Hot flashes during period: 6 causes of this common menopause symptom

Sudden heat and skin and rapid heartbeat on the woman’s face, chest or neck are clear signs of hot flashes. You must have seen these signs in women in their mid-40s or 50s. However, people who are not in menopause may also experience this sudden burst of fever, especially on the upper part of the body. So, what causes hot flashes during the period? It may have something to do with the way your body regulates temperature, especially in response to changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle. There may be other reasons behind this common menopause symptoms that appear a little earlier in life.

What is hot flash?

They are sudden, intense heat that can occur throughout the body, but are most commonly felt on the face, neck and chest. “They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as very fast heartbeat, sweating and flushing,” said obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Sadna Singhar Vishnoy. The sensation of heat can last anywhere from just a few seconds to minutes, and chills can continue once the body starts to cool down.

They are primarily associated with hormonal changes, particularly during menopause. A study published in the 2019 Journal of Mid-Life Health found that over 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. This is marked by the end of each month’s period.

Causes of hot flashes during the period

Hot flashes during the period can be caused by a variety of factors.

1. Hormonal fluctuations

The menstrual cycle involves changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. These fluctuations, particularly lower estrogen levels that occur before and during menstruation, can cause hot flashes. “As estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, can be perceived as too hot in the body, causing hot flashes,” says the expert.

2. Immature ovaries lack

Immature ovarian deficiency or POI is a condition in which the ovaries are affected. Their job is to release eggs during menstruation, but in the case of POI, the ovaries should stop egg release or do not release them frequently. Sometimes POIs that can affect women of all ages cause common menopause symptoms. Therefore, hot flashes during the period may be due to POI. According to the National Institutes of Health, hot flashes before the age of 40 occur in about one in 100 women suffering from POI.

3. Perimenopause

The perimenopause period, known as the transitional stage leading up to menopause, is characterized by irregular hormonal levels, particularly estrogens. Feeling heat and sweating is common during the perimenopause period. This often begins in women in their 40s. “These hormonal variations can mimic or overlap with changes in the menstrual cycle, leading to hot flashes,” says Dr. Vishnoy.

4. Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can cause a body’s combat or flight response, leading to a surge in adrenaline and other stress hormones. These hormones can interfere with the hypothalamus’ ability to regulate body temperature, which can lead to sensations of fever or hot flashes during the period. A 2017 study published in the Menopause Journal showed that participants who responded physically to anxiety were more likely to experience hot flashes.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/pmc4993654/

5. Hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia)

“Variable blood glucose levels, especially hypoglycemia, can cause warmth and discomfort,” experts say. Changes in appetite or irregular eating habits during menstruation can lead to imbalances in blood glucose levels. This can cause hot flashes during the period as your body tries to regulate its temperature.

6. Contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives such as pills and intrauterine devices can affect estrogen and progesterone levels and can cause hot flashes during the period. “These synthetic hormones can cause fluctuations in hormone levels similar to those seen during menopause, which can lead to hot flashes during the period,” experts say.

7. dehydration

If you don’t drink enough water or don’t have any liquids, it can damage your body’s ability to regulate internal temperatures. “Menteric loss and menstrual loss can lead to dehydration, which can enhance the sense of heat and allow for more hot flashes,” the expert says.

8. Caffeine consumption

Caffeine, which is primarily found in coffee and tea, is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate, increase your metabolism and potentially cause hot flashes. “Over-intake of caffeine can cause hot flashes during the period, irritating the nervous system and increasing body temperature,” says an expert.

What are the symptoms of hot flashes during this period?

The symptoms of hot flashes during the period are similar to those experienced during menopause.

• A sudden, overwhelming sensation of heat that usually begins in the upper body (face, neck, chest).
• The skin on the face, neck, and sometimes chest can look red or flush due to increased blood flow to the surface of the skin between the hot flashes.
• In particular, heavy sweating on the face, neck and upper body is common.
• Some women may experience rapid heartbeats and pits while hot flashes during the period.

How can I stop hot flashes during this period?

You can manage your hot flashes during the period by doing the following:

1. Maintain a balanced diet

There are more fruits, colorful vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. “Foods like flaxseed, soy products, and lush greens can help support hormonal balance,” says Dr. Vishnoi. A balanced diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels and hormones, reducing the severity of hot flashes during the period.

2. Maintain hydration

Drink plenty of water all day, especially during your period. To soothe your body can regulate the internal temperature and reduce hot flashes during the period. Drinking water can help your body manage temperature more effectively, as dehydration can make hot flashes worse.

3. Manage stress

We practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Mindfulness meditation helps manage hot flashes, according to the National Institute of Aging. Regular physical activity can also help manage stress.

4. Avoid causing food or drinks

Limit or avoid caffeine, and spicy foods. “These substances can raise body temperatures and worsen hot flashes during the period,” experts say. Cutting them down will help reduce frequency and intensity.

5. Use cooling products

Store your fans nearby, use cooling gel, apply cold compresses to your face, neck and wrists to cool between your hot flashes. “Colding your body reduces the discomfort of hot flashes and helps you get your body temperature back to normal speed,” says the expert.

6. Try some herbal supplements

Herbal supplements like evening primrose oil may help reduce the frequency and strength of hot flashes during the period. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion, researchers found that primrose oil at night reduces the severity of hot flashes and improves the quality of life of participants. “It may help balance your hormones and alleviate the discomfort caused by hormonal fluctuations over the period,” experts say. However, check with your doctor before using supplements in your hotel.

Hot flashes during periods are not common, but they can occur in younger women. Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine for a while and experience less intense hot flashes. Talk with your doctor if they are frequently or particularly troublesome.