• Intense Internal Heat
• Sweating, and more sweating and then night sweats
• Flushing – face, neck and chest
• Chills afterward
• Increased heart rate (7-12+ beats more per minute)
• Anxiety

Body temperature and skin temperature rise. You can feel it from your toes to your cheeks. Blood flow increases, resulting in MORE (wait for it…) sweat.

Some perimenopausal women experience hot flashes during PMS. (Intro to hot flashes)

Some women have hot flashes for what feels like forever but is only a few years, and some women experience them for the rest of their lives. (A good friend in her mid-eighties is still struggling with them.)

And how many or how often depends on the person. The average is 5 times a day.

Relief

• Some people swear by hormone replacement. Its not for everyone.
• Some women utilize depressants and anti-anxiety medications
• Nerve block procedures are offered thru Mayo Clinic for those who qualify

If your symptoms are mild, here are other options:

• Keep cool (HA!)
• Dress in layers
• Use an air conditioner or fan(s)
• Carry a battery-operated personal fan
• Have a cold beverage on hand

Self-care

Mediation, Deep Breathing, Yoga have benefits (read my segment on Mindfulness)

Acupuncture has been reported to be helpful

Preventative Ideas

• Watch what you eat/drink…spicy foods and caffeine/alcohol can ignite hot flashes
• Weight management (sometimes impossible during menopause)
• Don’t smoke