$Unique_ID{BRK02019}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Dealing with the Discomforts of Menopause}
$Subject{menopause aging flushing hormones breast cancer breasts hot flashes
Clonidine methyldopa hypertension blood pressure exercise menopausal women
nitrites alcohol hormones hormone therapy hormone treatment}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Dealing with the Discomforts of Menopause


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QUESTION:  I hate to admit it by I guess I have now reached the stage of life
when the menopause is beginning for me.  I am experiencing some very annoying
bouts of flushing, that cause me a bit of embarrassment upon occasion.  My own
doctor won't prescribe any hormones for me since both a sister and my mother
had breast cancer.  Surely there must be something that can be done to help
relieve my problem.  Can you suggest any treatment that I could try?  Thank
you for any help you can give me.

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ANSWER:  Your physician is following the guidelines by restricting the use of
female hormones in your case.  When breast cancer has been discovered in
relatives (mother and sister) the use of these hormones is not recommended to
treat the effects of menopause.
     However there are other medications that can be used to reduce the
severity and frequency of hot flashes.  Clonidine is often used with good
results.  The medication takes from 3-4 weeks to become fully effective so
some patience is required.  A low dose is used at first, with the dosage being
increased gradually at 7 day intervals.  Another medication that provides some
comfort is methyldopa, used in treating hypertension as well.  The flushing
may be alleviated without any drop in blood pressure, by carefully controlling
the dose.
     You might try increasing the amount of activity in your life (some people
call it exercise), for menopausal women who are physically active complain of
severe hot flashes only about half as often as women who are less energetic.
     Be aware that not all flushing may be the result of your menopause.  It
is easy to point the finger of suspicion at mid-life hormonal changes when you
have reached the age of menopause.  But in some cases the flushes are the
result of foods, nitrites or even a modest intake of alcohol.  By keeping
track of the events that immediately precede your episodes of flushing, a
pattern may be seen that could be the indication that other factors are at
work, that require change to reduce your discomfort.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.