Collection: Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

To manage hot flashes/night sweats, consider hormone therapy, other medications, and lifestyle changes. Simple steps like dressing in layers, using a fan, and maintaining a healthy weight can help with mild symptoms. You might find it beneficial to work with a healthcare provider trained in mind-body practices like clinical hypnosis or cognitive behavioral therapy. Weight loss can also help. 

The decline in estrogen levels during menopause triggers hot flashes by affecting your body's temperature control center in the brain. This can cause blood vessels to dilate, increased blood flow to the skin, sweating, and sometimes chills as your body cools down. 

The duration of hot flashes varies. While some people (a minority) may experience them for the rest of their lives, most see a significant decrease a few years after their last period as hormone levels stabilize. 

Yes, it's possible to continue having hot flashes after perimenopause and menopause. While they may decrease for many, some people experience them for years or even lifelong. 

A hot flash can feel like a sudden wave of heat, especially in your upper chest and face. You might sweat, get red blotches on your skin, feel a fast heartbeat, and feel anxious. As your body tries to cool down, you might also feel a chill. 

Yes, certain foods are associated with triggering hot flashes. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. If you notice certain foods make your hot flashes worse, consider reducing your intake.

Yes, there are FDA-approved treatments for hot flashes, including hormone therapy and nonhormone medications. Discuss the best options with your healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions like heart disease or a history of breast cancer.

Hot flashes can significantly impact your quality of life. They can disrupt sleep, affect your mood, and make you feel uncomfortable. Finding effective ways to manage them can make a big difference not only in how you feel day to day, but also the impact on your work and relationships.

Night sweats can really disrupt your sleep, but there are things you can do to help. Consider using breathable bedding, keeping your bedroom cool, and using a fan. You might also want to try relaxation techniques or talk to your doctor about medications that can help.

Some people find natural remedies like black cohosh, soy, and flaxseed helpful for hot flashes. However, talk to your doctor before trying new supplements to avoid interactions with other medications or side effects. These are not recommended as treatments for moderate to severe hot flashes because the haven’t been shown to be effective.

Hot flashes are common during menopause, but they can also be related to other health issues or treatments, like certain medications or surgeries. If you're experiencing hot flashes outside of menopause, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.

Yes, certain antidepressants like SSRIs can help treat hot flashes in some people. These medications can be particularly helpful for those who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether these medications are right for you.

For breast cancer survivors, hot flashes can be a challenging symptom related to treatments. It’s worth a discussion with your provider, but you may be limited with your treatment options due to the risk of hormone-sensitive cancer recurrence. Non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle adjustments become crucial in managing hot flashes for this group.

Yes, stress management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress. Reducing overall stress may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Lifestyle changes that can help alleviate mild hot flashes include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding triggers like spicy foods and caffeine, dressing in layers, and using cooling devices like fans. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also contribute to overall comfort. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting or changing an exercise program.

Alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal supplements may offer relief from hot flashes for some people. But according to national guidelines, they aren’t considered effective treatments. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe and won't interact with other treatments.