Behavioral treatment of menopausal hot flushes: evaluation by ambulatory monitoring

We attempted to develop an effective behavioral treatment for menopausal hot flushes and to determine the active behavioral components of this procedure.

Thirty-three women with frequent menopausal hot flushes were randomly assigned to receive eight sessions of training in paced respiration, muscle relaxation, or alpha-wave electroencephalographic biofeedback (placebo control). Hot flushes were objectively measured by means of 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of the sternal skin conductance level.

Subjects undergoing paced respiration had significant reductions in hot flush frequency and respiration rate, as well as increases in tidal volume.

Paced respiration training may be a useful treatment alternative for the reduction of hot flushes in women who cannot tolerate hormone replacement therapy.