This helps against hot flashes in the menopause

Menopausal Symptoms: What You Can Do About Hot Flashes And Co

Hot flashes and sweats are among the most common complaints during menopause. In the past, hormones were often used to combat such symptoms. But now it is known that this treatment can be associated with health risks. But there are enough natural measures against menopausal symptoms anyway.

Complaints not with every woman

With every woman the menopause is noticeable differently. While one feels no symptoms at all, the other suffers severe symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood swings. According to some health experts, the most effective treatment is hormone treatment, but even without therapy, the symptoms in almost all affected women decline over time and eventually go away by themselves. There are also various natural therapy options available.

During menopause, hot flashes cause problems for many women. Experts explain what can help against typical menopausal symptoms. (Image: britta60 / fotolia.com)

Numerous menopausal symptoms

On average, menopause - the last menstrual period - starts at the beginning of 50. However, some women report already at the age of 40 of the first signs of onset of menopause.

Menopause is not a disease, but part of the woman's natural aging process, which involves the hormonal balance - especially the proportion of sex hormones, progestogens and estrogens.

How the hormonal changes in the body are experienced is very individual. Already with the diminished production of the female hormone estrogen (premenopause) first symptoms can appear.

The list of menopausal symptoms is long: hot flashes, sweats, palpitations, sleep disturbances, dizziness, depressive moods, dryness and infections of the vagina and urinary tract disorders are just a few.

They all have a strong influence on the quality of life.

Hormone treatment with side effects

For a long time, hormone replacement therapy (HET) was considered the most important form of treatment. But then increased evidence of severe side effects.

For example, US researchers last year reported that hormone replacement therapy during menopause can cause hearing loss.

And earlier in a study showed that this treatment favors ovarian cancer.

In addition, certain hormone preparations have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, thrombosis stroke, myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases.

Herbal agents and therapies

Nevertheless, hormone treatment is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, many health experts say.

Some professionals, like Dr. med. However, Martin Bäuerle, one of the leading physicians of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Alb-Donau Klinikum, Blaubeuren site, point out that it always depends on the individual case, whether a hormone therapy makes sense.

According to a statement by the "ADK GmbH for Health and Social Affairs", the expert at a health forum explained that herbal active ingredients and therapies are being further researched.

Herbal preparations, which are found in various foods, but also homeopathic preparations can be sufficient according to Bäuerle in some cases.

Thus, chaste tree or black cohosh can have a regulating effect on the hormone balance. And melissa, valerian or passion flower help with insomnia.

Herbal medications may also be suitable for supplementing prescribed hormone therapy - always in consultation with a doctor, taking into account possible interactions.

It should be noted that herbal medicines also have side effects and may interact with drugs.

Balanced diet and adequate exercise

Highly recommended is a balanced, low carbohydrate diet, less meat for more vegetables and fruits.

Above all, fennel can relieve the symptoms of menopause, as US scientists found in a study.

In addition, many women feel better when they move sufficiently - in the endurance area, such as walking and dancing, or with movement that can be integrated into everyday life.

"Avoiding too much stimulant, such as nicotine, alcohol, or coffee, basically supports any therapeutic intervention," Dr. Bäuerle.

In extreme hot flashes, it is advisable to wear linen made of natural fibers such as cotton or to dress in onion-shell technique, so clothes in several layers, which you can put on or take off depending on the heat / cold sensation.

In addition, professionals recommend drinking warm rather than cold drinks, as it helps the body cool off better. For example, an infusion of sage is recommended.

Often also cool washes, lukewarm half baths or alternating showers to keep the concomitant symptoms of menopause a little in the bridle.

For example, a foot bath with a few tropics of mint oil can not only help against hot feet, but it also cools down the whole body.

Massages and sauna visits are good not only for the complaints, but also for the soul. (Ad)