Friday, December 9, 2011

Marla Ahlgrimm Answers Your Questions About Managing Hot Flashes

Pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm has helped women manage symptoms of menopause and perimenopause for three decades. In addition to dispensing low dose, natural hormone therapy (HT) for her patients, Marla Ahlgrimm sold Madison Pharmacy Associates in 2011, but today continues to advise women on lifestyle changes they can make to minimize menopausal symptoms. Here are a few of her thoughts on managing one of the primary discomforts of menopause, hot flashes.

Q: We’ve heard hormone therapy can help reduce menopausal symptoms, but what are some other changes women can take to keep hot flashes to a minimum?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: Menopausal and perimenopausal women suffering from hot flashes should consider dressing lightly. At night, wear light cotton pajamas or nightgowns to help minimize night sweats. By day, wearing layers can help, especially in the wintertime. Wear short-sleeved, lightweight clothing beneath a lightweight jacket that can be removed if necessary. Cotton is always a good choice as a lightweight, breathable material.

Q: Can alcohol trigger hot flashes?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: Absolutely. In fact, some women may have a glass of wine before bed to relax, but this could have the opposite effect of what is intended. Alternatively, I often recommend herbal tea or a warm bath to achieve that sedative effect.

Q: Does strenuous exercise worsen hot flashes?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: Exactly the opposite! Working out helps raise endorphin levels, which generally decrease during a hot flash. If you maintain a daily exercise regime, you’ll often have fewer, less severe hot flashes.

Q: I’ve noticed when I take sinus medication, my hot flashes seem to worsen. Could there be a connection?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: Yes, some over-the-counter medications—especially those designed for sinus and allergy problems, can act like adrenaline and exacerbates hot flashes.

Q: What about diet? Are there certain foods I should avoid?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: Well, my patients often hear me caution that spicy foods and alcohol can trigger hot flashes. In general, I tell women to avoid any food or drink that seems to be a trigger. If you aren’t sure what the trigger may be, then try removing certain foods from your diet to see if your hot flashes are reduced.

Q: What about hydration? Does that make a difference in controlling hot flashes?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: As with many health related issues, drinking water is important in managing hot flashes. Also, cold water has the added benefit of cooling you down.

Q: Since hot flashes are hormonally related, does it matter whether I keep my house cold or not?

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.: Regulating your environment actually can help. A fan can make a huge difference, as can opening the windows or lowering the temperature at work or home. You can even carry a fan in your purse for those times when you need a little cooling. But internal factors are just as important to control, and since stress can worsen hot flashes, it’s just as important to have a relaxing environment as to have a cool one.

According to Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm, approximately 35 to 40 million women are currently going through menopause. Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., who “identified” PMS in the late 1970’s, is helping the baby boomer generation manage the symptoms of  perimenopause and menopause with self care options as well as low dose natural hormone therapy.  Nearly three decades ago, Marla Ahlgrimm pioneered the use of natural hormone prescription therapy often called bioidentical hormone therapy. Many factors can exacerbate the unpleasant symptoms that many women experience during this time of life. If you seek treatment, Marla Ahlgrimm recommends informing your doctor of any medications you might be taking, even those that are over-the-counter. For more information, visit Marla Ahlgrimm online at www.marlaahlgrimm.org

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