National Nursing Review : Nursing Study Resources & Health Tips

The menopause is a natural process that occurs gradually in the life of a woman around the age of 50 years. This transition is marked by the cessation of menstruation and changes occurring among some, even before the end of menstruation.

Hot flashes
At menopause, many women experience hot flashes. They feel a sensation of intense heat that is sometimes accompanied by redness or sweating often followed by cold sweats. This phenomenon is caused by decreased levels of estrogen, which disrupts the “thermostat” of the body. Some women experience these gusts of 15 to 20 times per day, which can be very uncomfortable.
In the United States, 70% to 80% of postmenopausal women report having hot flashes, against only 10% to 14% of them in Japan. According to some, the diet rich in phytoestrogens Asians explain this difference. Phytoestrogens are compounds of plant origin which, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can affect the body similarly to estrogen, a sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Phytoestrogens are found in soy and its derivatives, such as tofu and soy beverages. (more…)