Remedies for hot flashes in menopause

In cases where it is not possible to eliminate hot flashes by eliminating the factors that provoke them, it is necessary to turn to medications and folk methods. There are various remedies for hot flashes during menopause, which allows you to choose the appropriate and most effective treatment for each woman.

Folk remedies for hot flashes during menopause

You can combat hot flashes using traditional medicine methods.

Tincture made from hawthorn. You need to pour blood-red hawthorn (5 g) with boiling water (1 glass), then insist for 40 minutes in a thermos. The medicine should be taken 0.5 glass 2-3 times a day before meals (half an hour).

Herbal collection of 3 parts sage, as well as 1 part each of horsetail and valerian. You need to take 1 tbsp. of this mixture and pour 1 cup of boiling water, then leave for half an hour and strain. You should drink 0.5 cups twice a day.

To reduce sweating during hot flashes, you can drink sage tea. Take 1 tbsp of the mixture and pour boiling water (2 cups), then let it brew. Drink three times a day like regular tea. The treatment course is 12-15 days, with an interval of 1-2 weeks, after which the intake should be continued.

Take equal amounts of thyme, lemon balm and blackberry leaves, mix them, then pour boiling water (1 glass) over 1 teaspoon of the resulting mixture. Leave the medicine for 20 minutes, then drink 1-2 glasses per day. The course of treatment lasts 20 days, after which there should be a 10-day break. You need to take 5 such courses.

Take 1 cup of lemon and carrot juice, as well as honey and horseradish juice, mix, and use the resulting mixture three times a day before meals (30 minutes) 2-3 teaspoons. The finished medicine should be kept in the refrigerator. Since it is difficult to squeeze juice out of horseradish, this ingredient is often used as a slightly different remedy: you need to pour cold water over the horseradish minced in a meat grinder (proportions 1:1), leave for 8-10 hours, and then squeeze.

For more information about other traditional medicine remedies, read this article.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Non-hormonal remedies for hot flashes during menopause

There are also non-hormonal drugs that help combat hot flashes.

1. Estrovel contains plant extracts that have phytohormonal properties - this is an extract of the root of discorea, as well as soy isoflavones. They are natural sources of phytoestrogens, so they help reduce the number and strength of hot flashes, and also help to normalize well-being. The medicine should be taken 1-2 tablets / day during meals. The course lasts 2 months. Among the contraindications: individual sensitivity to the elements of the drug, lactation period, and pregnancy.
2. The drug Menopace is a mineral-vitamin complex, the main function of which is to restore and stabilize the condition of women during the onset of menopause. Thanks to pantothenate, the process of combining estrogens improves, and (when combined with vitamin B) the effect of estradiol is potentiated.

Vitamin C, as well as B3, B6 and B4, and in addition to them zinc and magnesium help the process of GLA connection (it helps stabilize the balance of hormones). Tocopherol optimizes thermoregulation processes, eliminates tachycardia, reduces the feeling of nervousness and fatigue, and slows down the process of progesterone breakdown. A complex combining thiamine with tocopherol and cyanocobalamin, as well as magnesium and vitamins of groups B6 and B3, reduces the symptoms of disorders in the nervous system, as well as changes in mood and behavior.

Zinc with chromium and magnesium are metabolism regulators and help lower glucose levels. Tocopherol with retinol, vitamin C and zinc improve the condition of the vaginal mucosa, eliminate damage to their integrity, as well as dryness. Vitamin D helps improve the process of calcium absorption, as well as reduce the possibility of osteoporosis. Iodine helps improve the process of lipid metabolism, and also has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland.

Most of the components of the drug have antioxidant properties, thereby preventing aging, supporting the functioning of the immune system, and reducing the possibility of developing cardiovascular pathologies.

Menopace is taken 1 capsule/day with water. The medicine should be taken after meals to prevent possible nausea. It is also allowed to take the capsule during meals.

Side effects include allergies, which manifest as urticaria, itching of the skin, and swelling. General allergic symptoms, including anaphylaxis, may occasionally occur.

Contraindications are the following cases: hypersensitivity to drugs, copper or iron metabolism disorders, poisoning with fat-soluble vitamins (groups A, E and D), phenylketonuria, high magnesium levels, taking retinoids, hypercalciuria, urolithiasis, hepatocerebral dystrophy, breastfeeding, hypercalcemia; pigment cirrhosis, hemosiderosis, problems with kidney function, children under 18 years of age (according to indications), nephrolithiasis.

Should be prescribed with caution in cases of diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal ulcers, and coronary heart disease.

Interaction of Menopace with other drugs: when combining the drug with products or drugs that contain a large dose of vitamin D and retinol, hypervitaminosis may occur. Menopace should not be taken with drugs containing copper or iron, as this may cause an overdose of these substances. An interval of 2 hours should be made between the use of Menopace and phenytoin, tetracyclines and fluoroquinoline, as well as penicillamine.

Since silver-containing drugs impair the absorption of tocopherol, they cannot be used with Menopace. Vitamin C potentiates the antibacterial properties of sulfonamides, antacids can affect the absorption of the active components of Menopace. With caution and under the supervision of a doctor, drugs with levodopa, drugs for the treatment of thyroid diseases and drugs containing tranexamic acid are prescribed.

3. Klimadinon is a herbal medicine (contains a special standardized extract of black cohosh (BNO 1055 group)), which has a complex estrogen-like effect. The active components of the extract include highly specific and organoselective phytoestrogens with strong estrogen-like, dopaminergic, and organoselective properties. It is used to treat premenopause and menopause (as a replacement therapy in case of estrogen deficiency).

The active components of the extract are similar to the estrogen receptors contained in the hypothalamus. The effect on them reduces the secretion of releasing hormones lutropin with a subsequent decrease in the secretion of the latter in the adenohypophysis.

A decrease in the secretion of gonadotropins helps to suppress vegetative-vascular and psycho-emotional changes that occur in the pre-climacteric or climacteric period due to a sharp decrease in the activity of estrogen production. In parallel with this, the secretion of lutropin and follitropin increases. Cimicifuga has a beneficial effect on bone metabolism (this is confirmed by the effect on biochemical markers of healing processes inside bone tissue (ALP and somatomedin)).

Clinical studies have shown that the effect of black cohosh is comparable to the effect of conjugated estrogenic hormones (Menopausal Rating Scale MRS). The drug increases the activity of formation of superficial vaginal epithelial cells and does not lower the follicle stimulating hormone level below the norm, as a result of which the body produces its own estrogens and at the same time maintains the natural function of the ovaries.

The extract of black cohosh does not provoke the proliferation of endometrial cells, as well as the risk of developing estrogen-dependent breast cancer, which distinguishes it from other estrogenic drugs.

Directions for use: the medicine (tablets) should be swallowed whole with water. If these are drops, they should be taken undiluted or dripped onto a sugar cube. The medicine Klimadinon Uno is used in a dosage of 1 tablet/day in the evening. Klimadinon - 1 tablet 2 times a day. Drops in a dosage of 30 drops twice a day. The therapeutic effect of the medicine is mainly achieved 2 weeks after the start of therapy. The course is prescribed individually. The medicine can be used without consulting a doctor for a maximum of 3 months.

Side effects: occasionally temporary abdominal pain; very rarely – menstrual-like discharge, breast tenderness, weight gain.

Contraindications: allergy to the components of the drug, estrogen-dependent diseases (since there is no information on the use of the drug in this group of patients).

4. Epifamin improves the function of the pineal gland and prevents disturbances in its activity. Melatonin is a hormone of the pineal gland and has a wide range of effects on the activity of different systems (vascular, antioxidant, and hormonal). The pineal gland is involved in the normalization of cycles, and melatonin directly affects the tone of blood vessels, lipid and glucose metabolism, and sleep. Suppression of the pineal gland function leads to a sharp activation of involution processes, which accelerates aging.

The medicine normalizes the process of hormonal metabolism, restores the level of melatonin synthesis and has an antioxidant effect.

Contraindications include: individual sensitivity to the components of the drug, lactation period and pregnancy.

Dosage and method of administration: Epifamin should be taken before meals (10-15 minutes) 2-3 times a day, 1-3 tablets (do not chew, wash down with water). The treatment course is 10-14 days. If necessary, the doctor may recommend a repeat course.

A side effect of taking medications may be an allergy.

5. Klimalanin contains β-alanine, an amino acid that slows down the process of histamine release. As a result, the dilation of peripheral skin vessels slows down and the development of vegetative reactions associated with the climacteric period stops. This acid does not participate in the process of combining protein molecules. It is part of the vitamin B5 group (and it is part of coenzyme A).

The active component helps to saturate peripheral receptors of neurotransmitters, which experience a deficiency of these substances as a result of decreased hormonal secretion of the ovaries. Slows down the activity of the hypothalamic thermostat, which is the causative agent of vasomotor climacteric manifestations. The energy of the connection of β-alanine with glycine receptors is much higher than similar indicators of binding receptors directly with glycine. Due to this effect, the effect of drugs containing β-alanine, aimed at stabilizing vasomotor activity and thermoregulation, becomes fast and long-lasting.

The drug does not have antihistamine properties, prevents vegetative reactions that occur due to hormonal disruptions during menopause (including sudden hot flashes). Thanks to the amino acid, the process of lactate excretion is enhanced, which is accompanied by the suppression of asthenia. Also, women's performance increases, and resistance to stress is formed.

Klimalanin helps the process of carnosine production. This substance stabilizes the pH balance in muscle tissues and enhances their antioxidative protection. The drug has a beneficial effect on the patient's attention span and mood.

Method of administration and dosage: tablets for oral use. The usual dose is 1-2 tablets/day. If the desired effect cannot be achieved, the dose is increased to 3 tablets/day. If symptoms return, the course of treatment should be repeated.

An allergy may be a side effect of taking the medication.

Contraindications include: hypersensitivity to the active components and additional substances of the drug.

Interaction with other drugs: creatine can potentiate the effects of β-alanine, thereby increasing the production of carnosine.

Hormonal remedies for hot flashes during menopause

There are also hormonal medications that can help combat hot flashes.

• Kliogest is a combination drug, the properties of which are determined by the substances included in its composition - it is an estrogen-gestagen agent of a monophasic type. The action of E2 is identical to the action of endogenous estradiol. It promotes the development of the uterus and its tubes, as well as secondary sexual characteristics, if they are underdeveloped. In addition, it activates the growth and restoration of the endometrium at the first stage of the menstrual cycle, prepares it for the influence of progesterone, and in the middle of the cycle increases libido. It also affects the metabolism of proteins, and with them electrolytes, carbohydrates and fats: it reduces the saturation of cholesterol with lipids in the blood and stabilizes the nitrogen balance. This substance also promotes the process of producing globulins in the liver, which combine sex hormones, TG, renin and proteins that participate in blood clotting. The drug has a moderate central effect: it eliminates disorders in the psychoemotional sphere and the vegetative-vascular system. It is an important part of the process of bone structure and tissue formation, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Increases uterine excitability, but at the same time in high doses it can suppress lactation. It has weak anabolic properties, and in addition, it improves the nutrition of the skin and genitourinary system.

The synthetic gestagen norethisterone promotes the transition of the uterine mucosa from the proliferation stage to the secretion stage. It reduces the contractility and excitability of the muscles of the fallopian tubes and uterus, and in addition promotes the development of the terminal sections of the mammary gland. It also prevents the release of hypothalamic hormones involved in the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and lutropin in the pituitary gland, slows down ovulation and suppresses the process of gonadotropin formation.

The drug has a weak androgenic effect. It is not a contraceptive.

The drug should be taken orally: 1 tablet/day every day. Therapy can be started on any day, without interruption. If the patient is menstruating or undergoing HRT, the drug should be started on the 5th day of the cycle.

Among the side effects: at the initial stage of therapy: single bleeding similar to menstruation, pain in the mammary glands from tension, swelling, headache, and nausea. After 3 months of therapy: changes in the function of sexual desire, increased blood pressure, skin rashes and itching, absence of menstruation, thromboembolism, as well as thrombosis, hair loss, vision problems.

Contraindications: during pregnancy or breastfeeding, hypersensitivity, liver failure. In addition, congenital hyperbilirubinemia (this may be constitutional hyperbilirubinemia, enzymopathic jaundice, Rotor syndrome), liver cancer or hemangioma. It is also prohibited to take in case of cerebral blood flow disorders (hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke), thrombosis, vasopathy or retinopathy, as well as diabetes mellitus, endometrial or breast cancer, endometriosis, adenofibroma of the mammary gland and sickle cell anemia. You cannot take the medicine in case of disorders in the process of lipid metabolism, dyslipidemia, itching or idiopathic jaundice (which were observed during pregnancy), a history of herpes, as well as otosclerosis, which worsened during pregnancy, genital bleeding of unknown origin and uterine bleeding of unknown origin. It is also contraindicated to use the drug in case of heart defects, coronary heart disease, inflammation of the heart muscle and atherosclerosis.

It should be prescribed with caution in diabetes mellitus, and in addition to this, CHF, bronchial asthma, gallbladder diseases, migraines, and liver pathologies. In addition, with increased blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, depression, uterine fibroids, epilepsy, mastopathy, choreic hyperkinesis, porphyrin disease, tetany, tuberculosis, in case of kidney disease, multiple sclerosis or varicose veins.

Interaction with other drugs: when combined with antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin or carbamazepine) and barbiturates, the process of steroid hormone metabolism is enhanced. Antibiotics (such as ampicillin or rifampicin) change the intestinal microflora, thereby reducing the ability to concentrate. The effect of the drug is weakened when combined with drugs that lower blood pressure, anxiolytics, ethanol, narcotic painkillers and general anesthetics. Combined use with hypoglycemic agents may require adjustment of their dosage regimen.

• Klimonorm is prescribed in a dosage of 1 pill for 21 days, followed by a week's break. The first 9 days you need to take yellow pills, and then turquoise ones. In premenopause, therapy should be started on the 4th day of the cycle. In menopause, treatment can be started on any day. Before starting a new course, you need to take a break for 7 days, during which menstrual-like bleeding is observed. The entire course should last for 8-10 years.

Side effects: at the beginning of treatment, irregular headaches, dizziness, depression, problems with appetite are possible, libido, body weight, chest pain may also change. Long-term use of the drug in rare cases can cause a rash of brown spots on the skin or worsen the tolerance of contact lenses.

Contraindications include: worsening hypertension, pregnancy, liver tumor or if the patient had one before, as well as severe liver dysfunction. In addition, hormonally active tumors of the uterus or mammary glands, thromboembolism, history of jaundice or itching during pregnancy.

• Ladybon is an anabolic steroid and has gestagenic and estrogenic properties, as well as a weak androgenic effect. The drug normalizes HGS after the ovaries stop functioning, and reduces the secretion of gonadotropic hormones. Slows down bone resorption in postmenopause, reduces the manifestation of menopause symptoms (including increased sweating and hot flashes). It has a beneficial effect on mood and libido, prevents the development of vaginal dryness, without causing proliferation of the endometrium.

Contraindications include pregnancy, thromboembolism (also present in the anamnesis), hormonally active tumors, thrombophlebitis, vaginal bleeding of unknown origin. Also cardiovascular or liver failure, as well as otosclerosis that developed during pregnancy or during steroid therapy, CVD, as well as an interval of less than 1 year after the last menstrual period.

The drug should be taken orally in a daily dose of 2.5 mg (single dose), the course of treatment should last at least 3 months. The use of the drug should begin 1 g after the last menstruation or immediately after postovariectomy syndrome.

Interaction with other drugs: in combination with anticoagulants, it enhances their properties.

Side effects: CNS – headaches or dizziness; digestive system – increased activity of liver enzymes, diarrhea, and weight changes; endocrine system – endometrial hyperplasia, increased facial hair growth (hirsutism), uterine bleeding. Others – pain in the upper and lower extremities, as well as the back, swelling in the shins, seborrheic dermatitis.

• Estrofem is a synthetic substance E2, which is identical to endogenous estradiol, which is produced by the ovaries. The drug eliminates the consequences of estrogen deficiency and prevents the reduction of bone mass, as well as their mineral density in the postmenopausal period (also after oophorectomy).

Contraindications include: history of breast cancer (or suspicion of it), vaginal bleeding of unknown origin, detected malignant tumors dependent on estrogen (for example, endometrial cancer) or in case of suspicion of them. In addition, the use of the drug is prohibited in case of untreated endometrial hyperplasia, thrombosis, inflammation of the deep veins, pulmonary embolism. Diseases that are accompanied by ATE (including myocardial infarction or angina). Also, a history of liver disease (when functional indicators have not returned to normal) or in acute form. Hypersensitivity to the active substance and other elements of the drug. Lactation period and pregnancy, as well as porphyria.

Application and dosage: oral administration (1 tablet 1 time/day). At the start of HRT, as well as in case of prolongation of the course of treatment, it is necessary to take the medicine in the minimum permissible doses for some time.

Side effects: approximately 10% of patients experienced side effects. Most often, these were skin sensitivity disorders or pain in the mammary glands, swelling, headaches, or stomach pain.

• Trisequens is a combined estrogen-gestagen drug (it contains female sex hormones that help regulate various phases of the menstrual cycle). The drug is dominated by estrogens, it is used for HRT.

Application: during menopause, therapy begins with 1 tablet/day, without interruption. It can be started at any time. If a woman is on HRT or is still menstruating, it should be started on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle.

Side effects: at the beginning of therapy, slight bleeding similar to menstruation and pain in the mammary glands are possible. Headache, hair loss, nausea, skin allergies, thrombosis, vision problems, increased blood pressure, thromboembolism or jaundice may also occur.

Contraindications include: malignant or hormone-dependent tumors (endometrium or mammary gland), liver dysfunction, including acute liver failure, inflammation of the deep veins, cerebral blood flow disorders (or if there was one in the past), thromboembolism. Uterine bleeding of unknown origin, pregnancy, and porphyria.

The best remedy for hot flashes during menopause

Some medications for hot flashes include:

HRT means – they are the most effective in eliminating hot flashes that appear during menopause. They contain sex hormones (such as estrogens) – thanks to them, the lack of hormones is replenished, as a result of which the strength and frequency of hot flashes, as well as night sweats, are reduced. HRT also reduces the psycho-emotional symptoms of menopause: irritability, mood swings, depression, sleep and memory problems, and fatigue. The selection of drugs, as well as treatment regimens, are selected individually, so these drugs are allowed to be used only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Medicines that lower blood pressure - since hot flashes are usually accompanied by a sharp rise in blood pressure, it is advisable to prescribe these drugs. It is not allowed to use these drugs on your own or change their dosage without a specialist's prescription.

Antidepressants can reduce hot flashes because in low doses these drugs affect the nervous system. They are usually prescribed if hot flashes are accompanied by depressive states.

Mild sedatives have a sedative effect on the nervous system, which helps reduce the frequency of menopausal hot flashes.

Medicines for hot flashes during menopause should only be prescribed by a doctor who will take into account the patient’s condition, as well as the presence of other diseases.