Hot Flashes
Hot flashes and sweats connect most women directly with menopause (climacteric). The women are suddenly caught several times a day by heat waves. They also blush, and the heart beats faster. Almost all menopausal women plague the unwanted heat attacks. Hot flashes are among the five most common climacteric symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sleep disorders
- Depressive symptoms
- Loss of libido
- Weight gain
- Heat spurts
Causes and Risk Factors
- Hot flushes are most commonly associated with menopause. The exact mechanism of how it comes to heat shots is still unclear. The production of the sex hormone, estrogen decreases during menopause which influences the body’s heat regulation.
- Antiestrogens: drugs like tamoxifen or toremifene block the docking sites for estrogen on any cancer cells that still exist – so they cannot multiply.
- Aromatase inhibitors block estrogen production in muscle and fat cells.
- GnRH analogs indirectly cause the ovaries to release less estrogen.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypo Diabetes
- Allergy
- Tumors of the endocrine system
When to see a doctor?
If the menopause cannot be the reason for the hot flashes (due to your age), you should also consult a doctor. It is essential to exclude possible diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, allergies or tumors as a cause.
Diagnosis
- Gynecological examination
- Blood test
- Colonoscopy
- CT
- MRI
Treatment and Management
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Physical therapies
- Sleep in cool rooms and use cotton sheets.
- Learn a relaxation exercise, such as autogenic training, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Drink less coffee, black tea, and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Choose clothes made of natural fibers.
- Move enough