Hot Flashes: Managing One of Menopause’s Most Discomforting Symptoms
Hot flashes are among the most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, and they can be especially challenging in places like Phoenix, where summer heatwaves can reach triple-digit temperatures. For many women, the intense heat that starts in the chest and rises to the neck and head can feel overwhelming, affecting daily life.
Although some women may never experience hot flashes, about 75% of women will, and for 30% of them, hot flashes are severe enough to interfere with their quality of life. According to Dr. Valerie Omicioli, MD, a certified menopause practitioner, hot flashes can last from a few seconds to over 10 minutes, with the average duration being around four minutes. Their frequency can vary, from several times a week to multiple times an hour. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and even body weight can influence the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
How to Manage Hot Flashes
There are no magic pills that completely eliminate hot flashes, but there are several strategies you can use to reduce their frequency and intensity:
- Avoid Hot Flash Triggers
Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food, may trigger hot flashes. Smoking is another major trigger—heavy smokers are four times more likely to experience hot flashes than non-smokers. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of hot flashes. - Dress Light
Dress in layers, so you can remove clothing when a hot flash hits. Choose lightweight clothes, such as tanks and cardigans, and materials that wick away moisture to help manage the sweat that often accompanies hot flashes. - Relax
The stress hormone cortisol can make you more sensitive to hot flashes. Incorporating yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques into your routine can help reduce both stress and the intensity of hot flashes. - Lose Weight
Being overweight can make hot flashes more frequent and severe. Weight loss can significantly improve the severity of hot flashes and help manage menopausal symptoms more effectively.
Menopausal Weight Gain and Hot Flash Symptoms
Many women experience weight gain during menopause, and this extra weight can contribute to more severe hot flashes. Body fat acts as an insulator, trapping heat and intensifying hot flash symptoms. Studies have shown that women with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to experience more severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Weight loss during menopause can be particularly challenging due to hormonal changes, but losing excess weight can significantly improve hot flash symptoms. At New Results Medical Weight Loss, we recognize that hormone imbalances can make weight loss harder, which is why we offer individualized programs to address these imbalances. Our personalized weight loss solutions, including L-carnitine injections, MIC injections, and medically-supervised weight loss programs, can help you shed those extra pounds and reduce hot flash symptoms.
Let Us Help You Manage Menopause
If you’re struggling with hot flashes and weight gain during menopause, New Results Medical Weight Loss is here to help. Since 2009, we have been supporting women in Scottsdale and Mesa with effective weight loss solutions designed to address both the physical and hormonal challenges of menopause. Our experienced team offers customized medical weight loss programs to help you look and feel your best during this phase of life.
Visit one of our clinics or contact us today at (480) 214-3429 to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you manage hot flashes and maintain a healthy weight.