Generally occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause is a period that marks the cessation of ovarian function in women. During this period, estrogen production gradually decreases so that ovulation and menstruation can stop permanently. Estrogen is a sex steroid hormone that has multiple functions in the female body, such as thermal regulation, for example. As a result, when these hormones decrease significantly, hot flashes appear, causing a feeling of extreme heat throughout the body as well as excessive sweating. Hot flashes are particularly noticeable at night, which obviously contributes to disturbing the sleep of the 80% of women affected by the phenomenon. However, they can also appear in the middle of the day for no apparent reason.
It is also important to know that hot flashes occur more frequently and more intensely when the woman is exposed to periods of stress, overwork or fatigue. Similarly, these manifestations tend to be exacerbated under the influence of affective or emotional factors. Some medical research now shows that hot flashes affect women of small build, but also all those who smoke or have a sedentary lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that the phenomenon can occur just as frequently in women of normal build, as well as in women who do not smoke and practice regular physical activity.
To combat hot flashes, doctors most often use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) composed of synthetic estrogen. However, it is important to know that hormone therapy is strictly contraindicated in cases of a history of gynecological cancer or conditions such as phlebitis. In addition, it is not free of side effects since it can cause many circulatory or psychological disorders. To this extent, homeopathy therefore appears to be an ideal therapy for all those who cannot or do not wish to use synthetic hormones. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet, homeopathy not only reduces the intensity of hot flashes but also significantly reduces their frequency.
Symptoms
When they occur, hot flashes cause a feeling of warmth that spreads quickly throughout the body. In most cases, this feeling of heat is much more noticeable in the face and is usually accompanied by a tingling sensation in the cheeks and ears. In addition, the heart rate increases significantly, which causes palpitations that are always very annoying. Hot flashes are also accompanied in the vast majority of cases by profuse sweating that only stops after a few minutes. In some cases, the feeling of warmth may be followed a few seconds later by a feeling of cold, but it can also be associated with a headache or breast tension when the hot flash occurs.
Hotflashes accompanied by a feeling of cold
If the hot flash is associated with an increase in heart rate and is immediately followed by a feeling of cold, then it is advisable to take 5 granules of Amylium nitrosum 5 CH as soon as symptoms appear.
Hotflashes accompanied by breast tenderness
If the hot flush is accompanied by breast tension, i.e. swelling in the breasts, it is necessary to take 5 granules of Asterias rubens 5 CH as soon as symptoms appear.
Hotflashes accompanied by profuse sweating
In the event of a hot flash accompanied by an increased heart rate and profuse sweating, it is advisable to take 5 granules of Belladonna 5 CH as soon as symptoms appear.
Hot flashes accompanied by headache
If the hot flash is associated with a headache, migraine or chest constriction and at the same time causes palpitations, then 5 granules of Glonoinum 5 CH should be taken as soon as symptoms appear.
Hotflashes accompanied by a tingling sensation
When the hot flash is accompanied by an intense tingling sensation in the cheeks and ears, it is advisable to take 5 granules of Sanguinaria canadensis 5 CH as soon as symptoms appear.
Other remedies
It is good to know that other remedies may also be recommended in case of hot flashes accompanied by feelings of suffocation, mood disorders, sleep disorders or sensations of heat in the plantar. Prescribed as part of a background treatment, these remedies are most of the time prepared from Folliculinum, Graphites, Lachesis mutus, Sepia officinalis or Sulfur. Nevertheless, the dosages must then be determined by the practitioner himself in order to better meet the different needs of the patient.
When to see a doctor?
As a general rule, menopause should always be followed up with appropriate medical attention. Indeed, during this particularly delicate period, it is very important to carry out regular medical examinations to be able to ensure that everything is going well. These examinations, which most often include mammograms and bone densitometry, allow the gynaecologist to check the patient's state of health and to better orient the treatment according to the disorders she may possibly suffer.
