Hot flashes are a part of menopause, which is a process that every female body goes through when it reaches a certain age. Hot flashes are just one symptom of menopause, but often the most popularly treated. The stress of hot flashes often begins to interfere with the well being of menopausal woman, and so they seek treatment.
There are treatments available for just the symptoms of hot flashes and also treatments that claim to reduce all of the symptoms of menopause. It is important before beginning treatments to know which symptoms are affecting you and how often.
Natural remedies are obviously the safest since menopause is a natural condition itself. Natural remedies often have less dangerous and negative side effects. Many plants and herbs have shown success in treating menopause and hot flashes.
If, after trying natural remedies you do not see any improvement in your condition then it may be time to try over the counter medications for treating hot flashes and menopause. Doctor's are a good source of advice for information about any supplements or over the counter medications.
The most widely prescribed hot flash treatment is estrogen. This is referred to as hormone replacement therapy, as it is a lack of the hormone estrogen that brings on the symptoms. This can be administered in a few ways, including patch and oral forms.
The largest drawback to hormone replacement therapy is that long term studies show an increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer for those using this kind of treatment. Only you and your doctor can find out if this is really a good choice for you as a treatment of hot flashes.
Those who are scared of the dangers of hormone replacement therapy will rejoice to know that there are alternatives to try until a treatment is found that works for your body type. Multiple types of drugs can be prescribed for menopause, though it may take time to find the one that works for you.
With so many available options, no one should have to suffer through menopause if they do not want to. Research the treatment options, talk to your doctor, and be patient after starting a new treatment.
Following are a number of techniques that may prove helpful in coping with the sudden, intense sensation of a hot flash.
· Be aware that the fabrics you wear or sleep on may contribute to the problem by holding in body heat or prohibiting you from cooling down when the hot flash has subsided. Cotton is your best choice because it breathes and sheds moisture. Nylon, spandex, polyester and satin all tend to hold the heat close to your body.
· Hot flashes are actually found to be less intense and of shorter duration if you continue to exercise during the menopause years.
· Cool room temperatures are, of course, very helpful. Use of cool rags or even specially made scarves or pillow inserts can be of great value. Conversely, hot baths and showers may have to be avoided.
· A reduction in the number of hot flashes can be realized in many people by practicing slower, deeper breathing. Rapid breathing may cause one to hyperventilate, resulting in too much oxygen for a while, which causes just about anyone to feel warmer than usual.
· Studies have shown that certain chemicals and even some perfumes can worsen a hot flash, and other smells such as vanilla, lavender, and rose can help a little. Essential oils such as ylang-ylang, geranium and clary sage serve the same purpose.
· Cigarette smoking can set off hot flashes, especially in thin women.
Besides modifications in your environment and over-the-counter remedies, your doctor can prescribe medications other than hormone pills. Here is a brief description of several products:
· Medicines traditionally used to treat depression have been found to reduce the frequency and duration of hot flashes. A smaller dose of some of these medicines can produce favorable results in a matter of a few weeks.
· Hormone replacement therapy has fallen out of favor because of increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung blood clots, abnormal mammograms and slightly increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease. However, bio-identical hormones, which are custom compounds, show promise in controlling not only hot flashes, but also mood swings and sexual problems.
· At least one blood pressure medicine, Clonidine, can be used successfully in small doses to help relieve hot flashes by relaxing blood vessels. It will likely take several weeks to take effect, but no major health risks have been noted.
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