Relief from Hot Flashes
Hot flashes (also known as vasomotor flushes) are intermittent hot sensations experienced by women who are going through hormonal changes. This ordeal is a common symptom of menopause and premenopause and is characterized by intense sweating and rapid heartbeats.
An episode of hot flashes can last for a period of 30 seconds or up to 30 minutes. It translates a warm feeling that spreads all over the body but is felt most severely in the head and in the neck area. Often times it can be felt externally through physical touch and can be visible from the flushing or reddening of the skin.
Although many women experience hot flashes during menopause, not all women carry these symptoms. Due to the peculiarity of every woman's physic, symptoms for menopause can vary significantly from individual to individual. Most women who do have episodes of hot flashes during menopause may experience it for a period of 5 years while others (about 10% of the population) may go through it for as long as 10 years.
What causes hot flashes?
Hot flashes are normally caused by a disorder in thermoregulation. Although it often experienced during the menopausal stage of a woman life where many of her hormones are discordant, there is no real existing rationale that can actually define the relationship of hormonal disparities and this symptoms.
Some, however, insist that hot flashes are caused by a deficiency in circulating estrogen in the body due to the decline in the function of the ovaries. It is, however, still a puzzle why even women with very high estrogen levels experience hot flashes. The only secure fact about this theory is that when either of these women takes estrogen substitutes, they are able to experience relief.
What are the treatments for hot flashes?
There are many recommended treatments for hot flashes that have been proven to be effective. Amongst them are hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, phytoestrogens, black cohosh, drug treatments and complementary and alternative treatments.
Hormone Therapy:
One of the older methods for treating hot flashes is by the intake of oral estrogens or by the use of a transdermal patch. This is commonly known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT has been proven effective in reducing the frequency of hot flashes to about 80% to 90%. Long-term use, however, can lead to greater risks of heart attack and breast cancer. It is thus recommended that when prescribing to these forms medication that the duration of application be limited to shorter periods andthe dosages be as minimal as possible.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) is a method that embarks on replacing the needed hormones of the body with naturally manufactured hormones of the same chemical formula. Many of those BHRT medications produced by drug companies are U.S. FDA-approved and are safe. Other pharmacists specialists, however, engage in compounding medications based on individual needs and because the finished compounded solutions are not standardized, they are not necessarily FDA-approved. Most BHRT products come in cream or gel forms and are easily absorbed by the body, making them more effective yet riskier to side effects on the immediate use.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived estrogens that have the same chemical structure of natural estrogens produced by the body. They are commonly used to relieve the pains of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Since they are all natural, they are particularly safer to use than Hormone Therapy replacements and are much easily absorbed by the body.
Black Cohosh
This medication is currently undergoing testing and its effectiveness and safety is still unknown. Although it may, in some cases, prove to be effective in relieving hot flashes, it has been suggested that this medication be taken for only shorter periods or that after 6 months be automatically terminated. Side effects for long-term use have yet to be determined.
Drug Treatments
Other drug treatment commonly used for relief from menopausal hot flashes are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Gabapentin, Clonidine, Magestrol and Medroxyprogesterone. Most of these treatments come in pill form or are administered through injection. Mostly used to treat depressions and anxieties but have been proven worthy for relieving hot flashes in menopausal women.
Other Alternative Therapies
Supplements can be prescribed to women who experience hot flashes. Some of them are vitamin E, licorice, evening primrose oil, dong quai, chasteberry and wild yam. Although there have been many testimonies to the effectiveness of these supplements, studies are still being conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of their use.
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