For many people, the uncomfortable dog days of summer last for a few short months, but for menopausal women with symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, it can feel like summer all year long.
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s aging process when her ovaries stop producing estrogens. It can occur naturally or may be induced by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Since estrogens are largely responsible for developing and maintaining the female reproductive system, reduced levels can cause uncomfortable symptoms called vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats).
“I knew one day I would go through ‘the change,’ but I didn’t think the symptoms would be so dramatic. I never knew when a hot flash was going to hit me. I had hot flashes all day at work and night sweats woke me up several times during the night. I knew I needed help and I talked to my doctor about my options,” said Janet Sussman, real estate agent and mother of three from New Albany, Ohio.
Although the majority of women experience “natural” or spontaneous menopause, some women may experience “induced” menopause due to...