Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms

Vasomotor symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, and flushing. These symptoms can range from mild to severe with menopausal women, and can be physically and emotionally disruptive.

Hot flashes typically occur as a sudden rush of heat in the face, chest or neck followed by perspiration and a sense of coolness. Hot flashes can occur anytime, day or night, but are more common in the evening. They usually last from one to five minutes but can last up to thirty minutes or more.

Night sweats occur during sleep and can be very uncomfortable and disruptive to one’s sleep patterns resulting in fatigue and irritability. Night sweats occur for a variety of different reasons, but for menopausal women, they are predominantly caused by hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause.

Flushing is an intense redness of the face and upper body which can vary in intensity and duration. Flushing is a common side effect of hormonal fluctuations in the body during perimenopause and can be aggravated by stress, hot temperatures, and alcohol or highly spiced foods.

Women experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms should talk to their healthcare provider about ways to reduce their symptoms, such as lifestyle and diet modifications, hormone therapy, and natural remedies.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications can help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. This includes avoiding triggers that can exacerbate symptoms, such as hot drinks, spicy foods, and hot body temperatures. Women should also maintain good sleeping habits, such as avoiding caffeine in the evening to help reduce night sweats.

Diet Modifications

Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help to reduce the severity of vasomotor symptoms. Foods high in soy or phytoestrogens can help to reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Vitamin and mineral supplements such as vitamin C and flaxseed oil can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes as well.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. HRT helps to restore estrogen levels in the body and can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, and flushing. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.

Natural Remedies

Certain herbs and supplements have been shown to be effective at reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats. Black cohosh, red clover, evening primrose oil, and nutritional supplementation with magnesium, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for women experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.

Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. For this reason, it is important for women to talk to their healthcare provider about ways to reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.