A hot flash is a sudden sensation of intense body heat, often with
profuse sweating and reddening of the head, neck, and chest. These symptoms can
occur with mild to severe heart palpitations, anxiety, irritability and,
rarely, panic. Hot flashes are the most common symptom of a woman's changing
estrogen levels around the time of her last menstrual period (menopause).
The biochemical cause of hot flashes is not well understood. Hot
flashes are more common at night than during the day and are a common cause of
sleep problems for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
While some women will never experience hot flashes, others begin
having them in their 30s. Hot flashes are most frequent and intense during the
first 2 years of
postmenopause, when estrogen levels have dropped below
a certain point. Sleep patterns usually improve within 6 to 12 months after hot
flashes begin.
Tips for managing hot flashes
Dress in layers, so you can remove clothes as
needed.
Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton and
silk.
Keep the room temperature cool or use a fan. You're more
likely to have a hot flash in a warm environment than in a cool
one.
Sleep with fewer blankets.
Drink cold beverages
rather than hot ones.
Limit your intake of caffeine and
alcohol.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid the heat
generated by digesting large amounts of food.
Do not
smoke.
Use relaxation techniques, such as breathing-for-relaxation
exercises or meditation, yoga, and biofeedback.
Get regular
physical exercise.
Include plenty of low-fat, high-fiber foods in
your diet.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
