Is it a Hot Flash or a Hot Flush? Either way, it SUCKS!

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of the internal inferno that is often included in the package deal that women get to experience as they bid farewell to their reproductive years as part of going through menopause. 

First things first, hot flushes are just another way of saying hot flashes. 

So, what exactly is going on during a hot flash? As women age, they experience a decrease in estrogen, which, among other things, cause the body's thermostat (hypothalamus) to become more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. When the hypothalamus thinks the body is too warm, it starts a chain of events — a hot flash — to cool it down. So, you don’t have to be Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, to figure out if you have hot flashes, you likely have low estrogen, (although there are other rarer causes of hot flashes).

These hot flashes can last anywhere from a few minutes to what feels like an eternity of 10 minutes. And just when you think it's over, you're hit with a sudden chill, leaving you shivering like a wet puppy. The intensity of these hot flashes can range from a mild sensation of warmth to an inferno that would put the sun to shame.

And to make matters worse, some women have to deal with these fiery episodes in their sleep, waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. 

But fear not, my fellow hot flash sufferers, for there are ways to combat these infernal episodes, both medically and non-medically. 

The most effective way to relieve the discomfort of hot flashes is to take estrogen. Replacing estrogen will knock out those flashes because you are replacing what your body is now missing that causes them in the first place. Estrogen replacement has a whole host of other benefits in the body. It is good for the vagina, the bladder, the bones, the skin, the hair and the nails. For some women, but not all women, depending on your age and health history, it may decrease your risk of heart disease. Always talk to your doctor to see if estrogen is right for you.

Some women can’t safely use estrogen or choose not to. So, what’s a girl gotta do if she’s burning up and can’t take estrogen? Although not as effective, medications such as antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs may help to reduce hot flashes. Other strategies to alleviate the heat include acupuncture, mindfulness, biofeedback, hypnosis, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and visualization may help some with mild symptoms. 

Some people use herbs and supplements, such as black cohosh and soy but no studies have substantiated the purported effects of homeopathic or other herbal remedies.

There are other non-medical strategies you can try. Just like in junior high and high school, try and be the coolest person in the room–literally. First, let's talk about the temperature in your bedroom. Lower it, my friends. Crank that thermostat down and create an arctic oasis for yourself. Trust me, a cool bedroom can work wonders in keeping those hot flashes at bay. And don't forget to keep a glass of cold water by your bedside. Sip on it before bed like a hydration guru, and hopefully, your body will think twice before setting itself ablaze in the middle of the night.

Oh, and layers! Dress in layers like an expert fashionista. That way, when a hot flash strikes, you can shed those unnecessary garments like a snake shedding its skin. And for those on-the-go hot flashes, invest in a portable fan. Whip it out like a secret weapon when the heat threatens to consume you. 

If you want to unleash your full arsenal of weapons to fight the Heat Miser, you can try eliminating alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine, but some may feel that hot flashes are punishment enough! 

Smoking is another way to light up your insides, as does being overweight. Add in poor sleep habits, inactivity, and an unhealthy diet and just like your in-laws who live next door, you’ve just sent an open invitation for those hot flashes to visit you anytime! So, let's kick these issues to the curb and show those hot flashes who's boss. You got this!

Some women (like this blogger), have tried most of these techniques without any luck. But there’s good news! Christmas came early for those who have tried everything without luck—-until NOW!

The FDA has just approved Veozah, the first non-hormonal drug to tackle those dreaded hot flashes. Finally, a glimmer of hope for women suffering from moderate to severe episodes of spontaneous combustion! And how does this wonder drug work, you may ask? Well, it binds to and blocks the activities of the NK3 receptor, which plays a role in regulating our body temperature. Thank you, science!!

If you want to learn more about , estrogen therapy, Veozah and other strategies to deal with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, reach out to the team at Evora and schedule a FREE 15-minute consult. Until then, stay cool, ladies, stay cool.