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Why Are You Feeling So Hot? Understanding Menopausal Symptoms
Published: Sep 30, 2023
Hot flashes are just one symptom of menopause, but they can be the most bothersome. Let's dive into why they happen.
What Are Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes are intense bursts of heat often affecting the upper body, especially the face and chest. They can cause sweating, increased heart rate, and sometimes chills. These episodes can last a few minutes and are often followed by a feeling of anxiety.
Why Do They Occur?
During menopause, your body undergoes hormonal changes that affect the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates body temperature. The drop in estrogen narrows the 'thermoneutral zone,' making you more sensitive to temperature changes, leading to hot flashes.
Nighttime Woes: Night Sweats
Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep, causing significant sleep disturbances. They are linked to waking episodes and can leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day. Managing them effectively is crucial for a good night's rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
They include sudden warmth, sweating, and sometimes chills.
They're due to hormonal changes affecting temperature regulation during menopause.
Night sweats are hot flashes occurring during sleep, often disrupting rest.
The Bottom Line
Hot flashes and night sweats are common menopausal symptoms, but understanding them can help manage their impact.
References
- Freedman RR. Physiology of hot flashes. Am J Hum Biol 2001; 13:453.
- Thurston RC, Sutton-Tyrrell K, Everson-Rose SA, et al. Hot flashes and subclinical cardiovascular disease: findings from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Heart Study. Circulation 2008; 118:1234.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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