Hot flashes are an experience that can happen in the day or night and are predominantly experienced by women during menopause. Here, we take a quick look at the causes and course of this symptom and discuss five supplements that can meaningfully reduce hot flashes.
Menopause and Hot Flashes
A hot flash is a set of physical symptoms that come on suddenly, consisting of feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest. Hot flashes can also induce sweating, and cause the skin to redden acutely. If this happens at night, it is called a night sweat. Hot flashes can be the symptom of a variety of things, but they are predominantly experienced by women during menopause.
Physiologically, hot flashes typically result from hormonal changes during menopause. Research suggests that they occur when decreased estrogen levelscause a woman’s hypothalamus to become more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. This causes the body to think that it is too warm, and compensate by trying to cool itself down by sweating. Hot flashes can be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, acute anxiety, and a chilled feeling as the hot flash subsides.
For these reasons, some women might choose to take measures to prevent hot flashes, or reduce their intensity and frequency.
Common medical treatments include hormone therapy, and the use of certain medications. However, dosing can be difficult, and these frequently come with side effects. Alternative remedies such as that of a dietary supplement are preferred by some women.
Supplements for Hot Flashes
Particular dietary supplements, including herbs, vitamins, and other supplements, have potential to reduce hot flashes. If you or your partner is experiencing menopause, consider how these supplements could ease hot flashes and improve quality of life during this phase of life:
Black cohosh is a flowering plant native to eastern statesin the U.S., and is available in condensed form as a dietary supplement. Black cohosh has a long history of use for treating hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women.
DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone in womenwhich declines after age 30. Some studies have found that supplementing with DHEA could reduce hot flashes, as well as other symptoms of menopause.
Dong quai is an herb used in Chinese traditional medicine for reproductive health in women. Research suggests that dong quai could potentially reduce hot flashes when taken alongside other herbs.
Valerian root, derived from the valerian flowering plant, has been shown to help reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Multiple studies have shown this, because valerian has proven to be far more effective than a placebo.
Vitamin E has many proven benefits. For menopausal women, vitamin E has been shown to be helpful in reducing mild hot flashes.
St. John’s wort is an herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mood-stabilizing properties. St. John’s wort is believed to be effective for various menopause symptoms including both hot flashes, and night sweats. It could also be helpful for mood issues associated with menopause.
For menopausal women experiencing hot flashes who seek alternative remedies to hormone therapy and prescription medication, consider these six simple supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.