What is a hot flush? What are its characteristics, causes, consequences, and options to alleviate this phenomenon? Here are the answers to your questions.
A hot flush is a physical disorder that can be truly bothersome and disruptive in everyday life, more common in women than in men.
What is a hot flush and what are its main causes?
Hot flushes, also called "night sweats," are generally characterized by a sudden and temporary heat wave. They typically affect the face and neck and are often followed by sweats and chills. They represent a hormonal imbalance that appears more frequently at night. A phenomenon that proves uncontrollable.
The different causes of hot flushes are mainly hormonal.
Firstly, they are most often caused by menopause. Indeed, menopause leads to hormonal changes, such as a decrease in estrogen, hormones that regulate body temperature. A second cause of hot flushes is hysterectomy, the removal of the ovaries. This operation causes hormonal upheavals similar to menopause. Finally, the third cause is pregnancy. Indeed, this event causes many hormonal changes (hot flushes) that can cause the dilation of small blood vessels located directly under the skin.
Other lesser-known causes...
Other lesser-known causes can also trigger these famous hot flushes.
Firstly, there is hyperthyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland (a small gland at the base of the neck secreting hormones essential for optimal body function) "acts" excessively, leading to an excess of heat. Another cause of hot flushes is hypoglycemia. In the case of hypoglycemia, the blood sugar level drops, and the body produces a substance that increases sweating to cope with the lack of sugar.
Also, be aware that in breast cancer, chemotherapy as well as anti-estrogen treatments can trigger early menopause followed by hot flushes. These can also affect men with andropause (corresponding to a decrease in testosterone): this can be compared to menopause.
Finally, apart from the many hormonal reasons, hot flushes can occur due to allergies, food intolerances, degraded diet, stress, or even poor lifestyle habits (alcohol, salt, tobacco, caffeine, etc.).
Hot flushes: what are the consequences?
"Night sweats" directly influence the quality of sleep, which can lead to overwork, exhaustion, and stress. It is also important to note that some discomfort may be felt when they occur in public.
Finally, following a hot flush, a sudden cooling may occur, causing discomfort due to the temperature difference felt. In rather rare cases, hypothermia can occur (below 35°C) or fever (above 38°C).
What options are available to you to alleviate hot flushes?
Various options exist to prevent or alleviate this phenomenon of hot flushes. It is recommended to engage in sustained physical activity, not to consume alcohol excessively, not to consume overly spicy foods, but also and above all to relax.
Moreover, there are specific treatments that can be prescribed by a doctor when hot flushes are caused by hormonal imbalance. It should also be noted that areas such as acupuncture, meditation, nutrition therapy, and phytotherapy are also recommended methods to cope with sweats.
Finally, also consider that hot flushes can be caused by food intolerances or illnesses, for example, hyperthyroidism. In any case, it is advisable to seek the advice of a doctor.