Have you been experiencing hot flashes recently and are now dreading the start of the summer season? Dr. Bitner and the true. Women’s Health team wants you to know that it is possible to beat the summer heat. This week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner discusses tips to avoid hot flashes and different types of treatment options.
The hot flashes and night sweats that many women experience during perimenopause and menopause are caused by dropping estrogen levels. As estrogen decreases, the body’s internal thermostat becomes overly sensitive and can no longer tolerate even small changes in temperature. Treatment involves not triggering the thermostat to go off (reducing anxiety, good sleep, and normal estrogen levels) and staying cool (keeping off extra fat cells and being hydrated).
Treatment is much safer than most people think. The scare of the 2003 WHI study was not founded in fact, and estrogen is an option for many women. Estrogen treatments can also reduce risk factors for weight gain, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. For women with a history of breast cancer or other risk factors, we now have options with new KNDY neuron drugs. Healthy aging is possible, even despite the summer heat!
Jane* was not looking forward to summer. Her final period occurred last year, and even the late summer heat had made her feel miserable. She had the AC cranking, and her husband was uncomfortably cold! She came in asking for help and to better understand her options. Jane was 51 and 15 lbs over her happy weight, not sleeping well because of night sweats, and had at least one hot flash a day at work. She had borderline high cholesterol, borderline high blood sugar, and borderline high blood pressure.
Jane decided to start Hormone Replacement Therapy, and within two weeks, her night sweats were gone! She was also sleeping through the night again, was less cranky, and her husband was sleeping again without the need for extra blankets and a hat! Jane was grateful that life started returning back to normal, and she planned to start exercising again throughout the summer.
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most well-known symptom of midlife and menopause. There are new treatment options available, but the foundation of healthy aging with minimal hot flashes starts with a healthy lifestyle. By drinking 80 net ounces of water, keeping a healthy weight, keeping sugar and alcohol to a minimum, and getting seven hours of sleep, you can feel better and increase the likelihood that treatments will be effective. Treatment options include Hormone Replacement Therapy and a new class of drugs called KNDY neuron antagonists. This new class is very effective for hot flashes and improving sleep. KNDY neuron drugs are also non-hormonal and safe for women with a history of breast cancer. The first out is called Veozah, and the second is due out in the near future.
It is also important to know your options and not to be limited by lack of knowledge. Healthcare providers have so much to know, and not many are familiar with the latest guidelines on the treatment of menopause. If your current provider is unfamiliar with treatment options, make sure to reach out to a Certified Menopause Practitioner to schedule a consultation. It’s time to take charge of your future!
Watch the full segment.
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