Did you know that hot flashes are one of the most common menopause-related discomforts? (in Asian women, musculoskeletal complaints are the most common). So, if you often feel overwhelmed by a sudden sensation of overheating, do not worry because you are not alone! Here are 5 fast facts you need to know about this uncomfortable menopause symptom:

1. Hot flashes are not caused by an external source.

According to multiple studies, hot flashes involve the hypothalamus, which is essentially the body’s thermostat. Decreased estrogen levels or menopause causes it to function abnormally, making it more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. This results in an increased blood flow to the surface of the skin, plus perspiration or sweating as an attempt to cool down the body.

Other probable causes include thyroid problems, medication side effects, and cancer treatment side effects. But very rarely are hot flashes caused by something other than menopause.

2. Not all women who go through menopause experience hot flashes.

Some lucky women do not experience uncomfortable hot flashes during the duration of their menopause. A possible explanation has to do with the individual’s resilience for sudden temperature changes. It has been said that women who have episodes of hot flashes have a lower tolerance for changes in the body’s innermost temperature than those who don’t. However, factors like smoking and obesity may increase one’s risk of suffering from hot flashes.

3. On average, symptoms persist for more than 7 years.

The intensity and frequency of hot flashes vary among women, but most menopausal women report experiencing them daily. Some women even have them for more than 10 years. They can be mild or intense and they can happen at any time of day or night.

To know if you are experiencing a hot flash, just remember these symptoms:

• Flushed, red, and blotchy skin
• A sudden feeling of warmth spreading throughout the body, such as the face, neck, ears, or chest
• A fast heartbeat
• Perspiration, especially on the upper body
• Anxious feelings

4. It can negatively impact your quality of life.

A hot flash so intense can disrupt daily activities. In fact, research suggests that hot flashes caused by menopause are correlated with lower work productivity, lower levels of feeling healthy, and greater use of health care resources. Ignoring or not treating the symptoms mentioned causes many menopausal women to drop out of work at a time when their career is growing. Meanwhile, nighttime hot flashes or hot sweats may interrupt sleep and cause long-term sleep problems, making one’s daytime more difficult.

5. Home treatments may help alleviate some symptoms.

Keeping a symptom journal may help you find out what triggers your hot flashes. Take note of each incident, including what you were doing and which foods you ate before the hot flash. Doing so may help conclude what kind of lifestyle changes you need to make so you can reduce your symptoms and prevent them from happening any further.

Manage your symptoms with the following non-medical methods:

• Sip ice water the moment you feel a hot flash coming
• Try stress reduction techniques like yoga and guided breathing
• Keeping your surrounding environment cool, especially at night

If you find that your hot flashes are difficult to manage, consult with your doctor or OB-GYN first before taking any kind of menopausal supplement. They are in the best position to advise what is most suitable for your health status and nutritional needs.

SOURCES:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790