What are hot flashes?

A hot flash is a sudden sensation of heat, caused by falling estrogen levels, which may lead to intense sweating and subsequent chills. Certain nutrients and herbs may be useful, including soy, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, black cohosh, licorice, and saw palmetto.

More than 60% of menopausal women have hot flashes, in which sudden sensations of intense heat cause sweating, reddening of the skin, and considerable discomfort. These hot flashes are directly related to falling estrogen levels, which interfere with temperature regulation in the hypothalamus.

Certain nutrients and herbs may be useful for reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. Soy, known as a phytoestrogen, may reduce the frequency of hot flashes during menopause. Vitamin E may also be useful.

Evening primrose oil may help to reduce the number of night-time hot flashes. Black cohosh, licorice, and saw palmetto tend to have estrogenic properties, and may be used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Natural estrogen and progesterone have been found to be as effective as conventional hormone replacement for reducing symptoms of hot flashes.