As many as 3 out of 4 women suffer from hot flashes during menopause, but a new study shows a drug originally used to treat depression can bring much needed relief.
Diann Smith still gets hot flashes from time to time.
"I'll have little flare ups during the daytime they usually last about a minute" said Smith.
But the intensity and frequency are nothing compared to what she used to endure.
"I would be extremely cold, teeth chattering and the next minute I would be pouring down sweat" said Smith.
Smith is a breast cancer survivor, like many women who have undergone chemotherapy, she started experiencing menopausal symptoms.
That's when her doctor prescribed her an anti-depressant called Lexapro.
"There are alternative drugs that can help control those symptoms" said Dr. Tate, an OB-GYN.
While doctors often prescribe Lexapro for breast cancer patients, they've also realized it can have benefits for those going through menopause.
"Some of the studies show up to 70% efficacy in the reducing the number and severity of hot flashes" said Dr. Tate.
Dr. Darren Tate of Fort Worth Female Health Associates often prescribes the drug to his patients, particularly those who are not candidates for hormone therapy.
"There just has not been very good options until recently for these patients" said Dr. Tate.
As for Smith, her cancer is gone, and the symptoms she once felt were unbearable are now cooling off.
"It's just part of life, and I'm just happy I'm alive and that I have something that can help me with the hot flashes" said Smith.
Diann Smith still gets hot flashes from time to time.
"I'll have little flare ups during the daytime they usually last about a minute" said Smith.
But the intensity and frequency are nothing compared to what she used to endure.
"I would be extremely cold, teeth chattering and the next minute I would be pouring down sweat" said Smith.
Smith is a breast cancer survivor, like many women who have undergone chemotherapy, she started experiencing menopausal symptoms.
That's when her doctor prescribed her an anti-depressant called Lexapro.
"There are alternative drugs that can help control those symptoms" said Dr. Tate, an OB-GYN.
While doctors often prescribe Lexapro for breast cancer patients, they've also realized it can have benefits for those going through menopause.
"Some of the studies show up to 70% efficacy in the reducing the number and severity of hot flashes" said Dr. Tate.
Dr. Darren Tate of Fort Worth Female Health Associates often prescribes the drug to his patients, particularly those who are not candidates for hormone therapy.
"There just has not been very good options until recently for these patients" said Dr. Tate.
As for Smith, her cancer is gone, and the symptoms she once felt were unbearable are now cooling off.
"It's just part of life, and I'm just happy I'm alive and that I have something that can help me with the hot flashes" said Smith.
