Dear Dr. Garner,
I am 47 years old and am experiencing very bad hot flashes. It’s gotten to the point where it is interfering with my life and my sleep.
How long will this go on? Should I be concerned about permanent harm? Somebody told me that it could increase my risk of heart attacks.
I look forward to your answer as this is becoming unbearable.
Not Cool with
Hot Flashes in Flatbush
Dear Not Cool,
I have some good news for you, but I will save that until the end of my answer.
Menopause is a normal change in a woman’s life. This is the reason it is called “the change of life.” Hot flashes are actually the most frequent symptom of menopause. Unfortunately, the cause of hot flashes is not known.
When you are having a hot flash, you may experience a feeling of pressure in your head as the hot flash begins. A feeling of mild warmth to intense heat may occur, spreading over your body and face. There is a rapid heartbeat with perspiration and a chilled feeling as the hot flashes subside.
The intensity and duration of hot flashes varies for each woman.
If hot flashes become bothersome enough to disrupt your daily routine, then it is important to see a doctor to discuss various treatment options.
Internal Thermostat Changes
As I said before, the exact cause of hot flashes is unknown, but the signs and symptoms point to factors affecting the function of your body thermostat, or the area in the brain known as the hypothalamus. This area regulates temperature and other basic processes. The hormone changes experienced during menopause disrupt the thermostat, leading to hot flashes. Studies show more African-American women report menopausal hot flashes than any other women.
Before you see a doctor, it is important to be well prepared for your appointment.
1. Write down the symptoms you are experiencing.
2. Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements that you are taking.
3. Take a family member or friend along with you, if possible. Sometimes it is difficult to absorb all of the information. It is helpful to have someone there who may have picked up on something you didn’t.
4. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose hot flashes based upon the description of the symptoms you are experiencing.
There are many different treatment options available, including hormonal therapy, anti-depressants, seizure medications and blood pressure medication.
Keep in mind, your hot flashes may be temporary, and you may be able to manage without any treatment. You and your doctor can determine what is best for you.
Alternative medicine has advocated the use of black cohosh, which is used widely in Europe for treating hot flashes. While it appears to be safe, there is little evidence that it is effective for menopausal symptom relief. In addition, soy and red clover have been used in Asian countries. They will provide some improvement in symptoms, probably due to the fact that soy resembles human hormones in chemical makeup.
Talk to your doctor before you take any medications, traditional or otherwise, to relieve your symptoms.
Lower Risks Later in Life
The good news that I promised is that women who experience hot flashes during menopause are believed to have a significantly decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life.
More good news is that symptoms will usually disappear in time. Even more good news is that if you require medication, a wide variety of options are available.
I suggest that you visit your doctor to help treat this problem. Hot flashes shouldn’t affect your daily activity. I hope that you may resume normal activities soon.[hr] Dr. Steven Garner is a Fidelis Care provider who is affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope. He also hosts “Ask the Doctor” on NET, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Ch. 97 Time Warner and Ch. 30 Cablevision.