Hot flashes are considered to be the hallmark of Menopause. They are the most common Perimenopausal symptoms in our culture, occurring in about 70 to 85 percent of all western perimenopausal women. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, often beginning with a sudden sensation of warmth that radiates over the face, scalp and chest which can then become intense heat. The hot flash is usually followed by a flush consisting of redness, perspiration, increased heart rate and/or nausea and then finally by a feeling of being chilled.  Hot flashes relief is most welcome after such a session.

Hot flashes are triggered by the erratic changes in the levels of estrogen and   progesterone during Perimenopause. Both estrogen and progesterone have a direct effect on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for controlling appetite, sleep cycles, sex hormones and body temperature.  The changing levels of estrogen and progesterone trigger a brief but sudden downward adjustment in the body’s internal temperature setting. The body manifests this release of excess heat as a hot flash which often starts just before a menstrual period and becomes most frequent and severe once the periods actually stop. Natural hot flashes relief occurs with time, usually by disappearing a year or two after menopause.

We don’t fully understand the exact mechanism that triggers hot flashes.   Fluctuating hormones, lifestyle and medications all influence their intensity and frequency. The incidence is less common in non-western countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Mexico. In Japan, 10% or less of menopausal women experience hot flashes due to their high-fibre, low-fat and high dietary intake of soy products. 

The medical profession often approaches menopause as an illness to be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) instead of a natural process in which diet and lifestyle changes may reduce symptoms.

For hot flashes relief consume foods that are high in phytoestrogens containing soy such as  tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk and whole soybeans which are plant hormones with weak estrogen like effects.  Other foods specifically indicated for hot flashes relief include flaxseed and high-lignin flaxseed oil, fennel, celery and parsley.  Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in lignins which help normalize estrogen levels.  Fennel, celery, parsley and all legumes are excellent sources of phytoestrogens.  Conversely, eating a high-fat, low-fibre diet increases symptoms. Foods high in sugars, refined carbohydrates, caffeine containing beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol all trigger hot flashes.

Exercise at least 30 minutes per day. You can walk or jog or take an aerobics class.  Exercise increases the release of opiates.  While exercising is essential, it is also beneficial to avoid exercise within three hours of going to bed as this will help prevent night sweats.

Take 400-800 IU of Vitamin E daily which significantly reduces the occurrence and frequency of hot flashes. Also Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and protects the heart.

Black cohosh (20-60 mg three times daily) can provide effective relief for symptoms of menopause headache, heart palpitations and anxiety.  Hot flashes relief occurs within 8 weeks of starting therapy.

Tags: Black Cohosh, Estrogen, hormone replacement therapy, hot flashes, Hot Flashes Relief, Menopause, menstrual period, Perimenopause, Progesterone, Vitamin E

Are you experiencing some symptoms of Menopause? Have you discussed with your physician what treatments are available to you?  Were you given the option to use bioidentical hormones? Are you still asking questions?  Let’s unravel the puzzle together.  Read on to find out why bioidentical hormones may be right for you.

 What are Bioidentical Hormones?

 Hormones are chemical messengers that are delivered to the body tissues through the blood. They affect many different processes (growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood…).  “Bioidentical hormones” refers to substances that have the exact same chemical structure as the endogenous hormones in our bodies: estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone and testosterone. These bioidentical hormones are made from botanical plants such as soy and yams. Our bodies cannot convert the plant hormones into human hormones, so the plant hormones are pharmaceutically processed to match our endogenous hormones.

 Bioidentical or Synthetic Hormones?

 Much confusion exists for both women and health professionals over the latest buzzwords “bioidentical or synthetic” hormone therapy.  The word bioidentical is often equated to being natural while in contrast synthetic is equated to being man-made. Synthetic hormones indicate hormones created in a laboratory that do not chemically match the hormones made by our bodies.  Whereas bioidentical hormones match our hormones precisely. Both bioidentical and synthetic hormones are created in pharmaceutical laboratories using chemical means. Also, both bioidentical and synthetic hormones come from natural sources (yams, soy…), and then are manipulated in the laboratory to create either identical or synthetic hormones.

 Why use Bioidentical Hormones?

 Since these have identical molecular structure to our endogenous hormones their effects are more consistent with our own hormones. According to some studies women respond more quickly to bioidentical hormones while finding relief from hot flashes, insomnia and vaginal dryness within a few days of commencing use.   Also, these are not mass produced, they are compounded in pharmacies so they can be tailored to your specific needs.  Synthetic hormones in order to be patented, were created to be different from human hormones. This causes them to interact differently with hormone receptors allowing for a greater chance of undesirable side effects.

Where Are They Available?

Bioidentical hormones are available by prescription, at any compounding pharmacy. The compounding pharmacist individualizes drug therapy at the request of the physician or patient. Usually these hormones are compounded into creams to be applied on the skin (transdermal) or vaginally (transmucomal). They can also be made into oral lozenges, but these require higher doses of hormones since they must pass through the liver and be metabolized which can lead to unwanted side effects.

Tags: Bioidentical Hormones, estradiol, estriol, estrone, Hormone Therapy, hot flashes, insomnia, Menopause, progresterone, synthetic hormones, testosterone, Vaginal Dryness