A woman will experience menopause during her 40s or 50s. It is when she no longer gets her period and is unable to get pregnant naturally. It is usually confirmed when the period stops for more than 12 months.
Once the ovaries stop functioning, there is an imbalance of hormones in the body. While the body adjusts to this change, there will be many uncomfortable symptoms to deal with one of which is menopause hot flashes.
Over two-third of women experiencing menopause have to deal with hot flashes.
What Is A Hot Flash?
It is a sudden and unexpected experience of feeling hot. The blood vessels on the surface of your skin dilate, causing you to sweat profusely.
The exact reason for menopause hot flashes is unknown. However, many theories point that hormone imbalances could be affecting the circulatory system.
Menopause hot flashes can sometimes cause excessive sweating in the night time, making sleep uncomfortable. Some women may also have a high heart rate.
Many women experience menopause hot flashes for a short period while others will experience it for the rest of their lives.
Triggers
Knowing what triggers your hot flash can be critical in managing it. Each woman has different triggers, but here are a few common ones.
Note whenever you have a hot flash in a diary. Once you recognize a pattern, take steps to avoid exposing yourself to your triggers.
Remedies For Hot Flashes
There are several options when it comes to the alleviation of the symptoms of menopause hot flashes. Here are a few:
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Small amounts of estrogen can be taken to restore the hormone balance which causes hot flashes. Estrogen can be taken with another hormone called Progesterone to reduce the risk of cancer. This option is usually explored by women who are experiencing debilitating conditions due to a lack of hormones. Consult with your doctor before you decide on this option.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a non-hormonal remedy for the effects of menopause. They can be used by women who cannot use hormone replacement therapy. The effects of antidepressants are not as strong and have possible side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and weight gain.
Alternative Medicine
The effects of alternative techniques to manage hot flashes have not been researched. But, many women have reported that these methods have improved their symptoms.
Here are some of the methods you should look into:
Dietary Supplements
Many natural supplements can be taken to regulate menopause hot flashes. Since they are natural, there aren’t any side effects and must be tried to ease the stress of hot flashes.
Lifestyle Changes
When your hot flashes are mild, making some lifestyle changes along with home remedies can make a huge difference.
Menopause hot flashes can be extremely uncomfortable if left unregulated. Make an appointment with your doctor to develop a plan to manage this physiological change.
Top
Articles