Hot flashes with menopause in women (symptoms, treatment): drugs for hot flashes and sweating

Hot flashes with menopause are a vivid manifestation of hormonal changes in the female body. Hot flush is a temporary violation of thermoregulation, due to which the brain misinterprets impulses coming from nerve endings.

How do hot flashes appear

The sudden hot flashes that occur during menopause can be compared to an oncoming wave. The process is conventionally divided into two stages:

Tide

It rolls rapidly towards the center of the body - a wave of heat rises, covering the neck, arms and face. At this stage, the hot flashes that occur with menopause are accompanied by characteristic symptoms:

• increased sweating;
• tachycardia;
• lack of oxygen;
• darkening in the eyes;
• dizziness;
• general weakness.

Low tide

The wave of heat dissipates, and a chill comes in its place. The following symptoms appear:

• icy sweat;
• coldness in the limbs;
• dizziness;
• fainting (sometimes)

In the vast majority of women, hot flashes occur at night and last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

What is the cause of the symptom

The main and only reason for the formation of hot flashes is the restructuring of the hormonal background that occurs during the period of extinction of reproductive function in women.

At this stage, the functionality of the ovaries decreases sharply, as a result of which the production of hormones stops. The development of gradual sclerosis leads to a decrease in the level of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

The main mechanism for the development of hot flashes is a failure of the functionality of the pituitary gland (lower cerebral appendage of a round shape). The gland is responsible for the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FGS), which leads to the production of estrogen and luteinizing hormone.

The pituitary gland interacts with the hypothalamus, which is responsible for changing the psycho-emotional background, appetite, redistribution of heat in the body. This is a decisive factor that provokes a short temperature reaction from the ANS, accompanied by a sharp expansion of blood vessels, a change in heart rate, etc.

Why some women don't have hot flashes

Approximately 78% of women experience hot flashes during menopause, the rest do not even know what it is? Many experts attribute the "injustice" to heredity. However, the point here is not only in genetic predisposition, but also in the following provoking factors:

• the presence of bad habits;
• regular stress;
• high temperature conditions and air humidity;
• addiction to caffeine and refined sugar;
• wearing tight "synthetic" clothing;
• the presence of endocrine and metabolic disorders;
• reception of funds to accelerate metabolic processes;
• the use of foods and drinks that stimulate blood circulation;
• taking antibiotics, antineoplastic, antidepressants.

When hot flashes are not associated with menopause

Hot flashes and sweats in women can occur for reasons other than menopause. It happens that characteristic ailments indicate the presence of a pathological condition:

ANS disorder

Sleep disturbances, regular stress, physical or intellectual strain lead to "exhaustion" of the nervous system. And for the emergence of a violent reaction of the sopato-adrenal system, a trifling stimulus is enough. Hence, reddening of the skin, an unreasonable feeling of fear, dizziness, increased sweating.

CNS pathologies

Hot flashes not associated with menopause occur against the background of pathologies of the hypothalamus: neoplasms, circulatory disorders, trauma and bruises of the brain. The affected hypothalamus cannot adequately assess the state of the body and throws too many tropines (hormones of the anterior pituitary gland) into the blood. This leads to the development of conditions that mimic climacteric hot flashes. Also, signs of hot flashes can be observed in epileptics.

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)

Hot flashes are always accompanied by a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, producing hormones in too large quantities.

Diseases of the adrenal glands

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that triggers a powerful release of adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine into the blood. In high concentrations, these hormones cause hot flashes, as with menopause, accompanied by sweating, increased blood pressure, fever, tachycardia and anxiety.

Infections

Often, hot flashes indicate the presence of an infectious disease, mainly HIV infection or tuberculosis. With tuberculosis, symptoms occur at night.

Oncological, hematological pathologies

Especially often hot flashes occur with carcinoid, a malignant neuroendocrine tumor that affects the appendix in 38% of cases. The formations lead to a massive release of serotonin (less often another hormone) and a cascade of reactions. These include hot flashes.

Is there a threat to health

Heat attacks that occur during menopause do not threaten women's health and do not require treatment. If hot flashes happen too often and are accompanied by too bright symptoms, you cannot do without the help of a specialist. Otherwise, exhausting attacks "exhaust" the nervous system, and this will certainly result in a neurosis-like state.

Constantly waiting for the next attack, the patient avoids any even slightly traumatic situation. As a result, tension acts as a provoking factor and causes hot flashes, which cannot but affect the psychological state of a woman. Such is the "vicious circle".

It is important to understand that it is not the hot flashes themselves that are dangerous, but the diseases that occur during menopause:

1. Disorders of metabolic processes.
2. Diseases of the heart, blood vessels: atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension.
3. Urological disorder: urinary incontinence caused by thinning of the lower urinary tract.
4. Disorders in the genital area: decreased libido, lack of orgasm, pathology of the vaginal mucosa, accompanied by itching, burning.

Ambulance: what to do if the tide starts

Before the onset of an attack, the sensitivity is exacerbated, so the onset of symptoms can be predicted and controlled. The following recommendations will help with this:

1. To cope with panic attacks, begin to control your breathing. Taking deep breaths in and out will help you relax. Perform breathing exercises according to the scheme: inhale deeply through your nose for 7 seconds, hold your breath for 15 seconds and exhale slowly through your mouth. Breathe in your belly.
2. Stand by an open window or stand at the entrance for 10-15 minutes to get a sufficient portion of oxygen.
3. A few sips of clean, refreshing water or conditioner will help cool off.
4. Loosen the collar on your clothing to avoid pinching the airways.
5. If possible, get into the most comfortable position and relax. It is best to lie down or sit during high tide.
6. Bringing your head down for a couple of minutes will relieve dizziness and darkening of your eyes.
7. Distribute blood throughout the body to prevent an attack from developing. To do this, immerse the lower limbs in hot water, put a cold compress on your head.

Hormonal agents

Symptoms manifested in menopause are due to a decrease in estrogen levels. To alleviate the condition of patients, specialists use hormonal therapy aimed at eliminating this disorder. Synthetic and natural hot flush medications containing estrogens and gestagens work quickly and effectively.

Use hot flush pills with caution, otherwise, instead of getting rid of, you will get serious health problems.

Refuse hormone therapy in the presence of the following pathologies:

• hormone-dependent neoplasm;
• renal / hepatic impairment;
• diabetes;
• thrombosis;
• some autoimmune conditions.

Side effects include: swelling, constant feeling of hunger, sudden weight gain, headache, constant feeling of fatigue, soreness and swelling of the mammary glands.

More often than others, they are prescribed:

1. "Ovestin" - quickly suppresses any signs that occur during menopause.
2. "Divina" is an estrogen drug that prevents the development of osteoporosis.
3. "Livial" is prescribed one year after the last menstrual bleeding. Prevents the onset of osteoporosis.
4. "Tibolon" - relieves of a greater degree of climacteric manifestations.
5. "Estrogel", "Devigel" - gels used externally.
6. "Klimadinon" - reduces the number of hot flashes.
7. "Klimara" - is produced in the form of a plaster and is used for vasomotor symptoms: fever, sweating, sleep disturbance, artophic processes.
8. "Sigetin" - has a mild effect on the body, has no contraindications and side effects.
9. "Angelique" - the medicine relieves hot flashes, stabilizes the psycho-emotional state, improving well-being.

Hormone therapy can be short-term (3 years) and long-term (up to 10 years or more). The dosage of drugs is adjusted in such a way that no less hormones enter the blood than during the pre-menopause.

Beta Alanine

Beta-alanine-based drugs are often prescribed for women over 50 who develop hot flashes. The amino acid normalizes heat exchange, increases the resistance of the female body to free radicals, prolongs youth, and improves metabolism.

This is a worthy alternative to hormonal treatment, because it has practically no contraindications and side effects. But there are also disadvantages: to combat hot flashes, it is used up to 3 times a day, while the attacks can be repeated up to 20 times.

May cause an allergic reaction.

Non-hormonal drugs

Hot flashes that occur during menopause are perfectly eliminated by non-hormonal treatment (which is recommended if hormone therapy is contraindicated). In women of menopause, tumors can form while taking hormonal drugs.

Non-hormonal (homeopathic) herbal-chemical based remedies reduce the intensity of symptoms during menopause. They are less effective than hormonal ones, but they can relieve a woman's condition during an attack. With menopause, accompanied by hot flashes, homeopathy is used as an additional, hormone replacement treatment.

More often than others, they are prescribed:

1. Estrovel has almost no contraindications. Take one to two capsules once a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.
2. "Climacyclin". Effectively relieves nervousness and hot flashes during early menopause, normalizes hormonal levels. Take a capsule once a day. The course of treatment is 2-3 months.
3. "Tsi-klim" - provides the synthesis of sex hormones, stabilizes metabolic processes. A mild agent does not cause negative reactions in the body.
4. "Menoforse" - a sage-based remedy normalizes hormonal balance, eliminating hot flashes for a long time.
5. "Climactonorm" - a natural remedy without "chemistry" is well tolerated by the body. Drink according to the scheme: 1 time a day thoroughly chew 1-2 pills and drink half a glass of water.
6. "Klimadinon" - prohibited in the presence of tumors! It is taken at the same time, 1 tablet in the morning and in the evening.
7. "Lefem" - the duration of therapy is extended for 6-12 months. Take 1-2 tablets twice a day.
8. Feminal is the most popular remedy. It is taken as a tablet with meals for a month.
9. "Remens" - not suitable for women suffering from lactose intolerance. Dissolve 1 tablet three times a day, half an hour before meals, without drinking. The course is six months.
10. "Klimakt - Hel" - is contraindicated in case of lactose intolerance and hepatic impairment. Dosing regimen: one tablet three times a day for 60 days.
11. "Inoklim" - drink a capsule a day for 3 months.
12. "Ovariamin" - a vitamin complex stimulates the activity of the ovaries, supporting the female body during the period of extinction of reproductive function.
13. "Epifamin" - increases endurance, relieves dizziness, irritability, improves the quality of sleep. The drug is taken for at least 15 days: one tablet three times a day.
14. "Femixan" - vitamin and mineral capsules are taken 1 pc. twice a day. The remedy for hot flashes is also available in the form of drops: with menopause, 50 drops are prescribed once a day.

Sedatives

Medicines prescribed for menopause for hot flashes, sweating and nervousness based on medicinal herbs, to one degree or another, protect against this symptomatology. It all depends on the composition:

1. Valerian in tablets or drops soothes the heartbeat, stimulates the secretion of bile, relieves spasms.
2. Motherwort tincture improves sleep quality, normalizes heart rate, and relaxes.
3. Passionflower relieves tremors of the limbs, speeds up the process of falling asleep, and provides a deep restful sleep.
4. Medicines on a synthetic basis activate the processes of inhibition in the brain:
5. Bromazepam is a powerful sedative that inhibits the activity of the central nervous system. Not suitable for uncontrolled use.
6. "Befol" - is used to treat depressive conditions. Has side effects.

How to choose a medicine

It is unacceptable to prescribe pills for hot flashes and take them with menopause without the recommendation of a specialist. Only a doctor who is familiar with the course of menopause and the characteristics of the patient's body can tell you what to drink with menopause so as not to sweat, not to experience dizziness and irritability.

The drug is selected according to the following parameters:

1. Duration of seizures. For some, hot flashes last a couple of minutes, for others half an hour. In the first case, dietary supplements, vitamins and phytopreparations are prescribed, in the second - hormonal therapy.
2. Cause. The loss of ovarian functionality leads to estrogen deficiency. The balance is leveled with hormonal drugs.
3. Concomitant manifestations. Hot flashes are often accompanied by increased pressure, headache, tachycardia. These phenomena are treated with combined, sedative, antihypertensive drugs.
4. Emotional condition. Excessive irritability or depression is treated with antidepressants. Under their influence, a woman becomes calm, ceases to worry about her condition. This reduces the frequency of attacks.

When determining what is best to take from the hot flashes that occur during menopause, consider the presence of side effects, the cost of the drug. Carefully study the instructions, composition, dosage regimen and mechanism of action.

Folk remedies

In combination with pharmaceutical preparations, you can use homemade infusions and decoctions. With menopause, it is recommended:

1. Linden blossom. Pour a glass of inflorescences with boiling water, cover and leave for 30 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day. The course is 3 weeks.
2. Oregano. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the herb (40 g) and leave for 20 minutes. Strain, add 1 tsp. spoon of honey. Drink twice a day for two to three weeks.
3. Rowan is red. Grind 200 g of berries in a blender and pour 0.5 l of vodka. Insist in a dark place for 3 weeks. Take 20 drops twice a day, diluted with water.
4. Calamus root. Grind the dried root in a coffee grinder and eat for 1 tsp. a spoonful of powder three times a day before meals. Drink with honey-sweetened water. To achieve the full therapeutic effect, you need to consume 100 g of the product.

Do not use folk recipes without the advice of a specialist. Many natural ingredients contain hormones and it is unlikely that it will be possible to calculate the dosage without the help of a phytotherapist. With proper use, the hormonal balance is restored, the general well-being of the woman improves.

Is it possible to completely get rid of hot flashes

It is unlikely that it will be possible to finally defeat hot flashes in women in menopause. However, it is quite possible to calm the psychoemotional state, improve the general well-being.

Experts recommend:

1. Ventilation of premises. Hot flush patients need fresh air more than anyone else. Daily walks, weekends in the countryside, forest walks are the best solution to the problem. If this is not possible, ventilate your home, office space as often as possible, clean and humidify the air using special devices.
2. Correction of the diet. When faced with sweating during menopause, focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, vegetable fats. Minimize your intake of foods containing animal fats.
3. Avoid overwork and inactivity. With menopause, give up grueling physical activity: strength training in the gym, etc. Go in for race walking, yoga, qigong gymnastics, skiing, but until the first signs of fatigue. Start every morning with warm-ups, breathing exercises, and stretching exercises.
4. Drinking regime. With the onset of menopause, pay attention to the amount of fluid you drink. Firstly, 1.5-2 liters of clean water per day will prolong the youthfulness of the skin, and secondly, it will weaken the symptoms of hot flashes.
5. Healing "ablutions". Herbal baths will relieve anxiety, reduce the activity of sweat glands, and improve general condition.

Scheme:

• 16 baths with a decoction of herbs: Potentilla goose, wormwood roots and lovage;
• visiting a cool bath;
• contrast shower (massage the body and limbs with a jet);
• mustard foot baths (warm your feet up to the knee joint);
• sitz baths with water to the last rib.