Hot Flashes

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Video: Hot Flashes

Video: Hot Flashes
Video: Managing Hot Flashes 2024, March
Hot Flashes
Hot Flashes
Anonim

Menopause is a period in which there is an irreversible cessation of ovarian function, cessation of the menstrual cycle and inability to conceive. Menopause is not a disease, but a normal aging process in women's lives.

The heat waves are one of the most characteristic symptoms of menopause. They affect almost all women who are entering or are already in menopause. The frequency and severity of hot flashes varies from woman to woman.

In themselves, heat waves are a sudden surge of heat that floods the body. The unpleasant sensation may occur against the background of redness and sweating. They can occur both during the day and at night. In addition to sweating, hot flashes can also cause chills, a fast and uneven pulse. Their duration varies and usually lasts between 30 seconds and a few minutes.

Causes of hot flashes

The exact reasons for the appearance of heat waves, but there are some factors that aggravate them. According to a number of doctors, hot flashes are the result of reduced levels of certain female hormones, such as estrogen. Its level decreases because during menopause ovarian function decreases and eventually stops.

Some antidepressants can also cause hot flashes. Alcohol is another negative factor. A menopausal woman is very likely to experience hot flashes after drinking alcohol. Smoking can also cause them because it speeds up blood circulation, which in turn warms the body. Caffeine also causes hot flashes.

Menopause
Menopause

Elevated body mass index can also be a factor in hot flashes, which is absolutely understandable - most pounds require more body activity.

In addition to menopause, hot flashes can be experienced at other stages of life. For example, some pregnant women experience them at different stages of their pregnancy, but they can in no way be compared to those during menopause.

Other factors that trigger hot flashes are tension, pain, stress and anger.

Heat wave treatment

Unfortunately, no drug has yet been invented to prevent hot flashes. There are certain ways and methods by which you can reduce the strength and frequency of their occurrence.

Cooling the body is the first moment in the fight against hot flashes. Tight clothing and high temperatures in summer should be avoided. In winter, the heaters should be at a moderate temperature, the room should not be too hot.

The temperature in the bedroom is extremely important - from 19 to 21 degrees in the bedroom is the healthiest.

The diet should be healthy and varied, it is good to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, to avoid fried, fatty, sugary and pasta foods.

Many women seek relief from the problem of practicing yoga, regular exercise and abdominal breathing. In any case, normal physical activity in combination with a healthy diet are important factors in overcoming the unpleasant symptoms during menopause.

In some cases, this period of a woman's life takes place not only with hot flashes, but also with other equally undesirable symptoms such as frequent mood swings, vaginal dryness, headache and loss of bone density, the latter being a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis.

Then it is best to switch to hormone replacement therapy, which is prescribed by a doctor. The downside is that long-term use of hormonal pills can cause serious problems such as bladder inflammation, a high risk of blood clots and even breast cancer. It is believed that hormone therapy should not last more than 5 years.

Fortunately, not only hormone replacement therapy can relieve unpleasant symptoms. Depending on the individual condition and complaints of each woman, blood control pills and mild antidepressants may be prescribed.

The intake of B-group vitamins as well as vitamin E has a positive effect on the reduction of heat waves. Some experts recommend black cohosh roots to reduce the strength and frequency of unpleasant menopausal symptoms.

It is found in pharmacies under the name Remifen. However, care should be taken with it because it is not recommended for people who have liver problems. It is best to consult a doctor before taking.

Citrus
Citrus

Eating in hot flashes

In the first place it is good to stop alcohol and cigarettes, to reduce caffeine intake. Menopausal women need more vitamin B, calcium and zinc, so the emphasis should be on the consumption of citrus fruits and dairy products.

Light foods are recommended to avoid fatty meats and spicy foods. Fresh fruit is very useful and cooling during the summer months. To avoid fluid retention, it is good to reduce salt. It is best to focus on whole grains and high-fiber vegetables. Fish and chicken, olive oil, nuts and seeds will help reduce body fat.

The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!

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