Information Useful for Coping with Hot Flashes or Hot Flushes

Hot flashes or hot flushes involve a sudden sensation of intense heat, usually in the upper part of the body. They can last from a few seconds to half an hour.

Women going through menopause or having chemotherapy for breast cancer often suffer from severe hot flashes. Soy is one of the many non-drug substances that have been suggested for easing symptoms that include flushing, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. But a new study finds that soy may not in fact help relieve hot flashes. The soy product did not alleviate hot flashes in breast cancer survivors," state a group of researchers in the March '00 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

"We were unable to demonstrate any suggestion of benefit," they add.

Foods derived from soy products contain compounds known as isoflavones, which have weak estrogen activity in the body. It is thought that regular intake of soy containing products not only provides a healthy source of protein, but may play a role in decreasing hot flashes as well.

Hot flashes, the most commonly reported symptom related to menopause, are experienced by up to 85 percent of menopausal women. Hot flashes occur when there is a decrease in previously well established circulating estrogen levels. The decline in estrogen is thought to affect the temperature control center in the brain, resulting in a turning on of the body's heat-losing mechanism. Blood flow is directed to the skin, which causes a visible flush, a sensation of heat, perspiration and a measurable drop in body temperature. Thus, a chill may be experienced afterwards. Hot flashes vary in frequency and intensity and can be stimulated by stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and warm external surroundings. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night and can be a cause of significant sleep disturbances.

Estrogen replacement therapy is, without question, the most effective treatment for the management of hot flashes and night sweats. An initial response to therapy is usually noted within a week or two of starting therapy, with a maximal effect established within four to eight weeks. Estrogen replacement should be considered by those women who experience disruption in their lives from symptoms and have medical approval for therapy. For women who can not take estrogen or those who choose not to, alternative therapies exist in addition to lifestyle modifications.

Other medications are sometimes used to treat the vasomotor symptoms of menopause with varying levels of success. These include progestins, androgens and Clonidine (a medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure).

Vitamin and supplement therapy are also used by some women for symptom relief. Vitamin E is frequently described as therapy for hot flashes although its usefulness has not been documented scientifically. When used in recommended doses, it is thought to have valuable antioxidant activity and is not harmful.

There are many herbal compounds sold, singly or in combination, for the relief of menopausal symptoms. The usefulness of many of these products has not been scientifically documented. Phytoestrogens that are structurally similar to estrogen are found in soy and in herbal extracts of Cimcefuga racemosa, Vitex, Licorice Root and Dong Quai. An extract from Cimcefuga racemosa, called Black Cohosh (frequently marketed as "Remifemin"), is the most commonly prescribed agent for the relief of menopausal symptoms in Germany. Some women may find relief utilizing relaxation techniques, yoga, biofeedback and acupuncture.



The herbs and nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in no way replaces medical treatment.