Finding Relief for Hot Flashes

Hot flashes during perimenopause and menopause are perfectly normal. During the years leading up to “the change,” known as perimenopause, your hormones fluctuate due to changing estrogen levels. You may experience hot flashes and other symptoms.

Fortunately, there are ways to combat these unwanted side effects. Board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Dean Hildahl treats menopausal symptoms and more at North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics in Naples, Florida.

Anatomy of a hot flash

Diminishing estrogen levels slightly increase your body temperature. Your hypothalamus overreacts to cool you down.

Hot flashes usually follow a distinct pattern:

Sudden warming of your face, neck, and chest
Flushed skin
Heart palpitations
Sweating in your upper body
Anxiety

As your hot flash wanes, you feel chilled. Hot flashes usually last less than five minutes, but they can disrupt your life and sleep for up to a decade.

Why hot flashes happen to cool people

During a hot flash, your hypothalamus signals your autonomic nervous system to activate more blood flow near your skin’s surface to release heat. It also triggers your sweat glands to cool your body.

Most hot flashes result from perimenopause or menopause, but some stem from issues such as thyroid problems, cancer, or medication side effects. Dr. Hildahl reviews your medical history and performs blood tests if he suspects your symptoms have a different root cause.

How to lessen the blow

Factors that increase your risk of hot flashes include smoking and obesity. In addition to quitting smoking and losing weight, Dr. Hildahl may also recommend that you:

Cut back on spicy food
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga
Keep your room cool, especially at night
Use a portable fan or other cooling device as needed

Exercising regularly and sipping cold water throughout the day may also lessen the severity and frequency of hot flashes. The doctor may also prescribe hormone therapy.

How hormone therapy helps

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps reduce hot flashes. Dr. Hildahl offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), using plants instead of synthetic chemicals, since it generally causes fewer side effects than HRT.

Taking estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone via mouth, skin patches, creams, or gels helps reduce hot flashes and other undesirable symptoms, from vaginal dryness to bone loss.

Dr. Hildahl discusses the pros and cons of hormonal therapy for your situation.

Nonhormonal medications

You may also consider medications, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to alleviate hot flashes. Other options include:

Clonidine, a blood pressure medication
Fezolinetant, which targets the brain activity that produces hot flashes
Gabapentin, originally for nerve pain, also helps manage hot flashes

Dr. Hildahl reviews all your options to find the best solution.

Other ways to combat hot flashes

Certain herbs may reduce menopausal symptoms, such as:

Black cohosh
Dong quai
Ginseng
St. John's wort
Red clover

Evening primrose oil, high in gamma-linolenic acid, may also help balance your hormones. Acupuncture and reflexology have been shown to reduce hot flashes and more.

This too shall pass

Fortunately, hot flashes and other difficult symptoms of perimenopause and menopause eventually resolve. In the meantime, we’re here to help you beat the heat.

If you’d like help for hot flashes and other unpleasant menopausal symptoms, or wish to discuss any obstetric or gynecological concerns, contact North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics by phone or online today.