- 1. Hormone replacement therapy
- 2. Remedies for menopausal heat
- 3. Natural options
- General care to decrease the heat of menopause
- Diet to avoid menopause heat
- Home remedies and natural supplements
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, which arise due to the major hormonal change that is happening in the woman's body. These hot flashes can appear a few months before actually entering menopause and appear suddenly at various times of the day, varying in intensity according to each woman.
Although they are quite normal for this stage of life, hot flashes are also very uncomfortable and, therefore, end up affecting the daily lives of several women. Thus, there are some ways to reduce this discomfort and facilitate entry into this new phase of life.
To select the best treatment for menopausal heat, a woman should consult her gynecologist and, together with him, discuss the various options available, which can range from the use of medication, to hormone replacement or more natural options, such as supplements, food or teas, for example.
1. Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective treatment and therefore the most used to help reduce menopausal discomfort, especially hot flashes. In this type of treatment, the woman replaces estrogen, whose production by the ovaries is decreasing. Although it is a therapy with some risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer, for example, several studies indicate that women under 60 have more advantages than risks.
Due to the associated risks, hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated for women with a history of some type of hormone-dependent cancer, such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer. Better understand how this therapy works and what the risks are.
2. Remedies for menopausal heat
If the woman does not want to opt for hormone therapy, she can also use drugs to relieve the heat of menopause. However, these medications must also be prescribed by the gynecologist and, normally, they are only used in cases where hot flashes are affecting the woman's quality of life. This is because, all remedies can have some side effects and, therefore, should only be used if there is benefit.
Some of the remedies that may be indicated by the doctor include:
- Paroxetine, Venlafaxine or Escitalopram: these are antidepressant remedies, but they also help to relieve the common hot flashes of menopause. Usually, they are used in a dosage lower than that indicated for the treatment of depression, but which may vary according to each case; Gabapentin: it is a remedy for epilepsy and migraine, but it also reduces the onset of heat during menopause. However, this remedy can cause excessive sleepiness and, therefore, it is more used in women who experience night sweat, for example; Clonidine: is a medication for high blood pressure that, in addition to relieving migraines, also allows to reduce the frequency of hot flashes in some women.
In addition, for women who experience greater intensity of hot flashes at night, with many night sweats, the doctor may also recommend the use of medications to help you sleep better, such as Zolpidem, Eszopiclona or Diphenhydramine, for example.
3. Natural options
In addition to drugs and hormone replacement therapy, there are also several natural alternatives that help to reduce the frequency of hot flashes and that can even completely eliminate the heat of menopause, especially in milder cases.
Within the natural alternatives, it is possible to identify some changes in life habits that can help, as well as changes in the diet and, still, some home remedies that can be used during the day to day:
General care to decrease the heat of menopause
Some behavioral care that can help relieve the discomfort of menopausal heat are:
- Wear light, cotton clothing to avoid increasing body temperature; Drink about 2 liters of water a day, to keep your body well hydrated; Avoid closed and very hot places, or give preference to places with air conditioning; Participate in relaxing activities, such as yoga or meditation, as they reduce anxiety, reducing the chances of having hot flashes; Have a refreshing drink, such as coconut water or cold lemonade, when a heat wave is coming; Avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages, as they can stimulate the appearance of heat.
In addition, it can be useful to always have a fan or portable fan close by, to keep you cool when the heat wave starts.
Diet to avoid menopause heat
Food is an important factor that can also help to reduce the appearance of hot flashes typical of menopause. Women in this stage of life should give preference to the consumption of citrus fruits, such as orange, pineapple or tangerine, as well as to the intake of flax seeds and soy derivatives, such as tofu.
In addition, it is important to avoid eating very heavy meals, as well as reducing the consumption of sugary, salty or spicy foods. See more about how food can help:
Home remedies and natural supplements
Some home remedies, as well as natural supplements made from medicinal plants, can go a long way in helping to restore the well-being of menopausal women. Some examples include:
- Black Cohosh, or cimicifuga: some studies indicate that it can relieve hot flashes, but it should always be indicated by a professional, as it can affect the liver; Pycnogenol: is a substance taken from marine pines that can help relieve various symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes; Dong Quai: is an important plant for women's health, helping with the symptoms of PMS and also menopause; Red clover: it is very rich in phytoestrogens that fight the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
Although they can have a beneficial effect, these remedies are not a substitute for the doctor's guidance and should always be discussed with the professional. In addition, as natural supplements can have various effects on the body, they should always be guided by an experienced naturopath or herbalist, especially to know the dosage and time of treatment.
