Hot flashes - Peak Performance Hormone Institute

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced in the face, neck and chest. They are usually brief, lasting 2 to 30 minutes, but can vary significantly between women.

Hot flashes are linked to changing estrogen levels and are commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause. However, they may start before periods become irregular and can last for years after menopause. Things that can trigger hot flashes include stress, spicy foods, warm environments, caffeine and alcohol.

Some key facts about hot flashes:

• Over 75% of women experience them around menopause
• They result from decreased estrogen causing blood vessels near skin to dilate
• Night sweats are hot flashes occurring with sweating during sleep
• They may be associated with palpitations, anxiety, irritability, flushed skin red blotches on chest, arms and legs

Managing Hot Flashes

Lifestyle changes may help ease hot flashes:

• Layer lightweight, loose bedclothes and sleep in a cool room
• Lower room temperature and use fans, avoid insulators like resting on pillows
• Avoid triggers like stress, caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
• Practice slow deep breathing or other relaxation techniques when a hot flash starts
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight

If lifestyle measures fail, talk to your doctor about treatment options like:

• Hormone therapy - Estrogen or combined estrogen/progestogen therapy
• Certain antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs
• Gabapentin - an epilepsy and nerve pain medication
• Clonidine - a blood pressure medication

The compassionate and knowledgeable physicians at Peak Performance Hormone Institute specialize in menopause management including hot flashes. With personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs, Peak Performance Hormone Institute can help you navigate this transition smoothly. From customized bioidentical hormone therapy to lifestyle counseling, we've got you covered! Book an appointment to start feeling like yourself again.

I hope this overview on hot flashes was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.