Menopause Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Legs

Hot flashes are a common occurrence during menopause. Three out of four women experience hot flashes with menopause. Medication and treatment is available to lessen the severity of hot flashes.

Hot Flashes in the Legs

• Hot flashes in the legs with menopause are large or small patches of heat which flare up under the skin. The length of time which the hot flash lasts varies.

Other Symptoms

• Additional symptoms when experiencing a hot flash include pressure in the head at the onset of the hot flash; heat (which may feel very intense) that spreads through your face and upper body; a flushed appearance with red, itchiness and blotchiness of the skin on your face, upper chest and neck; and perspiration, rapid heartbeat, and a chilled sensation as the hot flash subsides.

Causes

• The exact cause is not known. However, the signs and symptoms point to factors affecting the function of the body's thermostat---the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates basic processes and body temperature. The reduction in estrogen during menopause may also disrupt the hypothalamic function, leading to hot flashes.

Risk Factors

• Not all women experience hot flashes. Risk factors that increase your chances of experiencing hot flashes include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and ethnicity.

Complications

• Problems sleeping are often experienced with menopause. Waking up due to hot flashes and night sweats are often experienced. Over time, this may lead to chronic insomnia. Memory problems, anxiety, and depression may occur if the sleep problem is prolonged.

Therapy

• Hormone therapy is normally prescribed for moderate to severe hot flashes. Estrogen therapy is the most effective of the hormonal treatment for hot flashes. In some instances, doctors may prescribe progesterone therapy.