Hot flashes occur when a patient experiences intermittent bouts of a heated sensation. Some patients may sweat while others only feel discomfort. Hot flashes are highly common in menopausal women and can happen anytime. Hot flashes are not fatal; treatment is typically aimed at reducing the discomfort of the patient. Night sweats are a symptom of another condition. Night sweats occur at night and patients are generally awakened to find that their bedding and pajamas are soaking wet. Night sweats are also not fatal and respond well to treatment at home.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is often used to regulate hormone levels that may be causing a patient's hot flashes or night sweats. If a patient has bad a hysterectomy, she can take estrogen only. Women whose reproductive organs are still actively functioning may receive a recommendation to take a mixture of progesterone. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women use the lowest dosage possible to prevent side effects from taking either hormone.
Herbs
Although the effectiveness of herbs in treating hot flashes has not been confirmed through clinical trials, women in countries outside of the United States have traditionally used them. Women in Europe often use black cohosh to relieve hot flashes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, women from Asian countries utilize soy and red clover as a method to treat hot flashes or night sweats.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can help to reduce the occurrence or severity of a hot flash or night sweat. Patients are advised to dress in layers and remove layers if they feel warm or are not able to control their environment's temperature. Additionally, patients should avoid spicy foods and beverages, caffeine or alcohol as they can also trigger a hot flash or nigh sweat after they are consumed.
Relaxation
Some patients report experiencing hot flashes or night sweats that are brought on by stress. Controlling stress in a healthy way can prevent the occurrence of hot flashes or night sweats or help a patient to cope with them when they occur. Deep breathing, yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation are all recommended methods for controlling stress and better managing hot flashes or night sweats when they occur.
Soy
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that many women have experienced less severe or less frequent hot flashes or night sweats when they consumed 20 to 60mg of dietary soy protein. Edamame and tofu are two readily available forms of soy that can be incorporated into a regular diet.
