Hot flushes in menopause
Hot
flushes are a common symptom of menopause
75-80% of women will have hot flushes
The
frequency and intensity vary
The exact causative mechanism is not
known
What are
hot flushes?
Experiencing hot flushes (also called flashes) is the feature that
has made the menopause famous by being the most common symptom of menopause. 75
– 80% of women will suffer these feelings of intense heat over the trunk and
face with an accompanying flushing of the skin.
In
general, they last less than 5 minutes, and the sweating that accompanies these
“attacks” usually starts a minute after the feeling of palpitations.
A hot
flush may be followed by a chill and some women may become aware that their
heart is beating fast or hard and they may feel anxious.
How
often and when do they happen?
The frequency of the flushing may range from one or two a day, to one
every 15-30 minutes. Flushing is more pronounced late in the day, during hot weather, after
ingestion of hot foods or drinks, or during periods of tension. If thoughts
about the general troubles of life don’t keep you awake at night, these babies
will, and they may lead to fatigue and depression. (Hot flushes at night are
called night sweats).
Many
women experience most of their hot flushes in the first year or two after
menopause, after which they gradually lessen. However, some women may have hot
flushes for several years.
What
causes hot flushes?
The exact mechanism is not known. Hot flushes are believed to be due
to a change in oestrogen levels which influences the hypothalamus (steering
centre in the central nervous system) in its control of the
temperature-regulating area in the midbrain.
The
severity and frequency of hot flushes are directly correlated with the reduction
of oestrogen levels over time. A premenopausal woman with a sudden drop of
circulating oestrogens, for example due to operative removal of the ovaries, is
more likely to experience hot flushes compared to a woman who has a gradual
decrease in oestrogens while entering her climacteric time frame.
What can
be done about hot flushes?
Here are some tips which may be helpful:
Keep
home and workplace cool.
Wear
loose clothing in layers that are easily removed.
Drink
plenty of water and juice. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods if they bring
on hot flushes.
Exercise
regularly to help stabilise hormones and prevent insomnia.
Avoid
confined spaces and hot, humid weather, if possible.
