Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common and earliest occurring symptoms of perimenopause, occuring in about 40% of perimenopausal women in their forties. Symptoms of a hot flash include flushing, perspiration, and a feeling of warmth all over the body. Another symptom of menopause that may occur with hot flashes is night sweats. Researchers speculate that hot flashes occur in women who start sweating at a lower ambient temperature. Most women experience hot flashes for 5 years or less. Unfortunately, for a certain percentage of women, their hot flashes last for as long as 10 years.
Prescription Treatments: For women who are still mensturating, oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed because contraceptives are also effetive at treating other menopausal symptoms. Women who are not menstruating should ask their doctors about either oral or transdermal forms of estrogen therapies. Both forms of therapies may contain just estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. General treatments are effective in reducing 80% to 90% of hot flashes and night sweats.
Alternative Treatments: Soy is rich in phytoestrogens (plant based mimics of estrogen) and wild yam creams also contain progesterone. Many have found that a combination of a diet high in soy and the use of wild yam cream are effective in reducing hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Dong quai, black cohosh, and vitamin E have been cited by some to be effective in reducing hot flashes. Please consult with your doctor before trying any alternative treatments.
tags: menopause, symptoms, women's health, estrogen, alternative medicine, hot flashes, night sweats
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