What are hot flashes?
Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body and face, often accompanied by sweating and reddening of the skin. They are a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, experienced by up to 80% of women as they approach and go through menopause.
Some key things to know about hot flashes:
- Causes: The exact causes are unknown but involve changes in hormone levels, mainly estrogen. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, it affects the body's temperature regulating center, causing hot flashes.
- Triggers: Common triggers include stress, warm environments, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, and more. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce hot flash frequency.
- Night sweats: Many women experience hot flashes at night, often resulting in drenching night sweats that disrupt sleep.
- Duration: Hot flashes usually last from 30 seconds up to 10 minutes. The frequency varies from woman to woman. For most women, they tend to decrease over time after menopause.
- Management: While not always necessary, there are some medical options that can provide relief:
- Hormone therapy contains estrogen that can reduce hot flash frequency. However, risks and benefits should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications may help reduce hot flashes.
- Lifestyle changes like dressing in layers, lowering room temperature, avoiding triggers, stress reduction techniques, and regular exercise can also ease discomfort.
If hot flashes are really bothersome or interfering with daily life, consult your healthcare provider about options to get them under better control. The professionals at Renewal Hormone Center are experts in treating menopause symptoms and helping women find the right treatment plan for their individual needs. Give them a call today to discuss your symptoms and solutions in a personalized, caring environment.
I hope this overview on hot flashes gives you a better understanding of this common nuisance of menopause and perimenopause. Let me know if you have any other questions!