Acupuncture is an effective treatment for hot flashes in women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer

In a study, published in December 2009, acupuncture was reported to be as effective as taking an anti-depressant medication (Effexor) in reducing hot flashes in women receiving antiestogren hormone therapy for breast cancer. Effexor is commonly prescribed to reduce hot flashes in these women, however we now have evidence that a non-pharmacologic therapy is equally effective. The patients who received Effexor experienced numerous side effects (eg, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety), whereas the acupuncture group experienced no adverse effects. Acupuncture had the additional benefit of increased sex drive in some women, and most reported an improvement in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.
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