Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource - April 2003

Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Beyond Estrogen: New Treatments for Hot Flashes

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Doctors have suspected for a long time that declining estrogen levels instigate hot flashes, a phenomenon that affects about 75 percent of postmenopausal women.

Now researchers are learning more about the biology behind hot flashes, and as a result, are finding new treatments, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

When estrogen decreases, a series of complex biological reactions are believed to narrow and lower the body's core temperature. Just a tiny elevation in your core temperature above this lower range can trigger perspiration and blood-vessel dilation, classic signs of a hot flash. A hot flash is your body's way of cooling down. New treatments appear promising. Antidepressants including fluoxetine (Prozac), venlafaxine (Effexor) and paroxetine (Paxil) have been shown to reduce hot flashes by about 60 percent. Gabapentin (Neurontin), a medication used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, has been shown to reduce hot flashes by more than 50 percent. Estrogen, still the most effective treatment for hot flashes, is a less attractive option for many women because recent research suggests long-term use slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke.

A New Look at "Normal" Blood Pressure

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Lowering your blood pressure — even by a few points — can help reduce health risks such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure.

That's why a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg, once considered normal, may now warrant a second look depending on your health situation, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

If you smoke, have an elevated blood-sugar level, have abnormal kidney function or a family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend you lower your blood pressure to 130/85 mm Hg.

Lowering your blood pressure, even if your readings are already in the normal range, has its benefits. Research has shown that every 20-point drop in the systolic pressure (the top number) and every 10-point drop in the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) reduces the risk of deadly strokes, heart disease and other vascular problems by more than 50 percent.

If you feel your blood pressure is high, talk with your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure. Exercise, weight loss, a healthy diet and not smoking can reduce blood pressure. Medications also can help.

Prompt Care for Detached Retina Can Save Your Sight

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Most eye conditions you experience as you get older are treatable and not usually a threat to your sight. Detached retinas are another story.

According to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, quick treatment for a detached retina is important to prevent blindness.

Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment ranges from laser surgery in your doctor's office to more complex surgery requiring a hospital stay.

See your ophthalmologist promptly if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Bright flashes of light — similar to lightning — in front of your eyes or in your peripheral vision
• A sudden or gradual increase in the number of floaters, small specks or strings that move across your field of vision
• A shadow or curtain-type effect that blocks part of your vision
• Severe blurred vision

###

###

To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.