Hot flash

Hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth spreading over the body, often most strongly felt in the head and neck regions. Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause in women and may also be caused by other medical conditions or medications.

Causes

Hot flashes are primarily caused by the hormonal changes of menopause, but can also be affected by lifestyle and medications. A diminished level of estrogen has a direct effect on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center. Other factors that may induce hot flashes include hyperthyroidism, hypercalcemia, and tuberculosis.

Symptoms

Hot flashes, a common symptom of the menopausal transition, are typically experienced as a feeling of intense heat with sweating and rapid heartbeat, and may typically last from two to thirty minutes for each occurrence. The sensation of heat usually begins in the face or chest, although it may appear elsewhere such as the back of the neck, and it can spread throughout the whole body.

Treatment

Treatment for hot flashes has been typically hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although other drug treatments such as SSRIs and clonidine can provide relief. Lifestyle changes have also been proven effective, including avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, smoking and alcohol.

See also

• Menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Estrogen

References

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