Hot flashes

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced in the face, neck and chest. They may also be accompanied by reddening of the skin, sweating, palpitations, and sometimes a sensation of anxiety or irritability.

Hot flashes are primarily associated with perimenopause and menopause in people with ovaries and ovaries removal. They occur when falling estrogen levels disrupt the body's temperature regulating mechanisms. However, hot flashes can also be caused by other factors like illness, stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications.

Some key facts about hot flashes:

• Last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes


• Frequency varies from person to person


• Often worse at night and interrupt sleep


• May occur a few times a month or multiple times a day


• Generally peak 1-2 years after periods end


• Usually resolve within 5 years after final period

How to get relief:

• Stay cool with layered, breathable clothing, fans, AC


• Avoid triggers like stress, spicy food, caffeine, alcohol


• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation


• Consider trying black cohosh, soy isoflavones, or prescription medications


• For severe cases, low-dose estrogen therapy may help

The experts at Renew Hormone Institute can provide customized treatment plans to help manage hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Their holistic approaches combine lifestyle changes, nutrition planning, bioidentical hormones, and cutting-edge therapies to optimize comfort and wellbeing during this transition.

I hope this overview on hot flashes has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you minimal discomfort and maximum peace as you navigate perimenopause and menopause.