Hot flashes are often thought of as a woman's problem; however, hot flashes are caused by miscommunication from the body to the hypothalamus, which is used to control the body's temperature. Hot flashes mainly occur due to menopause, when levels of estrogen are depleted but can also be a symptom of conditions such as carcinoid syndrome or medication side effects. Multivitamins may offer some relief to people with hot flashes, but if your hot flashes are due to medicine side effects, speak to your physician about changing your medications, as this may be enough to make them subside.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes occur when a sudden feeling of warmth rushes over the body. Some people may experience an intensity of heat around the face, chest and neck and may develop red skin. Hot flashes are normally caused by a fluctuation in the hormones that occurs during menopause but can also be caused by other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. These hot flashes may occur at any point in the day and may cause you to sweat profusely.
Vitamin E
Between 50 and 66 percent of women find vitamin E effective in diminishing hot flashes, although it may take up to 6 weeks before the effects are felt, according to Power Surge. Although some women find relief taking between 400 to 800 IUs of vitamin E supplements, Power Surge recommends following a common regimen of taking 600 to 800 IUs of vitamin E along with a daily vitamin C capsule.
Multivitamin
Taking a regular daily multivitamin can help prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency and the development of symptoms associated with these deficiencies. Vitamins deficiencies may also cause hormonal imbalances. Multivitamins usually contain 100 percent of the recommended dietary value of vitamin E; however, if you're using vitamin E as a natural way to treat hot flashes, you may need to take a separate supplement along with your multivitamin.
Considerations
See a physician about taking hormone replacements in addition to taking vitamins to help control hot flashes. Most often replacing the hormone that's causing the hot flash can help minimize or stop them completely. Try to keep cool as much as possible. According to MayoClinic, slight increases in body temperature can trigger hot flashes.
