Hot Flushes

“The hot flush – a sudden sensation of heat that spreads over a woman’s body, particularly on her head, face and chest, is the hallmark symptom of menopause”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hot Flushes Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Hot Flash
  • Hot Flashes
  • Hot Flush (HF)
  • Hot Flushes
  • Menopausal/Menopause Hot Flashes/Hot Flushes
  • Menopause-Related Hot Flashes/Hot Flushes
  • Vasomotor Symptoms
  • “Power Surges”

Different Differences

What is the difference between a hot flush and a hot flash?

I am guessing the difference between these two hotties is DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country). It seems to me women in the United States and Canada have hot flashes and women in other countries have hot flushes or not.

Vasomotor Symptoms

What are vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?

The International Menopause Society’s (IMS) explain:

“Hot flushes and night sweats are also referred to as Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)”.2

Hot Flush

What is a hot flush?

DotS the definition of a hot flush may vary. The IMS’s definition is:

“The hot flush – a sudden sensation of heat that spreads over a woman’s body, particularly on her head, face and chest, is the hallmark symptom of menopause. It is often accompanied by flushing (i.e. the face may turn red) and sweating, and may be followed by a chill”.3

The Australasian Menopause Society’s (AMS) definition is:

“A hot flush is a sensation of heat involving the whole body and may be associated with redness and sweating”.4

Hot Flash

What is a hot flash?

DotS the definition of a hot flash may vary. In Hot Flashes: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“A hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. Your skin might redden, as if you’re blushing. A hot flash can also cause sweating. If you lose too much body heat, you might feel chilled afterward. Night sweats are hot flashes that happen at night, and they may disrupt your sleep”.5

Night Sweats

What are night sweats?

DotS the definition of night sweats may vary. The IMS’s definition is:

“Night sweats are episodes of profuse sweating at night, either alone or just after a hot flush”.6

The NAMS’ definition is:

“Hot flashes often occur during sleep, producing intense perspiration known as night sweats”.7

Cause

What is the cause of hot flushes?

In Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. What Are Hot Flashes? What Causes Them To Happen? according to the NAMS:

“Although their exact cause still isn’t fully understood, hot flashes are thought to be the result of changes in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates the body’s temperature. If the hypothalamus mistakenly senses that a woman is too warm, it starts a chain of events to cool her down. Blood vessels near the surface of the skin begin to dilate (enlarge), increasing blood flow to the surface in an attempt to dissipate body heat. This produces a red, flushed look to the face and neck in light-skinned women. It may also make a woman perspire to cool the body down. Women may sense their hearts beating faster. A cold chill often follows a hot flash. A few women experience only the chill”.8

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health note:

“The causes of hot flushes are complex and not completely understood. It seems lower oestrogen levels affect parts of the brain that provide the thermostat for body temperature. Many studies show stress and anxiety can influence the frequency and intensity of hot flushes and sometimes certain foods or alcohol can also have an impact”.9

Other Causes: Other Conditions

Apart from menopause, what are other causes of hot flushes?

The AMS explain causes can include:

  • “Other conditions. Not all hot flushes are due to menopause. Other associated conditions include thyroid disease, diabetes, hyperhidrosis (a condition of excessive sweating which affects 1% of people), anxiety and panic disorders, obesity, hormonally active tumors, chronic infections and neurological disorders”.10

Other Causes: Medications

What medications can cause hot flushes?

According to the AMS:

  • “Medications. Some medicines can cause hot flushes or make them worse. These include anti-oestrogens: tamoxifen , aromatase inhibitors, toremifene , raloxifene and clomiphene and the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues i.e. goserelin, leuprorelin and nafarelin1. Some non-hormonal treatments for hot flushes, such as venlafaxine, can also cause hot flushes at higher doses”.11

Common or Not

How common are hot flushes?

The IMS explain:

Hot Flushes

“As many as 75% of women going through menopause experience hot flushes – sudden, brief increases in their body temperature”.12

The IMS also note:

“There are large differences between women, both within and across cultures. For example, up to approximately 74% of European women suffer hot flushes, 50 to 68% in Latin America, and 22 to 63% in Asia. These differences are probably due to a variety of factors, such as genetics, diet, cultural differences, use of medicines, and individual experiences and cultural expectations”.13

In the United States, according to the NAMS:

“Hot flashes are reported by as many as 75% of perimenopausal women in the United States”.14

Affect

What affect can hot flushes have?

In Hot Stuff: What’s New About Hot Flashes? Are Hot Flashes Such A Big Deal? the author elaborates on:

“For some women, hot flashes are no big deal and are pretty mild. But for many other women, having severe or frequent hot flashes really interferes with life. Women with hot flashes, particularly frequent or severe hot flashes, have poorer sleep quality and may be more likely to have depression or anxiety during the menopause transition. For these women, quality of life and even work productivity are diminished. Hot flashes do matter”.15

Lifestyle Changes

What are some lifestyle changes to improve hot flushes?

In Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Lifestyle Changes To Improve Hot Flashes the (United States) National Institute on Aging elaborate on:

  • “Dress in layers, which can be removed at the start of a hot flash
  • Carry a portable fan to use when a hot flash strikes
  • Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. These can make menopausal symptoms worse
  • If you smoke, try to quit, not only for menopausal symptoms, but for your overall health
  • Try to maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight or obese may experience more frequent and severe hot flashes
  • Try mind-body practices like yoga or other self-calming techniques. Early-stage research has shown that mindfulness meditation, yoga, and tai chi may help improve menopausal symptoms”.16

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Is hormone replacement therapy an effective treatment for hot flushes?

In Menopause: Hot Flushes – Treatments for Hot Flushes the NHS (National Health Service, United Kingdom) explain:

“The most effective treatment for hot flushes is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which usually completely gets rid of them. Your doctor will talk to you about the benefits and risks of using HRT”.17

Revised Global Consensus Statement

What is one of the points of consensus about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)?

One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:

“MHT, including tibolone and the combination of conju-gated equine estrogens and bazedoxifene (CE/BZA), is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause at any age, but benefits are more likely to outweigh risks if initiated for symptomatic women before the age of 60 years or within 10 years after menopause”.18

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my hot flushes?

If you would like help with your hot flushes, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Discuss the pros and cons of various treatments with your doctor. If hot flashes don’t interfere with your life, you probably don’t need treatment. Hot flashes subside gradually for most women, even without treatment, but it can take several years for them to stop”.19

In 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices. 4 the (United States) National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health remind us:

“Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care”.20

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Hot Flushes?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hot Flushes?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
  2. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
  3. Acupuncture for Hot Flashes [Video]
  4. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  5. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  6. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. Caffeine and Menopause Symptoms? Is There A Link?
  8. Calores Súbitos (Sofocos): ¿Qué Puedo Hacer?
  9. Certain Characteristics Predispose Women To Different Hot Flush and Night Sweat Patterns
  10. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  12. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  13. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  14. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  15. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  16. Decidir Sobre La Hormonoterapia
  17. HRT Benefits and Risks
  18. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  19. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  20. Heart Palpitations
  21. Heart Palpitations
  22. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  23. Hot Flashes
  24. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  25. Hot Flashes: Symptoms & Causes
  26. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Lifestyle Changes To Improve Hot Flashes
  27. Hot Flashes? Night Sweats? Progesterone Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Menopause
  28. How Does A Hot Flash Feel?
  29. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  30. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  31. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  32. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  33. MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
  34. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  35. Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
  36. Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ Video]
  37. Meditation: A Simple, Fast Way To Reduce Stress
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause
  40. Menopause
  41. Menopause & Herbs
  42. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  43. Hot FlsuhesMenopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Are there treatments for hot flashes?
  44. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
  45. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  46. Menopause Matters
  47. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  48. Menopause Treatment
  49. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  50. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  51. Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  52. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  53. Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  54. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  55. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  56. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  57. Menopause: Hot Flushes and Sweats [Video Interview Stories]
  58. Menopause: Hot Flushes – Tips for Reducing Hot Flushes
  59. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  60. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  61. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  62. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  63. Menopause: Profiles – Perimenopausal [Video Interview Stories]
  64. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  65. NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of a Woman’s Age
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth: What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  74. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  75. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  76. News Flash About Hot Flashes: They Can Last Longer Than You Think [+ Video]
  77. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  78. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  79. Paced Breathing: Can It Help With Hot Flashes?
  80. Perimenopause: Symptoms & Causes
  81. Phytoestrogens
  82. Practical Prescribing Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  83. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  84. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  85. Supporting Women Through Menopause
  86. Symptoms of Menopause: Hot Flushes & Night Sweats
  87. Video Series-2019 – Advances In Our Understanding of the Etiology/Mechanisms of Hot Flashes
  88. Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment Option for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  89. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  90. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  91. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  92. Women’s Wellness: Are Women With Hot Flashes At Risk of Sleep Apnea? [+ Video]
  93. Women’s Wellness: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Happen After Menopause [+ Video]
  94. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  95. Women’s Wellness: The Link Between High Blood Pressure Disorders During Pregnancy and Hot Flashes [+ Video]
  96. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Women and Menopause: Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats. October 2012:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2012/wmd_general_menopause_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  2. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats – Background Information: What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats? October 2011:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2011/wmd_media_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  3. Women and Menopause: Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats. October 2012:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2012/wmd_general_menopause_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  4. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms). Content Updated September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/600-nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 15 December 2020
  5. Hot Flashes: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 24 April 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790 Accessed: 15 December 2020
  6. Need To Cool Off? What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats? (Vasomotor Symptoms). October 2011:3. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2011/gp_booklet_english.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  7. Hot Flashes. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems/hot-flashes Accessed: 15 December 2020
  8. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. What Are Hot Flashes? What Causes Them To Happen? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hot-flashes Accessed: 15 December 2020
  9. Symptoms of Menopause: Hot Flushes & Night Sweats. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 15 December 2020
  10. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms). Content Updated September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/600-nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 15 December 2020
  11. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms). Content Updated September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/600-nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 15 December 2020
  12. Women and Menopause: Facts. October 2012:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2012/wmd_general_menopause_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  13. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats – Background Information: How Common Are They? October 2011:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2011/wmd_media_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  14. Hot Flashes. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems/hot-flashes Accessed: 15 December 2020
  15. Thurston, R. Hot Stuff: What’s New About Hot Flashes? Are Hot Flashes Such A Big Deal? 14 August 2017 https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-take-time-to-think-about-it/consumers/2017/08/14/hot-stuff-what-s-new-about-hot-flashes Accessed: 15 December 2020
  16. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Lifestyle Changes To Improve Hot Flashes. Content Reviewed: 26 June 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-flashes-what-can-i-do Accessed: 15 December 2020
  17. Menopause: Hot Flushes – Treatments for Hot Flushes. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/hot-flushes/ Accessed: 15 December 2020
  18. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313 https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 15 December 2020
  19. Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 24 April 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 15 December 2020
  20. 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-menopausal-symptoms-and-complementary-health-practices Accessed: 15 December 2020

Topic Last Updated: 15 January 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 December 2020
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