Hot Flash Treatments

Hot flashes are a commonly known symptom that comes along with menopause.

It affects nearly 75% of women going through menopause and can cause sweating and redness in the face.  Women who can tolerate hot flashes reasonably well may not require any treatment.

However, there are many hot flash treatments available for those whose affliction become particularly worrisome, especially to the point it affects daily life.

There are several symptoms to an oncoming hot flash.

They include feeling pressure in the head as the flash begins, feeling anything from a mild warmth to an intense heat that spreads throughout the face and upper body, a flushed appearance that may come with red or blotchy skin from the face to the upper body, perspiration, a rapid heartbeat and a distinct chill when the flash diminishes.

Dizziness, faintness, fatigue and weakness are less common symptoms, but they do sometimes occur.  Women who smoke are more susceptible to hot flashes as are obese women and those who do not exercise.

If hot flashes are moderate to severe occurrences, a woman may have to undergo hormone therapy.  This therapy can take the form of estrogen therapy or progesterone therapy.

Dangers of estrogen therapy

Estrogen therapy is the more common of these two treatments and the most effective.  It is sometimes used in conjunction with progesterone therapy, particularly if the reproductive organs are still intact.  This is to prevent cancer from forming on the uterus lining.

If either therapy treatment is necessary, it is recommended that the patient take the lowest dosage possible during the shortest amount of time necessary.  Estrogen therapy should also be avoided for those who have had blood clots or breast cancer.

There are also several prescription medications available for those who do not require hormone therapy.  However, they are not meant specifically in the treatment of hot flashes but can effectively reduce symptoms.  Antidepressants, clonidine and gabapentin can all help alleviate symptoms.

Low dosages of drugs such as citalopram (Celexa), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are among the antidepressants that have been found to reduce symptoms that accompany hot flashes.

Neurontin is a gabapentin medication that is used in treating seizures.  Clonidine is a treatment of high blood pressure.  There may be side effects of these treatments.  There are also several home remedies and lifestyle adjustments that may help including deep breathing, keeping cool, maintaining a healthy diet, relaxing and not smoking.