Hot flashes - Rejuvenate Clinic

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth that spread across the body and last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. They are a common symptom experienced during menopause, affecting as many as 85% of women during this transition. What causes hot flashes during menopause? They are related to decreasing levels of the female sex hormone estrogen. As women approach menopause, their ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This fluctuation and decline in estrogen levels affects the hypothalamus - the part of the brain responsible for controlling our body temperature. Hence, we get the intense heat, sweating, and redness that often characterize a hot flash. Some key things to know about hot flashes:

• They vary from person to person in terms of severity, frequency, and timing. Some women get them infrequently while others struggle with multiple hot flashes per day.
• Certain triggers can set off hot flashes such as stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, warm environments, and more. Learning one's triggers can help one be prepared.
• Dressing in layers, avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can help reduce hot flashes.
• Keep a symptom diary to discuss with your healthcare provider. Natural remedies like soy, black cohosh, and acupuncture may provide relief for some women.
• Medications like low-dose antidepressants and hormone therapy can effectively treat hot flashes as well. Discuss benefits and risks with your doctor.

What happens during a hot flash? Many women describe it as a sudden feeling of feverish heat, often on the face, neck and chest. Heart rate and sweating increase for the short duration of the hot flash. Some may get red splotches called hot flash rash too. A chilliness or cold sweat immediately follows in some women before they cool down. Hot flashes typically last between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. They tend to disrupt sleep and daily life during menopause. Hence it is important to understand the symptoms and explore relief options with your healthcare provider. Maintaining a symptom diary can help you figure out what alleviates or worsens your hot flashes. With some lifestyle changes and possible medical treatment, most women find relief eventually.