Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
What are hot flashes?
Hot flashes are a common menopause symptom experienced by many women. It is a feeling of flushing, increased skin temperature or blotchy red skin on the face, the neck, upper arms, torso or even the entire body.
What causes hot flashes?
Hot flashes occur when the body is unable to maintain a balanced body temperature. Part of estrogen’s actions in the body is to maintain a balanced body temperature. When estrogen levels are reduced due to menopause, to body is unable to maintain a balanced body temperature and symptoms such as hot flashes occur.
What happens when a hot flash occurs?
An increase in blood flow to the affect area causes an increase in skin temperature, resulting in a flush or red blotchy skin. Hot flashes can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and they can be strong or mild. Hot flashes are usually accompanied by sweating or night sweats as that is the way our bodies cool itself down.
What triggers hot flashes?
There are often triggers that start a hot flash. Common triggers for hot flashes are:
- stress
- heavy blankets
- hot water bottles
- spicy foods
- warm rooms
- alcohol
- coffee or tea (caffeine)
How are hot flashes treated?
Hot flashes can be treated with traditional drugs or natural therapies. Natural therapies for hot flashes include:
- Black cohosh
- Dong quai
- Phytoestrogens from:
- Sage
- Red clover
- Wild yam
- Alfalfa
- Liquorice Root
Drug free management can also be of great benefit in relieving hot flashes, try:
- relaxing and taking slow, deep breaths whenever a hot flash occurs (take 6 breaths per minute)
- dressing lightly and in layers
- choosing natural fabrics for clothing, such as cotton
- avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
- eating soy foods rich in phytoestrogens, like tofu and miso
February 22nd, 2006 at 4:29 pm
I am 19 years old and have symptoms of hot flashes. I am a very out-going, friendly, popular person most of the time, but when I am put on the spot or feel paranoid that people think I’m lying about something (even though I’m not) I can feel my skin on my face, ears, neck, and chest getting hot. This makes me more nervous because they can see how I’m feeling. When I look in the mirror there are spots on my checks, neck, arms of bright red. It makes me so embarassed and have anxiety of confrontational situations or being caught off-gaurd. I don’t exactly know where this came from, but it’s been getting worse as I have gotten older. It’s humiliating, especially since I’m a musical performer and have always felt natural and warm in front of audiences and people before.
Help!
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:41 am
hello my dear..
you are NOT having hot flashes in conjunction with perimenopause.. you are having anxiety or stress.. or a simple panic attack.
hot flashes come out of no-where.. you can be watching tv. reading a book or simply shopping at the store.. I first felt them last year and they happen 3 to 5 times a day and all thru the night.
these is the process of getting old and the reproductive system shutting down and the non-release of an egg.
you would know if they are hot flashes and they only happen in older women who are nearing the end of their period or cessation of it.
you need to take something for anxiety.. as for me i have been dealing with these HOT flashes with drinking lots of cold water. thinking that would help and sleeping with a fan.
TRUST me when you are my age 49 .. sooner age or later. you will know the difference.
October 5th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I am 19 and i just had a baby about a month ago and the last week i have been experiencing really bad hot flashes and i feel like im suffocating thats how hot i get, also i have noticed that im really moody lately, do you think any thing is wrong?
October 24th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Mandie,
You should see your OB-GYN for a follow-up. Post-partum symptoms vary, but your health care professional is the best person to evaluate what’s going on. Hope your baby is doing well!