Many believe that hot flashes occur strictly for menopausal women. However, many perimenopausal women experience hot flashes during their periods. This is an incredibly common occurrence, affecting up to 70% of the pre-menopausal female population in the United States. Although many women do not associate hot flashes with their periods, they do commonly occur, even for pre-menopausal (or perimenopausal) women.
Why Do Hot Flashes Occur During a Period?
During menopause, one’s hormones experience a decrease in production, often causing uncomfortable symptoms (like hot flashes). Such symptoms occur because of the hormonal imbalance that comes as a result of dropping estrogen levels in one’s body. A period can induce similar symptoms, even in a pre-menopausal woman, as a period creates similar hormonal imbalances as menopause does. The symptoms of hot flashes that occur during a period are therefore very similar to menopausal hot flashes.
Such symptoms often include:
- Sensation of overheating;
- Excessively perspiring;
- Nausea;
- Increased heart rate;
- Flushed appearance or red face;
- Sudden feelings of anxiety;
Although these hot flashes can be incredibly annoying, especially when already confronted with the other symptoms of one’s period, they can easily be overcome with just a few simple alterations to one’s daily routine.
Managing Hot Flashes during a Period
Hot flashes during a period can be easily prevented or alleviated by implementing a few simple changes in one’s daily life and routine. One may feel helpless while in the wrath of in an intense hot flash, but hot flashes can be incredibly easy to control using these tips:
Controlling room temperature:
When one’s environment is kept cooler, hot flashes are much less likely to occur. This can be done by simply cracking a window, turning a fan on, or increasing the output of one’s air conditioner. A cooler environment will help to decrease both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes during one’s period.
Wearing light clothing in layers:
To prevent hot flashes during one’s period, one should wear layers of light, breathable clothing that can be stripped away should a hot flash occur. Many natural materials such as silk, cotton and linen are very light and can be worn in layers.
Drinking cool beverages:
Drinking cool, iced beverages can help to lower one’s overall body temperature, which greatly decreases the chances of experiencing a hot flash during one’s period. It may be helpful to constantly have a thermos of a cool drink, especially during warmer days. Keeping one’s temperature down by drinking cool beverages can decrease both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes during one’s period.
Avoiding certain foods and beverages:
Consuming spicy foods can often raises body temperature, creating a perfect scenario for the occurrence of a hot flash. Certain beverages, such as alcohol, can cause a similar effect. To avoid hot flashes during one's period, it is helpful to avoid such foods and beverages.
Periods are already stressful and trying times without the addition of hot flashes, and you must create the most comfortable period experience possible.
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