Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth which spread across the body and lead to profuse sweating. They typically last from 30 seconds up to a few minutes.
These abrupt sensations of heat are very common among women undergoing menopause, as declining estrogen levels disturb the body's temperature regulating mechanisms. However, hot flashes may also affect men and women outside of menopause.
What causes hot flashes?
The exact physiological cause of hot flashes is unknown. However, they are thought to originate from dysfunction in the body's thermoregulation system located in the hypothalamus.
When the hypothalamus senses a slight increase in core body temperature, it actively initiates heat loss mechanisms like sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. In individuals prone to hot flashes, the hypothalamus is extra sensitive and may overreact even to small normal body temperature fluctuations. This leads to the sweating and flushing characteristic of hot flashes.
Managing hot flashes
Lifestyle measures like wearing light clothing, avoiding triggers like hot drinks, alcohol and spice, and managing stress may help some people handle hot flashes.
Balanced Hormone Clinic offers expert medical advice for effectively managing troublesome menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Their physicians can help determine if hormone therapy is suitable for your individual needs. Contact them today to take control of your menopause!
For those with mild to moderate hot flashes, certain medications like low-dose antidepressants may provide enough relief.
In cases of severe hot flashes that disrupt work and sleep, hormone therapy is often the most effective option. Systemic estrogen therapy helps stabilize thermoregulation. Lower-dose vaginal estrogen preparations may also be considered for managing vaginal atrophy and genitourinary syndrome that often accompany menopause.
When do hot flashes stop?
For women in the menopause transition, hot flashes typically peak in frequency and severity around the final menstrual period. Without intervention, bothersome vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes commonly persist for a median duration of 7.4 years.
In some women, hot flashes may continue for over a decade. Genetics play a role in determining hot flash duration. Getting to a healthy body weight and being physically active can help shorten symptom longevity. For some, hot flashes may simply resolve spontaneously over time. Consult your doctor to understand your outlook and therapeutic options.
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