Hot flashes are common symptoms of hormone imbalance. They occur mainly in women, as they are caused by dips in natural levels of the hormone estrogen, the primary female sex hormone responsible for reproductive health. At certain stages in her life, such as menopause, or if she has her ovaries removed, a woman's level of natural estrogen levels may fall. This produces various symptoms, one of the most common of which are hot flashes.
There are a number of ways to treat estrogen imbalance and its symptoms. HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, is a popular and effective way of treating hormonal hot flashes. This involves introducing external hormones into the body to balance out the body's level of natural hormones. Read on to learn more about what causes hot flashes, and how HRT can be used to treat them.
Why Am I Experiencing Hot Flashes?
Hormonal hot flashes are caused by a fall in the body's natural level of estrogen. Estrogen is particularly influential during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Therefore, when a woman's reproductive system undergoes drastic changes, such as after the removal of ovaries, or during menopause, her levels of estrogen can experience fluctuations. These hormonal fluctuations cause a number of unpleasant symptoms including fatigue, headaches, irritability and hot flashes.
How Can HRT Help?
HRT involves the introduction of external hormones into the body to iron out imbalances in the body's existing level of natural hormones. By supplementing the body's estrogen with an external estrogen, the fluctuating level of the natural hormone is equalized, and the unpleasant side effects of hormonal imbalance are avoided.
How Can I Use HRT?
HRT is usually prescribed following a blood or saliva test, which is used to discern the amount of estrogen present in the woman's body, and the extent of her deficiency. Estrogen is then administered to the appropriate level to replenish the woman's dwindling estrogen levels.
HRT is available in a variety of forms, including:
- Gels
- Patches
- Rings
- Creams
The variety of forms in which HRT is available means that all women desiring to use HRT should be able to find a form that is suitable for their lifestyle.
HRT is an effective way of treating estrogen imbalance, and of eliminating hot flashes. However, studies have revealed a number of health risks and side effects associated with hormonal replacement therapy.
