Hot flashes are a common side effect of menopause. While some women find that they can tolerate their hot flashes, others are made very uncomfortable by these episodes and do require some variety of hormone replacement therapy.
What Causes Hot Flashes?
As the body adjusts to new hormone levels during menopause, blood vessels at the skin’s surface dilate causing the skin to flush and perspire unexpectedly. Some women experience hot flashes at night which can make sleep difficult. As many as 3 out of 4 women experience hot flashes.
How Can Hot Flashes Be Treated?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can regulate a woman’s hormone levels and reduce the frequency of hot flashes. These synthetic hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced in the body.
How does this kind of hormone therapy work?
Before beginning, the patient’s hormone levels are determined. Then, and only when warranted, a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA are prescribed. Each patient is monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure she gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, one panel per year will be reviewed.
