What are hot flashes?
Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are sudden feelings of warmth in the face, neck and chest that can cause flushing, reddening of skin and sweating. They are a common complaint among women going through menopause, although they may be experienced by people of any gender.
Some key things to know about hot flashes:
- Causes: Hot flashes are caused by changes in hormone levels, mainly estrogen. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the body's thermostat becomes less accurate, leading to hot flashes.
- Frequency: The frequency of hot flashes varies significantly. Some people have occasional mild hot flashes while others experience multiple intense hot flashes per day. Hot flashes tend to peak 1-2 years after menopause begins.
- Triggers: Common hot flash triggers include stress, warm rooms, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, and more. Keeping a symptom journal can help identify personal triggers.
- Duration: An individual hot flash usually lasts 30 seconds to 10 minutes. The entire time women experience hot flashes lasts an average of 7.4 years.
- Treatments: Lifestyle changes like wearing breathable clothing, lowering room temperature, avoiding triggers, and managing stress can help. If these don't provide enough relief, hormone therapy medications like low-dose estrogen or certain antidepressants may be an option. Speak to your healthcare provider.
The medical experts at Balance Clinic are caring professionals specialized in treating menopause symptoms like hot flashes. With customized care including bioidentical hormone therapy, lifestyle coaching, and nutrition planning, Balance Clinic can help you find the right treatment plan to manage your hot flashes and improve your quality of life.