Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth which are usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. They may also be accompanied by red, blotchy skin and profuse sweating.
Hot flashes are extremely common during perimenopause and menopause - affecting up to 80% of women. They occur due to changing levels of estrogen in the body as women approach menopause. Declining estrogen levels affect the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. This causes it to inaccurately sense that the body is too hot, triggering blood vessel dilation and sweat production to cool the body down.
Some key facts about hot flashes:
If hot flashes are frequent and disruptive to your life, see your doctor or visit Wellness Hormone Clinic. We specialize in helping women address menopausal symptoms like hot flashes through customized hormone therapy plans. This can include low doses of estrogen, often with progesterone, to regulate hormones and reduce uncomfortable vasomotor symptoms. Contact us today for a consultation!
Hot flashes most often occur during the transitional stage before menopause called perimenopause. This is when estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline. They sometimes begin as early as a few years before a woman's last period. However, they are most common in the year or two right before menopause when periods become irregular.
Hot flashes typically peak within the first 1-2 years after a woman's final menstrual period. This marks full blown menopause when ovaries stop releasing eggs. Over time, their severity and frequency will gradually improve for most women. However they can persist for some women up to a decade or more after menopause.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to provide more details on this common symptom of menopausal transition.