But when you do, you know it. If a hot flash occurs while you are sleeping, you may wake up and have trouble falling back to sleep. When they happen during work or a social event, they can make you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. Hot flashes can be fleeting or can occur on and off for years.

Some doctors recommend prescription medication to manage or decrease the symptoms. Although studies have shown that estrogen replacement can help, it can also have negative side effects.

Many women are also asking their doctors about alternative remedies. John Mast, MD, a family physician with Norlanco Medical Associates in Elizabethtown (a Lancaster General Medical Group practice), has researched some alternative therapies. He points out that alternative treatment can be less costly and have fewer side effects than some traditional medications.

But alternative treatments have drawbacks too. Because the Food & Drug Administration does not regulate alternative treatments, their ingredients and potency can vary greatly. Several clinical trials are currently evaluating the long-term effects of these treatments. Because of the uncertainty surrounding some alternative remedies, you need to exercise caution by checking with your doctor before trying anything.

You also need to be wary of products that give outrageous promises of being able to cure all your symptoms. Check the active ingredients in a product. If it’s a “secret formula,” beware. Also remember, just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it is completely safe.

If you’re on any prescription drugs or have any medical conditions, some herbs can cause dangerous interactions. Your doctor can guide you.

Alternative therapies

• Soy.  Soy contains isoflavones, which are chemically similar to estrogen. Examples of foods containing soy include soy nuts, soy butter, tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soybeans. Besides having the potential to reduce hot flashes, soy is a good part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Black cohosh. Some studies have shown that this herb can reduce symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes. Talk to your doctor about what dose would work best for you. Typically, patients taking black cohosh start seeing relief within 4-8 weeks. Side effects may include an upset stomach.
• Cut back on coffee, spicy foods, cigarette smoking and alcohol, all of which can worsen hot flashes.
  

• Exercise regularly. This reduces stress and can help you sleep better.
• Dress in layers. When a hot flash strikes, you can remove some layers of clothing to feel more comfortable.
• Try yoga or another stress reducer. You may find that relaxing helps you cope with hot flashes.
  

• April 29, 2004: "Menopause Basics and Complementary and Alternative Approaches for Symptom Relief" presented by Rosemary Search, RN, BSN, Menopause Educator, and Diane Boomsma, RPh, Williams Apothecary
• May 6, 2004: "Hot Flashes and Hormone Therapy: Health Benefits and Risks—An Individualized Approach" presented by Madonna Talbert, MD, OB-GYN of Lancaster
• May 13, 2004: "No Bones about It—What’s Your Risk for Osteoporosis" presented by Richard W. Reese, MD, Lancaster Rheumatology Associates
• May 20, 2004: "Talking about the Things Nobody Talks about—Urinary Changes and Sexual Issues at Midlife" presented by Michael Del Terzo, MD, Urological Associates of Lancaster, Ltd., and Eileen Herman, PT, Manager, Lancaster General Incontinence Program

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