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Menopausal Hot Flashes Cures

Menopause is the complete end of all menstrual bleeding due to the decrease in hormonal levels. The usual time for menopause is after age 50. However, it is not unusual for menopause to occur in the late 30s or early 40s. Hot flashes are among the many symptoms of menopause and also among the most uncomfortable. Hot flashes are intense feelings of warmth that are sudden in occurrence and are accompanied by mild to profuse sweating. About 80 percent of women experience hot flashes in menopause, and for 40 percent the symptoms are intense enough to require medical intervention.

  1. Estrogen and Progestin

    • Estrogen replacement therapy is the most common treatment for hot flashes but it is effective only for as long as the therapy is used. Hot flashes are likely to occur again once the therapy is stopped. Research has indicated that 100 percent of women who took estrogen reported a decrease in hot flashes while 80 percent reported total relief. Unless you have had a hysterectomy it is necessary to add progestin to the treatment to eliminate the chances of uterine or endometrial cancer.

    Vitamin E and Bioflavonoids

    • Research suggests the efficacy of Vitamin E and bioflavonoids for the control of symptoms associated with hot flashes.

    Black Cohosh

    • Black cohosh is a Native American herb that has been used by generations of women. It helps by attacking the underlying cause of hot flashes, lack of estrogen, by reducing the luteinizing hormone or LH levels. A reduction in LH levels increases the level of estrogen produced by the ovaries. Black cohosh also contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds with effects similar to estrogen. Black cohosh is available as Remifemin and 40 mg should be taken twice a day. At present, it is the strongest alternative to hormonal treatment for hot flashes in the U.S., Australia and Germany.

    Keeping Cool

    • Since hot flashes cause the body temperature to rise 3 to 4 degrees, practicing different ways to keep your body cool helps to reduce the discomfort of hot flashes. Also, keeping the surrounding temperature cool can keep hot flashes from getting aggravated. Cotton clothes and undergarments should be used as they absorb moisture better and are cooler. Dressing in layers in cooler weather is a good idea because it is easier to remove the top clothing in case of hot flash attacks. Keeping the body relaxed and deep breathing have been found to help as well.

    Exercise

    • Exercise decreases FSH and LH levels in the body, which not only reduces but in many cases eliminates the symptoms of hot flashes. The menstrual cycle, body temperature and the autonomic nervous system are regulated by the hypothalamus. When in menopause, the hypothalamus is hypersensitive to outside signals. Exercise helps to stabilize it and restore normal hormone levels.

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