It’s the middle of the night, and you wake up drenched in sweat, feeling like you’re sleeping in a furnace. A moment later, you’re shivering under the covers, trying to warm up. Or maybe you’re in the middle of a meeting, and a wave of heat floods your body, leaving you praying no one notices the sweat dripping from your forehead.
The first time you experience a hot flash, it can feel alarming, even terrifying. After the fifteenth, you’re just left wondering how long this is going to last.
Hot flashes and night sweats (the nighttime version of hot flashes) are among the most common complaints for women going through perimenopause. In fact, 75% of women will deal with hot flashes during their menopausal journey. But what exactly causes these fiery episodes, and can you actually do something to stop them?
Let’s explore the world of hot flashes, what triggers them, and how you can find relief.
How to Tell if You're Having a Hot Flash
We’ve all seen the cliché: a middle-aged woman fanning herself in front of an open fridge. While that scenario paints a vivid picture, it doesn’t capture the full range of what hot flashes can feel like. Hot flashes come in different shapes and forms, and you might not even realize you’re having one.
Here are some telltale signs you’re experiencing a hot flash:
- A rapid heartbeat
- A sudden warmth or tingling sensation on your skin
- Flushed or reddened face and neck
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety or a sense of unease
- Cold chills after the heat subsides
If these symptoms appear suddenly, chances are you’re experiencing a hot flash (or night sweats if it's happening while you sleep).
What Causes Hot Flashes and Night Sweats?
So, what’s going on in your body when you experience a hot flash? Hot flashes are triggered by hormonal fluctuations, specifically affecting your blood vessels. These changes cause rapid constriction and dilation of your blood vessels, leading to the classic rush of heat.
Imagine it like your body sprinting in place for a few seconds. While some hot flashes pass within 30 seconds, others can last up to 10 minutes. The main culprits are shifts in key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, which interact with your nervous system and cause these sudden heat waves.
Unfortunately, scientists still don’t fully understand why hot flashes vary so widely between women—why some breeze through menopause while others are overwhelmed. Genetics and overall health certainly play a role, but the precise factors remain a mystery.
How Long Do Hot Flashes Last?
This question doesn’t have a simple answer. Hot flashes can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on your unique biology and lifestyle. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- In Your 40s: Some hot flashes and night sweats may begin. For a few, it can start even in the late 30s.
- Age 46-53: This is the prime perimenopause window, where hot flashes are most frequent, especially in the two years following your final period.
- Age 53 and beyond: Some women experience hot flashes for a decade or more post-menopause, though they tend to lessen in intensity over time.
Finding Relief from Hot Flashes
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer through hot flashes indefinitely. Relief is within reach. And it starts with a simple, natural solution—plant-based support.
The Baseline is formulated with 100% plant-based ingredients specifically designed to help you manage hot flashes, night sweats, and all the symptoms that come with hormonal shifts during menopause. While some companies take a generic, one-size-fits-all approach to women’s health, we craft our products holistically—because that’s how our bodies work.
We focus on blending powerful, natural herbs that soothe and balance your body. When you ease the intensity of hot flashes, better sleep and mood soon follow.
Curious to try? You can learn more about The Baseline HERE and take control of your journey through perimenopause with the help of nature.
Sources:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Introduction to Menopause.” November 19, 2019. Link
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes and does not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional. Please consult with a trusted healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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