Cures for Nighttime Hot Flashes

Hot flashes and night sweats are common side effects of menopause. If you can manage your hot flashes without significant interference in your lifestyle, then you do not need to worry about treating them; they will go away when menopause passes. If, however, nighttime hot flashes interfere with your ability to sleep comfortably, you should seek advice from your physician and explore treatment options.

Hormone Therapy

• Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy, including estrogen therapy and progesterone therapy. You cannot take estrogen alone unless you have had a hysterectomy, because estrogen therapy can increase the likelihood of contracting endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). In this case, you can take a combination of estrogen and progesterone therapy or progesterone alone.

  Hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should take the smallest dose possible to relieve your symptoms, and take the therapy for the shortest amount of time needed. This is because hormone therapy can put you at risk for other problems, such as heart disease.

Prescription Drugs

• There are other drugs your doctor may recommend for treating your hot flashes, though none of them have been approved for that purpose by the FDA. Some antidepressants have been known to cure hot flashes, but they also carry a risk of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits vs. the risks for you.

  Gabapentin is a medication traditionally used to treat seizures and shingles, but it has also shown promising results in treating hot flashes, particularly at night.
  Clonindine is a medication usually used for high blood pressure, but it can also be effective in helping to treat hot flashes. Clonindine can cause drowsiness or dizziness, but if taken at night you can ease those symptoms.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• You can change a few things about your lifestyle and help make your hot flashes less severe. Try keeping your bedroom cool at night using a fan or air conditioning, and wear lightweight pajamas to bed. This can help you lower your body temperature, which will help with your symptoms because a spike in temperature can trigger a hot flash.

  You should also watch your diet. Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol can all trigger hot flashes. Avoid these foods in general, but especially in the evening before bedtime.

  Aside from improving your overall health, if you stop smoking you can also help your hot flashes. Smokers are at a greater risk for developing hot flashes, so if you quit smoking you can lower your risk.