Isoflavones - Menopause - help!

[Dogmama]

In some instances, very low dose anti-depressants can be taken, and are specifically used to prevent hot flashes although generally when women can't take estrogen. The anti-depressant at low doses addresses the vasodialation of the blood vessels that causes the hot flashes. Again, the anti-depressant isn't being administered as an anti-depressant for it's typical intended use because of the low dose.

The antidepressant typically needs to be an SNRI, e.g., Effexor, Pristiq or Cymbalta. Be sure that you also check out the withdrawal problems of these pills. Can be nasty. OTOH, they help mood swings & general menopausal crankiness. If you decide to withdraw, you need to do so slowly. I was on one of them & they kicked up my IBS like crazy. BUT, I did feel calmer. In the end, I had to taper off. It was weird - light flashes, feeling like I had the flu and the rebound hot flashes were awful.