Few symptoms are more closely associated with menopause than the hot flush.
One moment you feel perfectly comfortable.
The next, an intense wave of heat seems to rise through the body, often followed by sweating, reddening of the skin and occasionally a racing heartbeat.
At night, the same process can become a night sweat and disturb sleep.
Why do hot flushes happen?
Changing hormone levels can affect the part of the brain involved in temperature regulation.
This can make the body’s internal thermostat more sensitive.
A temperature change that previously caused no noticeable reaction may now trigger heat loss mechanisms such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin.
Look for your triggers
Triggers vary between women, but some commonly report that flushes become worse after:
alcohol
caffeine
very hot drinks
spicy meals
stress
warm rooms
A short diary can be surprisingly helpful.
You do not need to record your life indefinitely. A week or two may be enough to identify an obvious pattern.
Practical measures
Simple measures can include:
dressing in removable layers
keeping the bedroom cooler
choosing breathable nightwear
keeping water nearby
reducing a trigger if you discover one
maintaining regular physical activity
Stress management may also help some women, particularly where anxiety appears to trigger or intensify flushing.
When to seek advice
Not every episode of sweating or flushing is necessarily caused by menopause.
If symptoms are new, severe, associated with other unexplained symptoms, or causing major disruption, discuss them with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
You do not have to simply endure severe symptoms.
The objective is not to compete over who can “cope” with menopause best.
It is to discover what helps your body.
Internal links
Article 1
Article 4: Poor Sleep
Article 5: Palpitations
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