Hot flashes and night sweats are some of the most common complaints experienced by women in menopause. This is a normal transition in life when the hormones, estrogen and progesterone begin to fall and a woman becomes infertile. According to the North American Society of Menopause, the average age of menopause is 51 years. When a woman has 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, she is officially in menopause. These hot flashes and night sweats can occur before, during and even after menopause. Although they are common for women during this time, it is important to check with a medical doctor to rule out any other reason for hot flashes or night sweats.
Biological Causes
It is not entirely understood why women during this time of transition get hot flashes or night sweats. However, the drop in estrogen seems to interfere with how the brain processes messages about the body's temperature. It is speculated that the hypothalamus, which controls this function, sends a signal to start cooling the body by dilating blood vessels near the skin's surface even inducing perspiration according to the North American Menopause Society and MayoClinic.com. Sometimes this is called a vasomotor response.
Weather and Heat
Sometimes a warm room can be the contributing factor to getting a hot flash or night sweats. Hot flashes at night, while asleep are called night sweats. The ideal room temperature for sleeping should be 65 degrees F and 70 degrees F during the day according to Dr. Christiane Northrup, a medical doctor who works in women's health issues. Cool night clothes are also helpful for avoiding these night sweats.
Hot weather can trigger hot flashes in some women. When the temperature rises the chances of getting hot flashes seems to rise as well. Many women find that wearing light clothing or layers of clothing that can be removed help temper the heat.
Foods and Drinks
Foods that are spicy or hot have a tendency to set off a hot flash for some women. Other women may not be sensitive to these foods. Hot drinks, wine and caffeine are also trigger foods that have been known to induce a hot flash.
Stress
Once women tune into their bodies they often find that stress prompts a hot flash. A small event or thought that is stressful often precedes the noticeable flushed feeling. Research published in the Sep-Oct 2006 issue of "Menopause" found that women can be taught how to cope with stress utilizing techniques of relaxation and yoga. After 11 weeks of training, these women reported a reduction in hot flashes.
Dr. Christian Northrup also recommends that women practice relaxation to cool hot flashes, based on the "Relaxation Response" by Dr. Herbert Benson, who claimed that 90 percent of women find relief from hot flashes with a practice of relaxation.
