What Causes Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden rush of heat that is usually felt on the face, neck, or chest, however, such a sensation can spread throughout the whole body. These can last from thirty seconds to a few minutes. When such sensations are accompanied by sweating, and occur during the night, these are referred to as night sweats.

These are often felt by women as they approach menopause. Women who have had their ovaries removed surgically, might also experience them. The frequency of these episodes might vary. It must be noted that these episodes might not be experienced by every women during perimenopause and menopause.

The common symptoms that women may experience as they approach menopause include:

• Sensation of heat
• Flushed skin
• Excessive sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Feeling of pressure in the head
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Weakness
• Cold, clammy feeling

These episodes could be mild and tolerable, moderate, or severe. Some women might experience a few episodes in a year, while others might experience several episodes in a day.

These episodes are brought on due to a decline in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. Young women who are affected by medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes, or problems associated with the pituitary glands could experience hot flashes. Women who are extremely stressed are also susceptible. Consumption of spicy food, alcohol, or caffeine can also be a trigger.

As in the case of women, men could also undergo hormonal changes as a part of the aging process. Andropause or male menopause is generally one of the common contributory factor. Men may experience such a sensation of warmth due to the decline in the level of testosterone. This could occur in case of men who are taking drugs to lower testosterone levels or those who have had the testes removed.

Whenever there is a hormonal imbalance, the hypothalamus, which the part of the brain responsible for regulating the body heat, sends out signals in order to dispel heat. This causes the sudden wave of intense heat, sweating, and an increase in the heart rate. Tumors in the pituitary gland, HIV, tuberculosis, or an allergic reaction to certain food items and drugs can also cause a sudden rush of heat.

Though hormone replacement therapy and certain medicines might give you some relief, it would be better to use some natural ways to tackle this problem. Making certain changes to your lifestyle will certainly help.

• Keep your home cool. Keep yourself cool by wearing light and loose clothes that are made from breathable fabrics such as cotton.

• You must also keep yourself well-hydrated.
• Cut down your intake of coffee, alcohol, and spicy food.
• Sip cold water during the sudden rush of heat.

• Keep a frozen cold pack under your pillow, or turn on a bedside fan to cool off.
• Use a layered bedding and light blankets that can be easily removed in case of night sweats.
• Practice slow, deep, abdominal breathing during an episode.

• Since stress and anxiety can aggravate the symptoms, use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to stay calm.

If you have been experiencing recurring hot flashes, making some changes to your lifestyle will certainly help. If these remedies don't help, seek medical assistance.

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