“It’s getting Hot in here!” Menopause And Hot Flashes (409 hits)
No, I’m not reciting the lyrics of an extremely popular musician. I’m reciting the sentiments of numerous menopausal and pre-menopausal women. Hot flashes overheat three out of every four menopausal women. Marked by a sudden and intense heat that rises from the abdomen to the head, hot flashes are frequently associated with insomnia and heart palpitations.
What causes heat flashes? Hot flashes are a result of your body’s thermostat at work. Hot flashes are attributed to decreased production of the hormone estrogen. According to Dr. Joseph Sanfilippo, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, “There is a thermoregulatory center in the brain which wants to maintain your 98.6-degree body temperature. The brain has estrogen receptors, and for all these years estrogen has been a component in maintaining a normal temperature. When the estrogen levels begin to drop, this delicately balanced, estrogen-sensitive brain triggers a response to increase the body’s temperature.”
Don’t jump the gun by blaming all hot flashes on menopause. Hot flashes may be symptomatic of other conditions. Tell your doctor when you first experience hot flashes. Though far less common, there are other conditions that may result in a rush of heat to the body and face. In women, symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can equate with hot flashes, as well as symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. The National Women’s Health Information Center also points out that hot flashes, including sweating, palpitations and anxiety, are common side effects in women receiving chemotherapy or hormone therapy for breast cancer. A flushed sensation with increased heat to the face and head can also be a physiological result of acute stress.
Hot flashes are not something you have to live with. If they are extremely bothersome there are treatments that can subdue them. “The best treatment for hot flashes is estrogen replacement—period, bar none,” states Dr. Sanfilippo. “There are many studies from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supporting estrogen therapy for the treatment of hot flashes, so that’s where you start the discussion.” Risks have been associated with hormone therapy, though less so for low doses of estrogen therapy specifically. If you are interested in estrogen therapy, consult a doctor who understands your entire health history.
Estrogen therapy is not the only treatment for hot flashes. There are others:
Super information! Keep it up!
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 9:14AM
MIISRAEL Bride
Great post. Great video. I have the book, The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrup. Great book. This is my personal menopause guidebook. Due to having high blood pressure I was forced to change my diet last year. Since November 2008 I have been on a low salt diet. Also I don't eat dairy products other than cheese. I cannot drink milk or eat ice cream. Can only have soy milk, sherbert or sorbet. I don't eat any canned foods. Stopped eating meat altogether. I very seldom go to Mickey Ds, Wendy's or Popeyes. I eat fried chicken very seldom. I eat Turkey burgers, salads, fruit, carbohydrates,and some veggies. I need some carbs or heavy foods in my diet because I tend to lose weight. In no time I can become skin and bones. The other ladies in the locker room and women at my apartment complex laugh at me because I am so thin. I know fat and obesity is bad and can lead to various diseases but I would give anything to be 120lbs and not be the but of co-workers and neighbors jokes. Plus I am afraid of osteoporosis. My mother, her sister and my father's sister all had or have it. My mom was a very small woman. Maybe 90lbs when healthy and before she died, probably down to 70 75 pounds. Scary.
Friday, August 28th 2009 at 1:45PM
DeBorah Palmer
Also I wanted to add that for me the myths about memory loss and loss of s*x drive are just that...myths. My memory is great. I work in one of the largest museums in New York as a security guard and being that the job is extremely boring I amuse myself by memorizing all the paintings and sculptures in whatever section of the museum to which I have been assigned. My memory is excellent. Once I locate an artwork I committ it to memory and when a visitor asks me where a particular artwork is located I can tell the the artist, name of the artwork, the floor and section where it is located. They think I'm a genius. Not! Just doing my job and it's an easy job to do.
As for my s*x drive. It is good. Same feelings and emotions as when I was in my 20s and 30s except now I don't act on my hormones. Therefore since I am single and their are no suitable s*x partners for availble for me I have been celibate for three years. I miss the intimacy of being with a man but I channel my s*xual energy into my writing, reading, research and analysis. Perhaps one day Mr. Right will come along but at age 50 I'm not holding my breath. I love men and the passion is still there but common sense and maturity prevails over animal drives. Basically ain't no man out there ages 45 to 65 worth having s*x with. Most males are just a waste of time and energy. I also know that I can just tire myself out by working excessive overtime and overwork will subdue and kill anyone's s*x drive!! DeBorah
