More on managing menopause and dodging dementia
Medical management of menopause has been playing catch-up with what I've advocated for years. But, thankfully, many other researchers and doctors are finally focusing on helping menopausal women maximize their quality of life and longevity.
Here's another important upgrade in the standard of care that's being advocated. The American College of Physicians is now recommending that women with hot flashes and night sweats be treated with estrogen and progestogen if they have a uterus and just estrogen if they don't. The guidelines, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, also say that if hormone therapy is contraindicated, an SNRI is the second-line treatment recommendation and an SSRI, gabapentin, or an NKRA (elinzanetant or fezolinetant) are third-line treatments. (I believe they should also add that taking a low-dose aspirin daily is essential for hormone therapy, with estrogen to avoid blood clots!)
Managing hot flashes and night sweats can elevate mood, improve sleep and may impact dementia risk. A study in Nature Medicine reveals that levels of 16 molecules in the blood, all linked to brain aging, rise during the menopause and the higher the levels of those molecules, the greater the risk for dementia. It strikes me that smart hormone therapy may help control those potentially damaging molecules.
This column will continue to cover breaking news on managing menopause and enhancing aging. In the meantime, talk with your gynecologist about maximizing your transition so you thrive, not just survive. And for powerful lifestyle options that make you younger longer, check out "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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