Managing Menopause: Options for Relief from Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

 Managing Menopause: Options for Relief from Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

For many, the sweltering discomfort of summer only lasts a few months. But for millions of women going through menopause, symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can make it feel like summer never ends.

Understanding Menopause and Its Effects

Menopause marks a natural phase in a woman’s life when the ovaries reduce or stop producing estrogen. This hormonal shift can happen naturally with age or be triggered by medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the female reproductive system, and its decline often brings about a host of symptoms—most notably vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

Take Jane, a real estate agent and mother of three from New Albany, Ohio:

“I expected menopause to happen eventually, but I never imagined the symptoms would be so intense. The hot flashes would hit at work without warning, and night sweats woke me up several times a night. I knew I had to talk to my doctor about options.”

While many women go through natural menopause, some experience induced menopause due to medical procedures like a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or cancer treatments. If the ovaries are also removed, menopause occurs immediately, regardless of age. Sudden changes in hormone levels, especially when menopause is induced rapidly, can lead to more severe symptoms.

New Hormonal Treatment Options

The good news is that relief is available. A new FDA-approved oral estrogen therapy, ENJUVIA™ (synthetic conjugated estrogens, B), offers an option for women dealing with moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats. Sourced from plants, ENJUVIA uses a controlled-release system that allows estrogen to enter the bloodstream slowly over time.

Health organizations like the FDA and North American Menopause Society stress caution: hormone therapy should only be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, due to risks like heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots, and dementia.

According to Dr. David Portman of the Columbus Center for Women’s Health Research:

“With millions of women entering menopause annually—and many having hysterectomies by age 60—there’s a growing need for low-dose, effective treatments for vasomotor symptoms.”

Important Safety Considerations for ENJUVIA

Risks:

• Increased chance of uterine cancer if unusual vaginal bleeding occurs.

• Elevated risks for heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and dementia.

Common side effects:

• Headache, breast pain, stomach cramps, nausea, hair loss, and irregular bleeding.

Not recommended for women who:

• Are or may be pregnant

• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding

• Have a history of certain cancers, blood clots, or liver issues

• Had a stroke or heart attack in the past year

• Are allergic to ENJUVIA ingredients

Safer Alternatives: Promising Research on MF101

Given the risks of hormone therapy, researchers are pursuing non-hormonal alternatives. One such candidate is MF101, developed by Bionovo, Inc. This experimental treatment targets estrogen receptor beta (avoiding the alpha receptor associated with cancer cell growth), potentially offering symptom relief without increasing cancer risks.

Preliminary trials have shown promise, and a larger Phase 2 clinical study is underway at top medical centers under the guidance of Dr. Deborah Grady. If successful, MF101 may provide a safer, effective option for symptom relief.

“Our goal is to find treatments that provide relief without the health risks associated with hormone therapy,” said Dr. Mary Tagliaferri, Chief Medical Officer of Bionovo.

Natural Remedies and Supplements: A Holistic Approach

Not all menopause relief needs to come from prescriptions. Many women find help through diet and supplements. For instance, Japanese women report fewer hot flashes, a phenomenon largely attributed to their high intake of soy, which contains isoflavones—plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body.

Supplements from Nutra Origin:

1. Meno Balance
A powerful blend of red clover and kudzu isoflavones designed to:

• Reduce hot flashes and night sweats

• Support heart and bone health (with folic acid, resveratrol, and vitamin D)

• Protect hormone-sensitive tissues (with rosemary and turmeric)

2. Black Cohosh Essentials
Backed by studies and approved in Germany, black cohosh has shown to be nearly 50% more effective than estrogen in reducing hot flashes. The Nutra Origin formula includes:

• 80 mg of standardized black cohosh

• Lemon balm and motherwort to ease anxiety and stress

3. Nutra Multi Iron-Free
Tailored for older women, this multivitamin covers essential nutrients like:

• B vitamins, folic acid, and calcium

• Omits iron to prevent excess levels in menopausal women

Experts recommend using all three formulas together to create a comprehensive, natural defense against menopause symptoms.

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The Bottom Line

Menopause affects each woman differently—some breeze through it, while others struggle with severe symptoms. But with the right blend of medical advice, safe therapies, and natural supplements, relief is within reach.

Whether you choose hormone therapy, a cutting-edge clinical treatment like MF101, or plant-based support through supplements, the key is to stay informed and work closely with your healthcare provider to make the best choice for your needs.