| I am 50 years old woman and have been experiencing hot flushes. What can I do? What are the natural remedies available? |
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Question:
I am 50 years old woman
and have been experiencing hot flushes. What can I do? What are the natural
remedies available?
Answer:
You are probably
experiencing menopause, a phase in life marked by the stopping of menses for at
least 1 year. Common transient symptoms signifying the beginning of menopause,
include irregular menstrual periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems,
mood changes and fatigue. You may also experience vaginal dryness.
To manage hot flushes:
1.
Go somewhere cool when a hot flush starts,
2.
Sleep in an air conditioned room
3.
Have a cold drink at the start of a hot flush and
4.
Wear clothes that let the skin "breathe".
Alternative therapies
available include products containing Phytoestrogens, Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga
racemosa) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense).
a) Phytoestrogens
particularly isoflavones act like female hormones in the body. Phytoestrogens
are also found in soy products such as tofu, tempeh. Studies on Phytoestrogen
shows it's effectiveness in reducing hot flushes and also has a slight
cholesterol lowering effect.
b) Black Cohosh may also
be beneficial in relieving menopausal symptoms.
c) Red Clover preparations
may be effective in relieving hot flushes. There is a possible protective effect
on the backbone and increasing HDL cholesterol.
Other products like
Evening Primrose Oil and Dong Quai do not appear to improve menopausal symptoms.
Most of the studies on
these alternative products are of short duration of 6 months to 1 year; hence
it is not advisable to take natural remedies for a prolonged duration.
Do consult your doctor if
you have other medical conditions or if the hot flushes are severe.
Source: Janice Lim,
Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore
More information and advice can be obtained from your
pharmacist. Send your questions to sthealth@sph.com.sg.
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