Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced in the face, neck and chest. The skin may redden, similar to a blush, along with sweating. Hot flashes are a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, caused by changing hormone levels.
Hot flashes are primarily caused by decreasing estrogen levels. Estrogen helps regulate body temperature, and declining levels during perimenopause and menopause can disrupt this process. Additional factors like stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and warm environments can also trigger hot flashes.
Women going through menopause typically experience hot flashes for 6 months to 2 years. However, some women have them for many years, especially those with premature menopause or who have had breast cancer treatment. Hot flashes that persist for more than one year after your last period are considered abnormal.
The intense heat of a hot flash is often its most defining feature. Other common symptoms include:
Hot flashes range in frequency from several times a week to multiple times a day. They can last from 30 seconds to several minutes. For many women, night time hot flashes (often called night sweats) are the most disruptive, causing sleep disturbances.
Lifestyle adjustments can help ease hot flashes:
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications or supplementation may help. Vitality Hormone Clinic offers expert consultations and personalized hormone therapy including bioidentical hormones to effectively treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Contact us today to learn more and take control of your menopause transition.