Dealing with Menopause
Hot Flashes M
enopause is a natural phenomenon that occurs in every woman’s life. It is defined as cessation of menses for 12 consecutive months happening naturally and not due to any other pathological condition. Estrogen levels drop markedly causing several physiologic (natural) changes in the body during transition and after obtaining menopause
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause in up to 80% of women, only 20 to 30% seek medical attention. It is defined as sudden warm sensation on the face, neck/chest that becomes generalized and may be associated with profuse sweating, palpitations, chills, shivering and a feeling of anxiety.
It can last from 2 to 4 minutes. They are bothersome, unpredictable and may even be disruptive. When they occur at night they are called night sweats. Night sweats are more disabling.
Physiology
Hot flashes occur due to thermoregulatory dysfunction at the level of hypothalamus (inside the brain). Estrogen withdrawal in menopause
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Vishalakshmi Batchu MD
causes this phenomenon. Blood vessels near skin surface dilate to cool and show symptoms of warmth, perspiration, shivering and night sweats.
Risk Factors
Poor lifestyle choices, obesity, smoking, reduced physical activity, ethnicity (more common among African decent), are some of the known risk factors.
Impact
Negative quality of life, increased cardiovascular risk, Osteoporosis (greater bone loss), sleep disturbances, dementia.
Treatment
Diet and physical activity plays a significant role during menopause. Yoga, specifically pranayama (deep breathing), and meditation are popular, health practices.
Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, stress, anxiety, alcohol, consuming high quantities of processed foods/sugars, and smoking. Obese individuals have more estrogen which is not being utilized. Weight loss helps. Hormonal, high dose progesterone preparations and non-hormonal therapies are available. It is required to consult your Primary Care Physician /Gynecologist for these prescriptions as they are given based on individual medical history. Alternative Therapies include consuming Phytoestrogens (Plant Estrogen), Soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, flax seed, grains, fruits, vegetables, black cohosh.
Vishalakshmi Batchu, MD Internal Medicine Associates of Houston, PA, Pearland, Texas
May - Aug 2015 HealthLine
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