What are the Options for Treating Night Sweats and Hot Flashes?

While experiencing menopause is an entirely natural part of a woman’s life, it is unfortunate that many will also suffer from symptoms associated with this change. Each woman has different levels of symptoms, but it is safe to say that the majority will certainly experience the misery of night sweats and hot flashes also known as hot flushes. Even the milder cases can be unpleasant and although some women may try to simply put up with them, others will search for some way of managing the symptoms. Now more than ever, there are various options available which range from the scientifically-based through to simpler, natural treatments.

What Causes The Main Symptoms Of Menopause?

It is known that the problems associated with the ‘change of life’ as menopause is commonly known, are largely due to the drop in estrogen levels in the body at this time. Although the exact reason is in question, it is this imbalance that results in the hot flashes/hot flushes, a warm, sometimes burning sensation spreading through the neck and face that not only causes the skin to redden and sweat but can increase levels of anxiety in the sufferer. As for the night sweats, again, it is this raise in body temperature that can often interrupt sleeping patterns which in turn may lead to further distress and suffering.

One way of attempting to restore depleted estrogen levels and helps reduce symptoms, is for the patient to begin a course of Hormone Replacement Treatments (HRT), synthetic hormones that have an estrogen-like effect on the body. Unfortunately, these synthetic substances have also been thought to be responsible for causing a number of health concerns including both breast and endometrial cancers. Because of these issues, many women opt to use more natural remedies. As Dr. Douglas MacKay N.D. points out, ‘As a licensed naturopathic doctor, one of the most common questions that I received from my adult female patients was how to manage symptoms of menopause naturally, without the use of hormone therapy."

What Are The Best Natural Remedies For Hot Flashes And Night Sweats?

Fortunately, natural therapies for hot flashes, hot flushes and night sweats due to menopause do exist. There is a variety of treatment options available apart from HRT, many of which are becoming increasingly well-known.

• Phytoestrogens: These plant compounds mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Isoflavones, is a type of phytoestrogen found in soybeans, has received special attention for its ability to lessen the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. One study found that symptoms were alleviated by approximately 50%, and supplementation with isoflavones improved symptoms in menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.
• Herbal Remedies: Many all natural ingredients have been shown to decrease the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. The benefits of black cohosh reduce hot flashes and night sweats due to its estrogenic effects. Other herbal remedies for hot flashes include licorice root, chaste berry, dong quai, motherwort, and red clover extract.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Vitamins and minerals can help replenish substances that become depleted as a result of hot flashes, and can help women manage the most common symptom of menopause. Taking B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C is important to replace lost nutrients, while vitamin E supplementation is linked with an overall reduction in hot flashes.
• Calcium and Vitamin D: These are key vitamins and minerals that have been proven effective in preventing and treating bone loss and osteoporosis in post menopausal women. They are essential in decreasing the risk of primary fractures.

Natural treatment options can often provide symptom relief for menopausal women so they can resume living their life instead of merely enduring it. Finding the right product can be a daunting prospect considering all the products available. A quality menopause relief product will contain clinically proven ingredients that will reduce hot flashes, hot flushes and night sweats, decrease menopausal weight gain, increase libido while promoting hormonal balance. The right product will help you find a way to put hot flashes/hot flushes and night sweats associated with menopause behind you so you can enjoy everything this new phase of life has to offer.

Tips on Entering Smoothly into Menopause

• Exercise regularly. It keeps the metabolism going and is often helpful with depression, anxiety, stress and weight gain. Weight bearing exercise will help to maintain a healthy bone calcium content and help to prevent osteoporosis.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and essential fatty acids. Cold water fish are great sources of essential fatty acids: salmon, halibut, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and herring. Essential fatty acids help to support the nervous system which may be important for memory and brain function. They are also anti-inflammatory and are very important for skin health. Include soy in your diet. It often helps with hot flashes and estrogen regulation in your body.
• Nuts and seeds can also be added to the diet for a source of fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids. For example, flax seeds are an important source of healthy anti-inflammatory fats and can help regulate estrogen levels.
• Avoid unnecessary sources of sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Avoid smoking as it has been linked to more severe hot flashes and night sweats.
• Remember that balance in the body is what helps to create health. Make sure to nurture your mind to keep it quick, your body to maintain physical health, and your spirit and emotional life to keep you positive and happy.

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.