During menopause, menstrual periods and the potential for child-bearing cease, while a number of other changes take place in the body. Some of the symptoms that go along with menopause can be annoying and some women find hot flashes particularly bothersome. Green tea has shown promise as a treatment for hot flashes, but it may also make them worse. Green tea is an alternative therapy and should be discussed with a health care professional prior to use.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are so common that MayoClinic.com reports 3 out of 4 women experience them during menopause. The symptoms are likely to include a feeling of warmth and sometimes intense heat suddenly spreading through the face and upper body. You may develop a flushed appearance in the face, neck and upper chest. Other symptoms that may occur include an increased heart rate, perspiration and a chilled feeling as the hot flash goes away.
Estrogen and Hot Flashes
It is the gradual decrease in estrogen during menopause that triggers hot flashes, according to the MayoClinic.com. Your body temperature is normally controlled by an area in the brain called the hypothalamus, and as estrogen levels decrease, it may affect the hypothalamus. Just having low estrogen does not seem to cause hot flashes; it is the dropping levels of this hormone that cause problems during menopause.
Green Tea as a Hot Flash Trigger
Green tea can be a trigger for hot flashes. Hot or caffeinated beverages can trigger hot flashes. Green tea contains about 60 mg of caffeine per cup, according to Medline Plus. If you are in the early stages of menopause and still taking birth control pills, or using estrogen replacement in a later stage, either of these hormone medications can impair the body's ability to metabolize caffeinated green tea and increase the effect of caffeine, which could make hot flashes worse.
Green Tea as a Hot Flash Treatment
Green tea may also relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Natural Standard, an evidence-based website on integrative medicine, reports that green tea has a "C" rating, which means the scientific evidence is unclear. The website notes that one study of a formula that contained green tea used by healthy menopausal women helped to relieve menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.
Green Tea Dosage
Medline Plus says the dose of green tea varies significantly and can range from 1 to 10 cups a day. The typical dose is based on Asian consumption of green tea, or about three cups a day --- 1 tsp. of tea leaves in an 8 oz. cup of boiling water. Although green tea is generally regarded as safe if used in moderation, consult a health care professional for questions or concerns.
