Vasomotor Symptoms: ABFM practice questions

4 board-style questions on vasomotor symptoms in the PulseMD family medicine question bank — physician-reviewed, written against current guidelines with the reference cited on each question. Two free samples below; the full set with answers, explanations, and spaced review is free to start.

Sample question 1

A 54-year-old postmenopausal woman (last period 3 years ago) presents with moderate-to-severe hot flashes occurring 10-12 times daily, significantly disrupting her sleep and quality of life. She has tried lifestyle modifications without relief. She has no personal or family history of breast cancer, VTE, or cardiovascular disease. Her BMI is 26. She has an intact uterus. What is the most appropriate pharmacologic therapy?

1. Conjugated estrogen 0.45 mg plus medroxyprogesterone 1.5 mg daily
2. Paroxetine mesylate 7.5 mg orally once daily at bedtime
3. Black cohosh herbal supplement 40 mg once daily
4. Low-dose conjugated equine estrogen 0.3 mg daily alone

Sample question 2

A 52-year-old woman presents with 8 months of amenorrhea, frequent hot flashes occurring 10-12 times daily, and significant night sweats that disrupt her sleep. Her symptoms have not responded to lifestyle modifications. She has no history of breast cancer, venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease. She has an intact uterus. Her BMI is 26 kg/m2 and blood pressure is 122/78 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacologic therapy?

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (paroxetine)
2. Gabapentin at bedtime
3. Estrogen-only therapy with conjugated equine estrogen
4. Combined estrogen-progestogen therapy

Create a free PulseMD account to answer these, see the explanations, and practice five minutes a day.

PulseMD is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or approved by the American Board of Family Medicine.