Hot Flashes

Newspaper Column Ad Appearing 9-10-03

Hot flashes, night-sweats, and other "menopausal" symptoms are experienced by more than 85% of women during the menopausal transition. With age related decline in the ovarian estrogen production, there is a change in the body thermostat. The lack of estrogens lowers the point at which the brain considers the body to be too hot. As a result, the brain may act to increase blood flow through the skin when it perceives the body’s temperature to be too high. The heated skin reddens and begins to perspire. When the sweat starts to evaporate, the body temperature cools down. Even though a hot flash may seem to most severely affect the face, head, and neck, the rising temperature actually occurs throughout the entire body.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is an effective treatment for hot flashes and other discomforts of menopause; however, current forms of ERT may not be appropriate for every woman. It has been reported that such therapy may be associated with various side effects including an increased risk for breast cancers. It is unclear whether these risks are related to the type of ERT used - synthetic estrogens, estrogens from other animal species, or estrogens in combination with synthetic progestogens. Furthermore, until recently, all forms of ERT have relied on oral administration which is not physiological, is known to cause a variety of metabolic changes, and may be responsible for the risks and side effects of ERT. Recent developments indicate that bio-identical hormones, that is hormones biologically identical to those produced by the human body, when administered physiologically and in biologically identical concentrations, may offer clear benefits without risks and may lead to improved quality of life in the aging population. You and your doctor should carefully assess the risks and benefits of ERT. For a medical practice devoted to female reproductive health, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology, call OAK BROOK FERTILITY CENTER, where dreams are conceived and hopes delivered. New patients are welcome.

P.S. Hormone replacement therapy has a 98% success rate in relieving hot flashes.

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