I have hot flashes

I am a 57-year-old lady. I went into full menopause two years ago and now have sleepless nights because of body heat. This has been diagnosed as ‘Hot Flashes’. Kindly let me know what to do about it.

Ngozi (by SMS)

Some people get hot flashes as part of their normal premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Changes in your hormone levels around the time of your period can change the way your body regulates your body temperature. This can lead to hot flashes or night sweats.  This may start happening as you enter perimenopause, which is the time when your body goes through the changes that lead to menopause (when your period stops). Perimenopause generally lasts about 3-4 years, but it can last as long as 10 years. So, many people AFAB will start perimenopause in their 40s, or even their 30s. The most effective way to relieve the discomfort of hot flashes is to take estrogen, but taking this hormone carries risks. If estrogen is appropriate for you and you start it within 10 years of your last menstrual period or before age 60, the benefits can be greater than the risks. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs also might help reduce hot flashes, although they’re less effective than hormones. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of various treatments with your doctor. If hot flashes don’t interfere with your life, you probably don’t need treatment. Hot flashes subside gradually for most women, even without treatment, but it can take several years for them to stop. If you have had or are at risk of breast or endometrial cancer, heart disease, stroke or blood clots, talk to your doctor about whether estrogen therapy is right for you.

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