Hot flashes are a feeling of warmth, sometimes associated with flushing that spreads over the body and sometimes followed by perspiration. They are a common symptom of menopause, but they can also be caused by other factors such as food and drink, medication side effects, stress, smoking, or wearing tight clothing.
There are different ways to deal with hot flashes, depending on their severity and frequency. Here are some possible options:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT involves taking estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes, but it also carries some risks, such as increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke or blood clots2. HRT is not recommended for everyone, especially women who have had or are at risk of these conditions. You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of HRT before starting it.
Alternative therapies
Some alternative therapies that may help with hot flashes include:
- Soy isoflavones, plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body and can bind to estrogen receptors. Soy isoflavones may help reduce hot flashes by mimicking the effects of estrogen. Soy isoflavones are found in soy foods such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh and edamame. Soy supplements are not recommended because they contain much higher doses of isoflavones than food sources and may not be safe or effective.
- Black cohosh, an herb that is believed to affect estrogen or serotonin receptors in the brain and reduce hot flashes. Black cohosh is available in capsules or tea form. Black cohosh may have some minor side effects such as stomach ache or rash. There are also reports of liver failure in some people who use black cohosh, which can be life-threatening. Black cohosh is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those who have breast cancer. There are no long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of black cohosh.
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or tai chi. These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger or worsen hot flashes. Relaxation techniques can also improve your mood and quality of life during menopause.
Self-care
Some simple lifestyle changes that may help you cope with hot flashes include:
- Keeping cool by dressing in layers, using a fan or air conditioner, lowering the room temperature or avoiding hot environments.
- Avoiding certain foods and drinks that can trigger hot flashes, such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.
- Quitting smoking if you smoke, as smoking can increase the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese, as excess body fat can increase your body temperature and make you more prone to hot flashes.
- Exercising regularly to improve your blood circulation, metabolism and mood. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent osteoporosis.
Antidepressants
Some antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Brisdelle), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), citalopram (Celexa), or escitalopram (Lexapro), can help reduce hot flashes by affecting the brain chemicals that regulate body temperature. These medications are not as effective as HRT, but they can be helpful for women who cannot use hormones or prefer not to. They may also have some side effects, such as nausea, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, dry mouth or sexual dysfunction. You should consult your doctor before taking any antidepressants.
Other prescription medications
Some other medications that may help with hot flashes include:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), an anti-seizure drug that can also affect the nerve signals that trigger hot flashes.
- Clonidine (Catapres), a blood pressure medication that can also reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), a drug used to treat overactive bladder that can also decrease sweating and flushing associated with hot flashes.
These medications may also have some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth or constipation. You should discuss the pros and cons of these drugs with your doctor.
We hope this information helps you find some relief from your hot flashes. If your symptoms are bothersome and interfere with your daily activities, you should see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
What are Cold Sweats? (Diaphoresis)
Cold sweats are sudden sweating episodes unrelated to heat or exertion. Instead of feeling too hot, they make you feel flushed and chilly all over, with moist and clammy palms.
- Causes:
- Fight-or-flight response: Anything triggering this response can lead to cold sweats.
- Shock: Cold sweats can occur during shock.
- Infection: Infections may cause cold sweats.
- Syncope (fainting): Fainting can result in cold sweats.
- Pain from injuries: Severe pain may lead to cold sweats.
- Heart attack: Cold sweats can be a symptom of a heart attack.
- Severe shortness of breath: Respiratory distress can cause cold sweats.
- Low blood glucose (sugar): Hypoglycemia may lead to cold sweats.
- Fear and anxiety: Emotional stress can trigger cold sweats.
- When to Worry:
- Cold sweats accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, cyanosis, rapid heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, or confusion may indicate a medical emergency. Seek immediate help if you experience these.
Here are some things you can try to treat your cold sweats
- Relaxation Techniques:
- Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may contribute to cold sweats.
- Dress Comfortably:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics. Opt for lightweight layers that allow your skin to breathe.
- Temperature Control:
- Keep your environment cool. Lower the room temperature or use a fan if needed.
- Remove excess layers of clothing to prevent overheating.
- Hydration:
- Stay well-hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate sweating.
- Drink cool water or non-alcoholic beverages to maintain proper fluid balance.
- Avoid Triggers:
- Certain foods and drinks can increase sweating. Limit your intake of caffeine and spicy foods.
- Quit smoking, as nicotine can contribute to sweating.
- Maintain Good Hygiene:
- Keep your skin clean and dry. Moisture can worsen cold sweats.
Remember, both hot flashes and cold sweats can vary in severity and may require different approaches based on their specific context. If you’re concerned, consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your situation. 🌡️❄️