Hot Flash FAQs

When it comes to hot flashes, the most commonly asked question is: how do I get them to stop? But you might have some other questions as well – read on!

How Do I Know if I’m Having Hot Flashes?

The short answer is that you’ll know! However, each woman experiences hot flashes differently. They can vary in frequency and intensity – they can last for a minute or 5 minutes. They can happen day or night, and they can be mild or they can be bad enough to disrupt your day or your sleep.

Why Do Women Have Hot Flashes?

Changing hormone levels before, during, and after menopause can cause hot flashes. A decrease in estrogen makes your body more sensitive to changes in body temperature. If your body thinks it is too warm, it produces a hot flash to cool you down (oddly enough). Hot flashes don’t affect every woman going through menopause, although it’s not clear why. You may be at a higher risk for hot flashes if you smoke, are obese, or if you are black.

It is possible, though, to have hot flashes for other reasons. They can also be caused by thyroid problems or certain types of cancer, and they can be side effects of medication or cancer treatment.

Will My Hot Flashes Go Away on Their Own?

The bad news is that they probably won’t, at least for a while. Women with hot flashes will have them, on average, for about 7 years.

But the good news is that your doctor may be able to help. Hormone replacement therapy might be one option. This type of therapy uses a pill, patch, or cream to deliver hormones to replenish the hormones your body stops making when you go into menopause. Estrogen can help to relieve menopause symptoms, and it is often combined with progesterone to help protect against certain types of cancer.

If you are having hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms, Women’s Health Medical Group can help, with a hormone replacement therapy that is tailored to you and your needs. There are offices in Fort Worth, Burleson, and Lake Worth – call (817) 345-5336 to schedule an appointment today.