Clinical Hypnosis
vs
Stellate Ganglion Block
A side-by-side comparison of two menopause relief methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.
Side-by-side comparison
| Method |  Clinical HypnosisA therapist-guided technique using focused attention and suggestion to reduce hot flash frequency and severity. |  Stellate Ganglion BlockAn injection of local anesthetic into a nerve bundle in the neck that may interrupt hot flash signals for several months. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 80% reduction in hot flash score Around 80% reduction in hot flash score. | Recommended (limited evidence) see details Recommended with limited evidence by the Menopause Society. |
| Cost | $100–$250 /per unit Insurance: Varies | $500–$1,500 Insurance: No |
| Duration | 5 weekly sessions (about 45 minutes each) | Up to 6 months per injection (based on the Walega 2014 trial endpoint) |
| Reversibility | Reversible | Reversible |
| STI Protection | No | No |
| How it works | Clinical hypnosis uses focused attention, relaxation, and suggestion to alter the perception and frequency of hot flashes. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but may involve modulation of autonomic nervous system activity. | A clinician injects local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a nerve bundle in the neck that is part of the sympathetic nervous system. This may interrupt the temperature-regulation signals that trigger hot flashes. |
| Prescription | OTC Therapist-delivered (no Rx) | Required Prescription required |
| Available Products | 1 product | No branded products yet |
| Side effects |
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| Who shouldn't use this | None reported |
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