Hot flashes & night sweats is the fault of hypothalamus, the main controller and regulator of body temperature. Normally hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes before, during and after menopause.
Body temperature is regulated by hypothalamus, which tells the body how to warm-up and cool-down. As per research hot flashes happens when estrogen level drops and makes hypothalamus become more sensitive to changes in body temperature. Hypothalamus is the master gland in the centre of the brain that controls body temperature. It regulates through autonomic nerve system which is out of our conscious control.
When the body is overheated hypothalamus passes message to autonomic numerous system to reduce blood flow to internal organ but increase it to skin. Now hypothalamus makes sweat glands to cool down by removing fluid from bloodstream and make you sweat. This sweat release pressure of the heat and when air flows on the sweaty skin the body cools down. Hypothalamus maintain a body balance.
When hypothalamus is out of its balance it may cause hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flush experienced during night times are termed as night sweats. A person swiftly senses warm and starts sweating and flushing typically; on face, neck, and chest. If body heat drops too much, you may experience chill. Generally, it is common during menopausal transition (periods become irregular and sooner or later stops) and may extend for 1 to 5 minutes. However, the frequency and intensity varies for each person. Thyroid, side effect of cancers and medicines may also be the reasons for hot flushes.
Though severe symptoms need medical support, hot flash can be controlled with a simple life style modification and healthy living. Here are some of the tips to reduce body temperature and control hot flashes:
• Control stress, if not may trigger hot flushes.
• Drink a glass of water or juice during the hot flash to control.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, caffeine and hot tea that may prompts hot flashes.
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Regular meditation helps to relive the problems
• Try deep breathing for 15 minutes when hot flash starts
• Cold compress or ice pack during the hot flash may give relief.
• It is good for a person suffering from hot flashes to use cotton fabrics.
Home remedies
• Ginger tea: It has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties helps to heal hot flashes naturally. Put some ginger into water and bring it to boil. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain it. Let this drink to cool, drink this tea for 2 to 3 times in a day.
• Mint tea: It is great to relieve the symptoms of hot flashes during menopause.
• Cooling fruits: Some of the cooling fruits like pineapple watermelon and muskmelon are a great help. Because these fruits lower the body temperature and cool hot flashes. They are also helpful in removing toxins from the body.
• Vitamin B and C: Fruit banana is full of vitamin B and helps to produce estrogen in the body. Vitamin C is plenty in citrus fruits lemon, orange etc. Apart from this leafy vegetable are also of great help for hot flushes.
• Flax seeds: It helps to reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Try to consume flax seeds every day, by adding it to your favourite dish.
Dr Ramesh
Altius Hospital
No. 6/63, 59th Cross, 4th Block, Rajajinagar,
Entrance (Opp.)to, MEI Polytechnic, Bangalore -10.
Ph : 080 23151873 Mobile : Phone: +91 8882799799
Email : info@altiushospital.com
http://www.altiushospital.com
