What to know about viral menopause treatment trend, according to a doctor
There's a new trend gaining attention online that has people taking a combination of antihistamines and Pepcid to try to help reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, but experts warn that as with many internet trends, it's not entirely rooted in reality.
ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Tara Narula offered an explanation and reality check on Tuesday, telling "Good Morning America" that "these social media trends really need to be evaluated with caution."
The trend, according to Narula, combines the use of "Allegra, a drug that's typically used for allergies," and "Pepcid, a drug that's typically used for ulcers or acid reflux."
"Both of them have antihistamine effects. They block histamine. Histamine is a chemical in the body that we often think about with immune function," she said. "It also acts on our gut digestion and in allergic reactions. However, there is no real data or studies that link histamine and menopause."
As such, Narula said that "while a lot of women may think that histamine has to do with what they're experiencing during menopause, we really believe that it is a result of fluctuations in hormones."
Although the drugs are being touted on social media as a miracle duo, Narula said there could be problems with combining them.
"Every medicine has risks and side effects that you have to think about," she said. "For example, these drugs could interact with other drugs that you're taking, and if you take these, some of the side effects or risks could include things like sedation, confusion, dizziness, headache, lowering of your platelets -- part of the blood that causes clotting -- reductions in vitamin D, even hot flashes or heart rhythm problems."
She continued, "It's really important to be careful -- listen carefully to your doctors and not necessarily what you're seeing on social media."
Narula offered suggestions for how women can deal with menopause symptoms, including finding menopause certified providers.
"You can go on menopause.org and find someone to talk about what is the right treatment for me," she said. "Hormone replacement therapy can be really beneficial for women with symptoms who are low risk within 10 years of menopause under the age of 60. They come in all forms gels, patches, pills."
She said there are also nonhormonal therapy options, such as drugs like Veozah or even Paxil, "for women who can't take hormones."
As with all new medications or treatments, Narula said people should be sure to "review [them] with your physician."
"There's lifestyle things like exercise, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, healthy diet," she said. "The point is, don't suffer, but make sure you're actually getting the right, appropriate treatment, not necessarily something you're seeing on Instagram."
