There are 34 acknowledged symptoms of menopause. In this series of posts, I will go over each one and hopefully offer up some helpful tips to get you through them.
Hot Flushes/Flashes
Probably the one most people think of when you think of menopause (if indeed you do think of menopause??)
Visions of ladies going red in the face and glowing (ladies do not sweat - they glow).
The Mayo Clinic tells us that hot flushes (hot flashes) are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting two-thirds of North American women with African American and Hispanic women having hot flushes for more years than white and Asian women. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence estimates that 1.5 million women – around 80% of those going through menopause – experience common symptoms such as hot flushes.
Lasting for up to 5 minutes, the reduction in oestrogen levels is responsible for triggering them. Although their exact cause still isn’t fully understood, it is thought to be the result of changes in the part of the brain that regulates your body temperature.
The body tries to cool you down by increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin.
This gives a red, flushed look to your face and neck. It may also make a woman perspire; another cunning way of the body trying to cool down.
Symptoms of hot flushes (flashes) can include:
A sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your chest, neck, and face
A flushed appearance with red, blotchy skin
Rapid heartbeat
Perspiration, mostly on your upper body
A chilled feeling as the hot flush lets up
Feelings of anxiety
Triggers:
There are some things that can trigger a hot flush - try reducing these to see if they help.
Stress
Caffeine
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Tight clothing
Heat
Cigarette smoke
Tips:
Dress in layers that can be removed at the start of a hot flush.
Carry a portable fan to use when one strikes.
Try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may cause more frequent and severe hot flushes.
Explore mind-body practices. Some early-stage research has shown that hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation could help you manage the retched things.
HRT - One of the main treatments for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy - (I will cover this in another post)
Natural remedies - there is some evidence that isoflavones or black cohosh may relieve symptoms. However:
multiple preparations are available and their safety is uncertain
different preparations may vary
interactions with other medicines have been reported.
so refer to your GP before trying.
Carry a cooling spray. Keep a small spray bottle in your bag, or close to hand when at home. Fill it with water and give yourself a little spritz to help cool down.
Take a lukewarm shower. When you take a shower, aim for a temperature that’s a happy medium rather than too hot.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. Following a healthy lifestyle can help with many other symptoms of menopause, not just hot flushes.
Jennifer Young does a whole range of products to help you through menopause. Their Motivating Morning Facial Spritz contains Geranium and provides instant relief from hot flushes.
• Geranium contains natural levels of oestrogen which can help to combat the effects of the menopause on your skin
• Suitable for use on all skin types including skin affected by Psoriasis, Eczema and other forms of Dermatitis
• A spray toner ideal to use after cleansing as part of a morning skincare routine
• Made with only natural and organic ingredients, and contains no synthetics.
• Vegetarian and Vegan friendly
(I am not on commission!!)
Some women breeze through with no hot flushes but those of us not so lucky will appreciate how bad physically, and mentally, they can be. If you are not coping refer to your GP - don't suffer in silence, please get help.
Next post - Symptom #2 Hot flushes' nasty relation.....NIGHT SWEATS!!!!!
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790 (Accessed 7 February 2022)
https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-hot-flashes (Accessed 7 February 2022)