Anxiety and Hot Flashes

Having to open the windows, roll down the car window or stick your head inside a freezer, hot flashes can be the most bothersome symptoms of all menopause symptoms and can spring on at anytime.

anxiety-hot-flashes1 Anxiety can play a critical role in hot flashes and how they are handled by the woman, reported from the May and June issue of Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society, 2005.

It has been reported that women who say they experience a moderate amount of stress in their life, experienced three times as many hot flashes than women who don´t.

Keep reading to find more about anxiety and hot flashes.

What does anxiety have to do with it?

Studies have shown that women with a narrow thermo-neutral zone, that is the core temperature range the body maintains by sweating or shivering, experience more hot flashes than women with a wider zone.

The chemical Norepinephrine is known to short the zone. Norepinephrine has been found in animals when they experience stress and anxiety, and the same is thought to be true of humans as well.

Continue reading to find out more symptoms of anxiety.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can greatly affect the frequency, severity and intensity of hot flashes. Anxiety can have a big negative impact on many different areas of our lives.

Here is a list of the most common symptoms of anxiety:

anxiety-hot-flashes2 • Sweating/flushing.
• Nausea.
• Heart palpitations.
• Tense muscles.
• Trembling.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Backache.
• Churning stomach.
• Numbness in arms, hands or legs.

What are the most Common Menopause Symptoms?

Most anxiety is caused by stress. Stress comes in many forms in our lives and it is important to address stress up front to overcome it.

Here is a list of things you can do to relieve stress,

• Relaxation techniques - Meditation, therapy, taking a hot bath or a walk by yourself are great ways to reduce stress.

• Practice deep abdominal breathing - Taking deep breaths and hold them in for a count of eight will decrease your heart rate.

• Manage stress- Plan out what you have to do so there are not any surprises. Get prepared for the meeting or any event you have to do well in advance.

• Physical self care - Doing exercise and eating healthy food relaxes the body and mind. Also staying away from alcohol, cigarette smoke, sugar and other drugs and harmful foods will enable the body to deal with stress.

• Self esteem - Talk to yourself positively. Negative thoughts only add more stress and not helpful to anyone. Remind yourself what a good person you are and what you are capable of.

Keep reading to find out more on treatments for anxiety and hot flashes.

Treatment for anxiety and hot flashes

As stated above, anxiety can worsen both the frequency and the intensity of hot flashes. It is important to know what makes you anxious and do things that help alleviate stress.

Following the tips above is good advice for getting a hold on the anxiety in your life. Taking care of your body and mind will help you while you enter into new stages in life such as menopause.

Some alternative medicines have been known to calm anxiety. Teas, aroma therapy and supplements have been successful avenues for some.

If you are experiencing extreme anxiety or feel that something is wrong, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you find a solution that works for you.

For more information on treatment for anxiety and hot flashes, click here.

To learn more about Hot Flashes