Albany Gynecology & Fertility » menopause http://albanygyn.com Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:41:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Hot Flashes in Menopause – Dr. Nicholas Montalto http://albanygyn.com/2009/08/19/hot-flashes-in-menopause-dr-nicholas-montalto/ http://albanygyn.com/2009/08/19/hot-flashes-in-menopause-dr-nicholas-montalto/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:32:12 +0000 admin http://albanygyn.com/2009/08/19/hot-flashes-in-menopause-dr-nicholas-montalto/ Menopause is a journey experienced differently by each woman, but according to collected data, about 75 percent of women will experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS).  VMS are commonly defined as hot flashes or night sweats usually due to hormonal fluctuations in peri-menopause and menopause, however, there is no consensus on the cause. Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for moderate to severe VMS; however, it may not be the best option for each woman and therefore, alternatives should be discussed.

Lifestyle changes should be incorporated in every woman’s treatment plan in an effort to alleviate VMS.  Interventions such as regular exercise, light cotton clothing, drinking cool fluids and using fans may be helpful in regulating body temperature. Some women explore herbal remedies to treat their symptoms.  While not FDA regulated, they are sometimes a viable option.  Women should be counseled regarding their use and the possibility of drug to drug interactions.

Another alternative for women in treating VMS is medication to increase the serotonin level of the body. Although usually used for depression, they can be very effective for VMS.  Of the non-hormonal therapies, this group of medications has been studied most extensively. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain thought to have a role in regulating body heat and in addition can improve symptoms of irritability and sleep disorders associated with VMS.

Please call our office to help you with this transitional time in your life. 
Albany Gynecology and Fertility 
518.482.1007.

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