(305) 595-9500
Nearly 80 percent of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Caused by changes in estrogen, hot flashes typically begin with a rise in body temperature followed by perspiration, rapid heart rate and discomfort. Lasting from 30 seconds to a minute, they often occur at night.
Women usually experience hot flashes for four years while going through menopause. They may begin two to three years before the cessation of the monthly period and last up to five years after the cessation of menses.
Hot flashes are associated with an increased blood flow in the blood vessels of the chest, back, neck, and face. Symptoms of hot flashes may include:
• Flushing.
• Body warmth.
• Night sweats.
• Facial redness.
Finding effective treatment options for hot flashes can be difficult. Hot flashes have been conventionally treated with estrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, HRT has been linked to an increased risk for heart attack, breast cancer and stroke.
Acupuncture is a holistic therapy option for the treatment of hot flashes with virtually no adverse side effects. Acupuncture, when compared to drug therapy, has a longer lasting effect on the reduction of hot flashes. Women also report that acupuncture improves energy and alertness.
Your acupuncture physician will treat your hot flashes based on your individual physical, mental and emotional patterns. A comprehensive treatment plan will be tailored to correct your specific hormonal imbalances, hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Treatment may include a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary modification, and exercise.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
