Hot flushes or Hot flashes- what alternatives are there to HRT?
In Japan, a word for hot flash or flush does not exist.
This is because Japanese women do not experience these symptoms to the same degree as women in the UK or europe.
Why is that?
It is likely due to a combination of factors.
Their diet is higher in naturally occurring plant oestrogens form soy products such as Tempe, edamame beans and tofu.
They also overall have a lower BMI than women in the UK.
So what does the eVidence from studies tell us about alternative therapies compared to the HRT available from pharmaceutical companies?
Plant-based treatments(phytoestrogens and herbal remedies) are commonly used by postmenopausal women, but their effectiveness has not been well established.
Other complementary therapies that have been studied with inconsistent results include acupuncture, mind-body-based therapies, paced respiration, weight loss, and exercise.
But we know at this stage in a woman’s life heart disease is the biggest cause of ill health and death. SO exercise, stress reduction and eating lots of vegetables are very important for general good health!
Plant-based therapies
There are a variety of plant-based therapies used for hot flashes including isoflavones (dietary or supplements) and herbal therapies.
Isoflavones and phytoestrogens (substances that occur naturally in many plants, fruits, and vegetables) have not been consistently found to be more effective than placebo for hot flashes. But see below for some positive studies
Two types of isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, are found in soybeans, chickpeas, and lentils and are thought to be the most potent estrogens of the phytoestrogens (although they are much weaker than human estrogens).
A review of 21 trials in menopausal women with hot flushes taking phytoestrogens (dietary soy isoflavones, supplements of soy isoflavones, or red clover) showed a decrease in the number of daily hot flashes
Genistein has been shown to have beneficial effects on hot flashes, these studies suggested that doses >30 mg/day may reduce hot flash frequency compared with placebo.
What if I have had breast cancer that is oestrogen receptor-positive ?
A potential issue of concern is that phytoestrogens have both oestrogen agonist and antagonist effects.
However, the effect of increasing dietary soy or taking a isoflavone supplement on breast cancer risk women with oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is unknown.
Many specialist suggest that dietary soy is reasonable in women with ER+ breast cancer but that dietary supplements( concentrated forms in capsule) should be avoided until more research can confirm their safety.
Other Herbal or alternative therapies for hot flashes
Black cohosh – is one of the most widely used of the alternative therapies available for management of hot flashes.
What does the research say?
Although some small, short-term trials suggested benefits from black cohosh most have not.
A potential safety concern about black cohosh is its possible estrogenic effect on the breast has led some doctors to recommend that women with breast cancer wait until more safety data are available before using it using this..
Paced respiration – This is a relaxation type method known as ‘paced respiration’. It is relatively easy to learn, but its effects on hot flash symptoms is not yet established [139,140].
We do recommend mindfulness meditation or deep breathing to help reduce anxiety which can further exacerbate hot flushes.
Weight loss – As noted above, obesity is a risk factor for hot flashes.
Weight loss can help decrease hot flashes, both in peri-menopausal and post menopausal women.
At Vitalis health we offer two types of Menopause consultation.
Holistic overview of your menopause health and treatment options Plus an aromatherapy neck massage with Nurse Anne McGale.
A GP menopause led clinic with Dr Siobhan Graham & Dr Bláthnaid Carlin focusing on best treatment options and optimising your overall health.
You book online or call 0289691300