Night sweats associated with menopause and hot flashes can last for years

According to conventional medical wisdom, hot flashes associated with menopause fade after six to 24 months.  

No, says a new study of women in menopause. The latest hot flashes, on average, for about seven years and can last 11 years or more.

The hormonal rollercoaster that comes with the end of a woman's reproductive years can trigger a variety of symptoms. Up to 80% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes.  
Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms, often described as a sudden feeling of heat in the chest, face and head followed by rinsing, sweating and chills at times. When a hot flash occurs during sleep, which may be accompanied by a tempered sweat. These night sweats make it difficult to get a good night's rest. 

The new estimates of the duration of these symptoms are from the Survey of women's health across the country (SWAN), a long-term women of different races and ethnicities who are in the transition to menopause. They were published last week in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"The data from this study confirm what many women already know firsthand. Hot flashes can last for years and take a toll on the health and well-being of women," said Dr. JoAnn Manson, professor women's health in the Harvard Medical School and professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. 

Swan researchers found that some women are more likely to treat the long-term hot flashes than others. Women who had their first hot flashes before their menstrual periods had limited hot flashes for an average of nine to 10 years. If rinsing only begin after the last menstrual period, the average duration was only about three and a half years. But even on the short end of the spectrum, it's time to treat hot flashes.

Women in the study who experienced hot flashes SWAN more likely to be smokers or former smokers, overweight, stressed, depressed or anxious. Ethnicity also played a role. African American women reported increased duration of hot flashes (averaged over 11 years), while Japanese and Chinese women have hot flashes for about half the time. 

"Balance of reality" study SWAN offer on hot flashes should encourage women to seek solutions. If hot flashes are really bothering you, do not put up with them. Talk to your doctor treatment options.

One of the most common treatments is hormone therapy containing estrogen, but comes with several drawbacks. "Although hormone therapy is very effective in relieving hot flashes, long-term treatment carries a higher risk of breast cancer and women in old age are at increased risk of stroke, blood clots and other problems so health is important for women to explore a full range of treatment options. - especially women who may have persistent hot flashes, "advises Dr. Manson.

Several non-hormonal drugs can also provide relief from hot flashes. These include certain types of antidepressants, some medications commonly prescribed for nerve pain, and certain medications for high blood pressure. As with any medication, it is best to opt for the lowest dose that effectively relieves their symptoms and take the least possible time.

For some women, self-help measures can help relieve hot flashes. These include deep breathing exercises when a hot flash begins; dress in layers; lower the thermostat; stay away from caffeine, alcohol, hot drinks and spicy foods; stress reduction techniques such as meditation and attention; and do their best to keep cool in general.

A free mobile application called MenoPro recently developed by Dr. Manson and her colleagues from the North American Menopause Society helps women understand their treatment options and work with their health care providers to find the best solution for them. The application is available for iPhones and iPads. More information is available at American Menopause Society.  

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