You might be doing your usual work. Or you might be in a room with the AC on. But suddenly you feel like your whole body is burning from the inside, your face turns red, and you start sweating. It doesn't matter to those around you, but you're the only one feeling incredibly hot. Is this experience familiar to you? Today we're talking about this discomfort that most women experience at some point in their lives.
What exactly is a hot flash?
Simply put, a hot flash is a sudden feeling of extreme heat, burning, sweating, and redness of the skin. This is a very common, but very uncomfortable symptom associated with menopause. In medical terms, we call this a `vasomotor` symptom. This means that it is related to the system that controls the widening or narrowing of our blood vessels.
While the exact cause of this phenomenon is still not completely clear, experts know that the main reason for this is hormonal changes in the body. About three out of four women (75%) who go through menopause report experiencing these hot flashes.
The important thing is that the experience of a hot flash varies from person to person. For some, it may be very mild, lasting only a few minutes. For others, it can be so severe that it disrupts their day and affects their entire life.
Although this is common, you don't need to suffer by thinking, "Oh, this is normal." There are ways to manage this discomfort and make your life easier. You can talk to your doctor and decide what the best solution is based on your symptoms and health history.
How does this feel? What are the symptoms?
The way a hot flash feels is really different for everyone, but in general it feels like this:
- A sudden intense feeling of heat: This heat usually starts in the chest, neck, and face and can spread throughout the body.
- Redness of the skin: With heat, the face, neck, and chest may become red or appear as spots.
- Excessive sweating: Excessive sweating occurs when the body tries to reduce the heat it feels.
- Chills: Once the hot flash is over, you may feel cold and shivering due to the sweat you have shed.
- Increased heart rate: Some people may experience heart palpitations.
If these occur at night, we also call them "Night Sweats." This can also disrupt sleep.
At what age do hot flashes start and how long do they last?
Hot flashes usually begin during the perimenopause, the time before menopause, when menstrual cycles become irregular. Menopause usually occurs in Sri Lankan women in their late 40s to early 50s.
A single hot flash can usually last from one to five minutes . Some women have more than ten hot flashes a day. This condition can go away in a few months, or it can last for years. It also varies from person to person.
Why does this happen? What things increase hot flashes?
The main reason is the decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen. The body's temperature control center in our brain (like a thermostat) is very sensitive to the hormone estrogen. When estrogen levels decrease, this control center becomes confused and sends false signals that the body is hot when it is not. In response, the body tries to cool down by sweating and dilating blood vessels.
Additionally, certain things can increase the frequency or severity of hot flashes. These are called "Triggers."
| Common Triggers That Increase Hot Flashes | |
|---|---|
| ☕ Hot drinks (coffee, tea) and caffeine | 🌶️ Spicy, spicy food |
| 😥 Stress | 🍷 Alcoholic drink |
| ☀️ Being in a warm environment | 🚬 Smoking |
| 🧥 Wearing thick, tight clothing | 🚿 Bathing in hot water |
Staying as far away from these things as possible is a great help in controlling hot flashes.
What are the treatments and solutions for this?
If these hot flashes are interfering with your daily life, you should definitely see a doctor and discuss treatment. Treatment can be divided into two main parts.
1. Treatment prescribed by the doctor
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This is the most effective treatment for hot flashes. It works by restoring the body's low hormone levels.
- Estrogen and Progestin: If your uterus has not been removed, you will be given a hormone called progestin along with estrogen.
- Estrogen only: Estrogen alone is given to someone who has had a hysterectomy.
- Non-hormonal medications: Hormonal treatments are not suitable for everyone. There are other medications that do not contain hormones. Although many of these are used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety, they have also been found to help reduce hot flashes. Examples include `Venlafaxine`, `Paroxetine`, `Gabapentin`. In addition, there is now a new medication called `Fezolinetant (Veozah™)` that is specifically designed for hot flashes.
Important: Before starting any of these treatments, it's important to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor . He or she will know your health history and can help you choose the safest and most appropriate treatment for you.
2. Lifestyle changes and other methods
Sometimes, small changes in our lifestyle can bring great relief.
| What can be done? | Description |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Instead of wearing thick clothes, wear layers, one on top of the other. You can take off the top layer when you feel hot. Clothes made of materials like cotton are best. |
| Keeping the environment cool | Use a fan or AC as much as possible. Keep the windows open. Keep a bottle of cold water nearby. |
| Food and drink | Reduce spicy, highly seasoned foods, hot drinks, alcohol, and caffeine as much as possible. |
| Exercise and weight control | Exercising for 20-30 minutes daily is a good idea. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce hot flashes. |
| Mental wellness | Reducing stress through activities such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation also brings relief. |
A word about herbal remedies and supplements
Some people use things like Black Cohosh, Evening Primrose Oil, and Soy for Hot Flashes. But there is not enough scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness. And even though they are "natural," they are not safe for everyone. So, don't use anything like this without talking to your doctor.
Is it possible to have hot flashes without menopause?
Yes. Although menopause is the main cause, not all hot flashes are caused by it. Thyroid disorders, some infections (like the flu), and some medications can also cause hot flashes.
If you're not in menopause but are experiencing hot flashes, there could be another cause. So it's best to see a doctor and get it checked out.
Take-Home Message
- Hot flashes are a very common, yet uncomfortable, symptom of menopause. They are mainly caused by a decrease in the hormone estrogen.
- You don't have to suffer because you think this is "normal." If this is interfering with your life, definitely get help.
- There are various treatment options, including hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, and lifestyle changes.
- Staying away from things like spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol, and stress can bring relief.
- It's essential to talk to your doctor before starting any treatment, even if it's "natural. "
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