Hot Flashes

Hot flashes typically occur due to changes in hormone levels, especially during menopause. Your body’s internal thermostat gets confused, and you will suddenly feel like you stepped into a sauna! They can happen at the worst times, making them even more embarrassing for women who are struggling with constant hot flashes every day.

Hot flashes last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. They may come and go for a few months or stick around for years. They can be problematic for women who have them regularly and find themselves hot flashing at the most inopportune times, such as during important presentations at work or while spending time with family and friends.

Not always! While they are most common during perimenopause and menopause, other factors like stress, certain medications, or even spicy foods can trigger them. Unfortunately, they often come about unannounced for most men and women.

Yes, they can! Men sometimes experience hot flashes, especially if they have hormonal changes due to medical treatments or conditions. However, it is often associated with women during “the change.”

There are plenty of ways to turn down the heat! Dressing in layers, using a fan, or sipping on cool drinks can help. Avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods also works wonders in keeping these hot flashes under control. For persistent or severe hot flashes, a healthcare provider like Dr. Saima Jehangir and her team at Alchemy Wellness can recommend treatments.

While hot flashes are often uncomfortable, they are a normal part of life for many adults going through the change and experiencing hormonal fluctuations. Fortunately, solutions like hormone replacement therapy can help in balancing out the hormones and reducing hot flashes and other common hormone-related problems. Talking with a provider at Alchemy Wellness might be the first step in tackling hot flashes once and for all!