Menopausal Hot Flashes, Sleep and Mood Disturbances

The identification and management of depressive symptoms, hot flashes, and sleep disturbance during menopause first involves a delineation of stage of menopause as the prevalence and management of each symptom may change depending on stage. Menopausal transition is marked by menstrual cycle irregularity and hormonal fluctuations. Depressive symptoms, hot flashes and sleep disturbances are more common during the menopausal transition. Management of the triad of symptoms often entails a careful assessment of the severity of each symptom followed by a consolidated selection of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions designed to target all presenting symptoms. These overlapping interventions may include but are not exclusive of supportive measures, environmental modifications, cognitive behavioral therapy, SNRI’s, SSRI’s, and, in select cases, Hormone Therapy, depending on stage of menopause.