Are Hot Flashes Worse in the Summer?

Good question. And to be honest with you, I don't know the answer. This I do know: When it's really hot, they certainly seem worse.

Hot flashes occur when there is a disconnect between what your skin and internal thermometer detect and the actual temperature outside and inside your body. Your internal thermometer senses overheating and generates the same response it uses to cool off when the weather is really hot or when your body’s core temperature rises after vigorous exercise or during a fever. Your body’s cooling system is out of whack thanks to, you guessed it, hormones. But, it’s not broken. It just needs an adjustment.

And how in the world do you do that?

Glad you asked. Since hot weather in and of itself can sometimes be a trigger for hot flashes, getting control of them during the summer can be challenging. Imagine enjoying a nice day at the beach, or worse, rushing to an important meeting in the middle of July and suddenly you’re besieged with an unwelcome hot flash. Now that’s just adding insult to injury. First things first: Dress in lightweight natural fabrics that dry quickly. Silk blouses and synthetics are a no-no unless you like showing up at your meeting with a visible six inch sweat stain under your arm. Secondly, and most importantly, get those hot flashes under control.

The North American Menopause Society has just reaffirmed that estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for bothersome hot flashes, and for women aged 50-59 who initiate treatment, the benefits far exceed the risks. The benefits of hormone therapy also include prevention of osteoporosis, reduction in type 2 diabetes and improvement in urinary symptoms as well as improvement in vaginal dryness and sexual function. Remember, menopause is inevitable. Suffering doesn’t have to be. At Alloy, we got you.