Hot flashes are uncomfortable episodes of sudden heat sensations, which may be accompanied by sweating and facial redness. They are caused by hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, and are extremely common. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic states that two-thirds of North American women will suffer from hot flashes during perimenopause. While hot flashes can vary in severity, they are generally unpleasant and inconvenient. One possible remedy for hot flash relief is vitamin supplementation.
Vitamin E
Certain vitamins seem to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. According to MayoClinic.com, vitamin E supplementation is helpful to some women who experience relatively mild hot flashes. However, MayoClinic.com also notes that scientific evidence on this issue is lacking. Since anecdotal evidence regarding vitamin E for hot flashes focuses on mild symptoms, BreastCancer.org advises that if your hot flashes are severe, you may need more intervention than simple vitamin E supplementation.
B Vitamins
Some health professionals recommend B vitamins for the treatment of hot flashes. According to BreastCancer.org, 200 to 250 mg of vitamin B6 may help alleviate hot flash symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic advises supplementing with the entire B-complex vitamin group to decrease hot flash episodes. Women who avoid eating animal products -- such as meat, dairy products and eggs -- may be particularly deficient in B-complex vitamins.
Other Nutrients
In addition to vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, certain other nutrients may be worth a try if you suffer from hot flashes. Soy phytoestrogens, flaxseed, black cohosh and evening primrose oil have all been used to treat hot flashes, and some women swear by them. However, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these nutritional supplements is inconclusive. More research is needed to truly understand whether these supplements help alleviate hot flash symptoms.
Precautions
If you suffer from hot flashes, discuss your symptoms with your physician, who can evaluate you fully and suggest appropriate interventions. These may include vitamin supplements, but may also include prescription medications, behavior changes and lifestyle considerations. Vitamin supplements can cause adverse side effects and drug interactions for some women, so obtain your doctor's approval before taking vitamins for hot flashes.
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