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SSRIs for Hot Flashes vs Weight Loss
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
- SSRIs for Hot Flashes A low-dose SSRI (paroxetine 7.5 mg) approved by the FDA for moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
- Weight Loss Losing excess weight through diet and exercise may reduce hot flashes, especially for women earlier in the menopause transition.
| Method | SSRIs for Hot Flashes A low-dose SSRI (paroxetine 7.5 mg) approved by the FDA for moderate-to-severe hot flashes. | Weight Loss Losing excess weight through diet and exercise may reduce hot flashes, especially for women earlier in the menopause transition. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Recommended Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief. | Weight Loss Recommended (limited evidence) Recommended with limited evidence by the Menopause Society. |
| Cost | SSRIs for Hot Flashes $69–$200 monthly Insurance: Varies | Weight Loss $0+ Insurance: Usually |
| Duration | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Daily pill (ongoing) | Weight Loss Ongoing lifestyle change |
| Reversibility | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Reversible | Weight Loss Reversible |
| STI protection | SSRIs for Hot Flashes No | Weight Loss No |
| How it works | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Low-dose paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that blocks the reuptake of serotonin. How it reduces hot flash frequency and severity is not known. | Weight Loss Women with obesity are more likely to report frequent and severe hot flashes than women of normal weight, and body fat appears to act as a risk factor for hot flashes earlier in the menopause transition. Losing weight through behavioral changes in diet and exercise may reduce hot flashes for women who are overweight or obese. |
| Prescription | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Required Telehealth Prescription | Weight Loss Not required Self-Directed |
| Side effects | SSRIs for Hot Flashes
| Weight Loss None reported |
| Who shouldn't use this | SSRIs for Hot Flashes
| Weight Loss
|
Key differences
Menopause Society rating: SSRIs for Hot Flashes, recommended; Weight Loss, recommended (limited evidence). How long it lasts: SSRIs for Hot Flashes, daily pill (ongoing); Weight Loss, ongoing lifestyle change. A prescription is needed for SSRIs for Hot Flashes, not for Weight Loss. SSRIs for Hot Flashes: costs $69–$200 monthly. Weight Loss: costs $0+.