Side Effects - Symptoms & Solutions
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are the most frequent symptoms of menopause. A hot flash is a momentary sensation of heat, which may be accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating.
What Causes Hot Flashes?
Studies show that the severity and duration of hot flashes vary from person to person. Some women have hot flashes for a very short time during menopause. Other women may have hot flashes, at least to some degree, for life. Generally, hot flashes are less frequent and less severe as time passes. In men, hot flashes are associated with medications given for the treatment of prostate cancer. Hot flashes will go away when the medication is stopped.
What Are Things You Can Do To Manage Hot Flashes?
- If you are experiencing hot flashes, wearing light clothing, staying in a cool environment, and putting cool cloths on your head may reduce symptoms.
- There are a number of nonhormonal medications available for the treatment of hot flashes. Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether but to diminish their intensity and frequency. Vitamin E 800IU daily, Vitamin B6 200mg daily or Peridin-C 2 tablets 3 times a day, are over the counter agents that may be of help.
- Black cohosh has been used but because of some of its estrogen-like properties it’s use in patients with breast cancer is controversial.
- Hormone replacement therapy (see below).
- It is important to talk to your doctor or health care provider before you take any medications or supplements, to be sure there is no contraindication of any of these treatments in your individual situation.
What Are Treatment Solutions For Hot Flashes?
Your doctor or health care provider may prescribe drugs to treat your hot flashes.
There has been some research with the use of the medications; Venlafaxine (Effexor)
an anti-depressant, Bellergal and Clonidine for treatment of hot
flashes.
The
most effective way to manage hot flashes is through hormone replacement
therapy. There is much debate over whether estrogen should be
prescribed when a woman is being treated for breast or endometrial
cancer. There is also controversy over the benefits versus risk of
hormone replacement therapy for women using regimens containing
progesterone. It is best to ask your physician if hormone replacement
therapy is the right treatment for you.
For women with breast cancer: We are only beginning to study the properties of soy. It works in a variety of ways. In some organs it acts like an estrogen and in others it blocks estrogen. It also has many effects other than hormonal ones. Overall the data on soy are good, and it’s probably safe for women with breast cancer, but the final answers aren’t in yet. Moderation is the key, one serving of soy a day (40 grams) is probably OK.
Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.
