Hot flashes may be felt by a significant number of women going through menopause or even during times when they are still having menstrual cycles.  This may result in sweating or a hot sensation typically in the upper body and torso. Often occurring at night, hot flashes can interfere with sleep causing fatigue, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and irritability.  

Hot flashes are typically related to communication and interaction with a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It monitors temperature regulation, growth hormones, sex hormones, and thyroid activity.  The hypothalamus is also involved in communication with the pineal gland which connects melatonin to the body for sleep regulation. When estrogens levels start fluctuating and drop too low, especially with unbalanced progesterone, erratic signals go out to the body regarding temperature regulation.  

Hot flashes are a common occurrence, and can be a nuisance, but there are some things you can do to make them easier to deal with. 
Here's what you need to know about hot flashes:
Hot flashes aren't dangerous, but they do create issues with sleep deprivation which has a negative impact on fatigue, energy, libido, irritability, appetite and may affect weight gain that is often found in menopause.

There are some herbal preparations as well as some medications such as antidepressants that may be used to help decrease hot flash symptoms.  Reducing stress with meditation or yoga, a reduced animal protein diet, exercise, and reduced caffeine intake can also be helpful.  

Hormone therapy may also be used.  The preference is to utilize hormones that have the same structure and breakdown processes as the hormones that are made naturally in the human body, often referred to as Bioidentical Hormones.  This is different than the synthetic hormones used in birth control pills, and other pharmaceutical hormones which are altered from natural hormones so that a patent can be filed for business ownership.  However, although they have similar properties, the side effects seem to have more risks for significant issues.      

Many patients as well as health care providers are not aware of how issues with the breakdown of estrogens, often related to diet, nutrient deficiencies, other medications, and genetics, can have an effect on hot flashes and the proper dose of hormones.

At Hormone Balance Center, we take all of these issues into consideration, and work to find the best and safest treatment plan that meets your needs.  Let us know how we can be of service to you.