Perimenopause Hot Flashes
What is a hot flash?
A hot flash is a sudden sensation of heat, usually felt in the upper body. Some women claim they can feel the heat throughout their body, but more women report discomfort in the upper body. About 80% of women suffering from perimenopause will have hot flashes. This symptom of perimenopause can be present for two to five years during the transitional period to menopause. The hot flash episodes themselves can last a few minutes, half an hour, or longer.
When a hot flash occurs, the face and neck of a woman become flushed. Sometimes red blotches appear on various areas of their upper body, such as the arms, chest, and belly. Most hot flashes (the sensation of heat) are accompanied by sweating because of how hot the body's temperature has risen, and then followed by shivering because the body's temperature is re-adjusting to its cooler, normal state.
Most women who suffer from perimenopause hot flashes claim that the episodes drop in frequency as they get older. The intensity of the heat also diminishes to a mild heat instead of the burning sensation often felt in the beginning. Also, women have noticed that perimenopause hot flashes can have triggers such as caffeine, warm drinks, spicy food, and alcoholic beverages.
Like other perimenopause symptoms, perimenopause hot flashes are a result of the decreased levels of estrogen in the body. When estrogen levels drop, the brain attempts to do two things. First, to get other glands to secrete more hormones in hopes of making up for the deficit, and second, heat up the body in order to activate the hormones. This is why your body's temperature all of a sudden fluctuates.
If you have been having perimenopause hot flashes, there are some things you can do to help relieve the uncomfortable feeling. First, try to keep an ice pack near you or within reach so you can grab it to help cool yourself off when the hot flash occurs. Also, keep ice water in a glass or jug near you at all times so that you can drink this when you feel the heat starting to creep up on you. These can help make you feel less hot during the episode. If your hot flashes have triggers, stay away from these triggers. Also, try to keep yourself in cool and comfortable clothes, the type your skin can breathe in. Cotton is a good example.
Finally, if nothing else works, talk to your doctor. There are some pharmaceutical drugs that have been designed for other purposes, but strangely enough, help reduce perimenopause hot flashes. One drug is Gabapentin, manufactured for women with migraines or headaches (this can hit two birds with one stone if you are also suffering from perimenopause headaches). The other drug is Effexor, an anti-deppressant. Talk to your doctor about these different options for treatment, and find one that works well for you!
Tip: Hot flashes can get worse during the summer. Try to keep cool by doing trying out water sports. Not only will they help your perimenopause hot flashes, but they can be great forms of exercise too!
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