Treating hot flashes menopause has two approaches namely hormonal and non-hormonal. When lifestyle changes do not seem to remedy the symptoms of hot flashes, these treatments are recommended. Here we study the how the different treatment options work for hot flashes and their side effects. At the end, we look at a highly effective and safe remedy for hot flashes. Therefore, you can make informed decisions on the best treatment options for hot flashes.
Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes
Non-hormonal options to manage hot flashes are recommended for women who cannot take hormones due to health reasons or if they are worried of the potential risks of hormone treatments. Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant is recommended by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hot flashes.
Some non-scientific treatment options for hot flashes like black cohosh and soy isoflavones are known to carry the risks of liver damage. The long term safety of products like phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances is not clear.
The benefits and risks involved in taking herbs and natural products for hot flashes are still being studied. Therefore, before taking any herb or supplement for hot flashes, it is good to consult a doctor.
Hormonal medications for hot flashes
Some women prefer hormonal medications to manage night sweats or hot flashes menopause. Hormones are chemical substances produced by some glands in the human body. Ovaries lose their optimum function in women during the menopause stage and hence the production of estrogen and progesterone drops over time. Changes like this are said to be the prime reason for hot flashes.
Hormone therapy helps maintain the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Hormone therapy for hot flashes helps remedy vaginal dryness and maintain bone density and improve the symptoms women report due to hot flashes.
Also known as menopausal hormone therapy, or MHT, hormones can be taken in the form of patches, implants, rings, creams and gels. Taking hormones has the risks of blood clots, stroke, dementia, gallbladder disease, and heart attack.
A study by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) that was funded by NIH was stopped since the participants who were given a combination of estrogen and progesterone were found to develop high risk for urinary incontinence, dementia, gall bladder disease, breast cancer, stroke and heart attack. The observations raised serious concerns about using hormones for hot flashes. Before taking hormone supplements for hot flashes, it is very essential to consult your doctor.
Products to try
While treating hot flashes during menopause safely and effectively is a major concern for women reporting this symptom, it is important that you find natural products that are free of any side effects while providing you the remedy you seek. Orovana Intimacy Set consisting of Orovana Sensate and Orovana Rejuvenate is a great option to treat hot flashes during menopause. The suite of Orovana products provide economical, effective and proven remedy for a wide range of genitourinary symptoms faced by postmenopausal women.
