Hot Flushes during Periods

Often, women dissociate hot flashes and their menstrual periods. Hot flashes are for menopause, right? Women who still have periods don’t need to worry about them, or so some women may think. But actually, women can experience hot flushes during their periods in the years leading up to menopause.

About hot flashes during periods

Hot flushes during periods are believed to affect as many as 70% of pre-menopausal women (usually between ages 40 and 60) in the United States. This staggering number is belied by the taboo subjects of menstruation and menopause symptoms like hot flushes. Regardless of our society’s feelings toward women’s bodily functions, hot flushes during periods do occur frequently, and are characterized by a sudden rush of intense heat that radiates through a woman’s body for up to thirty seconds.

Women who experience hot flushes during periods have reported the following symptoms:

• Feeling overheated
• Sweating profusely
• Feeling nauseated
• Experiencing rapid heart beat
• Looking flushed or red in the face
• Feeling anxious

These symptoms of hot flushes during periods can usually be managed easily by incorporating a few key changes to one’s daily routine.

Managing Hot Flushes during Periods

Women who are uncomfortable with their hot flushes during periods and want to lessen or even eradicate them have a few relatively simple options.

Room Temperature Control
Opening a few windows, turning on a fan, or cranking up the air conditioner are a few ways women can help lessen the frequency and intensity of hot flushes during periods. A cool breeze helps maintain a cooler body temperature and can help alleviate the symptoms of hot flushes should they occur at all.

Light Clothing
Wearing breathable clothing made of natural materials –such as cotton, linen, and silk –can also help women feel cool throughout the day.

Cool Beverages
While we all like a refreshing beverage from time to time, women who experience hot flushes during periods have just one extra reason to keep that glass of lemonade handy. Keeping the body hydrated with cool drinks can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes during periods.

More Information on Hot Flushes during Periods

Women who experience hot flushes during periods and who want to take more control over these and other menopause symptoms, have a multitude of options for treatment. These options can be divided into the following categories:

• Lifestyle changes
• Alternative medicines
• Prescription drugs

By exploring these links and discussing the options with a trusted doctor, more women can find relief from hot flushes during periods.

Other Related Articles:
Menopause hot flashes
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Treatments
Hot flashes and hysterectomy
Help for hot flashes