Hormones and Hot Flushes – what’s the deal?!

If you’re experiencing hot flushes during menopause…you’re not alone.

Hot flushes (or hot flashes for our US friends…) are a common symptom that many women experience during the natural biological process that we call menopause.

But did you know that hormones play a significant role in the development of hot flushes?

As women, we’re used to fluctuating hormones and the effects they can have on our bodies. From puberty to pregnancy and beyond – we know the drill. But menopause is a whole new ballgame.

To start with the basics, hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate many bodily functions, including reproduction, metabolism, and mood regulation. During menopause, a woman’s hormone levels begin to decline, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can trigger a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including the one we all know and love – hot flushes.

Doesn’t seem fair, does it?!

As you’ll most likely already know, hot flushes are sudden feelings of warmth that can be accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. They can be mild or severe and can occur multiple times a day and always at the WORST moments, right?!

Hot flashes are often triggered by declining estrogen levels, which affects the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. But that’s not the only hormone at play here…

Progesterone is another hormone that declines during menopause and can contribute to hot flushes.

Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain, and its reduction can lead to anxiety and irritability, which can exacerbate hot flushes and cause that unexplained rage or hopelessness we feel for no reason whatsoever. As if we needed any more things to deal with…

Other hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), may also play a role in hot flushes.

So what are the options – just put up with it?

Absolutely not. I mean you can if you want to, but if you’re experiencing hot flushes or other menopause symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a really common treatment option that can help regulate hormone levels and alleviate hot flushes. However, HRT is not suitable for everyone and may have side effects. It’s got a bit of a bad rep – but the best thing you can do is do your research and speak to your doctor about everything you’re experiencing. Advocate for yourself and whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence.

Other treatments, such as lifestyle changes and alternative therapies, can also help manage hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms.

What about Cool Embrace?

Of course, we wouldn’t be talking about it if we didn’t have something that helps…so now feels like the perfect time to mention our cooling blanket – Cool Embrace. Designed (by a fabric technician nonetheless) to help distribute your body heat so you can sleep at night. Because night sweats are up there with the worst of the menopause symptoms in my opinion.

Have a little look at the science and how it all works – then head over to our reviews area to check it out for yourself.

In summary…

Understanding the connection between hormones and hot flushes is critical in managing menopausal symptoms. Hormonal changes play a significant role in the development of hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. By exploring treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, you can alleviate these symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.