With Low-Dose HRT Hot Flashes Are Not Relieved As Effectively, Study Shows

Many women have questions about Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause. Most women experience them. Natural relief for hot flashes has become increasingly popular, because of concerns over health risks associated with HRT. Hot flashes, alone, do not endanger a woman's health, but can interfere with activities. Night sweats can interrupt a woman's sleep, increasing fatigue and (in the worst cases) leading to insomnia.

In women who use HRT, hot flashes decrease, because estrogen levels are increased. The latest research concerning low-dose HRT indicates that hot flashes are reduced by 60-70%. Low dose estrogens are hoped to be somewhat safer than the traditional dosing.

Natural relief for hot flashes may include the use of herbs or dietary supplements. The most effective, according to published clinical trials, are soy isoflavones and black cohosh. In a recent study, the use of dietary supplements containing soy isoflavones reduced hot flashes by 87.8% and black cohosh was even more effective. This is about equivalent to the results achieved using higher dosages of synthetic estrogen.

Isoflavones belong to a group of plant compounds called phytoestrogens or "plant" estrogens. Found in numerous plants and herbs, they have an "estrogen-like" effect on a woman's body. Women who are allergic to soy can use black cohosh alone or in combination with red clover, another plant used by traditional healers for symptoms associated with menopause and hormonal imbalances.

Some experts have suggested that adding soy to the diet, in the form of soy flour, tofu or other soy bean foods, may be more effective than dietary supplements containing soy isoflavones. Thus far, clinical research does not support this suggestion. In a recent study of women who ate muffins made from soy flour every day for 16 weeks, there was no significant reduction in hot flashes.

Other experts are concerned that since they have an estrogen-like effect on the body, phytoestrogens may pose the same health risks as HRT. Hot flashes and night sweats may be relieved, but is the use of phytoestrogens safe. The laboratory research conducted thus far indicates that black cohosh does not have the same effect on estrogen-sensitive cancer cells that synthetic estrogen does. In fact, there are on-going studies concerning the usefulness of black cohosh as a supplement to cancer treatment.

Studies concerning effective natural relief for hot flashes indicate that stress reduction techniques can reduce their severity by about 40%. Acupuncture can reduce hot flashes by about 28% and night sweats by 47%. Doctors suggest that alcohol, caffeine and nicotine increase the severity and frequency of hot flashes, while regular exercise, drinking plenty of water and wearing lighter weight clothing can reduce them.

It may not be possible to avoid HRT, hot flashes and phytoestrogens. But, the lifestyle changes mentioned above may help. Scientists are not yet sure why black cohosh provides such effective natural relief for hot flashes. Most assume that it contains a type of phytoestrogen, but recent research indicates that it improves the body's ability to effectively use serotonin, a chemical that helps to regulate mood, sleep and other cyclical bodily functions. For information about dietary supplements that contain herbs and botanicals for hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.