Extreme Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are perhaps one of the most common symptoms of menopause, about 75% of US women report having hot flashes. A hot flash is simply a sudden surge in body temperature, the skin of the upper torso and the face can become bright red and you will sweat profusely. Sometimes women report their clothes becoming drenched in sweat due to hot flashes. The first time a woman experiences a hot flash can be frightening, some women report feeling like they may be having a heart attack or stroke, which can be very scary indeed.
For most women, hot flashes are tolerable. Perhaps not enjoyable, but tolerable. For these women, simple steps like reducing caffeine, alcohol consumption and not eating spicy foods can help reduce both the frequency and the intensity of the hot flash. Some women recommend dressing in layers and bringing extra clothes to work for a quick wardrobe change if necessary. Another thing that works for hot flashes is a type of controlled breathing exercise called paced breathing. For “normal” hot flashes any of these things may make your symptoms more manageable.
For a small group of women, hot flashes are unbearable and can begin to impact the overall quality of their life. For these women, medical intervention may be required. There are a few options available for hot flashes, some of them are already tested for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes, but some are drugs for other conditions that have been found to work for hot flashes but have not been developed or tested for hot flashes. These drugs include low dose antidepressants, Gabapentin which is a seizure medication and Clonidine which is a high blood pressure medication. In some cases the side effects of these medications may negate any benefits of the treatment.
Since menopause is a natural transition, it is always preferable to try to manage symptoms naturally, but sometimes this is not always possible. For women with extreme hot flashes, medical treatment may be needed to get some relief. Be sure to talk with your doctor about all your signs of menopause to assure the best treatment possible.
