Are Hot Flashes And Night Sweats Keeping You Awake? One Of These Treatments May Help

Two of the most bothersome symptoms of menopause are hot flashes and night sweats. Not every woman has severe symptoms, but if your hot flashes interfere with your daily life, you should talk to your gynecologist about ways to get relief. Hot flashes and night sweats are not only annoying, they disrupt your sleep, and that can lead to further health complications. Here are a few things that might help you cope.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

While hormone replacement therapy isn't routinely prescribed any longer to prevent diseases of aging, it still plays an important role in women with difficult menopausal symptoms. Talk to your gynecologist, so you understand the benefits and risks of this type of medical treatment. Depending on your age and medical condition, taking hormones for the short term might be the best way to reduce your unpleasant symptoms.

Herbal Remedies

There are several herbal remedies on the market to help you deal with hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. These contain herbs such as black cohosh, evening primrose, red clover and soy. It's important to remember that herbs can interact with your other medications, so it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start taking a new supplement. This is especially true if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription drugs.

Medications

Certain prescription medications may seem to help with menopausal symptoms. This includes antidepressants, seizure medications, and high blood pressure drugs. These might not be appropriate for your medical condition. Plus, you may have unwanted side effects from them. However, if your hot flashes interfere with your ability to sleep at night and function during the day, your doctor may suggest a trial of a prescription drug.

Lifestyle Changes

If you pay attention to when your hot flashes strike, you may uncover a pattern. If certain things seem to trigger them, you can avoid the triggers, and reduce the number of hot flashes you have during the day. Some things that might cause a hot flash are smoking, spicy foods, caffeine, and overly warm rooms.

Fortunately, the severity of your hot flashes should lessen as time goes on. However, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes could last several years. That's why you don't want to grin and bear it. There are several treatment options to try. What works for one of your friends may not work for you. It may take a period of trial and error until you settle on a treatment that makes your symptoms easier to live with.

For more information, contact Central Iowa OB/Gyn Specialists, PLC or a similar location.

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