New ACOG Guidelines Advocate for Hormone Therapy in Menopause Care
ACOG's updated menopause management guidelines endorse hormone therapy and nonhormonal options for symptom relief.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released updated guidelines aimed at improving the management of menopause symptoms. These guidelines, published on October 15 in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, feature strong recommendations for menopause hormone therapy (MHT) for those experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats.
Your Menopause Management Options
ACOG emphasizes that for individuals who may be hesitant to use hormone therapy or are not suitable candidates, a variety of nonhormonal treatments are available. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been noted as effective options. Additionally, neurokinin receptor antagonists are also recommended to help manage VMS.
Complementary Approaches
The new guidelines suggest that nonpharmacologic methods can be beneficial as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, regular physical activity, clinical hypnosis, and acupuncture may be considered as part of a holistic approach to managing menopause symptoms. These approaches can often be used alongside medications to enhance overall comfort and wellness during this transitional phase.
Understanding Menopause Symptoms
Research shows that between 50% and 92% of women experiencing menopause report vasomotor symptoms. In the United States alone, sleep disturbances related to menopause are reported by about 16% to 66% of women. Furthermore, more than a third of women in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages experience symptoms of depression.
“In recent years, misconceptions about the risks of hormone therapy have been widespread,” said Dr. Bruce Pier, a clinical professor who contributed to the ACOG guidelines. “This guidance offers a comprehensive review of the evidence to support individualized counseling and shared decision-making. Our hope is that it clears up those misconceptions and expands access to treatment.”
With these updates, ACOG aims to provide clearer pathways for women seeking relief from menopause-related symptoms, ultimately improving their quality of life.
What’s Next?
In addition to this guidance, ACOG is set to release further recommendations addressing the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which is expected by 2027. These forthcoming guidelines will be anticipated as an essential accompaniment to the current management strategies.
