Cause, Effect and Elimination of Menopause Hot Flashes

By Claire Andrews

Hot flashes are one of the most commonly reported symptoms of menopause. They are characterized by an intense feeling of heat that begins on the face and may spread throughout the body. Hear palpitations, dizziness, headaches and profuse sweating may accompany menopause hot flashes. The skin of the face takes on a characteristic red flush.

Chills often follow hot flashes and their night time version, night sweats. The entire experience may last for a few seconds, several minutes, or in some cases up to an hour. They can occur any time, and there is no limit to the number of hot flashes a woman may experience in any amount of time.

What Causes Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are just one of many possible responses to decreasing levels of estrogen within the body that occurs during menopause. The decrease in estrogen causes the hypothalamus to malfunction. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain which controls body temperature among other things. Exactly why diminishing levels of estrogen affect the hypothalamus is unclear, but the body’s response to the malfunction are all too clear.

During a hot flash, the body’s heat releasing mechanisms respond to the hypothalamus registering too high a body temperature. Sweating, a faster heart beat and increased circulation results as the body attempts to cool itself down. Skin temperature can increase by as much as six degrees during a hot flash, and the subsequent drop in temperature can be equally discomforting.

Do All Women Experience Hot Flashes?

The majority of women – an estimated 85% of women in the U.S. - do experience some form of hot flashes prior to and following the onset of menopause. Only 10 to 15% experience severe hot flashes for prolonged periods of time.

Several factors may influence the occurrence, intensity and duration of hot flashes. Women who experience a fast transition through menopause are likely to experience more intense hot flashes. Surgical or medically induced menopause also tends to increase the severity of hot flashes. Breast cancer also may be associated with more intense and severe hot flashes. Smokers may experience more intense hot flashes, while heavy set women may experience less severe ones.

What Treatments are Available?

Many treatment options are available for women seeking relief from hot flashes. Lifestyle and dietary adjustments and alternative therapies effectively alleviate menopause hot flashes for the majority of women.

In more severe or stubborn cases, HRT is another treatment option, although it should be used with caution due to its association with health risks. Women should consult with their doctors before trying any treatment for hot flashes, including natural or alternative therapy approaches.

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