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CBT for Hot Flashes vs Clinical Hypnosis
A side-by-side comparison of two menopause relief methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.
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Side-by-side comparison
- CBT for Hot Flashes A structured, evidence-based talk therapy that teaches skills to manage the impact of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Clinical Hypnosis A therapist-guided technique using relaxation, mental imagery, and suggestion to reduce hot flash frequency and severity.
| Method | CBT for Hot Flashes A structured, evidence-based talk therapy that teaches skills to manage the impact of hot flashes and night sweats. | Clinical Hypnosis A therapist-guided technique using relaxation, mental imagery, and suggestion to reduce hot flash frequency and severity. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | CBT for Hot Flashes Recommended Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief. | Clinical Hypnosis Recommended Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief. Trial average: 80% reduction in hot flash score, across the whole group (not a share of people). |
| Cost | CBT for Hot Flashes $122–$227 per unit Insurance: Varies | Clinical Hypnosis Contact provider Insurance: Varies |
| Duration | CBT for Hot Flashes 4 weekly sessions | Clinical Hypnosis 5 weekly sessions (about 45 minutes each) |
| Reversibility | CBT for Hot Flashes Reversible | Clinical Hypnosis Reversible |
| STI protection | CBT for Hot Flashes No | Clinical Hypnosis No |
| How it works | CBT for Hot Flashes CBT teaches skills to manage the physical and emotional impact of hot flashes, including relaxation and paced breathing, spotting and managing triggers, and cognitive strategies for unhelpful thoughts about hot flashes. It has been shown to reduce how much hot flashes bother you and interfere with daily life. | Clinical Hypnosis Clinical hypnosis uses a deeply relaxed state, mental imagery, and suggestion, such as imagery of coolness, to reduce hot flashes. The exact mechanism is unknown; one hypothesis is that regular practice improves parasympathetic tone, part of the autonomic nervous system. |
| Prescription | CBT for Hot Flashes Not required Professional Service | Clinical Hypnosis Not required Professional Service |
| Side effects | CBT for Hot Flashes None reported | Clinical Hypnosis
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Key differences
The Menopause Society rates both recommended. How long it lasts: CBT for Hot Flashes, 4 weekly sessions; Clinical Hypnosis, 5 weekly sessions (about 45 minutes each). CBT for Hot Flashes: costs $122–$227 per unit. Clinical Hypnosis: Contact provider.