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.
Side-by-side comparison
| Method |  SSRIs for Hot FlashesA low-dose SSRI (paroxetine 7.5 mg) approved by the FDA for moderate-to-severe hot flashes. |  Weight LossLosing excess weight through diet and exercise may reduce hot flashes, especially for women earlier in the menopause transition. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | Recommended see details Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief. | Recommended (limited evidence) see details Recommended with limited evidence by the Menopause Society. |
| Cost | $0–$200 /monthly Insurance: Usually | $0–$100 /monthly Insurance: Usually |
| Duration | Daily pill (ongoing) | Ongoing lifestyle change |
| Reversibility | Reversible | Reversible |
| STI Protection | No | No |
| How it works | Low-dose paroxetine affects serotonin and other neurotransmitters involved in temperature regulation, which can reduce hot flash frequency and severity. | Excess body fat may contribute to vasomotor symptoms by altering thermoregulation and hormone metabolism. Losing weight through behavioral changes (diet and exercise) may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, particularly for women who are overweight or obese and earlier in the menopause transition. |
| Prescription | Required Prescription required | OTC Therapist-delivered (no Rx) |
| Available Products | 1 product | No branded products yet |
| Side effects |
|
|
| Who shouldn't use this |
|
|