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Hot flashes are the most common menopausal complaint. In the United States and Canada, more than 66 percent of women going through perimenopause experience at least one hot flash. Hot flashes vary from woman to woman, and they can even be different in the same woman. They often start with tingling in a certain part of the body such as the back of the hands or behind one ear. A hot flash lasts one to five minutes and usually follows this order:
- Sudden feeling of heat
- Redness or flush on face and neck
- Perspiration
- Increase in heart rate
- Feeling of heart beating quickly
- Sensation of being chilled
When hot flashes occur at night and are accompanied by heavy perspiration, they are called night sweats.
How can hot flashes be avoided?
Most women can identify distinct triggers to their hot flashes. Some examples include:
- External sources of heat (for example, a hot shower, sitting near a campfire or using a hair dryer)
- Stress
- Spicy foods
- Hot foods or beverages
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Some prescription drugs, including tamoxifen and raloxifene
How can symptoms of hot flashes be relieved?
There are a number of ways to reduce the uncomfortable feelings associated with hot flashes. Some effective methods:
- Avoid hot flash triggers.
- Wear lighter-weight clothing and dress in layers.
- Use a fan.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep the bedroom cool when sleeping.
- Try stress-reducing activities such as biofeedback, massage, meditation, visualization or yoga.
- Try slow-breathing exercises.
Are there any treatments for hot flashes?
According to a task force from the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), over-the counter herbal remedies, such as black cohosh have no significant effect on menopausal vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes. Do not take any of these herbs or supplements without talking to your doctor first.
Hot flashes typically disappear on their own over time, so you may not need treatment. However, treatment is available. Hot flashes can be treated effectively using prescription drugs that include:
- Hormone or estrogen therapy (If you opt for this treatment, it should be used in the lowest dose for the shortest period of time.)
- Birth control pills
- Antihypertensives (clonipin)
- Low-dose antidepressants (Effexor® and Paxil®)
Anyone being treated with antidepressants, particularly people being treated for depression, should be watched closely for worsening of depression and for increased suicidal thinking or behavior. Close watching may be especially important early in treatment or when the dose is changed - either increased or decreased. Bring up your concerns with a doctor.
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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