What are hot flashes?
A hot flash occurs when you have a sudden sensation of heat in the upper body. This sensation is usually most intense in the face, chest and neck.
Flushing can cause a reddening of the skin, similar to blushing. It can also cause sweating. When too much body heat is lost, shivering is likely to follow.
As for hot flashes, they can also occur at night as night sweats, which can cause an interruption in sleep.
Prognosis of the disease
Having hot flashes per se is not serious, but in the long term they may have an impact on the patient’s quality of life. In any case, as soon as these hot flashes affect daily activities or nighttime sleep, it is advisable to see a specialist for treatment.
There is research indicating that women with hot flashes may have a higher risk of heart disease, as well as increased bone loss.
Hot flashes may affect daily activities.
Symptoms of hot flashes
At the time of a hot flash, a person may experience the following symptoms:
- Faster heartbeat.
- Sweating, especially in the upper body.
- Feeling anxious.
- Flushed face, with reddened skin and spots.
- Feeling of sudden heat, extending from the face to the chest.
- A shivering sensation when hot flashes begin to subside.
Medical tests for hot flashes
It is usual that the specialist can make a diagnosis of hot flashes based on the symptoms described. However, a blood test may also be required to verify that the patient is undergoing a transition to menopause.
What are the causes of hot flashes?
Generally, the cause of hot flashes is the change in hormone levels before, after and during menopause. However, it is not known exactly how these hormonal changes lead to hot flashes.
Can they be prevented?
There are women who go through menopause and do not have hot flashes, but the reasons why some do are unknown. What is known is that there are certain factors that can increase the risk:
- Smoking: women who smoke are more likely to have hot flashes.
- Race: Black women have hot flashes more often, and on the other hand, it is less common in Asian women.
- Obesity: a high body mass index is related to a higher frequency of hot flashes.
Treatments for hot flashes
The most effective way to alleviate the discomfort of hot flashes is to take estrogen, but it carries risks. If estrogen is indicated for the case and is started within 10 years of the last menstrual period or before the age of 60, the benefits may outweigh the risks.
On the other hand, drugs such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants can also be used to reduce hot flashes, although less effectively than hormones.
There are other medications and options that can be evaluated with the specialist, depending on the symptoms and the effect that hot flashes have on the quality of life. It should also be taken into account that they usually diminish with the passage of time, even without any treatment, but it can be a long process.
Which specialist treats it?
Hot flashes should be treated by a specialist in gynecology.