Never let life's hardships disturb you ... no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages. -- Nichiren Daishonen

Menopause and Hot Flashes

Hot Flashes and menopause – it’s impossible to think of one without the other. One of the first symptoms most women experience during menopause or perimenopause (the years before menopause) are hot flashes. Hot flashes are considered to be the main and most uncomfortable side effect of menopause. There’s no mistaking the sudden, intense, hot feeling on your upper body and face, and sometimes a rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, headache, weakness, etc. Women sometimes experience an “aura”, an uneasy feeling before a hot flash. A flush follows the hot flash and leaves you reddened and perspiring.

During menopause, hot flashes can occur on an average of every 2 to 4 hours, daily for 2 to 5 years depending on fast you move from perimenopause to menopause. Hot flashes are most common in the late afternoon, early evening, and during the night. More serious complications can occur from hot flashes when it bothers you as you sleep during the night. It can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day.

What Causes Hot Flashes?

As you go through your hot flashes you are probably wondering what exactly is going on with your body. As your estrogen and progesterone levels drop, your body produces more gonadotropin hormone (GnRH) in order to force fertility. Heat sensors in the brain are regulated by GnRH. Your body mistakenly thinks it is overheating when higher levels of GnRH are present. Your body attempts to cool itself down by opening blood vessels in the neck and head, which causes perspiration. The most common triggers that bring on hot flashes are emotional upset, stress, alcohol, caffeine, hot meals, hot drinks, hot weather, a warm room and/or a warm bed.

Recommendations to Stop Hot Flashes

It is very common for women to have trouble dealing with hot flashes. Some women try to use lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, meditation, visualization, and hypnosis, but many women also turn to medical remedies. Some of the most popular and effective remedies on the market are:

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This information is intended to heighten awareness of potential health care alternatives and should not be considered as medical advice. See your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatments. See our full disclaimer.