Conclusions
Treatment with low-dose oral 17β-E2 0.5 mg/day and venlafaxine XR 75 mg/day among healthy women with VMS is each significantly more effective than treatment with placebo in improving overall menopause-related quality of life. E2 is most effective in improving quality of life related to VMS but also improves physical and sexual symptoms. Venlafaxine is most effective in improving quality of life related to psychosocial symptoms and perceived stress. These findings provide information to clinicians and women considering pharmacologic therapy for relief of menopause symptoms associated with quality of life.