Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause and perimenopause. The good news is Hot Flashes Treatment is available.
Many women have hot flashes, which may last from a few months to a few years after menopause. They occur due to changing estrogen levels in the body which affects the thermoregulatory system.
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of a heatwave which starts in the core of the body and moves towards the head and is followed by a flushing of the face and upper body and then breaks into a sweat.
It can last from few seconds to few minutes. They can occur at any time of the day but are more common at night. When they happen at night they are called night sweats. It can be severe enough to break the sleep thus leading to sleepless nights, tiredness and drowsiness the next day.
What Causes Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes can be triggered by various things such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, heat, and cigarette smoke.
What are the lifestyle measures to manage hot flashes?
- Control the temperature at night with fans and air conditioning.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
- Yoga and meditation can help relax and fall into a sound sleep.
- Exercise regularly e.g. walking, swimming, bicycling, and any form of aerobic and yoga is good for overall health.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and spicy foods and electronic gadgets at night.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
What are the medications for Hot Flashes / Hot Flashes Treatment?
Many women may not need any treatment. But some women may have severe symptoms and may require medical help to manage them.
- Soy contains isoflavones that have a weak estrogen-like effect in the body. These have been used for managing hot flashes. They can be consumed in the natural form or they are available as supplements in the form of capsules. The supplements are usually given for 3 to 6 months.
- Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. It can prevent and treat hot flashes. Further, it can help other symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and mood swings. But HRT is associated with risks and therefore it is imperative to see a gynecologist and decide about HRT after considering the risks and the benefits. Scientific evidence suggests that HRT if required, should be used at the lowest dose that is effective and for the shortest period of time possible.
- Non-hormonal prescription medicines. Various antidepressants have been used for managing hot flashes with mixed results. Paroxetine, a low-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant has been widely used to treat hot flashes.
Welcome menopause. It’s not the sunset of your life. It’s twilight. There is a lot of help available to manage the symptoms, connect with us if you need assistance.
