Menopause

At Tampa Pain MD, we understand that menopause can bring about challenging symptoms, particularly severe hot flashes that disrupt daily life. One innovative treatment we offer to alleviate these symptoms is the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), especially when you are not a candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or you would rather “cure” the symptoms than “manage” symptoms of menopause.

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?

A Stellate Ganglion Block involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion (a collection of nerves located in the neck). This procedure aims to block the sympathetic nerves, potentially providing relief from various conditions, including intractable hot flashes associated with menopause. 

How Can SGB Help with Menopausal Hot Flashes?

Research indicates that SGB may significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. By modulating the sympathetic nervous system, this treatment can offer relief when traditional therapies have proven ineffective.

Below are a few recent articles exploring the effectiveness of SGB for Menopause:

Stellate Ganglion Block as a Treatment for Vasomotor Symptoms: Clinical Application

Effects of stellate ganglion block on perimenopausal hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial

Stellate Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Literature Review

Who is a candidate for SGB for Menopause?

SGB is recommended if you have any of these conditions below as these preclude one from taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

• Breast cancer (now or in the past)
• Cancer of the womb (uterus) or any estrogen-sensitive cancer
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding (this needs to be checked out first)
• Blood clots in your legs or lungs (like DVT or pulmonary embolism)
• A stroke or heart attack in the past
• Serious liver problems
• Are pregnant or could be
• Migraines with aura
• High blood pressure that isn’t well controlled
• High levels of fats (triglycerides) in your blood
• Gallbladder disease
• A strong family history of breast or uterine cancer
• Conditions like endometriosis or fibroids

Why choose Tampa Pain MD?

Dr. Arun Kalava, our leading pain management specialist, brings extensive experience in performing ultrasound-guided SGB procedures. Unlike fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, ultrasound guidance enhances safety by avoiding radiation exposure and providing real-time imaging for precise needle placement.

Contact Us

If you’re struggling with severe hot flashes due to menopause and seeking effective relief, contact Tampa Pain MD to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kalava. We’re committed to helping you improve your quality of life through advanced pain management solutions.