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Suggest Treatment For Night Sweats And Hot Flashes During Menopausal State
Question: I'm going through major menopause. Night sweats and hot flashes all day. A lot of anxiety. My sister died of breast cancer therefore I do not take hormones. I have been on lexapro for the past 10 year. Was wondering if it is safe to take black co harsh I'm so desperate I need something. I'm 51 years old and pretty much in good shape. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Post menopausal symptoms+ hot flashes---treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to HCM,
I understand that at 51 yrs of age, after attaining menopause and being troubled by the most common symptoms of menopause, the night sweats and hot flashes can be really distressing. As you have a history of breast cancer death in the family in your first degree relative, HRT should ideally be avoided as much as possible. Lexapro after being used for last 10 years may not control hot flushes and night sweats at all as its more of an antidepressant and ca control mood swings but not the symptoms due to oestrogen depletion which is the prime cause in menopause.
Considering natural ways of treatment for menopause, one can actually be benefitted if followed and practiced regularly. They are use of following:-
1. Black cohosh:-In nature, black cohosh contains small amounts of salicylic acid (which is found in aspirin), but it is not clear how much (if any) is present in commercially available products. Black cohosh should be used cautiously in people allergic to aspirin or to other salicylates. Black cohosh has been well tolerated in breast cancer patients when taken simultaneously with tamoxifen, and in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes. But long term studies are yet not available. It is however used safely along with other foods.
2. Soy:- It has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended.
3.Flaxseed :- It has omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. Results from studies have been mixed, but it may help symptoms in some women. It is also believed to help lower cholesterol. Avoid whole flaxseed because it is difficult to digest.
4.Vitamin E tabs once daily.
5.Exercise and meditation reduce irritability, even hot flashes, in some women. Yoga combines both. Exercise also helps most people sleep better.
6.Cold drinks help you feel cooler. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that encourage dehydration. Try cold water or fruit juices with antioxidant vitamins.
You can try these remedies and i am sure you should be benefitted.
Regards
Post menopausal symptoms+ hot flashes---treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to HCM,
I understand that at 51 yrs of age, after attaining menopause and being troubled by the most common symptoms of menopause, the night sweats and hot flashes can be really distressing. As you have a history of breast cancer death in the family in your first degree relative, HRT should ideally be avoided as much as possible. Lexapro after being used for last 10 years may not control hot flushes and night sweats at all as its more of an antidepressant and ca control mood swings but not the symptoms due to oestrogen depletion which is the prime cause in menopause.
Considering natural ways of treatment for menopause, one can actually be benefitted if followed and practiced regularly. They are use of following:-
1. Black cohosh:-In nature, black cohosh contains small amounts of salicylic acid (which is found in aspirin), but it is not clear how much (if any) is present in commercially available products. Black cohosh should be used cautiously in people allergic to aspirin or to other salicylates. Black cohosh has been well tolerated in breast cancer patients when taken simultaneously with tamoxifen, and in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes. But long term studies are yet not available. It is however used safely along with other foods.
2. Soy:- It has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended.
3.Flaxseed :- It has omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. Results from studies have been mixed, but it may help symptoms in some women. It is also believed to help lower cholesterol. Avoid whole flaxseed because it is difficult to digest.
4.Vitamin E tabs once daily.
5.Exercise and meditation reduce irritability, even hot flashes, in some women. Yoga combines both. Exercise also helps most people sleep better.
6.Cold drinks help you feel cooler. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that encourage dehydration. Try cold water or fruit juices with antioxidant vitamins.
You can try these remedies and i am sure you should be benefitted.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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