Stay Cool During Menopause Hot Flashes

The onset of menopause can send signs of terror through most women. Most remember watching their moms suffer through this life changing period and if asked what was their most vivid recollection of that period, you can bet the answer in a lot of cases would be menopause hot flashes.

What Are Menopause Hot Flashes?

In short, hot flashes are are a feeling of warm sensation which leads to episodes of sweat mainly in the upper body region. Heat around the neck and head accompany hot flashes and the term used to describe this menopausal sympton at night is simply "night sweats."

We do know that it can strike just before the menopause and that it can occur at any time during the day and night. The reason why it happens is still a little unclear.We do know that there is a strong correlation with estrogen formation. Women who experience menopause hot flashes receive almost instant relief when treated with estrogen replenishment. It was also observed that menopause hot flashes occur more in American, Australian and Western European women. The rest and particularly Asian women have fewer attacks of menopause hot flashes, though nobody knows exactly why.

Medically Challenged By Menopause Hot Flashes

Medical researchers understand that menopause hot flashes have to originate from the brain where the thermostat of the body is located. The fact that it affects some women more than others is a little baffling. The research that is being carried out on mice is highly inadequate in terms of human application since mice do not actually get menopause. Mice reproduce until they die which make them the wrong candidate for testing.

It has been suggested in some circles that there is a core zone within a neutral zone in the brain. This core area is about 0.7 degrees F and present in all humans. If the temperature rises above it, it cause sweating (overheating) and if it goes below it will cause shivering (cold). This neutral area will shrink to almost nothing so the slightest rise in temperature can cause a massive heat up of the body. The mystery still remains: why does this neutral almost vanish? On going research continues in this area.

Some Precautions To Consider

There are some precautions women can consider if menopause hot flashes are frequent. In the case of night sweats, food intake should be avoided between 3-4 hours of going to bed. Alcohol and caffeine are a definite no no during this period and even exercise should be avoided. Wearing lighter night clothes is recommended and in some cases, women have even been know to lower the room temperature.

As far as daytime occurences are concerned, obviously avoiding stressful situations is highly recommended but again, intake of alcohol and caffeine should be kept to the barest of minimums and consider lighter clothing; cotton is suggested as ideal. Exercise between 30-45 minutes a day.

These are just some suggestions which may prove helpful for menopause hot flashes but for a greater analysis, a visit to your doctor is also higly recommended.

Follow A Good Menopause Diet