What Increases Your Risk of Hot Flashes?
Published: Jan 06, 2024
Certain factors can make hot flashes more frequent or severe. Let's find out what they are.
Contents
Weight and Lifestyle
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of hot flashes. Women with more body fat may experience more intense symptoms. Smoking is another risk factor. It's believed that nicotine affects estrogen levels, which could trigger hot flashes.
Education and Economics
Surprisingly, socioeconomic factors play a role too. Women with less education or those struggling financially may experience more hot flashes. This could be due to increased stress or limited access to healthcare resources.
Hormones and Genetics
Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), can also influence hot flashes. Genetics play a part as well; variations in certain genes, like the TACR3 gene, have been linked to increased risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, higher body fat can increase the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Smoking may worsen hot flashes by affecting estrogen levels.
Genetic factors, like variations in TACR3, can increase the risk of hot flashes.
Key Takeaways
Understanding what increases your risk can help you take control and find ways to manage hot flashes.
Curious about your hot flash risk factors? Discuss them with Doctronic now!Related Articles
References
Grodin JM, Siiteri PK, MacDonald PC. Source of estrogen production in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1973; 36:207.
Gold EB, Sternfeld B, Kelsey JL, et al. Relation of demographic and lifestyle factors to symptoms in a multi-racial/ethnic population of women 40-55 years of age. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 152:463.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.