About Hot Flushes

Hot flushes, which are also known as hot flashes, are an unpleasant symptom of menopause. Women who experience hot flushes find themselves rapidly becoming overheated for no apparent reason. During a hot flush they may become clammy, have an increased heart rate, and a have a flushed, red face. Although menopausal hot flushes are not usually a sign of ill health they can be very embarrassing and uncomfortable. Women experience hot flushes to different degrees; some women barely notice their hot flushes whilst others are unable to continue their task in hand. However there are many ways for menopausal women to prevent hot flushes from occurring.

Why do Menopausal Women Experience Hot Flushes?

The exact cause of hot flushes is unknown. However doctors do know that hot flushes take place during menopause due to changing hormone levels. A decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones causes menopausal women’s temperature levels to fluctuate. Hot flushes occur when the blood vessels near to the skin level open in order to allow the body to cool down. The dilated blood vessels cause the embarrassing red, flushed look that many women dislike. Menopausal women experiencing hot flushes may then begin to sweat due to the heat. Their heart rate may speed up due to possible changes in circulation.

How long do Hot Flushes last for?

Different women experiences hot flushes for different lengths of time. Each hot flush can last between 30 seconds and five minutes. Furthermore for some menopausal women hot flushes only occur during a very short period of their menopausal stage. For other menopausal women they continue to have hot flushes for their entire lives. However menopausal women suffering from severe hot flushes should not despair. There are many treatments women can try to combat their hot flushes.

Keep it simple:

If you´re exercising or being active and notice your heart accelerating, stop what you´re doing and take a rest. A rapid heart rate is a pretty sure sign your body needs a break.

Treatments for Hot Flushes

Menopausal women suffering from mild or severe hot flushes should always make lifestyle changes before beginning to receive any medication. There are many life style choices that increase the severity of hot flushes, such as;

Alcohol and caffeine amplify the effects of hot flushes.

Cigarette smoke is bad for hot flushes.

Wearing tight clothing is uncomfortable during hot flushes.

Eating spicy food (such as curry) can cause hot flushes.

Stressful situations have also been shown to increase the occurrences of hot flushes.

People that do not take regular exercise also report suffering from greater amounts of hot flushes.

However there are also natural remedies that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of hot flushes.

hot flushes yoga

Slow, abdominal breathing can help to lessen the number and frequency of hot flushes. Women who attend Pilates and Yoga classes learn how to effectively breathe through their abdomen.

Taking vitamin E and B complex have been shown to reduce the severity of hot flushes.

Natural herbal supplements such as macafem and black cobosh have been shown to diminish the effects of hot flushes.

Many menopausal women report that a combination of natural drugs and life style changes often help to lessen the occurrences of hot flushes. However if these are not effective there are prescribed medications available for menopausal women, such as;

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Anti depressants

The anti-seizure drug neurontin.

There are other medications available to women to help with their hot flushes. Click here for more information about different treatments for hot flushes and their benefits and disadvantages.