A wide array of non-pharmacological approaches to ease the burden of vasomotor symptoms has been investigated throughout the years. These include relaxation techniques, yoga, acupuncture, hypnosis, paced respiration, aromatherapy and massage . CBT is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. Its definition in Wikipedia is a little more sophisticated: "psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviors and cognitive processes and contents through a number of goal-oriented, explicit systematic procedures". There are many CBT programs, which are not similar, yet based on the same principles. The studies which investigated the effect of CBT on HF/NS consisted of psycho-educational, structured, and interactive programs with presentations, group discussions, handouts, and homework. Paced breathing and relaxation were practiced as well. CBT was successfully tested also in the clinical scenario of bothersome vasomotor symptoms in post-breast-cancer survivors . In this study, treatment was based on a model of the hypothesized causal mechanisms and maintaining factors of HF/NS, which included anxiety, stress, embarrassment, negative beliefs, catastrophic thoughts, and avoidance behaviors. Although the most effective therapy for HF/NS is estrogen, there is still a variety of non-hormonal pharmacological therapies, complementary and alternative interventions, and psychotherapeutical approaches, which may have a beneficial impact on vasomotor symptoms.
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