The most frequent — and most annoying — symptom of menopause and perimenopause is the dreaded hot flashes. More than two thirds of all women going through perimenopause suffer from hot flashes. Nearly all women with premature menopause or induced menopause suffer from hot flashes.
What is a hot flash? Doctors don’t know what causes a hot flash, but some suspect they are related to circulatory changes. Blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate in an attempt to cool, producing a red, flushed look in the face. You may also perspire as your body attempts to cool down. You may even feel a pounding heartbeat or chills — just like the chills you get before a fever. That momentary feeling of heat is a hot flash. Call it a hot flush if your flash comes with facial redness. At night, a hot flash with sweating is known as night sweats.
What triggers a hot flash? Certain things can bring hot flashes on more frequently or make them more severe. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, and spicy foods. Try to wear loose clothes, rather than tight ones. Manage stress levels — doctors think that higher stress levels can make hot flashes worse. And keep the temperature cool, rather than hot, especially at night. Cool pillows (the kind with a frozen or cold insert) may help you have a more peaceful night.
Talk to your doctor about short term hormone therapy to help hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Your doctor may want to try nonprescription treatments first, like vitamin B and E. Soy products have plant estrogens that may work like normal estrogen to reduce hot flashes. Black cohosh, flaxseed, and evening primrose oil are thought to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Talk to your doctor about any supplements you plan to use — even herbal remedies may interact with other medications you are taking.
The severity and duration of hot flashes varies from one woman to another. Some have hot flashes for a short time during menopause. Other women are stuck with hot flashes for life. In general, hot flashes tend to become less severe as time passes.
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