Hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your body, often most pronounced on your face, neck and chest. They can make you sweat and may cause red blotches on your skin. Hot flashes are very common during menopause, affecting up to 80% of women as their estrogen levels decline. However, they can also affect women at other times and some men.
The exact cause of hot flashes isn't known, but they're thought to be related to changes in circulation and decreasing estrogen levels. When estrogen drops, it affects your body's temperature regulation. Blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate rapidly in response to slight changes in core body temperature, causing the feeling of intense warmth.
Some common symptoms of hot flashes include:
- Sudden feeling of heat spreading through the upper body and face
- Flushed, red skin that may have blotchy patches
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating and damp skin, often mostly limited to the head, neck and chest
- Chills may follow sweating
- Anxiety or irritability during a hot flash
Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to several minutes. You may have just a few over time, or they can occur very frequently - even disrupting sleep. Triggering factors for hot flashes include stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, tight clothing and warm environments.
Treatment options for bothersome hot flashes include:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin can reduce hot flashes. However, risks should be carefully considered.
- Antidepressants - Low doses of certain antidepressants can help reduce hot flash frequency.
- Lifestyle changes - Staying cool, wearing breathable clothing, reducing stress, avoiding triggers, exercise, etc.
- Alternative remedies - Some women find relief from herbal supplements, soy, black cohosh, acupuncture, etc. But effectiveness is uncertain.
If you're having severe or frequent menopausal hot flashes interfering with daily life, make an appointment with your healthcare provider at Hormone Harmony Clinic. Our caring doctors offer customized hormone therapy and lifestyle advice to help women find relief from hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. With multiple locations across the country, we're here to support you through this transition.