Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis

Depending on the symptoms, the doctor will diagnose this health condition.

• For women going through menopause, a blood test will be conducted by the gynaecologist to identify whether menopause is a major reason behind your hot flashes.

• For those who are not in the menopause transition, the diagnosis will depend on the signs and symptoms.

Treatment

1. Hormone Therapy

• Oestrogen is a key hormone used to alleviate hot flashes, with addition of progesterone to prevent endometrial cancer.

• Doctors suggest personalised hormone therapy to balance oestrogen and progesterone with an emphasis on the smallest effective dose for symptom control.

2. Antidepressants

• Your doctor may suggest FDA-approved non-hormonal treatment options or antidepressants that are considered for managing hot flashes in women unable to use hormones.

• Effectiveness may vary, and potential side effects include nausea, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, dry mouth, or sexual dysfunction.

3. Nerve Block Procedure

• Depending on the severity of hot flashes and your health condition, doctors can advise you for a nerve block procedure known as stellate ganglion block.

• An anaesthetic is injected into a neck nerve cluster to alleviate pain; although this treatment option shows promise for severe hot flashes, more research is needed.

• One may experience potential side effects, including pain and bruising at the injection site.

• Consulting a doctor for appropriate treatment to reduce the symptoms of hot flashes is prudent.

4. Self-Care

Self-Care tips while coping with hot flashes include:

• Understand your body’s exact signs and symptoms to identify whether hot flashes are due to menopause.

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid wearing black-coloured or tight clothes to prevent heat absorption in your body.

• Avoid spicy foods that trigger thermogenic effects. Hot foods will ultimately generate heat in your body.

• Maintain a normal BMI or healthy weight by embracing a nutritious diet.

• Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

• Stop smoking to reduce hot flashes.

• Practice mindfulness or mind-body therapies like guided imagery, meditation, stress management techniques, and slow and deep breathing exercises. These therapies may not be too beneficial, but they can ease sleep disturbances usually associated with menopause.

Alternative Medicine

1. Herbal Remedies

• It is believed by some people that certain herbs such as red clover, black cohosh, and dong quai can help alleviate hot flashes. However, consult a healthcare provider before you include these in your diet, as there is limited scientific evidence establishing their efficacy.

2. Soy and Isoflavones

• Soy-based products contain natural compounds called isoflavones, which may offer relief.

• Some studies suggest a potential reduction in hot flashes.

3. Vitamin E

• Antioxidant properties of vitamin E may contribute to symptom relief.

• Consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable, as high doses can have risks.

4. Homeopathy

• It uses highly diluted medicines to stimulate the body's healing response.

• There is limited scientific evidence on homoeopathy's effectiveness for hot flashes, but consult with a qualified homoeopathic practitioner for an effective strategy.

Specific techniques, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and acupuncture, may help ease the symptoms associated with hot flashes.