The Signs Of Menopause

How To Deal With Hot Flashes

Of all the symptoms associated with menopause, hot flashes have to be considered among the most ill-desired symptom of all. While they are an absolute annoyance, it is the hormonal imbalance within that causes them to occur. Since there are no definitive conclusions as to why hot flashes occur, let’s try to determine how to deal with hot flashes.

According to a recent report on menopause, it was determined that “lifestyle and psychological factors can increase the number and severity of hot flashes that a woman experiences.

In fact, women who tested at a high level of anxiety had nearly five times the number of hot flashes as those who tested low.

Women who smoked experienced twice the amount. Being overweight led to an increase in annoying hot flashes, as well.

When do Hot Flashes Start?

Hot flashes sometimes start with perimenopause, or they may not start until after the last menstrual period has occurred. Usually, they last three to five years and are usually worse during the year following the last menstrual period. However, it has been noted that for some women, hot flashes can last indefinitely.

Although it is a common notion that hot flashes are associated with a decrease in estrogen, there are those who believe it is simply the hormonal balance which acts as the catalyst. Before puberty, girls have low estrogen but no hot flashes. Conversely, women in the late stages of pregnancy may have hot flashes at a time when their estrogen levels are high.

Researchers have stated that the hormones secretion is regulated in the brain by the hypothalamus, which is where the body’s thermoregulatory center is housed. They believe that something happens in this center that causes the body’s thermostat to be altered. The result is a hot flash, a feeling of excessive warmth if the body gets just a little overheated.

In an attempt to cool down, the body perspires and blood vessels dilate, causing skin to turn pink or red. After a brief time, maybe a few minutes, the heat dissipates, leading to chills.

Finally, taking everything into consideration; the research, the case histories, and our own experiences, it seems that hot flashes – while a definite nuisance – can be handled in a very simple manner. Ignore them as much as possible. Accept them as part of the menopause cycle, and do not give them any more importance than you would an annoying stranger who just won’t leave you alone.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 20th, 2008 at 4:00 pm and is filed under menopause symptoms. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.