Collection: Hot Flashes

MENOPAUSE
SKINCARE

THE FACTS

What are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, experienced by many women as they transition through this phase of life. They are characterised by a sudden feeling of intense warmth, often accompanied by sweating, redness of the skin, and a rapid heartbeat. The exact cause of hot flashes is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to the following factors:

  1. Hormonal Changes: The primary cause of hot flashes is the decline in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause. Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s temperature control center in the hypothalamus. As estrogen levels drop, this regulation becomes erratic, leading to sudden and unpredictable episodes of heat.
  2. Blood Vessel Changes: The fluctuation in hormone levels can cause blood vessels to expand and contract rapidly. This vasomotor instability leads to an increase in blood flow to the skin’s surface, causing the sensation of heat and redness.
  3. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger hot flashes or make them worse. The body’s stress response involves the release of adrenaline, which can affect body temperature regulation.
  4. Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as consuming hot drinks, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger hot flashes. Similarly, smoking and being overweight are also linked to more frequent and severe hot flashes.

What can you do?