Understanding Hot Flashes And Night Sweats
Although many people make jokes about aging and going through menopause, there are certain physical changes that can occur during this time of life that can bring unpleasant physical symptoms. Creaking joints and a few extra wrinkles are one thing. Dealing with hot flashes and night sweats is another.
What Are Hot Flashes?
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of uncomfortable warmth that generally starts in the chest area and spreads upwards to the face. The face may turn red and be accompanied by sweating, rapid heartbeat and anxiety.
A hot flash can last for seconds or can go on for several minutes.
What Are Night Sweats?
Having night sweats is classified as any excessive sweating during the night hours that have nothing to do with room temperature. A person with severe night sweats may soak an entire bed with perspiration and have to get up during the night. Night sweats can cause sleep deprivation and fatigue. Excessive perspiration that soaks nightclothes and linens can affect the quality of someone’s life in a very negative way.
What Are The Causes of Hot Flashes and Night Sweats?
Medical studies suggest that hormonal changes and fluctuations in body biochemistry brought on by falling estrogen levels are one of the causes of hot flash symptoms. Sometimes, hot flashes and night sweats can also be a side effect of certain medications.
