Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth which are usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. They may also be accompanied by red, blotchy skin and profuse sweating.
Hot flashes are extremely common during perimenopause and menopause, affecting up to 80% of women. They occur when the body's internal thermostat becomes destabilized, likely due to changing hormone levels. Declining estrogen is thought to disturb serotonin and norepinephrine, which help regulate body temperature.
Some key facts about hot flashes:
If you're experiencing troublesome hot flashes, relief may be available. Vitality Hormone Center offers cutting-edge hormone therapy tailored to your individual needs. Our compassionate providers create customized treatment plans to help you feel like yourself again. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation!
What triggers hot flashes?
Common hot flash triggers include:
How are hot flashes diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose hot flashes based on symptoms alone, without the need for tests. However, they may order blood tests to measure hormone levels to help determine if perimenopause or menopause is approaching or has begun. This can confirm that hormone changes are likely driving the hot flashes.
What is the treatment?
For mild cases, lifestyle adjustments like wearing breathable clothing, lowering room temperature, and avoiding triggers can help. Regular exercise may also relieve symptoms.
For moderate to severe hot flashes, the most effective treatment is hormone therapy containing estrogen with or without progestin. This restores declining hormones to more youthful levels. Other prescription options include low-dose antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) or clonidine (Catapres).
If you have unrelenting hot flashes impacting your quality of life, consult a menopause specialist like those at Vitality Hormone Center. Personalized care makes all the difference!