5 Things You Need to Know About Hot Flashes
For millions of women the onset of hot flashes is the welcome
mat for menopause. Approximately 40% of women that are still
menstruating regularly experience hot flashes, which are the
warming of the entire body and is often followed by heavy
perspiration. Many women want to know what can be done to
alleviate hot flashes, and perhaps how to stop them.
1- Even though not a whole lot is known about hot flashes, it
is believed that they occur not because of low hormones, but are
due rather to a fluctuation in those hormones. Traditionally,
hot flashes are treated with a prescription of estrogen via an
oral or transdermal medications; this treatment is called
hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These medications are a way
of evening out the hormones with in the body and are proven to
slow the occurrences of hot flash by 80-90% in most women.
2- Hormone replacement therapy is by far the most affective
means to treat hot flashes and is prescribed to more than 40
million women every year. However, this program has been under
intense scrutiny recently, as new research as indicated that the
hormone replacement may be a leading cause in heart disease
among women. For that reason, more and more women are turning
away from this traditional treatment in favor of more natural
methods of controlling the hot flashes.
3- Some of these treatments include using plant and vitamin
supplements to help alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes. If a
women wanted to try an alternative method, there is not a
shortage available, everything from soy to new breathing
techniques have been touted as the cure for hot flashes.
4- The most important thing to remember if you decide to try the
non-medicinal forms of relief is that many of these claims have
not been researched in the same manner as prescription medicine.
The manufacturing and use of vitamins and minerals for medicinal
purposes is not policed by any government agency as they are
considered food items. Therefore, any tests that have been
conducted on their effectiveness do not need to meet the same
strict guidelines as prescription medicine.
5- The most important thing that you can do for yourself when
experiencing hot flashes before or during menopause is to speak
with your health care provider. They will be able to walk you
through the process of choosing a treatment regimen. Discuss
with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding hormone
replacement surgery, together you can find the right form of
relief for you.