Hot Flushes: A Symptom of Menopause

It hits like a searing wave. A hot flush is a sudden rush of heat that makes you want to throw off your clothes and stick your head in the freezer.

Hot flushes usually begin in the neck and chest and rise quickly, sometimes making the face blushed and blotchy. A sweaty forehead, perspiring upper lip, and clammy hands follow close behind.

Doctors believe that hot flushes are caused by a decline in oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause. Most women who enter menopause experience a variety of symptoms due to changes in hormone levels. These changes may disturb the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and cause hot flushes and night sweats.

For some women, hot flushes are barely an inconvenience. For others, hot flushes can be embarrassing or even debilitating.  A powerful hot flush in the middle of an important meeting might cause anything from an uncomfortable distraction to a feeling of faintness. Women who experience sudden menopause, such as those who have had a hysterectomy, are likely to experience more severe hot flushes than women who reach menopause gradually.

Hot flushes can continue for years but generally subside as oestrogen levels stabilise. The flushes are not dangerous, but if severe and frequent hot flushes persist, they can cause insomnia that contributes to fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Fortunately, there are positive steps women can take to help relieve hot flushes, mood changes and other symptoms of menopause. Women can consider lifestyle changes, alternative treatments and even hormone replacement therapy.

Regular exercise and a healthy body weight can alleviate hot flush symptoms.

Try to avoid spicy foods, heavy clothing and stressful situations. Deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation are all constructive methods for reducing stress.

Natural preparations such as Remifemin Natural Menopause Support may help relieve symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and irritability. Remifemin is the world’s #1 natural menopause support and has been used by millions of women around the world for 60 years. Buy Remifemin now from our secure online shop.