Surviving the Summer: with hot flushes & night sweats
With Menopause Specialist Kate Organ.
Menopause is a big change in a woman's life, often bringing along various symptoms that can affect daily living. Understanding and managing these symptoms is key to feeling your best. This article shares expert advice on handling menopause, especially focusing on hot flushes and night sweats, and explores different treatment options and lifestyle tweaks.
What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats?
Hot flushes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms, are common during menopause. About 75% of women experience these symptoms, which can range from mild warmth to intense sweating and chills. These symptoms happen because of dropping oestrogen levels, which mess with the brain's temperature control centre. This makes your body react more often to temperature changes.
What Makes Hot Flushes and Night Sweats Worse?
Several things can make hot flushes and night sweats worse:
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen these symptoms.
Diet: Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and nicotine are known triggers.
Environmental Factors: Hot weather and sudden temperature changes can intensify symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can cause hot flushes.
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Treatment Options
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is the go-to treatment for menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats. It works by topping up oestrogen levels, which helps reduce symptoms. However, HRT isn't for everyone, and some women might prefer or need non-hormonal treatments.
Non-Hormonal Treatments
Medications: Options like venlafaxine, clonidine, and pregabalin can help manage symptoms. A new medication, Fezolinetant (brand name Veozah), targets specific receptors in the brain and offers a non-hormonal treatment for these symptoms.
Supplements: Phytoestrogens, found in soy products and certain supplements, can mimic oestrogen and help with symptoms. But they should be used carefully, especially if you can't take HRT.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT can help manage the mental impact of hot flushes and improve coping strategies.
"Our role as a healthcare professional is to provide that unbiased information about the treatment options, the risks, and the benefits, so that you can make a shared decision."
Lifestyle Adjustments
Dietary Changes: Adding phytoestrogens to your diet (like soy products and legumes) can help. Avoiding triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods is also a good idea.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, preferably earlier in the day, can boost overall well-being and help manage symptoms.
Sleep Hygiene: Keeping your bedroom cool, sticking to a consistent sleep routine, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime can improve sleep quality.
Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and making time for self-care can help reduce stress and its impact on symptoms.
"It's about having control. Have a lot of very open conversations about what are all the options for you."
Conclusion
Menopause is a significant transition that needs a well-rounded approach to manage effectively. By understanding the triggers and treatments for symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, women can make informed decisions about their health. Whether through HRT, non-hormonal treatments, or lifestyle changes, there are various ways to improve quality of life during this phase.
