Menopause Hot Flashes - Why is it so hot in here?

Every day 5,700 women in the U.S. reach menopause. Could this be the real reason for global warming?

Haven’t experienced a hot flash yet? Well, let me try to explain. Your chest suddenly feels warm and the heat quickly spreads to your face and neck. Along with this you may experience palpitations and a feeling of anxiety, followed by chills.

Hot flashes are well known symptoms of menopause. Many researchers theorize that the drop in production of the female hormone estrogen and other hormonal changes associated with menopause somehow disrupt the body’s heat regulation system. Blood vessels in your face and neck dilate, your heart races, your skin gets warm and you sweat like you just sprinted around the block on a 90° day.

Of all the symptoms associated with menopause, hot flashes have to be considered among the most ill-desired symptom of all. While they can all be an absolute pain, they seem to occur because of the hormonal imbalance going on in our body. Since the jury’s still out on why exactly hot flashes occur, let’s try to concentrate on how to deal with hot flashes.

According to a recent report on menopause, it was determined that “lifestyle and psychological factors” can increase the number and severity of hot flashes that a woman experiences. In fact, women who tested at a high level of anxiety had nearly five times the number of hot flashes as those who tested low. Women who smoked experienced twice the amount. Being overweight led to an increase in annoying hot flashes, as well.”

Hot flashes sometimes start with perimenopause, or they may not start until after the last menstrual period has occurred. Usually, they last three to five years and are usually worse during the year following the last menstrual period. However, it has been noted that for some women, hot flashes can last indefinitely. (A definite reassuring thought!)

Although it is a common notion that hot flashes are associated with a decrease in estrogen, there are those who believe it is simply the hormonal balance which acts as the catalyst. Before puberty, girls have low estrogen but no hot flashes.

On the other hand, women in the late stages of pregnancy may have hot flashes at a time when their estrogen levels are high. Researchers have stated that “the secretion of hormones is regulated in the brain by the hypothalamus, which houses the body’s thermoregulatory center. They believe that something happens in this center that causes the body’s thermostat to be altered. The result is a hot flash, a feeling of excessive warmth if the body gets just a little overheated. In an attempt to cool down, the body perspires and blood vessels dilate, causing skin to turn pink or red. After a brief time, maybe a few minutes, the heat dissipates, leading to chills.

I read an article recently that suggested that hot flashes can be handled in a very simple manner. Ignore them as much as possible. This obviously was written by a man who most likely has trouble ignoring a stubbed toe, let alone a hot flash. I suppose that same man who when gets a cold acts like he is dying trying to elicit sympathy from everyone around him.

Anyway, let go over some ways to help cope with hot flashes in the real world.

Dress in layers. A short sleeve shirt underneath a sweater, so you can peel down to the blouse if you have a hot flash and pile it all back on when you cool off. Cotton and other natural fibers and athletic-wear fibers like polypropylene are best, because they help release heat and moisture instead of keeping it against your skin.

Skip the spices. Jalapenos or curried chicken may taste great, but they tend to trigger hot flashes. They probably set off the temperature regulation mechanism that’s the trigger for a hot flash. Actually this tip hasn’t been much help to me because whenever I sit down to eat I get a hot flash, no matter what I am eating. But don’t give up hope yet, there is more that you can do.

Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine is a stimulant and can trigger hot flashes by raising your blood pressure and heart rate. You probably don’t need to completely cut out caffeine, but try to go easy on coffee, tea and soft drinks containing caffeine.

Steer clear of sweets. Eating sugar boosts your metabolism and, in turn, generates heat. So if you want to avoid hot flashes, put the sweets away.

Abstain from alcohol. Research has shown that right after consuming alcohol, a woman’s estrogen levels go up dramatically. These temporary “spikes” may be followed by sudden drops in estrogen, which can lead to hot flashes.

There are many herbal supplements that are said to help with hot flashes. I’ve included some
that have worked best for me below.

And if all else fails, I guess you could always try and ignore your hot flash.
Yeah, Right!