Hot Flushes - Hot Flashes

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Hot flashes are the sensation of sudden flushing and sweating. This condition is felt by 3 out of every 4 women who go through the change of life, which is also known as menopause. It may also affect women who have had their ovaries removed.

What is going on in the body?

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop working. The ovaries stop producing eggs as well as estrogen, one of the key female hormones. Menopause usually begins around the age of 50. Low estrogen levels may cause many changes in a woman's body, including hot flashes.

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause. Of those women having hot flashes, 8 out of 10 have hot flashes for more than a year. One quarter to one half of these women may have hot flashes for up to 5 years if they do not receive hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The exact cause for hot flashes is not known. Studies suggest that changing hormone levels change the part of the brain that regulates body temperature and the width of blood vessels. There are no known complications of hot flashes. Night sweats may cause chronic sleep loss, which can result in:

depression

chronic fatigue

car accidents

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The hot flash can be short or last as long as 10 minutes. The average time is 4 minutes. As a woman ages and her estrogen level decreases, the number of hot flashes per day may increase. Symptoms of a hot flash include:

a feeling of pressure in the head that progresses into a flush

redness, warmth, and sweating on the face, neck, shoulders, and upper chest

fast or pounding heartbeat

sweating followed by a slight chill

sweating at night, which may cause sleep disorders

Less common symptoms include:

fatigue

faintness

a type of dizziness that may be worsened by movement and turning, called vertigo

panic attacks, which are a feeling of overwhelming anxiety or fear

an abnormal sensation or aura, which may precede the onset of the hot flash

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

A complete history and physical should be done to rule out other reasons for hot flashes. Other conditions like hyperthyroidism, which is an over-active thyroid gland, diabetes, tuberculosis, rare tumors of the adrenal glands, and other chronic infections can cause hot flashes.

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Menopause cannot be prevented but symptoms may be treated. A woman may feel better by:

avoiding smoking, caffeine, and excessive alcohol. These chemicals increase irritability and make hot flashes worse. Also, smoking can cause a woman to enter menopause at least 2 years earlier than the average non-smoking woman.

limiting intake of red wine, aged cheeses, and chocolate. These foods contain a chemical that may trigger hot flashes.

using lightweight blankets at night

avoiding going from a hot to cold environment, as this may bring on a hot flash

wearing clothing made of cotton in loose layers to absorb excess moisture

talking to a healthcare professional regarding HRT

increasing intake of soy products, as this appears to decrease the number of hot flashes

Herbal supplements have not been proven to prevent hot flashes. Certain products such as oil of primrose or dong quai may be helpful.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Hot flashes generally cause no long-term effects. If a woman who is still having periods begins to have hot flashes, she may be starting menopause and should consult her doctor.

What are the risks to others?

There are no risks to others, as hot flashes are not catching.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

Not all women want treatment for mild hot flashes. Using a fan, sipping cool water, or imagining a cool spot may help. If hot flashes are severe or frequent or are disturbing sleep patterns, a doctor should be consulted. He or she may suggest HRT.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of HRT may include:

nausea

headaches

weight gain

increased appetite

abdominal bloating

irregular vaginal bleeding

breast tenderness

These symptoms are usually of a short-term nature and disappear after 1 to 2 months.

Research has shown several risks associated with taking HRT or ERT.

HRT and ERT increase the risk of breast cancer

HRT slightly increases a woman's risk for stroke and heart attack

HRT can increase a woman's risk for gallbladder disease.

HRT and ERT can increase a woman's risk of blood clots, such as deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

If a woman still has her uterus, taking estrogen alone increases the risk of cancer of the uterus. Adding progesterone reduces her risk to that of women who do not take ERT.

Overall, the decision to use HRT should be based upon the proven benefits and risks of HRT. Women should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctors. Together, they can choose the best course of action.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

With the proper dosage of medicine, hot flashes should become less severe and frequent. This will allow regular daily activity as well as healthy sleep patterns.

How is the condition monitored?

A woman should monitor her symptoms and report any new or worsening symptoms to her doctor.