Hot flashes are probably the most common of all symptoms of menopause and hormonal transition, affecting nearly every American woman to some degree during life, usually during middle age or pregnancy. Menopausal hot flashes can become very intense, and can induce vast amounts of worry and fright if you are unprepared for the effects of this condition. Luckily, the prevalence of hot flashes has warranted much research into treatment options, and there are various ways you can alleviate this condition during menopause, even when it is induced by hypothyroidism.
The Relationship between Menopausal Hot Flashes and Thyroid Malfunction
Menopausal hot flashes are usually accompanied by profuse perspiration, intense sensations of heat within the upper regions of the body and an increased heart rate. Although the duration of episodes of hot flashes varies wildly between individual women, they commonly persist for several seconds, progressing to several minutes in extreme cases. You can usually distinguish the onset of a hot flash because of the intense warmth that begins in the face or chest, then spreading throughout your body. Most women find that the rapidity of their transition into menopause will largely determine how intense their hot flashes will be.
Hypothyroidism and other thyroid gland issues often occur as a result of hormonal imbalance, the major aspect of menopause. Thyroid problems are associated with a huge array of side effects including hair loss, frequent exhaustion, skin change, a decreased libido, anxiety and heart palpitations. Thyroid problems are incredibly prevalent within the United States, as nearly one out of five American women is diagnosed with some form of malfunction of the thyroid gland.
There are many factors that contribute to the development of thyroid issues and hot flashes during menopause. Knowledge of these factors will better prepare you to combat the effects of these conditions.
What Causes Thyroid-induced Hot Flashes During Menopause?
Although the precise culprit of menopausal hot flashes continues to elude medical experts and researchers, it is commonly believed that they are the result of the hormonal imbalance and instability that develops within your body during menopause, especially decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. This lack of female hormones causes a miscommunication between the body and the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature and the production of heat.
A lack of estrogen prompts the hypothalamus to detect an unnecessary need for heat, thus it releases certain chemicals that dilate the blood vessels within the skin. This causes sensations of intense heat and profuse sweating, hence menopausal hot flashes.
Because hormonal imbalance is the primary cause of thyroid issues and hypothyroidism, women are much more susceptible to these conditions than men. Since menopause is a time of hormonal transition and perpetually fluctuating estrogen levels, middle aged women are especially susceptible to thyroid problems, especially when there is a lack of friendly support and an excessive amount of stress.
When not effectively and immediately treated, thyroid problems and ensuing hot flashes can become incredibly burdening and aggravating, especially when combined with the many other symptoms you are likely to experience during menopause. You must therefore garner as much pertinent information as possible to be prepared for these conditions.
How to Cope With and Effectively Treat Thyroid Issues During Menopause
Because menopausal thyroid issues and hot flashes are usually caused by a lack of estrogen, treating these conditions is as simple as addressing these low levels of estrogen and other hormones. This can be easily accomplished, as it entails only providing your body with the healthy diet and regular exercise it requires.
Develop a regimen of regular exercise that consists of 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day. This can be combined with stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation of optimal efficacy. You also should eat healthily, nourishing your body with essential vitamins and nutrients. You also may find it necessary to supplement these methods with herbal remedies and alternative medicines that promote hormonal stability during menopause.
Continue reading about menopause related hot flashes.
