Hot flashes are the most common symptom reported by women during pre-menopause and menopause, according to MayoClinic.com. Although they are normal and three out of four women experience them, hot flashes are uncomfortable and can happen at any time.
Causes
The cause of hot flashes is not known, but it is speculated that they are caused by changes in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls temperature, according to the North American Menopause Society. If the hypothalamus gets a signal that the body is too warm, a series of events happen to begin cooling. Blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate to increase blood flow and help dissipate heat. This causes the skin to become flushed and the accompanying feeling of heat.
Effects
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of intense heat on the face, neck and upper body. There is a noticeable red flush on the skin and some women get red blotches on their chest, arms and back. The National Institute on Aging reports that a hot flash lasts from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and is either very mild or strong enough to cause sweating. An increase in pulse and heart rate pounding also can accompany a hot flash. After a hot flash, a woman can feel cold and even shiver. Some women report a feeling of anxiety at the time of the hot flash, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Types
Hot flashes at night are known as "night sweats." Some women experience hot flashes at night that cause them to wake up, feel too warm and even sweat. This can disturb normal sleeping habits and cause fatigue during the day. Women with night sweats will often awake in the night and find their clothing damp with perspiration, further disrupting sleep.
Duration
Women begin to experience hot flashes as their estrogen levels drop during menopause. Although women respond differently to this change in hormones, most cases of hot flashes last three to five years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some women might find that symptoms lingering, and women that have had surgery to remove their ovaries usually experience more severe hot flashes than those that enter menopause naturally.
Complications
Hot flashes are not dangerous and are considered a normal occurrence for women going through menopause. The only complication comes when they occur often at night, interrupting sleep and causing fatigue. Measures can be taken to help make for a restful sleep, such as choosing cool fabrics to sleep in and using fans or air conditioning.
