Cold Flashes Symptoms

During perimenopause, women often experience hot flashes, which refer to a sudden rush of heat through the body. Hot flashes could also be followed by chills or an intense feeling of cold. Needless to say, hot or cold flashes are caused due to the fluctuations in the levels of hormones that take place during the menopause transition.

During cold flashes or chills, women experience a sudden feeling of intense cold or chills. Cold sweats that occur at night can disturb one's sleep, thereby leading to irritability and fatigue. One might also experience a tingling sensation in the body.

A woman's body also undergoes many changes during pregnancy, which is why pregnant women might experience sudden intense feeling of cold. As women approach menopause, low levels of estrogen gives rise to such sensations.

Estrogen plays an important role in controlling the body temperature. The changes in the levels of estrogen during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can cause sudden sensations of heat or cold.

The function of the temperature regulation in the human body is performed by the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. Hormonal changes cause the hypothalamus to release certain chemicals and this leads to such sensations. In case of men, low levels of testosterone during andropause could cause such sensations.

Besides these hormonal changes, diseases or disorders associated with thyroid gland might also cause such feelings of intense cold. Hypothyroidism or sluggish thyroid is known to cause increased sensitivity to cold and might be responsible for causing cold flashes.

Blood loss during menstruation can make a woman anemic, which in turn can give rise to intense feeling of cold or chills. Irregularities in blood sugar levels or infections such as pneumonia or common cold could also be responsible for this clammy sensation.

As medical conditions could cause chills, it would be best to consult a doctor, so as to identify the underlying cause. For women going through menopause, doctors might recommend hormone replacement therapy. This involves the administration of small amounts of estrogen.

Sometimes, chills might be brought on by anxiety, so keep yourself relaxed. Those who often experience sudden rush or sensation of cold at night could also try certain natural remedies. Making certain lifestyle-related changes will also prove beneficial.

Cut down on the intake of coffee, tea, and alcohol. Follow a balanced diet and keep yourself well-hydrated. Alternative healing therapies such as acupuncture or the use of herbal teas might also prove beneficial. Keep yourself warm by wearing layered clothing.

Since hormone imbalance is often the reason behind a sudden rush of heat or feeling of cold through the body, it would be best to consult a doctor if you have been experiencing such sensations every now and then.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.