Hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your body, often most pronounced in your face, neck and chest. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause for people with ovaries. They can be mild to severe and have also been called hot flushes or night sweats.
Hot flashes are caused by hormone fluctuations that happen during perimenopause and menopause. When your estrogen levels start to vary and decline, this can trigger hot flashes in some people. Your body's thermoregulatory system (that regulates body temperature) gets thrown off balance, causing you to suddenly feel an intense heat sensation.
Some key facts about hot flashes:
- They usually last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. You might sweat or your skin may redden during a hot flash.
- Most people get hot flashes for 6 months to 2 years, but they can last longer.
- Triggers can include stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol or a warm room. Wearing layered, breathable clothing can help.
- Hormone replacement therapy or medications like low-dose antidepressants may relieve symptoms.
- Some natural remedies like acupuncture, soy foods, black cohash or vitamin E may help manage hot flashes.
- Hot flashes are harmless but if severe, see your doctor to explore treatment options. Track your symptoms in a journal.
At The Hormone Hub, we specialize in helping people navigate menopause and get relief from symptoms like hot flashes. Our compassionate providers offer customized hormone therapy to restore balance and regulate temperature. We also provide lifestyle tips and non-hormonal therapies to empower you to manage hot flashes. Don't suffer in silence - call us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your menopause journey!
To recap, hot flashes are a sudden feeling of intense warmth caused by changing estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. They're very common but can be managed with the right treatment plan. Keeping a symptom journal, identifying triggers, layering clothes and trying natural remedies can help too. If hot flashes interfere with your quality of life, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about options to find relief. You don't have to tough it out - solutions are available to help you feel more comfortable during this transition.