Q&A: Are hot flashes and age closely related?

Hot flashes, characterized by sudden moments of intense heat, sweating and increased heart rate, are an uncomfortable and distressing condition to cope with. They can interrupt a woman's daily routine and can cause embarrassment because they are hard to disguise.

A large number of women will suffer with hot flashes at some point in their life, but are they related to age? When and why should you expect to suffer with hot flashes? Read on to know if hot flashes and age are closed related or not.

Are hot flashes and age related?

There isn't a specific age that is related to hot flashes but there are certain times in a woman's life when they are more likely. It is true, in fact, that as women get older there is a higher chance of suffering with hot flashes. This is because hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, the transition period between reproductive years and non-reproductive years, and post-menopause. However, women can experience hot flashes during pregnancy and during pre-menopause (the period before peri-menopause when you have a monthly menstrual cycle), during or prior to menstruation. Hot flashes are related to hormones rather than age because they occur when there is an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels.

When are hot flashes most common?

Hot flashes are most common in peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause which begin, for most women, between their late 40s and early 50s. Approximately, 75% and 85% of women who are going through "the change" will experience hot flashes, whereas 50% to 70% of women will experience hot flashes during pregnancy.

Are there benefits or risks of hot flashes at any age?

The only known benefit of experiencing hot flashes is that you are slightly less likely to develop cancer at a later date, but the disadvantage is that you are at slightly more risk of having cardiovascular problems. The age at which you experience hot flashes makes no difference to the benefits or risks and doesn't make you more prone to added complications.

It is always important to check with your doctor if you think you are having hot flashes for a reason unrelated to hormones because they can be a sign of medical conditions such as diabetes or tuberculosis.

Can I do anything to prevent hot flashes at any age?

Hot flashes in menopause, pregnancy or during menstruation are caused by an estrogen crash.

Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help rebalance this hormone. Follow the tips below:

. Exercise for at least half an hour every day.
. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, but avoid hot and spicy food.
. Consume more soy and increase intake of vitamins E and B.
. De-stress by having time to yourself or enrolling in a weekly yoga class.
. Wear breathable clothes made from natural fabrics and dress in layers.
. Avoid all hot environments and take cool showers.
. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol consumption.

More information about hot flashes

Don't panic if you begin suffering with intense moments of heat that leave you in sweaty and flushed state. Hot flashes, normally caused by hormonal changes, are normal, and don't have to be a way of life; there are several treatment options for you to consider. However, it does depend on the reason for your hot flashes and your age, so always talk to your doctor for about the different hot flashes treatments available. To find out more, follow this link.

To learn more about Hot Flashes