Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the traditional treatment for symptoms related to menopause. HRT is estrogen given as a pill, patch, or vaginal cream by itself, or combined with progesterone (for women who still have their uterus).
The latest recommendation is to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time, with regular follow-up with your doctor.
If you're not a candidate for HRT, if your symptoms are not severe, or if you simply decide not to use HRT, medications originally used as antidepressants may help relieve hot flashes. These include low doses of fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), venlafaxine (Effexor), and many other SSRIs. Two other drugs -- the anti-seizure drug gabapentin and the blood pressure medication clonidine -- may also help with menopausal symptoms.
The drugs Brisdelle and Duavee are made specifically for hot flashes.