ACOG issues new guidelines for menopause symptom management

New clinical guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend individualized approaches to managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood changes. The guidelines emphasize that the safety of hormone replacement therapy is “well established” for patients who have recently entered menopause and lack specific contraindications. For those with a uterus, a combination of estrogen and progestogen is recommended to mitigate endometrial cancer risk, while estrogen-only therapy is advised for those without a uterus.

Non-hormonal medical options, including fezolinetant, elinzanetant, and gabapentin, are also highlighted. Additionally, behavioral interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and acupuncture may assist with certain symptoms, though clinical evidence for these is considered less robust.

Complementary research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has explored the role of nutrition in symptom management. A systematic review of 15 randomized clinical trials involving 1,952 women examined whether dietary interventions could alleviate vasomotor, psychological, and cognitive symptoms. The study focused on whole-food-based changes, structured dietary patterns, and caloric restriction to determine their impact on quality of life and workplace stability for women undergoing this transition.