Reduction of menopausal hot flushes by methyldopa

Abstract

In a double-blind study, methyldopa was shown to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing menopausal hot flushes. The median reduction in the number of hot flushes was 38% with placebo and 65% with methyldopa. The active metabolite of methyldopa, alpha-methylnoradrenaline, is an alpha₂-adrenoceptor agonist. Since the alpha₂-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine also reduces hot flushes, while the alpha₂-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine produces flushes, it is speculated that menopausal hot flushes might result from a reduced stimulation of alpha₂-adrenoceptors, probably in the CNS.