Hot flashes are a common side effect of menopause, experienced by three out of four women, according to MayoClinic.com. These are often bothersome and uncomfortable responses to the natural decline in estrogen. Many times women hear about hot flashes from other women and may wonder what they feel like and how to identify them. Although quite normal it is wise to seek the advice of a medical professional to confirm menopause.
Flushed Appearance
A flushed appearance is one the most common characteristics of a hot flash. The blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate and blood flow increases to dissipate heat. Sometimes a woman finds this embarrassing because it usually shows in her face and upper body. It is speculated that the hypothalamus gets a wrong signal that the body is too warm, initiating a response to cool down, according to the North American Menopause Society.
Perspiration
Perspiration is another characteristic that may show up with a hot flash. The body, in trying to cool down will sometimes perspire. This cools the skin. Not all women get this sweaty feeling with a hot flash but it is one of the possibilities. When it happens at night it is called a night sweat.
Intense Heat
A hot flash is a feeling of intense heat that usually begins in the upper body. Some women feel the warmth in their chest or back which will then spread to the face and neck. Sometimes it will be a mild heat, while other times it will seem extreme. This feeling can last from a few seconds to several minutes. According to MayoClinic.com they can last longer, sometimes up to 30 minutes.
Rapid Heartbeat
The increase in blood flow that causes the hot flash and flushed appearance can sometimes be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, according to the web site, 34 Menopause Symptoms. This condition is called palpitations. The heart will beat rapidly or even feel as if it has skipped a beat. While this feels unpleasant and may seem frightening, it can be a symptom of the natural course of menopause and hot flashes. To rule out other concerns, a medical doctor should be consulted.
Chill
Along with perspiration, some women may experience a feeling of chill with a hot flash. This is a natural condition when the body begins to cool due to the moisture evaporating on the skin. It can occur as the hot flash is subsiding.
Anxiety
Many women report stress or anxiety preceding and accompanying the hot flash. Research published in the September 2006 issue of "Menopause" found that there is a correlation between anxiety and hot flashes. Women who can cope with stress have fewer hot flashes than those who do not cope well. Researchers studied the effects of "mindfulness-based" stress reduction, such as deep breathing and yoga, in menopausal women for 11 weeks. They saw a decrease of 40 percent in the severity of hot flashes for these women.
