The MsFLASH-03 study (Menopausal Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health - 03), Comparative Efficacy of Low-Dose Estradiol and the SNRI Venlafaxine XR for Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three arm clinical trial. The design includes: 3 weeks of daily recording of hot flashes prior to drug treatment; 8 weeks of double-blind treatment with oral estradiol, venlafaxine, or placebo; followed by 14 days of drug taper for those on venlafaxine and 14 days of progesterone treatment for those on estradiol; followed by 2 weeks with no treatment for all groups; and a telephone follow-up post-treatment.
