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Hot Flashes Before Menopause

The period before menopause, called perimenopause, can last between three and 15 years, and brings unusual symptoms such as hot flashes with it.

  1. What Causes Hot Flashes?

    • According to Power Surge.com, hot flashes are caused by fluctuations in hormones. These fluctuations cause your blood vessels to expand and then contract unpredictably.

    Do all Women Have Hot Flashes?

    • About 85 percent of women in the U.S. experience hot flashes during perimenopause, according to Breast Cancer.org.

    How to Treat Hot Flashes Yourself

    • Project Aware says you can treat hot flashes by yourself if your symptoms are mild. Regular exercise can help, as can avoiding consuming "trigger" foods such as spicy, acidic or sugary foods, and hot drinks and caffeine. Using herbal supplements such as dong quai, chasteberry and black cohosh can help relieve hot flashes.

    How Your Doctor Can Help

    • If your hot flashes are severe, your doctor may help by prescribing hormone replacement therapy to even out your hormonal fluctuations.

    Other Signs of Perimenopause

    • Along with hot flashes, signs of perimenopause include moodiness, worsening of PMS, fatigue, decreased libido, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, urinary leakage and sleep difficulties.

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