If you’re a woman over 40 and experiencing hot flashes, then either menopause or perimenopause is extremely likely the cause. This is one of the most common symptoms that women in the US and other western countries experience when they’re coming or in the throes of menopause. While reports vary, they are experienced by 75% to 90 percent of menopausal women in America. Essentially, hot flashes, or “vasomotor flushes”, are due to the hormonal fluctuations happening in a woman’s body as she’s nearing or going through menopause.
What It Is?
A hot flash could be described as a feeling of slight heat to significant heat moving throughout your face and upper body. In addition to this increase in upper body temperature, your heart may race and you may start to perspire. You may often appear flushed. When the hot flash subsides, you might feel cool or even chilled. The frequency and intensity of these may vary considerably. Occasionally, you might have them every day or even several times in exactly the exact same day. Other times, they could be off and on over several days or more.
Sometimes, you might just feel a bit warmer than normal as well as other times you will become unexpectedly uncomfortably hot and sweaty. Some women experience hot flashes at night. These are usually called night sweats, but the signs are basically the same. Night sweats can be frustrating as they can wake you unexpectedly, disturbing your sleep.
Good To Know
When and how long a woman experiences hot flashes varies considerably. Many women start to experience hot flashes throughout since they’re heading into menopause. Some girl will have them up till about two years after their menstrual period of finished. However, a great number of women will continue to experience hot flashes for several years after that. Generally, over time they become less extreme.
It’s interesting to note that a significantly lower proportion of women in countries like Japan, Pakistan, Mexico, and Hong Kong have hot flashes during menopause. Only about one out of 10 menopausal women in those states have them, compared to almost 8 out of 10 in the US. This might be due to dietary differences, such as diets high in fiber and soy, and lower in fat.
What To Do?
There are an assortment of things you can do to help reduce the intensity of hot flashes. These include such things as avoiding certain foods and drinks, making dietary changes like increasing soy intake, taking certain nutritional supplements, and exercising. Learning ways to relax and reduce stress may also be helpful. If you are a woman experiencing hot flashes, menopause could be why. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or questions.