Understanding and Coping with Menopause Hot flashes

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

1. What is a hot flash?

A hot flash is an intense feeling of heat, not caused by outside sources. Hot flashes can come on suddenly or you can feel them flare up. You may experience:
Tingling in your fingers Your heart beats faster than usual Your skin suddenly warms up Your face turns red Sweating, especially in the upper body

2. How long do hot flashes last?

Hot flashes often come on suddenly, but how long any hot flashes last will vary. Some hot flashes pass in a few seconds, while persistent hot flashes can last for more than 10 minutes. On average, hot flashes last about four minutes.
The frequency of hot flashes also varies. Some women experience a few hot flashes per week, while others may have several hours. Depending on where you are in perimenopause, that can change. There are a variety of treatments and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your hot flashes symptoms and frequency.

3. What causes hot flashes?

It's not clear exactly what causes hot flashes. Many studies are trying to understand them. There is strong evidence that hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes in the body. Their links to other health problems, such as diabetes, are also being studied. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are thought to be responsible for the increased incidence of hot flashes. Some women barely notice hot flashes or consider them a minor discomfort. For others, the intensity can affect their quality of life in a rather negative way.

4. Factors that trigger hot flashes

Each woman's hot flashes can vary slightly, but some common causes include:
Drinking alcohol Consuming caffeinated products Eating spicy foods Staying in a hot room Feelings feeling stressed or anxious Wearing tight clothing Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke Leaning down You may want to start journaling about your symptoms. Write down what you were doing, eating, drinking, feeling, or wearing when each hot flash started. After a few weeks, you may start to see a pattern that can help you avoid specific pathogens.

5. Prevent hot flashes

You can reduce the frequency of hot flashes if you find your triggers and avoid them. While this won't completely stop hot flashes, you may find that you experience symptoms less often.
There are no guaranteed treatments to prevent hot flashes, but there are options that can help you manage your symptoms. The goal of treatment is usually to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes. You may consider lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, prescription medications, or replacement therapy. Talking with your doctor can help you decide on the best approach to help prevent hot flashes.

6. Methods to relieve hot flashes

Some women are able to control their hot flashes with some simple tools or techniques. Here are some simple ways to find relief:
Wear layers, even on the coldest of days, so you can tailor your clothes to suit how you're feeling Sip water ice when hot flashes wear cotton nightwear and use cotton sheets Keep a cooler bag on your bedside table

7. Advice on drug use

Many women are turning to natural products to help control hot flashes and night sweats. If you take natural products or supplements, it is important that you bring this up with your doctor and pharmacist whenever you discuss your health and medications. Some products may affect over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
7.1 Herbs and Essential Oils Although medical studies have not proven their effectiveness in reducing hot flashes, some women find certain herbal products helpful. Includes:
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa). Do not take this medicine if you have a liver disorder. Red clover (Trifolium pratense). This herb may increase the risk of bleeding. Dang quai (Angelica sinensis). This herb interacts with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis). This essential oil may interfere with blood thinners and some psychiatric medications. Soy bean. This supplement may cause mild stomach upset, constipation, and diarrhea. Women with a family history of estrogen-related cancers may not want to consume soy. Check with your doctor before taking any of these products. Herbs can interfere with medications and worsen disorders, beyond what is listed here. Herbal products are not monitored by the FDA for quality and purity.
7.2. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) The popularity of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has dwindled and waned over the years. Synthetic hormone therapy may be an option for some women whose hot flashes are debilitating and greatly affect their quality of life.
Estrogen supplements help balance the amount of estrogen in your body, reducing the incidence and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen is often taken with a progestin to reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer. It can be taken as a pill, through a vaginal cream or gel, or a patch. Your doctor can help you decide if you are a candidate for HRT. Many women will not be able to take hormones or bioidentical hormones and your doctor will take a full medical history.

7.3. Non-hormonal treatments Other drugs have been found to help women who have difficulty controlling hot flashes and night sweats. Although they were not developed directly for this purpose, some women find them effective. Work with your doctor to choose if these medications may be right for you and your condition.
Gabapentin and pregabalin, commonly used to relieve nerve pain or convulsions, provide pain relief for some women. The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil) have also been shown to be effective in treating hot flashes.
7.4. Alternative Treatments Acupuncture can be helpful without the side effects of medication. A study published in 2011 found that women with acupuncture had significantly fewer menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, than those who received sham treatment. Pseudo-acupuncture is shallow needle acupuncture that does not stimulate an actual acupuncture point. It's one way to test whether acupuncture is working.
Another study worked with a large number of women with breast cancer. Breast cancer treatments often cause hot flashes. The acupuncture participants had less frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Meditation can also be very successful in helping to control stress levels. Stress is a common cause of hot flashes for many women. Participating in stress management training in your community can have many other benefits to your health and quality of life.
7.6. Lifestyle changes Lifestyle choices can affect your body as much as any medication or supplement you take. Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the incidence and severity of hot flashes and help reduce your risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Take note of the following ways you can improve your health:
Eat a balanced and portion-controlled diet. Exercise regularly. Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. Just as no two women are alike, the way their bodies will respond to hot flashes treatment isn't the same. If one method doesn't seem to work for you, another might. Talk to your doctor if none of the common hot flashes management tools help.
Vinmec International General Hospital provides customers with a package of examination and consultation for perimenopause care to help you examine and consult with a gynecologist and perform tests to evaluate endocrine status. element.
Women between the ages of 45-55, possibly younger (when suffering from premature ovarian failure), have menstrual irregularities, sexual disorders, suspected endocrine disorders, or have a need for medical treatment. hormone replacement therapy, or want to prepare yourself for perimenopause and menopause.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com