Hot flashes, also known as flushes, are the most common symptom of menopause. The cause of the hot flashes is similar to a withdrawal syndrome; your brain becomes very adapted to estrogen after puberty, and the decline in estrogen associated with hormonal aging can cause a chain reaction in the brain leading to hot flashes.
Estrogen primarily comes from mature ovulating eggs and declines across your lifetime due to the steady decline in these eggs. The result is an increase in your brain’s attempt to stimulate the ovary to remain fertile, which is a fruitless effort as Mother Nature has designed the decline in the first place. A woman’s brain continues to try and prompt ovulation, and this is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms such as surges of adrenalin, a phenomenon also seen with substance addiction. Withdrawal from estrogen can cause hot flashes, sweats, heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms due to surges in adrenaline-like chemicals.
The good news is that most women experience hot flashes only temporarily. The bad news is there is no medical test to determine how long they will last. Data shows that the range for most women is between 6 months to 3 years, but for some, the flashes never stop.
A low-glycemic diet can reduce blood sugar fluctuations that trigger adrenaline surges. Diets low in sugar and high in plant protein can improve symptoms, especially night sweats.
Avoid adrenaline surge triggers such as stress, inadequate sleep, alcohol, and caffeine.
Medications that lessen adrenaline surges may help, such as Effexor (venlafaxine HCL), Brisdell (low dose paroxetine or Paxil), and some beta-blockers such as low-dose propranolol, a well-known medication often prescribed for stage fright.
The least invasive approach is with the mind-body connection, using focused thought, biofeedback, or breathing techniques to lessen adrenaline surges.
Over-the-counter plant-derived substances such as Estroven (soy and black cohosh), Promensil, or Genistein may help. These are called phytoestrogens. Scientific proof that they are effective is spotty, but it is generally accepted that in areas where dietary phytoestrogens are a common ingredient in the diet (such as in Asia), women report having fewer hot flashes.
Prescription plant-derived Fosteum, a medication approved by the FDA for low bone density, is a phyto (plant) estrogen and data from the manufacturer shows Fosteum may be very helpful for hot flashes in many women, as well as being good for bone health.
Foods high in plant or phytoestrogens such as nuts, nut butters, seeds, lentils, legumes, and some tubers can be helpful, not only to safely mimic estrogen, but also to stabilize blood sugar. Stabilizing blood sugar helps lessen adrenaline surges and keeps down abdominal fat.
Estrogen replacement is an option for some women as well in the form of hormone therapy. Low-dose estrogen therapy can markedly improve the incidence of hot flashes. While controversial, many women decide that the advantages of hormone therapy (improved bone density, lowered risk of type II diabetes, improved vaginal elasticity and relief of hot flashes) outweigh the risks that include blood clot formation, stroke, increased breast cancer risk (for dual hormone therapy), and gallbladder disease. Ask your clinician for direction; together you can decide what is best for you as there are many options. Most women can experience relief from hot flashes with one or more of these approaches.
What People Are Saying
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Lauren Hayes25 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ultrasound tech, Emma, was phenomenal! She was so compassionate and took her time to make our experience great. We really appreciate the care she took during our ultrasound.Posted on Google
Sidney12 August 2026Highly recommend! From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, my care was thoughtful, caring, and the furthest thing from feeling dismissed at a doctor’s office. Ellie did a wonderful job making me feel heard, comfortable and validate what I had been experiencing. For a first visit, I left feeling reassured and grateful that I chose this office.Posted on Google
Charisa McMahon21 July 2026I highly recommend Audrey Fenwick. She truly takes the time to listen and never makes me feel rushed during my appointments. I always feel like my concerns are heard and taken seriously. What I appreciate most is that she’s willing to explore different treatment options rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. She works with me until we find a plan that we’re both comfortable with, and I always leave feeling confident that I’ve received thoughtful, personalized care. It’s refreshing to have a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in helping her patients feel their best.Posted on Google
Amy Curry26 June 2026Dr. Shannon was a great provider during my last pregnancy with twins! She answered every question I had, kept me in the loop on all the clinical decisions and options I had available, and made me feel safe and heard during all of my interactions with her and her staff. All of the staff at Women’s first always took great care of me and my babies no matter what concern I had at the time.Posted on Google
Rhonda Eichenberger20 June 2026They are always all so nice and welcoming. I just love Brook McAfee, APRN, she is awesome!Posted on Google
Robin12 June 2026Dr Grider is the best Doctor. Very thorough, kind and personable!Posted on Google
Cathy Carter4 June 2026I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the services provided by Dr. Anne L. Oliphant and the staff at Women First of Louisville. Dr. Oliphant and staff exhibit outstanding professionalism, punctuality and courtesy. I highly recommend Dr. Oliphant based on the fact that she is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate physician who truly takes the time to listen to her patients. Throughout my appointments, she and the staff made me feel completely at ease. She thoroughly explained my diagnosis and patiently answered all my questions without ever making me feel rushed. I had to do bloodwork during my last appointment. The clinicians and staff were especially friendly and professional as well. Dr. Oliphant’s, and the staff’s, empathetic bedside manner and clear communication elicit standout medical providers in the specialized field of menopause medicine. I believe that Dr. Oliphant has really listened to my concerns and has taken the time to support my health journey. I highly recommend her and the staff to anyone seeking personalized and highly effective care.Posted on Google
Nancy Nance3 June 2026I have been a patient here for over 25 years. The best of care for any need I have had ! Simply the best !Posted on Google
Kim Goff12 May 2026The care I've received at Women First of Louisville has been outstanding for over 15 years. It is amazing that such a large practice can be so efficient, organized, and caring all at the same time. For my annual checkups, I am able to schedule my mammogram and provider visit together. Pre-check in means I simply sign in and within a minute or two I'm called for my mammogram. Another 2-5 minute wait and I'm with a friendly, knowledgeable technician who completes the mammogram with a smile and a caring attitude. In 10 minutes, I am back in the waiting area and immediately called back for vitals by another friendly professional assistant. Within 5-10 minutes I am in the exam room and my provider, Heather McLennan, arrives. Here is where the appointment is less about efficiency and more about the care she provides to me. Heather always takes the time to speak with me...asking questions about my life, my health and my concerns. These are not just a check list. She listens. She smiles. She looks me in the eyes and participates in a conversation with me that makes me feel like she cares and understands. Her exam is gentle but thorough. I often have a question about recent research or options and she gives me her honest opinion based on facts. I completely trust her and the other women in all aspects of this practice. **A few years ago I did have a less than stellar experience with an assistant who took my vitals. She was dismissive and sloppy and made me feel uncomfortable when I didn't understand her questions. After I shared this experience with the check out staff, the office manager called me the same day for details, an apology and guarantee that the practice would address this as a training issue that would hopefully correct it. I've not seen or heard anything like it since. I am 100% satisfied with the care I receive at Women First of Louisville. I highly recommend you consider them for your healthcare needs.Posted on Google
Carly Garcia11 May 2026Dr. Lauren Lewis is fabulous! She is extremely kind and patient, and she genuinely cares about those in her care. I felt very comfortable during my first appointment with her and have already recommended her to a friend!
