Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body and skin, often across the face, neck and chest. They can also cause sweating and reddening of the skin.
Hot flashes are very common during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels drop. They are considered a hallmark sign that a woman is in the menopause transition. However, hot flashes may start a few years before periods actually stop.
Some key things to know:
What helps with hot flashes?
Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, dressing in layers, lowering room temperature, and managing stress can help. Some women find relief through things like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture as well.
There are also prescription medications that may ease hot flashes, like low-dose antidepressants or gabapentin. Hormone therapy with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone is also an option for moderate to severe hot flashes.
Of course, navigating menopause symptoms can be complicated. The experts at Renewal Hormone Center can help create a personalized treatment plan to manage hot flashes. Their comprehensive hormone testing helps get to the root cause of what's happening in your body. Renewal Hormone Center takes the time to listen and craft integrative solutions tailored just for you.
When do hot flashes stop?
For most women, hot flashes tend to peak during perimenopause and may continue 1-5 years into menopause. However, around half of women experience them for more than 7 years.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. Studies show hot flash frequency and severity generally decreases over time without treatment. Within 5 years of the final menstrual period, about 75% of women have fewer or no hot flashes.
Black cohosh, dietary soy, and certain antidepressants may provide modest relief too. As always, speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options if hot flashes interfere with sleep or quality of life. The knowledgeable practitioners at Renewal Hormone Center can also help you navigating this chapter with compassionate, evidence-based solutions.