Hot Flashes: Possible Causes and Possible Treatments: Editorial
Hot flashes are a common problem in many women. Although hormonal treatments, some newer antidepressants, gabapentin, and clonidine have been shown to decrease hot flashes,(1-4), improved treatment options are needed to provide substantial relief without unwanted risks or side effects. A better understanding of the physiology and measurement of hot flashes would expedite the development and testing of more effective treatment options.
Hot Flash Physiology
With regard to hot flash physiology, the article by Carpenter et al (5) in the current issue of Menopause looks at the question of whether tryptophan depletion, resulting in decreased serotonin, would cause increased hot flashes. The
authors’ innovative hypothesis was not supported by the results of this study.
Nonetheless, there was a study limitation that did not allow the authors to disprove their prestudy hypothesis. The study limitation was that, in the control arm of this trial, participants also experienced some tryptophan depletion.
Although the tryptophan depletion in the control arm was to a lesser degree than that seen in the study arm, it was quite marked, with 35% of participants having tryptophan levels less than 10 KM.
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I had 50+ hot flashes a day. My doc put me on an adrenal support supplement (all natural). I don't feel that hot flashes need to be addressed with drugs, there are natural alternatives that are effective. I get no side effects and have not hot flashed since I started taking the supplements regularly.
From how it was explained to me, since I wore down my adrenals living a stressful life, I needed supplementation to build back up my adrenals. I reduced my stress and started doing yoga as well.
Hot Flashes are your bodys way of trying to regulate it's temperature, that's where the adrenals come in... when those are not working properly.. your body can't regulate.
Some natural herbs and supplements help women with hot flashes. Black cohosh, dong quai, flaxseeds and soy can be quite beneficial.
:) Elizabeth
http://www.estrogensource.com