I'm Having Hot Flashes And Problems Concentrating And My Hair Is Starting To Shed A Little

Posted on Fri, 11 Apr 2025

Question: I need help with something natural to take for hot flashes because they are considerably worse. I do not want to take prescription medicine because of my fear of getting cancer since I still have my uterus. I was told that Magnesium and Vitamin B6 can help with this problem. I tried some Brisdell natural hormone free but it gave me a major headache. Any suggestions because I'm having hot flashes and problems concentrating and my hair is starting to shed a little...... Please help as soon as possible... Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Simple measures like keeping the room temperature to low temperature, regular exercises, meditation and weight reduction if obese are very helpful in reducing hot flashes. Soy proteins taken with diet are definitely useful.
There are some non hormonal medications like gabapentin, paroxetine etc which reduce hotflashes. These medicines are not associated with any cancer risk. You may discuss with your doctor and use these medicines.
Best wishes,
Dr Ramadevi Wani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ramadevi Wani (7 hours later)

Dr, thanks for getting back to me. As far as Gabapentin how much would I take and how often? Like how many mg daily or should I just take it at night? I was actually given that when I hurt my back for nerve damage but I haven't taken it in awhile. Also, can you take it with Losartan HCTZ? I do take 3 medicines daily but I thought i read something that said losartan and gabapentin should not be taken together. I don't know..I just hope it doesn't cause me to gain weight. I do exercise usually daily. I do 1 mile daily on the treadmill at 2.5 speed to try and stay active because I'm considered obese at 5'1 weighing 164 pounds. So, I'm trying to lose weight as well. I'm looking into possibly having plastic surgery or doing Ultra Slim procedure. These hot flashes are awful. I'm 53 and wonder daily when will this end? Thanks for your help...

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back. Extremely sorry for the delay in replying. I wasn’t keeping well.

It is safer to avoid Gabapentin with Losartan.

You may use Paroxetine after discussing it with your doctor.
Use soy proteins. Happy to know that you are exercising regularly.

Do take help from a dietician.
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ramadevi Wani (19 minutes later)

Thanks for finally getting back to me. How much Paroxetine should I be taking and should I only take it at night or when? Will it make me gain weight? As I definitely do not want to gain weight at all.

I'm glad you are feeling better now!

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
\Welcome back.
Paroxetine needs to be taken as single dose in the morning. We usually start with low dose and titrate it based on how you respond. Discuss regarding the dose with you doctor.
Paroxetine may cause weight gain in some women and not all women. Following healthy diet and regular exercise will help control the weight gain. You may try using it. If you feel that you are gaining weight, you may stop it.
Best wishes.
Dr Ramadevi Wani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng