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About three in four women struggle with menopause-related hot flashes.
What is a hot flash?
- Because your ovaries produce less estrogen, the cells in your hypothalamus, the part of your brain that controls temperature, become imbalanced.
- These cells send a false signal to your body that it is too hot.
- When your body tries to lower its temperature, the blood vessels near your skin dilate and try to cool you down.
- This leads to hot flashes and sweats, also known as hot flashes.
If hot flashes occur while you sleep, they are referred to as night sweats.
during a hot flash
- Your skin may become red, flushed, or blotchy.
- Your face, neck, and chest may feel hot and sweaty
- Your heart may race or flutter
- You might feel anxious
- You may have chills or tremors
How long does a hot flash last?
A typical hot flash only lasts a few minutes.
Women suffer from hot flashes for an average of 7 years.
Do all women experience hot flashes?
Some women never have hot flashes or barely notice them. For others, hot flashes are extreme and life-changing.
Reducing hot flashes
There are lifestyle changes and treatments that may help with hot flashes:
- Reduce caffeine
- Avoid spicy food
- Limit alcohol
- don’t smoke
- Hormone therapy
- Non-hormonal medications
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Talk to your doctor so you understand your options.
This educational resource was created with support from Astellas.
