Hot Flashes - Menopause, What Are They?
I am sure you have heard of women who are going through
menopause, complain of hot flashes. This is something that is so miserable and
even embarrassing, especially when you are in a public situation. You never know
when to expect hot flashes. Menopause can be a time in our life of many
changes, but this is the one change that is not welcomed so easily.
What happens when you are having hot flashes? You are
experiencing a physiological change with the sudden reduction in the hormone
estrogen. Your monthly period starts to take on a new life of its own, you
start sleeping less but wanting to sleep more. You become more anxious about
things and then there are those dreaded hot flashes. Menopause is the next
phase of our life that can't be avoided. By understanding what is going on,
you will be better equipped to deal with these changes.
How long does a hot flash last? They can last anywhere
from two minutes up to a half hour. You may have them a few times a day, or be
one of the luckier women having them a few times a week. This will all depend
on the severity of the hormone changes and how quickly your estrogen levels are
dropping.
If hot flashes become a problem to the extent that it
affects your daily living, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to help
you through some hormone replacement therapy. There have been studies that show
a possible risk of breast cancer with the is increase in hormones, but this can
be discussed as well. There may be other options you can try as well.
There are some women who have turned to natural methods
for hot flashes. Menopause is a natural occurrence in our lives, why not go
with something natural to handle the symptoms?
Your diet may also be contributing to your hot flashes in
menopause. You can change some of the foods you are eating and notice a
difference. Some of these foods are chocolate, caffeine and spicy foods. By
dropping these, you may notice a drop in your hot flashes. Menopause will not
be such a monster as it has been and you will find giving up these vices will
be worth the sacrifice.
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