Menopause Myths: Hot Flashes Are Due To Low Estrogen Levels

By HelloLife

Most women cite low estrogen levels as a cause of hot flashes. And indeed, since estrogen is the most commonly prescribed hormone for hot flashes, it seems that estrogen hormone therapy does relieve at least some symptoms. But studies have shown that hot flashes may not be due to low estrogen levels alone. There are many factors that may increase a woman's likelihood of having hot flashes.

Are Hot Flashes Due To Low Estrogen?

While it seems that low estrogen levels play a role in causing hot flashes, estrogen may not be the only hormone to blame. Pregnant women often experience hot flashes due to their elevated levels of estrogen. Low levels of progesterone and testosterone have been known to cause hot flashes. Stress hormones and cortisol, as well as follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) are thought to cause hot flashes. All these hormones are affected during menopause. Scientists aren't sure if the low estrogen levels trigger hot flashes, or if its elevated levels of other hormones. Perhaps it's a combination of various levels of various hormones. Even thyroid deficiencies and elevated insulin levels trigger hot flashes.

Possible Causes of Hot Flashes

Some studies have shown a link between FSH and LH levels and hot flashes. The studies seem to show an over-production of these two hormones, perhaps due to low levels of estrogen. Women with high levels of FSH and LH are more likely to have hot flashes, but hot flashes still can occur in women with normal levels of FSH and LH. Therefore, scientists have concluded there is a link between FSH, LH, estrogen and hot flashes, but aren't sure exactly which is the cause.

Hot Flash Triggers

Some women find that specific things trigger hot flashes. Many women find that intense exercise or stress is a cause, especially stress that gets bottled up inside and cannot be released. There are many types of food that are common triggers, such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods or sugar. Tension, anxiety, anger or feeling out of control may cause a hot flash. Since triggers can be physical or emotional, take care to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat well and reduce stress.

Managing Hot Flashes

The most helpful way to deal with hot flashes is to learn what triggers them, and adapt your behavior to prevent them as much as possible. Remember, there's no way to completely prevent hot flashes, but you can try to minimize their occurrence. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga may help to calm your nerves and deal with feelings of anxiety and frustration. Mild to moderate exercise on a regular basis can do wonders at easing hot flashes. A balanced diet will keep your body healthy as you go through menopause. Dressing in layers and icing your wrists will help ease the hot flash, just be sure to put layers back on once it's over so you don't become chilled.

[sniplet Menopol]

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-overview-facts

2 Comments

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HelloLife Guest
Well, I learned I can trigger a hot flash within 1 minute by applying bioidentical Progesterone. Which, at least for my case, proves the theory that it is low estrogen causing the problem. By applying progesterone, I am further lowering my estrogen. Hence the immediate hot flash. So I will now add estrogen (and progesterone) at the same time, as you should always take progesterone with estrogen.
Commented on HelloLife April 25 2011 at 10:59 pm
HelloLife Guest
To esperanca: well I do not know what your stance in the medical marijuana issue, but I can tell you that the most effective and fastest cure for unbearable hot flashes is to smoke a little weed. I hear the ranting now, and I know this is "politically incorrect" advice, but it is the honest truth. That plant has helped more people with various illnesses and pain, that I consider it a cure-all for almost every kind of symptom to any kind of disorder. Couple of puffs of it the minute the hot flashes wash over, and instantly, poof, they are gone and your entire body temperature instantly becomes properly regulated for whatever room temperature your in. Works wonders, so anyone out there suffering enough to open their minds to some great, tho controversial relief, give it a try--you might be pleasantly surprised at how much better the nights go when you can get a good nights sleep and not be interrupted by that extremely annoying heat wave that washes over during the night while in a dead sleep.
Commented on HelloLife June 17 2011 at 8:59 am