Hot Flashes

Hot flashes and night sweats, also referred to as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are reported in approximately 75% of perimenopausal and post-menopausal women. Symptoms associated with hot flashes include transient flushing, perspiration, and a sensation of warmth or intense heat in the upper body and face that may be followed by chills. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep and are usually accompanied by intense perspiration. When hot flashes are severe, they negatively affect sleep, mood, concentration, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Historically, the primary treatment for hot flashes was hormone therapy (HT), specifically estrogen with or without progestrogen. In 2002, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported an association between HT and increased risk of cardiac events, stroke, and breast cancer. Concerned ...