Hot flashes: what they are, the causes and how to relieve the symptoms

Throughout life, a woman’s body undergoes many transformations that generate uncomfortable changes and side effects. We invite gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Ana Flávia Araújo Litwinczuk (CRM 128883) to clarify doubts about hot flashes, one of the symptoms that affect mature women during menopause. Learn what they are, the symptoms and treatments indicated.

What are hot flashes?

According to the gynecologist, “hot flashes are waves of heat, especially on the face, back of the neck and upper chest. They are associated with palpitation (increased heart rate) followed by sweating. These symptoms last for a short time and are accompanied by cold flashes (chills). It is suggested to seek medical help when the presence of hot flashes negatively affects the woman’s quality of life (20-25% of cases).”

Causes of hot flashes

“Hot flashes are caused by the narrowing of the thermoneutral zone in the hypothalamus, due to fluctuating estrogen levels during the climacteric period,” explains Dr. Ana Flavia. Here are other factors that contribute to hot flashes:

• Menopause Transition: “Symptoms most commonly occur in the menopausal transition and early post-menopause. In most patients, it lasts from 6 months to 2 years (82% of women have hot flashes for more than 1 year, 5 to 25% for more than 5 years and 15% for more than 15 years)”, explains the gynecologist.
• Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and smoking: these risk factors favor the presence of hot flashes in greater intensity, as well as induced menopause (surgical removal of the ovaries, after chemotherapy or radiotherapy).
• Lifestyle: the gynecologist warns that “there are situations that act as a trigger for hot flash events, such as: consumption of alcoholic beverages, stressful situations, consumption of hot drinks and strenuous physical activity.”

Hot flashes tend to disappear naturally after a few years, and in the case of women with milder symptoms, there is no need to indicate hormone replacement therapy.

how to relieve

There are several measures that can help reduce the intensity of hot flashes. We selected great tips, according to the information from the gynecologist. Check it out below:

1. Identify what triggers hot flashes

The gynecologist says that “these items can include external heat (such as a warm room or use of a hairdryer), stress, hot or spicy foods and drinks, as well as alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.”

2. Weight control

During this period, it is important to take care of your diet and increase your consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, nuts, milk, fiber, fish, lean meat, eggs and beans.

3. Keep your body cool throughout the day

The gynecologist advises “avoid clothes made of synthetic fabric, wool, silk, high and closed collars. Always prefer cotton fabrics, linen and fresh clothes.”

4. Keep your body cool overnight

Take a cool shower before bed and prefer to wear layered bedding that can be easily adjusted during the night. Avoid using comforters and, if you prefer, sleep in ventilated places.

5. Choose dry fit fabric sheets

“Opt for sheets that absorb moisture from the skin to the surface of the fabric, from where the moisture evaporates (dry fit),” advises Dr. Ana Flavia.

6. Drug therapies

The gynecologist informs that, in cases of “patients with high intensity of events (5-10 times a day), drug therapies are the most effective (hormone replacement therapy based on estrogen use, and non-hormonal therapy, based mainly on on antidepressants). In mild cases, the use of herbal substances such as evening primrose oil or cimicifuga racemosa can help.”

As we have seen, there are several tips to mitigate hot flashes, however, if they are very intense, the ideal is to consult a doctor so that these symptoms do not interfere with the woman’s quality of life. Enjoy and learn about natural remedies that help relieve the symptoms of menopause.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.