Prof Mary Ann Lumsden, of Glasgow University, found that antidepressants which affect how the body uses serotonin, the so-called feel-good hormone, also influences how the blood vessels contract and expand in women who suffer with hot flushes.
"I see women all the time who have had flushes for a long time and their life is compromised. It is embarrassing, difficult and uncomfortable for them. It causes huge misery."
The discovery could also help men with advanced prostate cancer who may suffer from hot flushes due to the hormones they are given to treat their cancer.
In the research 134 women were given either the antidepressant Effexor, also known as venlafaxine, a blood pressure drug, HRT or a placebo.
HRT improved hot flushes in three quarters of women, while symptoms improved in 60 per cent of women on Effexor.
The study was funded by the charity Wellbeing of Women.
Liz Campbell, Director of Wellbeing of Women said: ?We are committed to funding high quality research to improve the quality of women?s lives.
"Many women?s lives are restricted by chronic health conditions such as the menopause. These are unpopular areas for research but it is vital that women have good treatments available so that they can make the most of their lives.
"This is a terrific project with very exciting results from a very good research team."
women health club health questions for women magazine health fitness health magazine for women
No comments:
Post a Comment