Experiencing hot flushes (also called flashes) is the feature that has made the menopause famous by being the most common symptom of menopause. 75 – 80% of women will suffer these feelings of intense heat over the trunk and face with an accompanying flushing of the skin.
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In general, they last less than 5 minutes, and the sweating that accompanies these “attacks” usually starts a minute after the feeling of palpitations.
A hot flush may be followed by a chill and some women may become aware that their heart is beating fast or hard and they may feel anxious.
How often and when do they happen?
The frequency of the flushing may range from one or two a day, to one every 15-30 minutes. Flushing is more pronounced late in the day, during hot weather, after ingestion of hot foods or drinks, or during periods of tension. If thoughts about the general troubles of life don’t keep you awake at night, these babies will, and they may lead to fatigue and depression. (Hot flushes at night are called night sweats).
Many women experience most of their hot flushes in the first year or two after menopause, after which they gradually lessen. However, some women may have hot flushes for several years.
What causes hot flushes?
The exact mechanism is not known. Hot flushes are believed to be due to a change in oestrogen levels which influences the hypothalamus (steering centre in the central nervous system) in its control of the temperature-regulating area in the midbrain.
The severity and frequency of hot flushes are directly correlated with the reduction of oestrogen levels over time. A premenopausal woman with a sudden drop of circulating oestrogens, for example due to operative removal of the ovaries, is more likely to experience hot flushes compared to a woman who has a gradual decrease in oestrogens while entering her climacteric time frame.
What can be done about hot flushes?
Here are some tips which may be helpful:
Keep home and workplace cool.
Wear loose clothing in layers that are easily removed.
Drink plenty of water and juice. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods if they bring on hot flushes.
Exercise regularly to help stabilise hormones and prevent insomnia.
Avoid confined spaces and hot, humid weather, if possible.
Reviewed by Prof B. Schaetzing MD, FCOG(SA), FRCOG, PhD. Part-time Consultant, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch.
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