My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Menopause and Midlife Health
The end of your menstrual cycle is a natural time of transition, and may bring on side effects like hot flashes, insomnia, or mood changes. In addition to finding solutions to these side effects, midlife is an important time to focus on total health, an active lifestyle, and regular health screenings.
Menopause and Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the more common symptoms seen with the onset of perimenopause. Hot flashes can begin before the start of menopause and can occur for several years afterwards.
You might describe hot flashes as a sensation of heat flowing through your face or a sense of being flushed. Most hot flashes only last for a few minutes, but some can last as long as half an hour. Some women experience hot flashes as frequently as 50 times a day.
Suggestions
Finding a solution for your hot flashes can take time. There are several natural methods to try, including:
- Sleep in a cool room. Use fans to improve air circulation.
- Practice deep breathing for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. Breathe slowly and deeply, bringing air into your lungs and belly.
- Find an aerobic exercise that you like and do it daily.
- Consider adding yoga as a regular part of your schedule.
- Drink cool beverages.
- Wear layers of cotton clothing.
- Track your hot flash triggers. Some women’s hot flashes are related to strong emotions, caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, certain clothing or heat. Once you know what your triggers are, avoid them.
- Include soy in your diet. Some women find that foods containing soy (such as tofu, tempeh, soymilk, or soybeans) help with hot flashes. Dietary supplements and herbs are also helpful for some women.
Medications
There are several types of medication that may help prevent or manage your hot flashes. They include:
- Anti-hypertensives (one brand name is Clonidine) can sometimes help control hot flashes.
- Certain antidepressants called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can sometimes help lessen hot flashes.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help relieve your symptoms. We recommend only short-term use of hormones, and only if your symptoms are severe. We can discuss whether HRT is a good choice for you.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.