Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced in the face, neck and chest. They are commonly associated with menopause, but can also affect women in the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) as well as men with prostate cancer or who have undergone prostate surgery.
Signs and symptoms of hot flashes include:
Hot flashes can last from 30 seconds up to 30 minutes. Most women have hot flashes for 1-2 years, though some continue getting them for many years after menopause starts.
What causes hot flashes?
Hot flashes are primarily caused by decreasing levels of the female hormone estrogen during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen plays an important thermoregulatory role, helping the body maintain consistent internal temperature. Declining estrogen causes blood vessels near the skin's surface to open rapidly, resulting in flushing and sweating as the body loses heat.
Stress, spicy foods, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol can trigger or worsen hot flashes. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle may help reduce frequency and severity. For those with frequent, severe symptoms interfering with daily life, hormone therapy may provide relief.
At Hormone Wellness Center, our experienced physicians develop customized bioidentical hormone therapy for both men and women to help patients find relief from vasomotor symptoms. Contact us today for a consultation! We accept most major insurance plans.