The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause—A Review
Lifestyle changes
Regular movement helps people manage weight. Weight loss often reduces hot flashes and night sweats. Doctors advise aerobic work like walking or running, and strength work that slows bone loss.
Food choices matter. A plant-forward diet with vegetables, fruits and soy may ease hot flashes. Some researchers link this pattern to steady weight loss. Many doctors ask patients to limit alcohol and caffeine because these can trigger hot flashes.
Good food and steady movement also lower midlife risks linked to the heart and to diabetes. Estrogen and progesterone fall during menopause. This change raises blood pressure and cholesterol. Doctors advise people to stop smoking, sleep enough and control stress to protect the heart.
Prescription drugs
Several nonhormonal drugs ease menopausal symptoms. Some antidepressants calm hot flashes and help with mood. Oxybutynin, used for an overactive bladder, can cut hot flashes and improve frequent urination.
Veozah, the brand name for fezolinetant, blocks signals in the brain that control body heat. Lynkuet, the brand name for elinzanetant, works in a similar area and blocks two nerve-related molecules.
These drugs may cause side effects. Veozah carries a warning about rare liver injury. Lynkuet may cause trouble staying awake and fatigue. Some antidepressants can raise weight at higher doses. Oxybutynin can cause dry mouth and incomplete bladder emptying. Dr. JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School said every drug carries some risk.
Other nonhormonal options
Drugstore lubricants help people with vaginal dryness. Cognitive behavioral therapy shifts unhelpful thoughts and actions. It does not stop hot flashes but makes them easier to handle.
Clinical hypnosis may help. Some studies show fewer hot flashes and lower intensity. Dr. Manson said this looks promising but needs more research.
Dr. Juliana Kling of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine said people should ask about treatment that fits their needs. One patient, Gajarawala, made several changes. She cut red wine, walks 10,000 steps each day, practices tai chi and takes an extended-release antidepressant. Her symptoms eased in a clear way.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department developed this report with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP controls all content.
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