Cold Flashes During Menopause

Menopause is a stage which comes in every woman's life. Actually, it is considered as the end of womanhood. This period is an indication of the end of menstruation and fertility permanently. The average age for menopause is 51 years. It takes place after one year of the last menstrual cycle.

Many physical and psychological changes take place during this period. These changes are a result of the hormonal changes taking place inside the body. There are many symptoms of menopause such as irregular periods, fatigue, mood swings, increased abdomen fat, sleep disturbances, hair loss, night sweats, chills, etc.

Apart from these, cold and hot flashes are the most common symptoms. Following are the causes and treatments of cold flashes during menopause.

Cold flashes is the cold sensation experienced by the body during or before the menopause period. It is normal to experience cold flushes during cold weather; however, getting them in an odd climate may be related to your health.

The body temperature is normally maintained by the brain. The information about the cold and hot sensation is sent to the brain through some chemicals, which run in the bloodstream and then reach the brain. In response, the brain tries to maintain the temperature of the body.

When events like menopause occur, the level of the estrogen hormone reduces to a great extent. Hypothalamus is considered to maintain the temperature of the body, and due to the decrease of estrogen level it becomes overactive.

This results in the release of chemicals in the blood. Hence, the brain tries to increase the body temperature, resulting in cold flashes. The symptoms observed are shivering and feeling cold anytime, and in any season.

Menopause occurs when your ovary decreases in size and is unable to produce more eggs. This decreases the production of progesterone and estrogen, and hence it results in the hormonal imbalance. This is an entirely natural process, and therefore there is no treatment to get rid of it.

In some women, the symptoms may last for a few months, whereas in others, they may last for years. However, the symptoms get over with time. Hence, you can just take treatments to reduce their effects.

Following are some of the treatments to reduce the effects of cold flashes at the time of menopause

• The estrogen replacement surgery is considered to be one of the best way to regulate the body temperature.
• Medications such as low-dose antidepressants, clonidine, and gabapentin help reduce the problems of cold flashes during menopause and perimenopause.

• Healthy diet and proper exercises will help you maintain proper blood circulation, which will in turn reduce the problems of hot and cold flushes.
• One of the best remedies is to consume plenty of water. Drink lots of water to keep your body well hydrated. It will also maintain the body temperature, and thereby reduce cold as well as hot flushes.

• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol, caffeine, etc., since the intake of these substances will make the condition worse.

Since the cold flashes observed during menopause go away with time, you don't need to worry about them. However, if the problem is giving you sleepless nights and is causing you a lot of discomfort, then consult a doctor immediately. Keep yourself healthy, and try to be cool as the mood swing is very common during this period.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.