Reasons Why You Suffer From Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can be incredibly annoying,
leaving you with a pounding heart, flushed skin and sometimes, a
sweat-stained shirt, causing a case of the chills. While it's true that
they are usually associated with menopause and perimenopause (the period
just before menopause), women (and men) can experience them. Yet, there
are a number of reasons why you could be experiencing hot flashes.
Below are the most common triggers, and what to do about them:
1. Menopause
Menopause is the most common cause of hot
flashes. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop releasing eggs and the
levels of estrogen and progesterone are lower. As a result, these
hormone changes can affect your body's ability to regulate temperature.
Tip: If you feel like your symptoms are severe, your doctor might
suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This type of medication
includes estrogen that helps manage hormone levels and relieve
menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats. However, be
aware that there are risks to undergoing HRT. According to the American
Cancer Society, studies have associated HRT with a higher risk of
breast cancer.
2. Breast cancer treatment
Hot flashes and night sweats may also be a side effect of breast cancer
treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy can cause premature menopause in
young women, and older women can go into menopause because of chemo.
Tip: To help manage your symptoms limit your consumption of spicy foods
and hot drinks and avoid hot showers, saunas, and triggers like stress
and alcohol. A great remedy will be to take a cool shower before going
to bed and lower the temperature in your bedroom. Sleep in cool sheets
and comforters which are made with natural materials, such as cotton,
linen, and silk.
3. Prescription meds
Hot flashes could be a side effect of many
common prescription drugs, primarily opioids, antidepressants, and some
osteoporosis drugs. Some steroids are used to treat swelling which can
also trigger hot flashes. Men who have had surgery to remove one or both
of their testicles can also experience hot flashes.
Tip: Keep an eye out for symptoms soon after taking a new course of
medication. If that is the cause, let your health care provider know
what's up so that they may switch you to a similar drug that doesn't
leave you feeling hot.
4. Excess weight
Body fat is metabolically active, which helps explain the links between
obesity and some cancers. Because excess weight can mess with your
metabolism, it can also promote hot flashes. While it may sound like a
predictable remedy, diet and exercise can bring relief, especially if
you are overweight or obese.
Tip: In a 2010 study from the University of California, it was found,
that obese women who ate healthily and exercised 200 minutes per week
were twice as likely to report fewer hot flashes.
5. Food allergies or sensitivities
We all experience a hot flash when we eat
very spicy food. But, if you have an unidentified food allergy or
intolerance, something else in your diet could be the cause. Alcohol,
caffeine, and additives like sulfites are common triggers.
Tip: Pay attention to how your body reacts the next time you ingest any
of them, and you may notice a correlation. If that doesn't help, speak
to a doctor, or a registered dietitian and look into a structured
elimination diet.
6. Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably. However, anxiety
refers to the physical side of emotions like stress, fear, or worry. A
racing heart and nervous fidgeting are two of the classic anxiety
symptoms. Feeling anxious can also cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Tip: Should anxiety be the cause of your hot flashes, remind yourself to
breathe - a simple exercise can help calm anxiety. Exercise,
meditation, and yoga are also effective anxiety busters.
7. A hot bedroom
hot flashes
Your body temperature naturally fluctuates
throughout the night, so it is common for women and men to wake up in
the middle of the night feeling hot or sweaty.
Tip: Turning down your thermostat or sleeping with fewer blankets or
clothes may be enough. You can also try cooling sheets and lightweight
comforters to prevent night sweats.