Women experiencing transition to menopause frequently report troubling vasomotor symptoms (VMS), especially hot flashes.1 Although hormone therapy (HT) is an effective pharmacological treatment, many women prefer nonpharmacological options.2 Furthermore, HT is contraindicated in some women and not without risk.3 For example, in women with existing cardiovascular disease or recent breast cancer, HT may not be an option.4

There is evidence that acupuncture is effective in reducing the frequency and duration of hot flashes.5 Similarly, yoga appears to be a safe and effective means of reducing menopausal symptoms comparable to other exercise interventions, but with an added effect on VMS.6 The article published in this issue of Menopause by Avis et al7 confirms the benefits of acupuncture and yoga on hot flashes, but also reports similar positive effects in attention control groups receiving either sham acupuncture or health and wellness education, compared to usual care and waitlist control.