Summary
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.
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Nesheim, B.I., Sætre, T. Reduction of menopausal hot flushes by methyldopa. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 20, 413–416 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00542092
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00542092