Hot flashes

Hot flashes

The most common complaint experienced by menopausal women is hot flashes. Hot flushes are a sudden feeling of heat in the body, which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. There are both non-prescription and prescription treatment options for hot flashes.

What are hot flashes?

Around 80% of all menopausal women experience hot flashes. A hot flush is a sudden feeling of warmth, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Nocturnal hot flashes are common and can be so uncomfortable that they lead to sleep disturbances. The frequency of hot flashes can vary from several times a day to only a couple of times a month, and the symptoms can last anywhere from a short period to several years. Hot flashes are not dangerous.

Causes of hot flashes

Reduced hormone production is believed to be the cause of hot flashes. Thus, menopausal women are a vulnerable group. Slim women and smokers are particularly at risk, and heredity also seems to play a decisive role. Other groups that may be troubled by hot flashes are women who have just given birth, had their ovaries removed or who are being treated for cancer with antiestrogen preparations. Factors such as alcohol, caffeine, strong food and stress can also trigger hot flashes.

Symptoms

• How a hot flush is experienced is very individual and varies from woman to woman. Common symptoms are:

• Sudden feeling of warmth, especially in the upper parts of the body (head, neck and chest)

• Facial redness and redness of the skin in general

• Sweating, often from several places on the body

• Heart palpitations

• Numbness and feeling cold right after a hot flush

Good advice

• Exercise and exercise help.

• Layered and light dressing makes it easy to quickly undress and dress as needed.

• Reduce coffee and alcohol intake.

• Avoid strongly spicy food.

• Stress management (relaxation/breathing techniques).

• Stop smoking.

• Remember to replace fluid loss when you sweat a lot. Water is recommended.