Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth in the body that are usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. They may also be accompanied by sweating, reddening of the skin, and rapid heartbeat.
Hot flashes are very common during menopause, affecting up to 80% of women. They happen when estrogen levels in the body fluctuate or decline. This affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. When the hypothalamus gets confused, it can trigger sudden intense heat along with sweating as it tries to cool the body down.
Some women only experience mild hot flashes while others have more severe ones that disrupt sleep and daily activities. Lifestyle changes like staying cool, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers can help reduce hot flashes. If they are severe, hormone therapy may be an option for some women.
When hot flashes happen at night, they are called "night sweats" and can wake you up and interfere with getting enough sleep. Making the bedroom cooler, wearing lightweight pajamas, using breathable sheets and running a fan can all help with night sweats.
If you are experiencing disruptive hot flashes and night sweats, consider contacting Butterfly Hormone Center for a consultation about hormone therapy options that may reduce symptoms. Their caring medical team specializes in personalized women's health treatment plans.
Some key points about hot flashes:
I hope this gives you a helpful overview on hot flashes! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.