-2.37; 0.14), I2=71%] of hot flashes in postmenopausal women was significant compared to placebo, but severity [ES=-2.05 (%95 CI:-6.53; 2.43), I2=70%] was not significant. Salvia officinalis can be used to reduce the frequency of menopausal hot flashes. Expansive use of this plant can be suggested in case it is confirmed in further investigations.

Stellate ganglion block beyond chronic pain: A literature review on its application in painful and non-painful conditions.

Cervical sympathetic or stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) have been commonly used in the treatment of painful conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, there is literature to suggest its utility in managing non-painful conditions as well. The focus of this literature review is to provide an overview of indications for SGB for painful and non-painful conditions. We identified published journal articles in the past 25 years from Embase and PubMed databases with the keywords "cervical sympathetic block, stellate ganglion blocks, cervical sympathetic chain, and cervical sympathetic trunk". A total of 1556 articles were obtained from a literature search among which 311 articles were reviewed. Among painful conditions, there is a lack of evidence in favor of or against the use of SGB for CRPS despite its common use. SGB can provide postoperative analgesia in selective surgeries and can be effective in temporary pain control of refractory angina and the acute phase of herpes zoster infection. Among non-painful conditions, SGB may have beneficial effects on the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), refractory ventricular arrhythmias, hot flashes in postmenopausal women, and breast cancer-related lymphedema. Additionally, there have been various case reports illustrating the benefits of SGB in the management of cerebral vasospasm, upper limb erythromelalgia, thalamic and central post-stroke pain, palmar hyperhidrosis, orofacial pain, etc. In our review of literature, we found that SGB can be useful in the management of various non-painful conditions beyond the well-known treatment for CRPS, although further studies are required to prove its efficacy.

Novel Evidence-Based Combination of Plant Extracts with Multitarget Mechanisms of Action for the Elimination of Hot Flashes during Menopause.

Hot flashes are considered the most bothersome complaint during menopause. Although hormone therapy is an effective option to relieve hot flashes, it has been associated with significant side effects. The aim of our study is to suggest a novel combination of different plant extracts with distinct mechanisms of action against hot flashes. We selected the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae), the rhizome of Actaea racemosa L. (Ranunculaceae), the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) to produce extracts rich in bioactive phytochemicals and the seed oil of Oenothera biennis L. (Onagraceae). We investigated their estrogenic and antioxidant potential and their inhibitory effect against prostaglandin D2 receptor 1 (DP1) as a novel mechanistic pathway for vasodilation in hot flashes, alone or in combination. The phytochemical footprint of the extracts was analyzed using HPLC-PDA and UPLC-HRMS. We observed that the tested extracts possess different mechanisms of action. A. racemosa exerts a beneficial activation of the estrogen receptor, H. perforatum possesses the highest antioxidant capacity and the seed oil of O. biennis inhibits the DP1 receptor. The triple combination in the optimal doses pertains to efficacy against all three mechanisms of action, serves as a multitarget plant-based therapy and could serve as a novel strategy for the alleviation of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

VP64.19: The effect of gabapentin on intensity and duration of hot flashes in postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial

VP64.19: The effect of gabapentin on intensity and duration of hot flashes in postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial

RANKL is a new Epigenetic Biomarker for the Vasomotor Symptom During Menopause.

During menopausal transition, decreased level of estrogen brings a number of physiological problems and hormonal changes. In this study, promoter methylation of RANKL and FSHR genes were identified in 30 premenopausal and 35 postmenopausal women using methylation-specific high resolution melting (MS-HRM) analysis. The statistical analyses and their association with patient characteristics were performed by Pearson χ2 and Fisher’s exact test (p <0.05). The methylated RANKL gene was detected in 16 postmenopausal cases, and 12 (75.0%) of the RANKL methylated cases had hot flashes (p = 0.024). The methylated FSHR gene was detected in 18 postmenopausal cases, and 13 (75.0%) of the methylated cases had hot flashes (p = 0.028). In vitro studies demonstrated the association between RANKL expression, FSH level and hot flashes in the mouse. Although lack of epigenetic studies in this field proves our results crucial and therefore, our results showed magnitude of epigenetic profiles of Turkish Cypriot post-menopausal women. This was the first study which has investigated the RANKL and FSHR methylation and their relationship with hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

The effect of oral capsule of curcumin and vitamin E on the hot flashes and anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple blind randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveThe decline and eventual cessation of estrogen production cause a variety of symptoms during menopause, affecting each woman differently. Most women reported severe hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. The present study aimed to determine and compare the efficacy of curcumin and vitamin E on hot flashes and anxiety (primary objectives), sexual function, menopausal symptoms and adverse effects (secondary objectives). Materials and methodsThis was a triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. The participants consisted of 93 postmenopausal women in Ahar city-Iran. They were assigned into three groups (two intervention groups and one control group). The first intervention group received oral capsule of curcumin (500 mg), the second intervention group was given oral tablets of vitamin E (200 IU/day), and the third group (control) received placebo twice a day for eight weeks. The participants completed the hot flash checklist one week before the intervention, and 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention. They also filled out the Anxiety Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Greene Climacteric Scale before the intervention, and 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention. One-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA tests were used for data analysis. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of demographic characteristics, mean number of hot flashes, mean score of anxiety, sexual function index and menopausal symptoms before the intervention (p > 0.05). The mean age of participants was 51.7 years. Mean number of hot flashes in the curcumin group (adjusted mean difference = −10.7, 95%confidence interval = −3.6 to −17.9, P = 0.001) and in the vitamin E group (−8.7, −0.6 to −15.0, P = 0.029) was significantly lower than the placebo group after the intervention. The first significant effect of curcumin on hot flashes was observed after four weeks (P = 0.027). However, there was no significant difference between vitamin E group and placebo four weeks after intervention (P = 0.052) and the first significant effect of vitamin E on hot flashes was observed after eight weeks (P = 0.025). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of sexual function index, anxiety and menopausal symptoms (P > 0.05). ConclusionThe results of this study showed that oral intake of curcumin and vitamin E significantly reduced hot flashes in postmenopausal women but had no significant effect on anxiety, sexual function and menopausal symptoms.

Equol Decreases Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Soy isoflavones may benefit some, but not all, menopausal women, and the ability of the women to produce equol may be the major determinant of effectiveness. We assessed the efficacy of soy isoflavones and equol for alleviating menopausal symptoms, especially vasomotor symptoms, in postmenopausal women who were equol producers and nonproducers by using systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We searched 12 English, Korean, and Chinese language scientific and medical databases. We selected all available RCTs that assessed the effect of equol, either equol itself or soy isoflavone in equol producers, on menopausal symptoms in peri- or postmenopausal women. The primary outcome was the effect on hot flashes. The severity of hot flashes was determined by the scores, and sensitivity and risk of bias analyses were conducted. Other outcomes of the review, but not meta-analysis, included depression and adverse events. Six studies (779 total subjects) met all criteria for the systematic review, 5 of those could be included in the meta-analysis (728 total subjects). Two studies included in the meta-analysis reported no statistically significant benefits of equol; the other three did report significant benefits of equol. Meta-analysis revealed a significant benefit of equol for lowering hot flash scores and revealed a generally low risk of bias. In conclusion, this study found that supplementing equol to equol nonproducers significantly lowered the incidence and/or severity of hot flashes in menopausal women.

Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonism Reveals Roles for Neurokinin B in the Regulation of Gonadotropin Secretion and Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women

Objectives: Neurokinin B (NKB) and kisspeptin are obligate for normal gonadotropin secretion, and links between gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility and vasomotor symptoms have been proposed. Using a selective NKB receptor (NK3R) antagonist, the role of NKB in the hypergonadotropic state in menopausal women was explored. Methods: Eleven postmenopausal women were administered the NK3R antagonist MLE4901 at 40 mg twice daily orally for 7 days. Ten-minute blood sampling for 8 h was performed before and on the last day of NK3R antagonist treatment for luteinising hormone (LH) pulsatility analysis with kisspeptin-10 (0.3 µg/kg i.v. bolus) administered at 6 h on both days. Hot flash frequency and severity were self-reported for 7 days before and during NK3R antagonist administration. Results: LH fell from 29.3 ± 4.1 to 24.4 ± 3.8 IU/L (p < 0.05) after 7 days of NK3R antagonist treatment, with no change in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Basal (non-pulsatile) LH secretion was reduced (549.0 ± 70.8 vs. 366.1 ± 92.1 IU/L/6 h, p = 0.006), and while the LH pulse frequency did not change in the group as a whole (from 0.8 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.1 pulses/h, ns), it did fall in the 8 women with hot flashes (from 1.0 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.1 pulses/h, p < 0.05). These women also reported a reduction in hot flash frequency (from 3.4 ± 1.2 to 1.0 ± 0.6 hot flashes/day, p = 0.008) whilst taking the NK3R antagonist. Kisspeptin-10 did not affect LH secretion with or without the NK3R antagonist. Conclusions: The administration of an NK3R antagonist indicates a role for NKB in the regulation of LH/GnRH in postmenopausal women, whereas the lack of response to kisspeptin may reflect the hypo-oestrogenic state. These data support a link of LH/GnRH pulsatility and vasomotor symptoms with NK3R antagonism as a potential therapeutic approach.

Anxiogenic CO2 stimulus elicits exacerbated hot flash-like responses in a rat menopause model and hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

As longitudinal studies determined that anxiety is a strong risk factor for hot flashes, we hypothesized that an anxiogenic stimulus that signals air hunger (hypercapnic, normoxic gas) would trigger an exacerbated hot flash-associated increase in tail skin temperature (TST) in a rat ovariectomy (OVEX) model of surgical menopause and hot flashes in symptomatic postmenopausal women. We also assessed TST responses in OVEX serotonin transporter (SERT) rats that models a common polymorphism that is associated with increased climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women and increases in anxiety traits. OVEX and sham-OVEX rats (initial experiment) and wildtype and SERT OVEX rats (subsequent experiment) were exposed to a 5-minute infusion of 20% carbon dioxide (CO2) normoxic gas while measuring TST. Postmenopausal women were given brief 20% and 35% CO2 challenges, and hot flashes were self-reported and objectively verified. Compared to controls, OVEX rats had exacerbated increases in TST, and SERT OVEX rats had prolonged TST increases following CO2. Most women reported mild/moderate hot flashes after CO2 challenges, and the hot flash severity to CO2 was positively correlated with daily hot flash frequency. The studies demonstrate that this anxiogenic stimulus is capable of inducing cutaneous vasomotor responses in OVEX rats, and eliciting hot flashes in postmenopausal women. In rats, the severity of the response was mediated by loss of ovarian function and increased anxiety traits (SERT), and, in women, by daily hot flash frequency. These findings may provide insights into anxiety-related triggers and genetic risk factors for hot flashes in thermoneutral environments.

Visfatin correlates with hot flashes in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: effects of genistein.

During menopause, an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and central obesity seems to increase hot flashes (HFs). Visfatin is an inflammatory adipokine secreted by visceral fat. We investigated visfatin levels and its relationship with hot flash number and BMI, in postmenopausal women with MetS. We also evaluated the effect of genistein, an isoflavone effective in reducing HFs, on visfatin levels and HFs after 1year of treatment. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Postmenopausal women with MetS were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n=60) or 54mg genistein (n=60), daily for 1year. As main outcome measures, hot flashes number and circulating visfatin levels were evaluated. Visfatin significantly correlated with BMI and HFs number in women with MetS at basal. After 6 and 12months, our results indicate a strong correlation and a significant effect of genistein in reducing both HFs and visfatin in women with MetS. The present study suggests that visfatin plays a role in the vasomotor symptoms, at least in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Genistein may reduce HFs decreasing the circulating levels of this inflammatory adipokine.

Индивидуальный выбор менопаузальной гормональной терапии

The goal of anti-aging menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) lies in maintenance and restoration of the major organs and body systems, thus achieving two main effects: increasing life expectancy and improving its quality, which is fully consistent with the desires of women in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. MHT started in the menopausal transition period is not only the treatment of early symptoms of menopause, but menopause itself and prevention of late complications. The article discusses the possibility and efficacy of Angeliq® Micro containing reduced doses of estrogen and progestogen (17β-estradiol 0.5 mg + drospirenone 0.25 mg). Indications for its purpose is to maintain moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus.

295 - Oxidative Stress Is Increased with the Severity of Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women

295 - Oxidative Stress Is Increased with the Severity of Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women

Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy for Reduction of Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: Examination of Cortisol as a Potential Mediator

Hypnotic relaxation therapy (HRT) has been shown to reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women and breast cancer survivors. While the biological mechanism by which HRT reduces hot flashes is unknown, it has been speculated that reduction of stress mediates the intervention’s effectiveness. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of HRT on a known biomarker of stress (cortisol) and changes in cortisol as a mediator. Sixty-two postmenopausal women received hypnotic relaxation therapy for hot flashes and completed measures of hot flashes in addition to providing cortisol samples at baseline and endpoint. HRT resulted in significantly decreased early evening salivary cortisol concentrations. However, changes in salivary cortisol concentrations did not mediate the effects of HRT.

Clinical efficacy of estradiol transdermal system in the treatment of hot flashes in postmenopausal women

Clinical efficacy of estradiol transdermal system in the treatment of hot flashes in postmenopausal women Camil Castelo-Branco,1 Iris Soveral21Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Institut d&acute;Investigacions Biom&egrave;diques August Pi i Sunyer, 2Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, SpainAbstract: Hot flashes are among the most common symptoms of estrogen deprivation associated with menopause. Hot flashes affect quality of life in menopausal women and constitute the main indication for hormonal replacement. Treatment using estrogens with or without a progestin is highly effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. There are several estrogen formulations available for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, including oral, transdermal, intranasal, and vaginal preparations. Within the transdermal group, several preparations exist and all have been shown to be effective in the control of hot flashes. Transdermal estrogens constitute an effective treatment for menopausal hot flashes and may have additional beneficial effects compared with oral treatment, given that first-pass hepatic metabolism is avoided using the transdermal route. Transdermal estrogens should be considered as a viable treatment option for symptomatic menopausal women. When it has been decided to use the transdermal route, the woman should be informed of the benefits and side effects of each transdermal system and her preference taken into account when recommending a specific transdermal preparation.Keywords: menopause, hormone therapy, transdermal, vasomotor symptoms

The Effect of Gabapentin on Intensity and Duration of Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:Menopause is the stage of time in which the menstruation stops following the loss of ovarian activity. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of gabapentin on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial from Feb 2010 to 2011 was conducted. Sixty postmenopausal women who were referred to obstetrics and gynecology ward of two educational hospitals were recruited and divided into two groups (intervention and control). Intervention group received 300 mg gabapentin three times a day for three months, while control group received placebo. The Intensity and duration of hot flashes in women scored and recorded using visual analog scale. Independent, Paired t-test and chi-square test were used for analyzing data.Results:Intensity of hot flashes in the beginning of research in the intervention group was significantly different with the first, second and third follow-up visit (P<0.05). Also at the end of intervention a significant difference between intervention and control groups were observed regarding the intensity, frequency and duration of hot flashes (P<0.05 and P=0.01 respectively).Conclusion:According to the findings of this study; it appears that the use of gabapentin could decrease the intensity, duration and frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. For postmenopausal women who hormone therapy is contraindicated, gabapentine could be an acceptable alternative.

Efficacy and Safety of Desvenlafaxine Treatment for Hot Flashes Associated with Menopause: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Vasomotor symptoms, such as daytime hot flashes and nighttime awakenings due to hot flashes, are commonly associated with menopausal women. The aim of this study was to assess desvenlafaxine in moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Electronic databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials that compared desvenlafaxine to placebo for postmenopausal women affected with hot flashes. The main outcomes were mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for change of the hot flashes. Six randomized controlled trials were identified in the meta-analysis. Pooled change of moderate and severe hot flashes frequency reduced SMD of -0.49 (95% CI -0.91 to -0.07) in desvenlafaxine 100 mg and -0.36 (95% CI -0.54 to -0.19) in desvenlafaxine 150 mg at week 12. Desvenlafaxine 100 mg reduced moderate and severe hot flashes frequency SMD of -0.74 (95% CI -1.05 to -0.44) within 26 weeks. There is no evidence for an increased risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or hepatic events associated with desvenlafaxine 100 mg/day. The meta-analysis suggests that treatment with desvenlafaxine 100 mg/day is associated with a significant reduction of moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Desvenlafaxine appears both safe and effective for treating hot flushes for up to 12 months.

Brain blood flow and cardiovascular responses to hot flashes in postmenopausal women

This study tested two related hypotheses: (1) brain blood flow is reduced during postmenopausal hot flashes, and (2) the magnitude of this reduction in brain blood flow is greater during hot flashes when blood pressure is reduced. Eleven healthy, normotensive postmenopausal women rested in a temperature-controlled laboratory (∼ 25°C) for approximately 120 minutes while waiting for a hot flash to occur. The onset of a hot flash was objectively identified by an abrupt increase in sternal sweat rate (capacitance hygrometry). Middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv; transcranial Doppler) and mean arterial pressure (Finometer) were measured continuously. Each hot flash was divided into eight equal segments, and the segment with the largest reduction in MCAv and mean arterial pressure was identified for each hot flash. During experimental sessions, 25 hot flashes occurred (lasting a mean [SD] of 6.2 [2.8] min, with a mean frequency of 3 [1] hot flashes per participant). Seventy-six percent of hot flashes were accompanied by a clear reduction (>5%) in brain blood flow. For all hot flashes, the mean maximal decrease in MCAv was 12% (9%) (7 [6] cm s). This value did not correlate with corresponding changes in mean arterial pressure (R = 0.36). These findings demonstrate that hot flashes are often accompanied by clear reductions in brain blood flow that do not correspond with short-term reductions in mean arterial blood pressure.

Comparison of Gabapentin with Estrogen for treatment of hot flashes in post-menopausal women.

Objective:Various non-hormonal agents have been used for the treatment of hot flashes in women with menopause. Some studies have reported that gabapentin appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the treatment with gabapentin is effective in reducing hot flash frequency and severity and also to compare gabapentin 100 mg/day, 300 mg/day and conjugated estrogen in this regards.Methods:In this comparative clinical trial, 100 post-menopausal women attending outpatient clinics of Isfahan University hospitals were included from April 2008 to February 2009. Participants randomly received gabapentin 300 mg/day, gabapentin 100 mg/day, or conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg/day for 12 weeks. Frequency and severity of hot flashes and adverse effects were compared among the three groups.Findings:From all, 16 participants dropped out. There were no significant differences among the groups before intervention in terms of age, body mass index and baseline hot flash frequency and severity. Hot flash diaries were used to record the frequency and severity of hot flashes. After the treatment period, there was a significant decrease in both severity and frequency of hot flashes in all three groups. Post-hoc analyses showed that the frequency and severity of hot flashes were significantly lower in those who received gabapentin 300 mg/day or estrogen 0.625 mg/day compared to those who received gabapentin 100 mg/day. There was not statistically significant difference between those who received gabapentin 300 mg/day and those who received estrogen. Very few adverse effects, mostly gastrointestinal discomfort were observed in both gabapentin groups (8%).Conclusion:Gabapentin 300 mg/day could be useful to relieve hot flashes in women for whom hormone therapy is not suitable or when hot flashes do not respond to other therapies. Further researches are needed to determine the efficacy of gabapentin use for longer periods or at higher doses.