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Ask An Expert

Hot Flashes After Menopause

Risa Kagan

Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

Question:

I'm 63 and have had hot flashes for the last 20 years. I still have all my 'parts' and don't take hormones. I suffer from severe depression and take anti-depressants. Is there anything I can do? Can this be thyroid related? Should I move to Alaska?

Answer:

It is unusual for hot flashes to persist with this severity for 20 years. Older women can still have them but they usually become less intense.

Many anti-depressants are being used as an alternative to estrogen for hot flashes, so this is a bit unusual.

On the other hand, some of the anti-depressant medications can cause sweating, so it is important that you have a complete re-evaluation by your medical doctor and psychiatrist.

Yes, there are other medical reasons for hot flashes, therefore I do think further testing and evaluation is indicated.

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