Hot flashes are sudden feelings of intense warmth, usually in the upper body or face, that can cause redness, profuse sweating, and a rapid heart rate. They are caused by fluctuating hormone levels, primarily changes in estrogen, that happen as women approach menopause or during other life stages like pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The experience of hot flashes can vary widely from one woman to another. They can range from a mild flushed feeling with little discomfort to a more intense "party in my body" sensation that causes night sweats, interferes with sleep, and causes irritability or anxiety.
Some key things to know about hot flashes:
- They result from hypothalamus dysfunction- the hypothalamus region of the brain regulates body temperature, and begins misfiring causing the feeling of warmth to spread through the body.
- Triggers include caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, tight clothing, and stress. Avoiding these can reduce hot flash frequency for some women.
- They can persist for six months to over ten years, but most commonly last one to two years during perimenopause and postmenopause. Each woman is different.
- Hormone therapy and certain antidepressants may provide relief by regulating hormones or neurotransmitters. Lifestyle changes like stress reduction, exercise, layered clothing, and trigger avoidance also help manage symptoms.
At
Hormone Harmony Clinic, our compassionate doctors are experts at helping women tackle stubborn menopause or perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes through customized
hormone balancing plans. With our cutting edge
bioidentical hormone therapy and personalized care, many patients find
the relief they've been desperately seeking. We also offer
nutritional counseling, mindfulness training, and
other holistic options to complement hormone therapy.
Contact us today for a consultation to discover how we can help you thrive during this transition and
feel like yourself again!
When hot flashes are severe or disruptive to daily life, it is important to reach out to your doctor or clinician for support. Many options exist to help cool those uncomfortable surges and get relief, so you can move forward feeling empowered and optimistic during menopause. There are so many wonderful opportunities for personal growth and positive change during this transition when you have the right support system. Know that what you’re experiencing is normal, and solutions are out there!