Women notice many changes as they age. Menopause, or the time of life when no periods have occurred for one year, is a time when our bodies are adjusting. One sign, known as hot flashes, happens in 4 out of 5 women who start natural menopause or who have their ovaries removed. It is the loss of the female hormone, estrogen that makes these happen. As our brain feels the loss of this hormone, it tries to force the ovaries to make more of it. It is this signal from the brain that causes the hot flash.

A hot flash feels like a warmth that starts in the chest and spreads up to the head and neck. A flush, or redness, may follow this feeling. The body actually cools itself by sweating. Some women are dizzy, sick to their stomach, or have a fast heartbeat with this feeling. These flashes often occur at night and wake the woman from sleep. They may last a few seconds or many minutes. Flashes may happen once a week or as often as every 30 minutes. If sleep is lost every night, the woman will be tired and stressed in the day.

Hot flashes can occur even before periods are missed and last well into the menopause. Forty-five percent of women have flashes 5 to 10 years into menopause. If these are not too disturbing, they do not need to be treated. However if severe, or if other problems, such as a dry vagina, are troubling you, treatment may be helpful.

Taking the female hormone, estrogen, in small, constant amounts will stop the flashes. Before treatment, an exam, a mammogram, and blood tests will be done. Your medical history will help determine the risks to consider. If you are at risk for heart or bone problems, hormone therapy may be suggested. If you have had breast cancer or serious blood clots, you may not be able to use estrogen.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go