For many women entering into their golden years, experiencing ‘hot flashes’ is a common and often dreaded symptom of the aging process. For centuries, women have suffered through this natural and uncomfortable body response as our hormones change with age. But many people may not know that hot flashes are not just limited to the aging process but can also be a side effect of some cancer treatments.
AdventHealth Hendersonville’s breast surgeon, Colette A. Salm-Schmid, MD, FACS, helps us learn more about hot flashes and explore acupuncture as a natural option for relief.
What are Hot Flashes?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. Your skin might redden. It can also cause sweating, and if you lose too much body heat, you might feel chilled afterward.
Hot flashes are commonly experienced due to menopause, when a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes irregular and eventually stops. But Dr. Salm-Schmid tells us that hot flashes are also a common side effect of many cancer treatments.
“Some treatments for breast cancer including endocrine therapy, have unwanted side effects including hot flashes,” Dr. Salm-Schmid says. “In addition, hormone replacement is contraindicated in breast cancer patients, thus stopping this medication leads to hot flashes without hormone therapy.”
Acupuncture and Hot Flashes
We don’t know exactly what causes hot flashes, but scientists think hot flashes might happen because hormones change how our body controls its temperature. Acupuncture may help alleviate the symptoms by calming down this temperature control system, which may reduce how often women will experience hot flashes.
What is Acupuncture?
Dr. Salm-Schmid tells us that acupuncture is a type of healing that started in China centuries ago. It works by putting very thin needles into the skin at specific spots on the body. Acupuncture is often used to reduce pain, stress, and other health issues, including hot flashes.
“The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survivorship guidelines site multiple studies that have shown acupuncture to be just as, if not more effective than medication when treating hot flashes,” Dr. Salm-Schmid shares.
When to Contact Your Doctor
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, that are affecting your sleep or your daily life, it may be time to contact your health care provider.
Every woman’s journey is different. And whether you are experiencing hot flashes from the natural aging process, or due to specific cancer treatments, AdventHealth has you covered. From our compassionate age-friendly care to our comprehensive cancer and breast care, AdventHealth offers expert care you can count on.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please visit AdventHealthWNC.com or call Call855-774-LIFE (5433).
Item 1 of 5
Item 2 of 5
Item 4 of 5
