Hot flashes
A hot flash is a sudden sensation of intense body heat, often with profuse sweating and reddening of the head, neck, and chest. These symptoms can be accompanied by mild to severe heart palpitations, anxiety, irritability and, in rare cases, panic.
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of changing estrogen levels around the time of menopause. They strike unexpectedly, often at night, and usually last several seconds to minutes. Hot flashes:
- Can happen during perimenopause. This is the time when estrogen levels are changing.
- Most often happen during the first 1 to 2 years after menopause. At this time, estrogen levels drop below a certain point. If menopause starts from chemotherapy, from surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) during hysterectomy, or from antiestrogen treatment for breast cancer, you are more likely to have severe hot flashes.
- Continue to affect some people for 5 years or more after menopause.
Hot flashes can also be caused by thyroid problems, cancers, and stress. They also can happen when taking hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Several medicines are available to treat hot flashes.
What non-medicine treatments can you try for hot flashes?
There are many non-medicine treatments that can help with hot flashes. These include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This is a type of counseling that focuses on changing certain thoughts and behavior patterns. It may help you feel less bothered by hot flashes.
- Hypnosis. This is a state of focused concentration. During hypnosis, you become less aware of what is around you. It may reduce the number of hot flashes and make them less severe.
- Mind and body relaxation. It may help make hot flashes be less severe.
- Soy products. These may improve symptoms, but studies have shown mixed results.
- Black cohosh (such as Remifemin). This may help relieve symptoms. But the research on black cohosh has had mixed results.
Remember that dietary supplements aren't regulated like medicines, and they may have risks. If you'd like to take a supplement, talk to your doctor.
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