Hot flashes and night sweats are sudden increases in body temperature. They can occur any time, although they are most common during menopause in women. Certain supplements can help with these conditions. Discuss taking supplements with your doctor.
Soy
Soy may help reduce and control hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. In clinical studies reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, postmenopausal women who took in high amounts of soy protein generally had fewer and less intense hot flashes and night sweats than those with low intakes of soy. Supplementation intake was around 20 to 60 g per day. Soy can also be found in food products such as tofu and soy beans. Talk with your doctor before taking soy.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is used for menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, irritability, mood swings and sleep disturbances, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some research has also shown that black cohosh has a benefit of hot flash reduction in women suffering from breast cancer. However, further studies are needed to confirm dosage and usage. The recommended dose of black cohosh ranges from 40 to 80 mg per day, and supplementation should first be discussed with your doctor.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose oil is an oil supplement that is extracted from the seeds of a wildflower and prepared as medicine using a chemical called hexane. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that the oil also contains up to 25 percent of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. The combination of the oil, essential fatty acids and hexane has shown improvement in people who suffer from hot flashes and night sweats. Adult recommendation is to take 2 to 8 g of the primrose oil daily, after a doctor's approval.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble supplement known to reduce premenstrual symptoms, including anxiety, hot flashes, cravings and depression. This vitamin is found in many foods, fats and oils and is often take as a supplement as a hot flash treatment. With a doctor's approval, adults may take 22.5 international units daily to treat symptoms.
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