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February 10, 2012

Alternative Treatments for Hot Flashes (cont.)

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Alternatives for Treating Hot Flashes At A Glance
  • Each woman experiences menopause differently. Treatment, if necessary, is directed toward the particular symptoms that are present.
  • Hot flashes are experienced by many but not all women undergoing menopause. A hot flash is a feeling of warmth, sometimes associated with flushing, that spreads over the body and may be accompanied by perspiration.
  • Often it is not simple to determine if a given symptom is due to menopause. A physician should be consulted regarding symptoms that are new or of unknown cause.
  • While "natural" menopause remedies may be effective, there is a lack of research on the safety and effectiveness of many of these remedies. Side effects of prescription remedies are generally better understood than those of over-the-counter medications and "natural" treatments or remedies.
  • The most effective treatment for hot flashes is estrogen. However, the risks and benefits of this therapy must be carefully considered by a woman and her physician.
  • Other prescription medications, including SSRIs, may also be effective in relieving hot flashes.
  • Non-prescription products that have been used to treat hot flashes include phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), black cohosh, and vitamin E. However, studies that attest to their effectiveness and long-term safety are incomplete or lacking.

REFERENCES:

Previous contributing medical author: Carolyn J. Crandall, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.P.


Last Editorial Review: 7/29/2010


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Suggested Reading on Alternative Treatments for Hot Flashes of Menopause by Our Doctors

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