By Kathryn Whittaker
Studies show that over 50% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes—that means you are more likely to get them than you are to be hot-flash-free. These uncomfortable moments cause sweating, a rapidly beating heart, and flushing and make you physically uncomfortable, possibly even embarrassing you when you are in public situations. They also can occur at all times of day (and night). Fortunately, because so many women suffer from hot flashes, there are many remedies for the situation.
When you first talk to your doctor about the hot flashes you are experiencing, he or she will probably recommend a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce this symptom of menopause, which can last up to a half hour. Living in a healthy way alone can cause the hot flashes to disappear—eat a healthy diet, stay cool, exercise often, relax, and quit smoking. There are also a number of herbal supplements you can take that have been shown to effectively reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Some include black cohosh and red clover. Other popular dietary changes include eating wild yams, chasteberry, and licorice.
The above-listed options are the best choices for women experiencing mild or infrequent hot flashes. Even without treatment, these hot flashes usually subside within a year's time. However, if you are experiencing 8 or more hot flashes every day, or you find them to be unbearable, your best choice may be hormonal treatment.
The most effective way to stop hot flashes is estrogen therapy, but this form of treatment has risks as well. It is normally taken in conjunction with the hormone progesterone. Some of the main risks of estrogen include heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer. Therefore, if you are already at risk for these conditions, you may want to reconsider your use of estrogen. Even if you were not previously at risk, it is important to use the lowest dose of estrogen possible, and to discontinue use as soon as the effects of menopause, including hot flashes, become bearable without treatment.
If estrogen and progesterone therapies are not medically sound options for you, there are other medications you may wish to pursue as well, although studies are still being done to find if they are safe and useful. One such option is taking antidepressants. In low doses, many menopausal women have used them to reduce hot flashes. However, they may have unwanted side effects as well. Gabapentin and clonidine, medications used to treat seizures and high blood pressure, respectively, are also being studied for their effectiveness in treating menopausal hot flashes.
Your doctor can give you more information on all the treatment options available if you find that you have begun suffering from hot flashes. This condition is common among women, and you do not need to continue suffering from the hot waves that flood your body during the day and the night sweats that disturb your sleep. Remember that this is one of the many changes you will see in your body during the menopause, and most will subside within a year.
About the Author: Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Menopause. For further information on Menopause please visit http://www.natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/menopause.html or http://www.natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/blog/2006/11/30/stopping-menopausal-hot-flashes/ .
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