1. How does a hot flash occur?
A severe heat sensation starts in the chest and rises to the neck and head. Large sweat droplets gradually form until sweat runs down the face. This is a menopausal hot flash, and it will last about 5 minutes before it passes.
Doctors hypothesize that hot flashes and night sweats occur due to changes in estrogen levels. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat the excessive heat and sweating during menopause.
2. Will I experience hot flashes as I approach menopause?
Hot flashes are one of the most common signs of perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. Menopause, when your menstrual periods stop completely, usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
Some women experience heat and hot flashes without sweating, while others sweat so much that they need to change clothes. When hot flashes occur at night, soaking both you and your bed linens, they are called night sweats.
For about 75% of women, hot flashes and night sweats are a reality during perimenopause and menopause. A fortunate minority will not experience them. Some women only have mild hot flashes.
But for 25% to 30% of women, hot flashes and night sweats will be severe enough to affect quality of life, says Valerie Omicioli, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, and a certified menopause specialist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.
3. How often do hot flashes occur, and what is considered normal?
A hot flash can last from one to five minutes and may occur a few times a week for some women or daily for others. Omicioli says that when hot flashes are severe, they can occur four or five times an hour or 20 to 30 times a day.
If you experience such frequent hot flashes, you should see a doctor for an examination and consultation to receive timely treatment.
4. What causes hot flashes and sweating during menopause?
Doctors believe that hot flashes and night sweats are the result of fluctuations or a decrease in estrogen levels. When the menstrual cycle stops, estrogen levels decrease significantly.
This drop can affect a part of the brain that regulates body temperature. We all have a neutral temperature zone, meaning our body temperature remains stable even when the surrounding temperature changes slightly. Theoretically, the drop in estrogen levels may narrow the neutral temperature zone, causing small changes in external temperature to increase body heat. Your body is programmed to maintain a stable core temperature, so when the air temperature rises, blood flows into the blood vessels (vasodilation) on your skin. You will turn red and start sweating. Sweating is the way your body cools down and keeps your body temperature stable.
There are several other hypotheses as to why menopause and excessive sweating tend to go hand in hand.
• Heightened skin sensitivity. Doctors hypothesize that some women have very sensitive skin cells, making them more prone to vasodilation and hot flashes.
• Chemical imbalance in the brain. Researchers have also hypothesized that differences in leptin hormone levels, produced by fat cells, and a decrease in blood sugar may play a role in hot flashes.
5. Menopause and Excessive Sweating: What Can You Do?
Some changes to your regular habits may help alleviate hot flashes.
Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight or obese women are more likely to experience hot flashes. A study of 338 overweight or obese women showed that those who lost weight within 6 months had more improvement in hot flashes compared to those who did not lose weight.
Exercise. Although studies are inconclusive, regular exercise is believed to reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
Quit smoking. Some studies have linked smoking to hot flashes. One study showed that heavy smokers are four times more likely to experience hot flashes than women who have never smoked.
Add soy to your diet. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the results of studies on soy’s effect on hot flashes are inconsistent. To see if it works for you, you might try adding two to three servings of soy to your diet, says Omicioli. Try soybeans, tofu, tempeh, or miso.
Wear appropriate clothing. Wear light clothes and layer them so you can remove heavier clothing when a hot flash occurs. Wearing moisture-wicking fabrics at night can help you sleep better.
Control the air temperature. Lower the temperature, run the air conditioner, open windows, or use a fan during the day and while you sleep.
Keep a cool drink nearby. Sipping a tall glass of ice water can help lower your body temperature. Alexander says, “We often advise women to drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration.
Be mindful of potential triggers. Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods can trigger hot flashes in some women.
Relax. The stress hormone cortisol can make women more sensitive to hot flashes. Practice deep belly breathing when you feel stressed, or try yoga and meditation.
6. Using Medication to Treat Hot Flash Symptoms
Some women find relief through lifestyle changes, but others may need more. The most important thing to remember: talk to your doctor and consider all treatment options. A few medication methods may help reduce hot flash symptoms.
Hormone Therapy. Hormone therapy is the most effective way to treat hot flashes, but research from the Women's Health Initiative shows an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, and stroke, as well as a higher incidence of breast cancer when women use oral estrogen and progestin for extended periods. The risk of heart disease increases in older women who have been postmenopausal for 10 years or more.
However, emerging evidence suggests that non-oral forms of estrogen—such as creams, gels, patches, or rings—may have a safety advantage in reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke.
The benefits and risks should be weighed with your doctor. If you choose hormone therapy, the FDA recommends using the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest duration appropriate for your treatment goals.
Other Options. If hormones are not an option, there are other treatments that may be helpful. Studies have found that antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can improve hot flashes. These medications work to treat hot flashes at slightly lower doses than when used to treat depression.
Gabapentin (Neurontin), an anticonvulsant, and clonidine (Catapres), used to treat high blood pressure, are sometimes prescribed for hot flashes.
Black cohosh supplements may also help some women reduce hot flashes, although scientific study results are mixed.
For other supplements, including DHEA, angelica, ginseng, kava, red clover, and soy, there is no convincing evidence that they help control menopause symptoms. Research on the safety and efficacy of these supplements is ongoing. Because supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are considering using them.
Whether your hot flashes are mild, moderate, or severe, help is available. Dolgen advises seeing a menopause specialist, which is what ultimately helped her find relief.
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Reference source: webmd.com
