![]() ![]() Patches, which stick to the skin, may be best for women with cardiac risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease. Hormone treatments (sometimes called menopausal hormone therapy, or MHT) can take the form of pills, patches, rings, implants, gels, or creams. They can also help with vaginal dryness, sleep, and maintaining bone density. It is a very effective treatment for hot flashes in women who are able to use it. Hormone therapy steadies the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It is believed that such changes cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. During the menopausal transition, the ovaries begin to work less effectively, and the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone declines over time. A hormone is a chemical substance made by an organ like the thyroid gland or ovary. Some women may choose to take hormones to treat their hot flashes or night sweats. Using hormones to treat hot flashes and night sweats The benefits and risks are still being studied. Currently, it is unknown whether these herbs or other "natural" products are helpful or safe to treat your hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms. They may work in the body like a weak form of estrogen, but they have not been consistently shown to be effective in research studies, and their long-term safety is unclear.Īlways talk with your doctor before taking any herb or supplement. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances found in some cereals, vegetables, and legumes (like soy), and herbs. These products are not proven to be effective, and some carry risks such as liver damage. You may have heard about black cohosh, DHEA, or soy isoflavones to treat hot flashes. Buyer beware: Unproven, nonscientific 'treatments' for hot flashes As with any medication, talk with your doctor about whether this is the right medication for you and how you might manage any possible side effects. Women who use an antidepressant to help manage hot flashes generally take a lower dose than people who use the medication to treat depression. Researchers are studying other antidepressants, which doctors may prescribe for off-label use. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, to treat hot flashes. These may be a good choice if you are unable to take hormones for health reasons or if you are worried about the potential risks. If lifestyle changes are not enough to improve your symptoms, nonhormone options for managing hot flashes may work for you. Nonhormonal medications to treat hot flashes Some early-stage research has shown that hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation could help with management of hot flashes. Women who are overweight or obese may experience more frequent and severe hot flashes. If you smoke, try to quit, not only for hot flashes, but for your overall health.These can make menopausal symptoms worse. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. ![]() Hot flashes portable#Carry a portable fan to use when a hot flash strikes.Dress in layers that can be removed at the start of a hot flash.Here are some other lifestyle changes you can make: Read and share this infographic to help spread the word about steps women can take toward optimal health during and after menopause. Layer your bedding so it can be adjusted as needed and turn on a fan. If hot flashes keep you up at night, lower the temperature in your bedroom and try drinking small amounts of cold water before bed. Lifestyle changes to improve hot flashesīefore considering medication, first try making changes to your lifestyle. This can help you make better decisions about managing your symptoms. Try to take note of what triggers your hot flashes and how much they bother you. But, if you are bothered by hot flashes, there are some steps you can take. You may decide you don't need to change your lifestyle or investigate treatment options because your symptoms are mild. Research has shown that there can be different patterns of when women first experience hot flashes and for how long, and that African American and Hispanic women have hot flashes for more years than white and Asian women. Some women find that hot flashes interrupt their daily lives. When they happen at night, hot flashes are called night sweats. Hot flashes, a common symptom of the menopausal transition, are uncomfortable and can last for many years. Using hormones to treat hot flashes and night sweats.Nonhormonal medications to treat hot flashes.Lifestyle changes to improve hot flashes. ![]()
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