Understanding Hot Flashes: How it Affects Your Mind & Body

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Mood Swings Are Not Just in Teenagers!

Women in their 50s also experience the same. Menopause can bring irritability, anxiety, and even depression - totally normal, but treatable.

Menopause is a natural part of life that signals the end of a woman's ability to have kids (reproductive years). While it's a normal phase of ageing, menopause experience is often anything but straightforward. For lots of women, the symptoms can hit hard and turn life upside down. Hot flashes usually come to mind when people think about menopause, but they're just one part of the whole experience.

This blog explores the physical and emotional effects of menopause with a particular focus on the most common symptom - hot flashes, their causes, and how women can manage them effectively. But before hitting that let’s clear the basics first!

What is Menopause?

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman hasn't had a period for a whole year or 12 consecutive months. It usually takes place between the ages of 45 and 55. The time before menopause, called perimenopause, can bring a mix of symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other physical and emotional effects.

Women who smoke and are underweight usually experience menopause earlier, while those who are overweight might go through it later. On the whole, a woman's age at menopause often aligns with the age her mother went through it.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause symptoms can differ from person to person and can last for different lengths of time. Knowing these symptoms can help women handle them better and find the proper support or treatment.

• Irregular Periods
• Vaginal Dryness
• Hot Flashes
• Breast Tenderness
• Night Sweats
• Insomnia
• Increased Heart Rate
• Urinary Urgency
• Pain or Discomfort during sex
• Weight Gain
• Slower Metabolism
• Bone Density Loss
• Joint and Muscle aches
• Hair Loss or Thinning
• Memory Lapse, and many more.

Hormone changes lead to these symptoms. Some women experience intense menopause symptoms, while others might have just a few. However, hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. Let's discuss hot flashes symptoms and treatment.

Hot Flashes - The Most Recognisable Symptoms

Over 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. As the name implies, they are those sudden bursts of heat that can catch you off guard. They often feel radiating from your face, neck, and chest. Hot flashes can cause:

• Red flushed skin
• Sweating
• Running heart
• Sudden warmth or heat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

However, the length and intensity of hot flash symptoms can differ. Some women feel just a little discomfort, while others go through intense episodes that can mess with their daily routine and sleep.

What Causes Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes mainly happen because of hormone changes, especially when estrogen levels drop during menopause. This can make the part of your brain that controls body temperature more sensitive, leading to hot flashes as your body tries to cool down. Other things might cause them too, like certain medications, thyroid issues, some types of cancer, and treatments related to cancer.

Treatment of Hot Flashes

Many people ask if there is any effective hot flashes treatment? The answer is yes. There are several treatments to handle symptoms, which can involve hormone therapy, making some lifestyle changes, or taking prescribed medications. Additionally, there are also non-hormonal options available, like antidepressants, gabapentin, and newer drugs such as fezolinetant (Veozah).

Physical Effects of Menopause

While hot flashes get a lot of attention, they are only one of many physical effects of menopause. Here are some others:

Sleep Disturbances

A lot of women going through menopause deal with sleepless nights, often because of night sweats or feeling anxious. Not getting enough rest can mess with both your physical and mental well-being.

Vaginal Dryness & Discomfort

When estrogen levels drop, it can have some pretty uncomfortable effects on women's health. One of the main things that happens is that the vaginal walls start to thin out, which can lead to vaginal dryness and a loss of elasticity. This can make sex uncomfortable or even painful, which no one wants to deal with.

Joint and Muscle Pain

Aches and pains, especially in the joints, are pretty common. Estrogen can help reduce inflammation; when its levels drop, people might feel more sensitive and experience discomfort.

Weight Gain & Metabolism Changes

Menopause can often come with some unwelcome changes, and weight gain is a big one. As hormone levels shift during this time, many people notice that their metabolism isn't quite what it used to be. Burning calories can become more challenging, and as a result, you might see some extra weight hanging around, especially around the belly area.

Due to the menopause and weight gain, conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes may become more of a concern.

Bone Density Loss

After menopause, women's bodies undergo many changes, and one of the significant shifts is a drop in estrogen levels. This hormone plays a vital role in keeping bones strong and dense. When estrogen decreases, there is a higher chance of developing osteoporosis, which makes bones weaker and more likely to break.

Changes in Skin and Hair

One of the physical effects of menopause that many women experience is how their skin changes. They might find that their skin feels drier. It can also start showing more wrinkles, which can be frustrating. On top of that, some women experience hair thinning or even loss.

Emotional Effects of Menopause

Menopause affects not just your physical health but also your emotions, which can frequently feel very dominating. Let us examine a few of the emotional difficulties that arise throughout this period:

Depression & Anxiety

First off, a lot of women may notice feelings of sadness or anxiety popping up during this time. It's not a given that everyone will go through clinical depression or severe anxiety, but for many, the chances do go up. If someone has had these feelings before, menopause can feel like a big rollercoaster for their emotions.

Memory & Concentration Issues

Many women describe a feeling often called brain fog. It's that frustrating experience when you can't seem to focus, your thoughts feel all jumbled, and you might find yourself forgetting things that usually stick with you.  

Mood Swings & Irritability

You know, those ups and downs in feelings that can catch you off guard? Menopause can bring about a whole range of emotions, and one of the toughest parts for many women is dealing with mood swings. They often get irritated, anxious, and overwhelmed due to hormone changes happening in the body.

Decreased Libido

When levels of estrogen and testosterone go down, it can affect how much interest someone has in sex. On top of that, physical issues such as vaginal dryness and fatigue all the time can add to the problem.

Low Self-Esteem & Identity Shifts

Menopause often leads women to think about a lot of things, like getting older, their fertility, or where they are in life. It's a big transition, and it can come with changes in how one looks, weight, and even sex drive, which can all hit confidence pretty hard. When periods stop, it's not just a physical change; it can feel like saying goodbye to youth and that ability to have kids.

>> Also Read: What are the Psychological Impacts of Menopause?

Coping Strategies for Hot Flashes & Other Menopause Symptoms

While menopause brings an end to menstruation, it also introduces a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, with hot flashes being one of the most well-known and bothersome. The good news? You don't have to suffer in silence. Plenty of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medical options can help lessen your discomfort and make you feel you're back in charge.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Layer your clothes so you can change them as needed.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.
• Performing regular exercise helps control weight and hormones.
• Engage in stress-reduction practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.

Diet & Supplements

• Consume plant-based estrogens like soy and flaxseed to balance hormones naturally.
• Include Calcium and Vitamin D-rich foods in your diet for bone health.
• Stay hydrated always.

Emotional Support

• Manage mood swings and depression by taking menopause hormone therapy.
• Communicate with your partners or family to build understanding and support.

Medical Treatments

• Take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for hot flashes and other symptoms.
• Encounter non-hormonal medications, such as blood pressure drugs or antidepressants, for hot flashes.
• Use topical treatments for vaginal dryness, including lubricants and estrogen creams.

When to See a Doctor

Menopause is a natural change, but if specific symptoms negatively impact your quality of life, you may need to see a doctor. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• If you are suffering from intense hot flashes.
• If you are suffering from anxiety or depression that interferes with day-to-day functioning.
• If you are experiencing vaginal discomfort or bleeding following menopause.
• If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to menopause or another condition.
• If you are considering treatment options like HRT or other medications.

Proactive care and expert consultations can make all the difference, whether managing hot flashes, emotional changes, or long-term health risks. This is where a comprehensive health insurance plan becomes invaluable. Care OPD under Care Health Insurance Plan allows you to consult the four best physicians and four specialist doctors conveniently and affordably. The best part? Care OPD follows a reimbursement model, where you can consult doctors and later submit bills for reimbursement. Hence, buying the best health plan tailored to your needs and budget is always advisable.

Embracing the Change

Menopause is not just an end but a beginning—a time to reassess health, relationships, and life priorities. While symptoms like hot flashes can be frustrating and uncomfortable, they are also manageable. With the correct information, support, and care, women can navigate this transition with strength and resilience. So remember, menopause is just one chapter in your life, not the whole book. Embrace it, live it, and make the most of it!

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.