For millions of women the onset of hot flashes is the welcome mat for menopause. Approximately 40% of women that are still menstruating regularly experience hot flashes, which are the warming of the entire body and is often followed by heavy perspiration. Many women want to know what can be done to alleviate hot flashes, and perhaps how to stop them.

1- Even though not a whole lot is known about hot flashes, it is believed that they occur not because of low hormones, but are due rather to a fluctuation in those hormones. Traditionally, hot flashes are treated with a prescription of estrogen via an oral or transdermal medications; this treatment is called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These medications are a way of evening out the hormones with in the body and are proven to slow the occurrences of hot flash by 80-90% in most women.

2- Hormone replacement therapy is by far the most affective means to treat hot flashes and is prescribed to more than 40 million women every year. However, this program has been under intense scrutiny recently, as new research as indicated that the hormone replacement may be a leading cause in heart disease among women. For that reason, more and more women are turning away from this traditional treatment in favor of more natural methods of controlling the hot flashes.

3- Some of these treatments include using plant and vitamin supplements to help alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes. If a women wanted to try an alternative method, there is not a shortage available, everything from soy to new breathing techniques have been touted as the cure for hot flashes.

4- The most important thing to remember if you decide to try the non-medicinal forms of relief is that many of these claims have not been researched in the same manner as prescription medicine. The manufacturing and use of vitamins and minerals for medicinal purposes is not policed by any government agency as they are considered food items. Therefore, any tests that have been conducted on their effectiveness do not need to meet the same strict guidelines as prescription medicine.

5- The most important thing that you can do for yourself when experiencing hot flashes before or during menopause is to speak with your health care provider. They will be able to walk you through the process of choosing a treatment regimen. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding hormone replacement surgery, together you can find the right form of relief for you.