Gabapentin and Pregabalin Can Treat Menopausal Symptoms in Those Who Want to Avoid Hormone Use

For those women who have no menopausal symptoms, the treatment of menopausal years still has to address many issues of health and longevity. However, what can be the most distressing about the menopause transition is that it can be prolonged: up to 15 years…and cause thought and mood disrupting symptoms the whole time.

Hormone optimization can treat symptoms, but there is a place for either the addition, or the initiation of non-hormonal treatment. For some women, this could mean supplements, yoga, meditation, and exercise. But, for many, it might mean medication. We invite you to try our virtual or in person classes at Hatha Yoga and Fitness.

Medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin can treat hot flashes, they are not as effective as bioidentical or traditional hormone therapy, but they can be safely used.

Antidepressants for hot flashes usually work on serotonin receptors, but these work on other neurotransmitter pathways that control the flux of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The major complaints from gabapentin and pregabalin are sleepiness and dizziness, but overall women tolerate these treatments well.

American, European, and Asian guidelines suggest that these treatments can be effective.

These compounds can be safely used in breast cancer patients.

Women on these treatments can expect a 20-30% reduction in hot flashes.

To see what therapy might be right for you come in to discuss your symptoms with an experienced provider at Women’s Health Practice.