Technically, menopause does not begin until a year has passed since your final menstrual period. In the United States, this occurs on average at age 51. However, the signs and symptoms of menopause can begin well in advance of your final period. The actual symptoms experienced, as well as their severity and duration can vary among women. One of the most common symptoms of menopause is the hot flash, but cold flashes are just as likely, especially in the feet.
Menopause
Often thought of as the "end" of womanhood, menopause is just the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It is a natural, biological process that can trigger both physical and emotional symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. The fluctuation in hormones is what causes menopausal symptoms, which can include hot flashes, cold flashes, irregular periods, fatigue, sleep disturbances, night sweats and chills, mood swings, increased abdomen fat and thinning hair or hair loss.
Cold Sensations
Cold sensations, sometimes referred to as cold flashes or chills, are feelings of cold often accompanied by shivering. A chill from cold weather is common, but when a cold sensation occurs in an unexpected situation, typically, there is a medical reason. According to the University of Illinois Medical Center, chemicals travel through the bloodstream to the brain, which is the part of the body that regulates temperature. This causes the brain to raise the normal temperature set point and the body will shiver to raise its temperature to meet the new set point.
Significance
The reason for cold sensations, as well as hot flashes, is thought to be from the reduction of estrogen levels, which causes hormonal and biochemical imbalances, according to the 34 Menopause Symptoms website. The hypothalamus, located in the brain, regulates body heat and when estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus discharges chemicals that cause blood vessels to expand. This expansion results in cold sensations.
Treatment
Hormone therapy is the most popular course of action. Estrogen replacement therapy is an effective treatment of body temperature regulation. Some other medications, such as low dose antidepressants, gabapentin and clonidine, can help reduce hot flashes, thereby reducing cold flashes, according to MayoClinic.com. Eating a well balanced diet, exercising regularly and drinking plenty of water can help reduce menopause symptoms. Avoiding smoking, alcohol and caffeine can help as well. Wear layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes. The 34 Menopause Symptom website suggests getting up and moving around to increase blood circulation during cold sensations.
Considerations
Menopause is not a medical condition that can be cured. Likewise, there is not way to avoid menopause. All treatments are geared toward alleviating symptoms. If you feel your menopause symptoms are severe and interfering with your daily life, consult your doctor.
