Moderate or Severe Menopause Hot Flashes May Be Worth Treating: Work With Your Doctor to Develop a Plan

Discussing symptoms with a doctor

Bitner says some women may not mention hot flashes during routine appointments, where many topics compete for time. Some may be trying to manage the symptoms on their own.

Women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes can speak with a healthcare provider about available treatment options. Bitner says the discussion can help patients understand what may be right for them.

Lynkuet as one option

The article identifies Lynkuet as FDA-approved. It says clinical studies measured efficacy at four and 12 weeks, and individual results may vary.

Safety information to consider

People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should tell their healthcare provider before using Lynkuet. The medicine may harm an unborn baby; those who can become pregnant should discuss excluding pregnancy before treatment and use effective birth control during treatment and for two weeks after stopping.

Lynkuet may cause sleepiness and other nervous system effects, including fatigue, vertigo, dizziness and feeling faint. People experiencing these effects should not drive or do hazardous activities until they go away.

Medicines and other precautions

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all medical conditions and medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. Lynkuet may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines may affect Lynkuet.

The safety information says to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Lynkuet. Taking it during pregnancy may cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth; anyone who thinks they are pregnant should stop taking it and contact a healthcare provider right away.