While hot flashes are usually associated with the symptoms of menopause, they are not exclusive to older women. Hot flashes and night sweats can occur in men and women of any age and can be a warning sign of many serious disorders and illnesses. Find out the truth about hot flashes to help you beat the heat.
Changing Hormones
Usually affecting the upper half of the body, hot flash is most strongly felt in the head, upper chest, and neck regions. The result of hormonal changes and imbalances in the endocrine system, hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by women who are pre-menopausal and are experiencing the first stages of the menopausal transition. When the ovaries stop producing estrogen, the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls sleep, sex hormones and body temperature, is tricked into believing that the body is overheated. Hot flashes are the hypothalamus' attempt to rid the body of the imaginary excess heat (see Resources).
Medication
Hot flashes are a common side effect of some medications (both over-the-counter and prescription drugs). Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications and drugs used to treat hypertension have all been known cause mild to severe hot flashes. While doctors acknowledge this side effect, it is important to notify your health-care provider if you experience severe hot flashes over an extended period of time.
Fevers
Primarily seen as something experienced solely by women going through "the change of life," hot flashes can be warning signs of other serious problems. Both men and women can experience hot flashes, which are usually mistaken for slight fevers. Although fevers typically last longer than hot flashes, they could be a sign of the flu, a urinary tract infection or a common cold, but could also signal something more serious, such as tuberculosis or cancer (see Resources). While it can be difficult to distinguish a hot flash from a sudden, slight fever, notify your health-care provider immediately.
Spicy Foods & Caffeine
Researchers have found that many factors contribute to the occurrence and intensity of hot flashes. Stress and certain foods can trigger hot flashes. Some spicy foods containing peppers, garlic and chili powder are known to cause hot flashes that are often mistaken for heartburn or indigestion. Studies have also shown that large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants can cause hot flashes, while excessive alcohol intake can increase the intensity.
Lifestyle
Recent studies have shown that smokers of all ages have consistently experienced more frequent, severe hot flashes than people who do not smoke (see Resources). Studies on the effects of obesity have also shown that people who are overweight have reported experiencing seven times more hot flashes than people who are not overweight. Although the link between obesity and hot flashes is still being researched, experts believe that body weight has an effect on core body temperature, increasing the likelihood of hot flashes.
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