From the day you have your first period to finding out that you are pregnant followed by childbirth, your body indeed undergoes many changes. If menstrual cramps leave you depressed so much so that you wished menopause was near, then wait till you get there. That’s because menopause too brings with it a host of issues. One such problem is hot flashes, which is common among women who have either stopped menstruating or are about to.
If you are feeling confused and anxious already, then here’s a lowdown on everything you need to know about hot flashes.
What are hot flashes?
Hot flashes are typically a feeling of intense warmth and sweating that may last from 30 seconds to a few minutes around the head and neck region. Doctors suggest that a drop in estrogen levels among women approaching menopause is the primary cause behind hot flashes.
Symptoms of hot flashes
Usually a hot flash brings with it a host of other uncomfortable sensations in a woman’s body. Heart palpitations, a heavy feeling in the head, nausea, weakness and dizziness are some of the most known symptoms of hot flashes. It may also be followed by skin redness, perspiration and finally a cold and sticky feeling.
Prevention
Frankly speaking, hot flashes cannot be prevented. But there are a few lifestyle changes that can ease the feeling of intense heat in your upper body. Some of them are:
- Drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily. This may lessen the feeling of discomfort.
- Avoid consuming too much caffeine and alcohol as both can aggravate hot flashes.
- Chocolate and red wine are culprits too. Since avoiding them completely is difficult, you can always cut down their intake.
- Regular exercising is a great idea as endorphins produced can decrease hot flashes.
- Choose comfortable cotton clothing instead of tight outfits all the time.
- Stop smoking.
Treatment
If the hot flash is a just one-off thing, then you need not bother too much about it. However, it’s time to visit your gynaecologist, when a hot flash interferes with your life – when it disturbs your sleep or causes major discomfort at the workplace.
Estrogen is by far the most effective medication available to relieve hot flashes. It can either be taken as a pill or applied as a cream in the vagina but not until you speak to your gynaec!
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