Sudden episodes of heavy sweating, intense body heat and redness in the face are associated with menopausal hot flashes. Three out of four women suffer from hot flashes, according to the Mayo Clinic. The intensity and duration of the hot flash periods vary from woman to woman. Menopause occurs in women during their late 40s and their 50s, when the body decreases production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Many methods are used to treat hot flashes. Treatment is commonly recommended only if hot flashes are frequent and disrupt normal daily activities.
Hormone Therapy
Estrogen therapy replaces the hormones no longer produced by a woman's body during menopause. If a woman has had a hysterectomy, estrogen alone is recommended. If reproductive organs are intact, doctors prescribe a combination of progesterone and estrogen. Estrogen alone is not recommended if a history of breast cancer or blood clotting is present; in those cases, progesterone therapy alone may be prescribed. The Mayo Clinic suggests taking the lowest recommended dose for the shortest amount of time to relieve symptoms. Risks of hormone therapy include heart conditions, blood clots and strokes.
Non-hormonal Medications
Some women may prefer non-hormonal medications. The medications are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hot flashes, and are commonly prescribed for other treatments. Still, some evidence exists that they are beneficial to treat hot flashes. Antidepressants such as paroxetine and citalopram are may decrease mild hot flash symptoms; side effects include nausea, dizziness and weight gain. Gabapentin is often prescribed to treat seizure disorders or shingles and helps some women who suffer from severe hot flashes at night. Side effects include drowsiness, headaches and dizziness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Clonidine in pill or patch form is a blood pressure medication that can decrease hot flashes, but it has side effects such as constipation and dry mouth.
Alternative Treatments
The herb black cohosh is widely used by woman in Europe and the United States to treat hot flashes. The plant grows in North America and is part of the buttercup family. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, black cohosh was reported to be more effective than the antidepressant Paxil for menopausal symptoms. Many experts agree black cohosh should be considered for women who are not able to take hormones. However, because no long-term studies have been conducted, they do not recommend using it longer than six months. The Mayo Clinic suggests soy and red clover may alleviate hot flashes, but studies of soy in menopause have not confirmed its effectiveness for hot flashes. Always consult your doctor about herbal supplements, because they can cause side effects or interact with medications.
