Think menopause and many women think of hot flushes. But what are they exactly and how can you get them under control?
Women can begin to experience hot flushes even before menopause, and only two out of ten women don’t get hot flushes as a symptom of menopause. If you’re one of the other eight, here’s what those hot flushes are and how you can alleviate them.
ALSO SEE: Am I Going Through Menopause?
What are hot flushes?
Hot flushes are when you suddenly feel hot and get a red, flushed face and neck. You might also start to sweat a lot.
It depends on the individual how often hot flushes occur – it can range from only a few a week to several an hour in severe cases. (Night sweats refer to when you get hot flushes during the night.)
What causes hot flushes?
The exact cause of hot flushes isn’t known, but it can most likely be attributed to several factors, including:
- Changes in reproductive hormones
- Changes in your hypothalamus (your body’s thermostat)
Hot flushes start when blood vessels near the skin’s surface start to widen and let more blood through in order to cool down. This is why your face and neck turn red. The widened vessels and increased blood flow make you break out in a sweat. Some women also have a rapid heartbeat when they get hot flushes.
Risk factors for hot flushes include:
- Smoking – Female smokers seem to get more hot flushes as opposed to non-smokers.
- Obesity – A high body mass index (BMI) seems to be associated with a higher frequency of hot flushes.
ALSO SEE: Well-being practice used by Gwyneth Paltrow could help ease mental symptoms of menopause
Symptoms of hot flushes
The symptoms of hot flushes include:
- Sudden warmth spreading through your upper body and face
- A flushed appearance
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating, mostly on the upper body
- Feeling chilly when the hot flush is over.
How long do hot flushes last?
While a hot flush itself may just last a few minutes, you can suffer from them for years, unfortunately. On average, hot flushes last about 7 years. If they are very severe and interfere with your work, for instance, you should make a plan to see your doctor.
Tips to relieve symptoms of hot flushes
Luckily there are some things you can do to make your hot flushes less severe or less frequent. These include getting rid of stress, cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and spicy food and avoid wearing tight clothing.
ALSO SEE: 7 Surprising Perimenopause Symptoms
Femolene Ultra
Femolene Ultra is formulated with isoflavones, vitamins and minerals, and helps to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and menopause, including:
- Mild to moderate hot flushes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Food cravings
- Bloating
- Insomnia
Femolene Ultra SR
Femolene Ultra SR is a one-a-day slow release tablet formulated with isoflavones, vitamins and minerals to help alleviate the symptoms of PMS and menopause. It assists with:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Food cravings
- Bloating
- Insomnia
ALSO SEE: Can You Delay Menopause? These Foods Could Help
Menopause SR
Femolene Menopause SR has been formulated for women with severe menopause symptoms and helps to alleviate:
- Severe hot flushes
- Severe night sweats
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
Join the Menopause Mzanzi Facebook Support Group for moral support from others going through the same changes and symptoms that you are.
Available online and at selected pharmacies.
