Hot flashes and cold sensations

A frequent symptom of menopause, hot flashes are usually accompanied by a range of other troublesome symptoms including chills and shivering and cold feet. Such unpleasant side effects of menopause often require treatment and can be difficult to deal with on a regular basis. It´s good to know how to deal with hot flashes and cold sensations effectively and how you can help prevent them. The information below is designed to explain why hot flashes and cold sensations happen, what they mean and how they can be treated, so read on to find out all about hot flashes and cold sensations.

What are hot flashes and cold sensations?

hot flashes cool Hot flashes can be defined as a feeling of intense, overwhelming heat in the upper body followed by a quickened heartbeat and a flushing of the chest, neck and face. Hot flashes and cold feet or chills and shivering are fairly common during menopause. About 75% of females experience hot flashes and cold sensations during this transition. After suffering a hot flash, a woman will begin to cool down but she can often feel cold and shivery. Menopausal women can also experience hot flashes and cold feet, and this is caused by poor circulation.

What causes hot flashes and cold sensations?

The main trigger of hot flashes and cold sensations is thought to be decreasing estrogen levels which cause hormonal and biochemical fluctuations. More specifically, hot flashes and cold sensations are the result of the hypothalamus´ (the heat regulatory area of the brain) overproduction of heat. The hypothalamus regulates body heat according to the surroundings. If it’s hot outside, it forces the body to release heat; and if it´s cold outside the body retains heat. During menopause, declining estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to discharge chemicals that cause skin blood vessels to expand so that heat can be released, which results in hot flashes and cold sensations.

As well as hot flashes, cold feet in particular are caused by lowered hormone levels which result in slower circulation and can cause a tingling feeling in the feet.

hot flashes sensations Hot flashes and cold sensations are typically less intense and regular following menopause and the majority of women will stop having hot flashes and cold sensations after five years. Unfortunately, for some women, hot flashes and cold sensations can persist for up to 10 years. Read on to find out about managing hot flashes and cold sensations.

How can I manage hot flashes and cold sensations?

The following tips can help you to deal with hot flashes and cold sensations more effectively:

For hot flashes and cold sensations:
• Eat a balanced (rich in protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and grains).
hot flashes tip • Drink two liters of water every day.
• Take regular exercise.
• Give up smoking.
• Keep room temperatures down.
• Keep water at hand.
• Support your body with natural remedies.
• Wear light pajamas or sleep naked.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially late at night.
• Don´t exercise in the three hours leading up to your bedtime.
• Try not to eat in the two hours before you will go to sleep.
• Establish a good sleep pattern by going to bed at regular times.

Specifically for cold sensations:
• Get up and walk around your bedroom in order to restore circulation and tire yourself out so that you can fall back to sleep.