Hot Flushes During Period
Even though hot flushes (or hot flashes, as some refer to them), are mostly associated with women who are in the menopause stage of their lives, it is not uncommon for some women to experience hot flushes during their period.
In fact, many women who are between the ages of 40 and 60, who are still experiencing monthly periods, have hot flushes during their menstrual cycle. Likewise, some women in their 30′s, and even younger, may experience these symptoms as well.
During a hot flush, women typically feel hot, even though everyone else in the room may be comfortable, or even cool. They may begin to sweat profusely, and may experience some anxiety. They may look flushed in the face, and may sometimes feel a little sick to the stomach. Her heartbeat may quicken during her anxiety. Then suddenly, as quickly as it began, the hot flush may be over, and she may then feel cold, due to the moisture on her body from the sweat. This sounds just like the classic symptoms of menopause, right? Well, it may be because menopause is right around the corner for many of these women.
These symptoms typically appear in a pre-menopausal woman because of the changes in hormone levels at that time of life. That period is called perimenopause, and can occur several years before actual menopause starts. At that period in life, hormone levels fluctuate a lot, and several different symptoms, including hot flushes can be the result. Some other symptoms can include, unusually heavy periods, periods lasting much longer than normal, skipping periods, or sometimes, lighter than normal periods. Hot flushes can occur along with any of these other symptoms.
Treatment for Hot Flushes During Periods
Periods themselves, as all women know, are very aggravating in and of themselves. Coupled with hot flushes during that time, the aggravation can be monumental. Pair that with the everyday stresses of life, raising children, dealing with relationships with your husband and others, work, and everything else in life, the aggravation can soar to unbelievable heights. Of course, you will want to treat these symptoms as quickly as you can.
First of all, you must talk to your doctor to get his/her opinion and to have your hormone levels checked. This can help the doctor to determine how close you are to actual menopause. Also, he/she can prescribe something for you to help ease the symptoms as they progress. In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do yourself to make yourself a little bit more comfortable.
Drink cold liquids. This will help to cool your body temperature down as you are going through your hot flush. Wear lighter weight clothes to work. Ideally, wear something with a jacket so that it can be removed when you feel hot, and can be put back on when your body cools down. Exercise regularly. Exercise has been found to be beneficial in reducing the severity of hot flashes.
Also, as hard as it may sometimes be, try to avoid stress whenever possible. Stress is responsible for exacerbating many problems related to health, and hot flushes are no exception. Also, when you are at home, try to have a small fan near you for when the hot flash starts. That way, you won’t have to freeze the entire family out by turning on the air in January, but if you feel hot, let the fan blow only on you. Make sure it is a small, personal sized fan, not one that will cool the whole room. Remember, when you are having a hot flash, you are most likely the only person in the room who actually feels hot.
If you are a younger person, either in your teen or twenties, and are experiencing hot flashes during your period, don’t worry too much. For some people, this is normal. Just be sure to see your doctor for a full check-up to rule out any possible problems. Although this is usually seen in women who are much older, for some young women, hot flashes during their period is a part of life. If so, follow the above instructions.
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