Hot flashes - Renew Wellness Clinic

What is Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth that spread across the body and face. They can cause sweating and reddening of the skin as blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate.

What Causes Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are primarily caused by decreasing estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen regulates body temperature, and when levels drop, the body's thermostat becomes unstable. Nerves in the brain that help regulate body temperature become more sensitive and can be triggered by small changes.

Some additional triggers for hot flashes include:

• Stress
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Warm environments

Hot Flash Symptoms

The primary symptom is a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through the upper body and face. Other common symptoms include:

• Red blotchy skin on the face, neck and chest
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating, especially at night
• Chills after the sensation of heat passes

Hot flashes can last from 30 seconds to several minutes. Most women have hot flashes for 1-2 years, but they can persist for up to 10 years or longer.

Managing Hot Flashes

There are several methods to help manage troublesome hot flashes:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with low-dose estrogen and progesterone can reduce hot flash frequency by up to 90%. However, risks should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
• Prescription medications like low-dose antidepressants and blood pressure drugs may provide modest relief.
• Lifestyle adjustments like staying cool, limiting triggers, reducing stress, and dressing in layers can help.
• Alternative therapies like acupuncture, hypnosis, and herbal remedies work for some but lack definitive evidence.

In most cases, hot flashes will gradually decrease over time without treatment as the body adjusts to lower hormone levels. However, consult a healthcare provider if they are severe, disruptive, or not improving.

For more information, visit Renew Wellness Clinic.