Hot flashes involve a feeling of intense heat that is not triggered by external sources. These are known to occur abruptly or the individual can feel them coming on. The other accompanying symptoms include the following:
- Tingling sensation in the fingers
- Skin feels warm abruptly
- Heart starts to beat more rapid than usual
- Face turns red or flushed
- Sweating in the upper body
What are the possible causes of hot flashes?
It is still not clear what triggers hot flashes. Nevertheless, they are more likely triggered by hormonal changes in the body. It is important to note that some women could not even notice the flashes or consider them as a minimal annoyance. As for others, the intensity of the episodes might affect the quality of life in a negative manner.
What are the possible triggers?
The trigger for the hot flashes tends to vary but some of the usual ones include the following:
- Consumption of products with caffeine
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
- Eating spicy foods
- Using tight or constricted clothing
- Staying in a warm or hot room
- Feeling anxious or stressed out
- Smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke
It is recommended to keep a journal to note down the symptoms. The individual should note down what he/she was doing, drinking, eating, feeling or wearing when every episode of hot flashes starts. After several weeks, one might see a pattern that can help avoid the specific triggers.
Remedies for hot flashes
Some women are capable of managing the hot flashes using simple tools or measures such as the following:
- Being dressed in layers so that even during cold days, the clothing can be adjusted to how the individual feels
- Wear night clothes made out of cotton as well as using cotton bed linens
- Sip on ice water at the start of the hot flashes
- Always keep an ice pack on the bedside table
What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Treatment using synthetic hormones might be an option for some women who have debilitating hot flashes that affect the quality of life. The estrogen supplements work by leveling out the quantity of estrogen in the body, thus minimizing the occurrence and harshness of the hot flashes as well as night sweats.
Estrogen is usually taken along with progestin to minimize the risk for developing endometrial cancer. It can be used as a pill, patch or vaginal gel or cream.